ZINNIA

APPLICATION OF NANOSCIENCE

Nanoscience and nanotechnology involve studying and working with matter on an ultra-small scale. It is the study of the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. It deals with structures of the size of 100 nanometers or smaller and involves developing materials or device s within that size.

The application of nanoscience in a number of different harmless consumer products is seen widely.

Sunscreens utilize nanoparticles zinc oxide.

Clay nanoparticles have made their way into composite materials, where they offer transparency and increased strength.

Anti-aging skin creams developed with nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles are used in antiseptics.

As abrasives in paints.

Coatings for spectacles making them scratch-proof and unbreakable.

Self-cleaning coating for windows.

Scratch-proof tiles.

Anti-graffiti coatings for walls.

For improved ski waxes.

HIGH YIELDING RICE (HYR)

The best ideas in science are often so simple that, once they are conceived, it is hard to imagine why nobody thought of them before. This appears to be the case with a proposal to change the height of the rice plant’s panicles in the canopy. The panicles are the parts of the rice plant that bear the spike lets, which in turn form the grain. The yield of the rice plant depends on the amount of starch that fills the grains. This in turn depends primarily on the process of photosynthesis occurring in the leaves. Photosynthesis requires sunlight as a source of energy. But the architecture of rice plants places the panicles high in the canopy, which some of the leaves, paradoxically, are in the shade and thus obviously not in the best position for maximum photosynthesis to occur. This is true not only of traditional rice plants, but also of modern cultivars had two serious faults. What was needed was to lower the panicles in the canopy so they no longer shaded the leaves.
When the yields are increased on a plant with panicles high in the canopy, the extra weight of the grains causes the plant s to fall over (lodge), especially when it rains and the wind blows. But if the panicles were lowered, this tendency would be reduced because the center of gravity of the plant would be lowered.

INTERNATIONAL RICE RESEARCH INSTITUTE (IRRI)

Thirty-five years ago, the Ford and Rockefeller foundations of the USA in cooperation with the Government of Philippines, set in motion an unprecedented global experiment. Together they established a research center to unite within a developing country the talents of international and national scientists to raise the yield of the world’s most important food crop, rice. Rice was the staple food for 90 % of the world’s poor people, and the goal was to avert what was widely seen as an imminent threat of mass starvation among them.
The research center, of course, was International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). A statement of its first director, Robert F. Chandler, Jr., in IRRI’s first annual report (1961-62), exemplifies the visionary spirit that animated the Institute from the beginning. Dr. Chandler wrote that it should be possible to produce a rice plant with the characteristics needed for the necessary increased yield within five years. Only four years later, IRRI had done just that, with IR8. The new variety followed by many others, triggered the Green Revolution, which led to a doubling of rice production throughout Asia and saved hundreds of millions of lives.

Disk Storage
· 1 Bit = Binary Digit
· 8 Bits = 1 Byte
· 1000 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte
· 1000 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte
· 1000 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte
· 1000 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte
· 1000 Terabytes = 1 Petabyte
· 1000 Petabytes = 1 Exabyte
· 1000 Exabytes = 1 Zettabyte
· 1000 Zettabytes = 1 Yottabyte
· 1000 Yottabytes = 1 Brontobyte
· 1000 Brontobytes = 1 Geopbyte

Processor or Virtual Storage
· 1 Bit = Binary Digit
· 8 Bits = 1 Byte
· 1024 Bytes = 1 Kilobyte
· 1024 Kilobytes = 1 Megabyte
· 1024 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte
· 1024 Gigabytes = 1 Terabyte
· 1024 Terabytes = 1 Petabyte
· 1024 Petabytes = 1 Exabyte
· 1024 Exabytes = 1 Zettabyte
· 1024 Zettabytes = 1 Yottabyte
· 1024 Yottabytes = 1 Brontobyte
· 1024 Brontobytes = 1 Geopbyte

Megabytes, Gigabytes, Terabytes… What Are They?
These terms are usually used in the world of computing to describe disk space, or data storage space, and system memory. For instance, just a few years ago we were describing hard drive space using the term Megabytes. Today, Gigabytes is the most common term being used to describe the size of a hard drive. In the not so distant future, Terabyte will be a common term. But what are they? This is where it gets quite confusing because there are at least three accepted definitions of each term.

According to the IBM Dictionary of computing, when used to describe disk storage capacity, a megabyte is 1,000,000 bytes in decimal notation. But when the term megabyte is used for real and virtual storage, and channel volume, 2 to the 20th power or 1,048,576 bytes is the appropriate notation. According to the Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary, a megabyte means either 1,000,000 bytes or 1,048,576 bytes. According to Eric S. Raymond in The New Hacker's Dictionary, a megabyte is always 1,048,576 bytes on the argument that bytes should naturally be computed in powers of two. So which definition do most people conform to?
When referring to a megabyte for disk storage, the hard drive manufacturers use the standard that a megabyte is 1,000,000 bytes. This means that when you buy an 80 Gigabyte Hard drive you will get a total of 80,000,000,000 bytes of available storage. This is where it gets confusing because Windows uses the 1,048,576 byte rule so when you look at the Windows drive properties an 80 Gigabyte drive will report a capacity of 74.56 Gigabytes and a 250 Gigabyte drive will only yield 232 Gigabytes of available storage space. Anybody confused yet? With three accepted definitions, there will always be some confusion so I will try to simplify the definitions a little.

The 1000 can be replaced with 1024 and still be correct using the other acceptable standards. Both of these standards are correct depending on what type of storage you are referring.

WHAT IS SYSTEMS BIOLOGY?

Systems thinking is used in a variety of scientific and technological fields. Indeed, this paradigm has proved indispensable in disciplines as disparate as commerce, production, and the aviation industry. Aleksander Bogdanov (1873–1928) was probably the first exponent of systems thinking. In his "Tektology: Universal Organization Science" (1913–1922), Bogdanov ambitiously proposed that all physical, biological, and human sciences could be unified by treating them as sets of relationships and by seeking the organizational principles that underlie all systems. The foundation of general systems theory was later developed extensively by the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy. Bertalanffy's statements on the topic appeared as early as the mid-1920s. Why then is it only now in the genomic era that it is so "hip" to talk about systems biology? Analogous to past developments in other scientific disciplines, biologists in the post-genomic era are challenged with huge volumes of data (e.g. genome sequences, expression data), originating from heterogeneous technologies (e.g. microarray, yeast two-hybrid, ChIP-chip) and representing innumerable states of the system (experimental conditions). This massive influx of information and the desire to make it biologically coherent has forced us to think not in terms of single molecules but in terms of "systems."
Although ecologists and physiologists have been using a systems approach to study plants for many years, a systems biology approach that reaches to and includes molecular details is only feasible now with the advent of genomic technologies. Thus, the exciting prospect of the post-genomic era is for the first time to be able to integrate knowledge across different levels of biological organization and to anchor this at the molecular level. Systems biology is sometimes loosely associated with the use of genomic technologies to understand specific biological processes. We believe systems biology has a larger and more ambitious scope, and we advocate a definition anchored in the general systems theory put forth by Bogdanov and Bertalanffy: The exercise of integrating the existing knowledge about biological components, building a model of the system as a whole and extracting the unifying organizational principles that explain the form and function of living organisms.

Rodrigo A. Gutiérrez, Dennis E. Shasha and Gloria M. Coruzzi
Department of Biology, New York University, New York, New York 10003 (R.A.G., G.M.C.); and Department of Computer Science, New York University, New York, New York 10012 (D.E.S.)
Source: Plant Physiology 138:550-554 (2005)

INFORMATION

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is used in the treatment of common cold, allergies and respiratory disorders. It is also helpful in healing wounds. It has antioxidant activity and prevents the cell membrane of vital organs from getting damaged due to oxidation. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy in which there is lack of synthesis of collagen in the human body resulting in bleeding disorders, malformation of bones and growth retardation. The natural sources of Vitamin C are lemon, orange, gooseberry (amla), tomato, strawberry and other citrus fruits.

Amphibians are usually oviparons, i.e.they do not give birth to babies but lay eggs. However, a few species are known to be viviparons, wherein they give birth to their offspring instead of laying eggs. Recently scientists for India and the U. K. discovered viviparity in a caecilian (legless amphibian) Gegeneophis seshachari, which is a first find of its kind in India and the entire Asia.

The Government of India launched the Project Snow Leopard (RSL) on 20 January 2009 in New Delhi. The PSL is an initiative to conserve the globally endangered flagship species (Uncia uncial) found in the high altitude Himalayas.

Bhaskaracharya
(1114 – 1185)

Bhaskaracharya known as Bhaskara, was the famous mathematician and astronomer of ancient India. He was born in the Bijapur district of Karnataka. Bhaskara was the head of the astronomical observatory at Ujjain, the leading mathematical centre of ancient India. It is believed that Bhaskara learned mathematics from his father Mahesvara, an astrologer. Bhaskara wrote books on astonomy and mathematics. They are: ‘Siddhanta Sironmani’, ‘ Lilavati’, and ‘Bijagnita’. Bhaskara was the first to introduce infinity. The law of gravitation had been propounded by Bhaskara 500 years before it was rediscovered by Newton.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India

CSIR is one of the largest and most diversified publicly funded scientific and industrial research organizations in the world having a network of 37 state-of-the-art laboratories, more than 4500 scientists and 8000 technical support personnel and about 7000 research students. CSIR is repositioning itself to be Council of Scientific and Innovative Research with Corporate Social Indian Responsibility to ensure globally competitive research.

Science News

The Union Government of India has finalized the draft for the National Science Mission. It aims to make India a global leader in solar energy and envisages an installed solar generation capacity of 20,000 MW by 2020, of 100,000 MW by 2030 and of 200,000 MW by 2050.

GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS: WHAT DO THE SCIENTISTS SAY?

In recent years, the media have increased the public's awareness of the environmental and health dimensions of cultivating and consuming GM crops, often uncritically reporting results of controversial studies. Emotionally charged terms such as "frankenfoods," "super weeds," and "genetic pollution" have entered the discussion and the popular vocabulary.
We believe that it is critically important for plant scientists to be actively involved in educating the public, including legislators, about the scientific issues that involve GM technology. We have an obligation to help people understand the reasoning behind scientific research and genetic technology. As scientists, we need to consider the complexity of issues involved from the points of view of history, politics, culture, ecology, safety, environment, and business. Some of our colleagues are actively involved in these educational processes. We wanted to put into a broader framework our daily work in the laboratory and our discussions with opponents of genetic modification of crop plants. In some cases opponents of the technology have resorted to criminal activities, resulting not only in destruction of field trials - often of non-GM plants - but also in incidents of arson of research facilities. Graduate students have had their materials destroyed as a result of such activities. Many of our readers are in the "trenches" of these confrontations, and we believe it is extremely important that the voices of prominent scientists be heard, not only by the general public and politicians, but also by plant biologists.
-Natasha Raikhel, Editor-in-Chief of Plant Physiology

ANTICANCER MEDICINAL PLANTS

Because of high death rate associated with cancer and because of the serious side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, many cancer patients seek alternative and/or complementary methods of treatment The important preventive methods for most of the cancers include dietary changes, stopping the use of tobacco products, treating inflammatory diseases effectively, and taking nutritional supplements that and immune functions.

Chemotherapy, being a major treatment modality used for the control of advanced stages of malignancies and as a prophylactic against possible metastasis, exhibits severe toxicity on normal tissues. Plants have been used for treating various diseases of human beings and animals since time immemorial. They maintain the health and vitality of individuals and also cure diseases including cancer without causing toxicity.

Sixty two medicinal plants including Agave, Cannbis and Lantana are considered to be the anticancer plants. These medicinal plants of foreign origin possess good immunomodulatory and antioxidant phytochemicals protect the cells from oxidative damage. Thus, consuming a diet rich in antioxidant plant foods (e.g. fruits and vegetables) will provide health-protective effects.
(Source: Current Science, 2009)

SCIENTISTS SAY...

Microbial diversity has profound effects on ecosystem functions. Decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling, bioremediation of toxics and pollutants, and both the spread and control of infectious disease are some key roles of soil microbes in the ecosystems. They determine plant growth. However, the relationships between microbial functioning and sustenance of plant growth are still poorly understood. – Gamini Senevirante (Sri Lanka)

The living world can be understood by framing hypotheses, making observations, carrying out experiments and analyzing the results with the help of logic and reason – in short by the scientific methods. There are many ways to characterize the scientific method, one of them being that it a form of rational thinking.

INDIAN SATELLITES IN ORBIT

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV – C12) put in orbit Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-2) on 20 April 2009 from Sriharikota to keep a watch on India’s borders. This is the first time the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is putting in orbit a RISAT in the microwave band. It can take images of the earth day and night, see through clouds and identify objects on the ground. The 300 kg RISAT-2 was procured from Israel. It can precisely look at water bodies and vegetation. It would be a powerful tool in estimating paddy acreage.

On the same day, an experimental communication satellite – Anusat built by Anna University, Chennai was also put in orbit. Anusat was meant for storing and relaying information.

TOP TEN FAT BURNING FOODS

What are fat-burning foods?
Fat-burning foods are rich in fibre and protein and are poor in fat. Protein foods do require more energy to digest than carbohydrates or fats. The protein content of these foods boosts your metabolism and increases the rate at which your body burns stored fat. Fibre also provides high satiety value, so you feel fuller, longer.
If you can't find these foods in your kitchen right now, simply add them to your grocery list.
Incidentally, do you know what percentage of your calories consumed are coming from fat? Use this Health and Diet Assessment Tool to help you break down your percentages. A healthy level is one where less then 30 percent of the total calories consumed daily come from fat.
The top ten fat-burning foods
Whole grain
Whole grain breads and cereals are a great source of fibre. They generally take a longer time and more energy to digest. Try having a bowl of whole grain cereal with skim milk for breakfast, and combining two fat-burning foods that will give your morning a fat-burning boost.
Beans
Beans are low in fat and high in quality protein. They also have the added bonus of soluble fibre's disease-preventing qualities. The soluble fibre traps bile and lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol.
So load up on a serving of beans for lunch or dinner.
Hot chillies
Chillies are full of vitamins. The compound capsaicin present in chillies temporarily stimulates your body to release some stress hormones, which boost your metabolism and cause you to burn more calories. But limit your intake to one or two in a day, as they may cause heartburn.
Lean meat
The leanest meat pieces are excellent sources of protein with low fat content. The protein helps boost your metabolism, lose fat and build lean muscle tissue so you burn more calories.
Low-fat dairy products
Low fat yogurt or milk can boost weight loss efforts due to calcium content, according to a study in the April issue of Obesity Research. They also contain a hunger suppressant protein called casein that helps reduce hunger pangs. Another study published in 2008 in the Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism showed that consuming a lot of dairy foods may help people who are trying to control their weight, by burning more fat and consuming more calories without putting on excessive kilos.
Eggs
Eggs are also a good source of high protein. So start having eggs for breakfast, as research shows that the morning meal fires up your metabolism and increases your energy levels to tackle the day ahead or your morning workout. If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, then you may avoid the egg yolk.
Green tea
Green tea has been known as a health drink for years. In addition to providing a low calorie alternative to sugary sodas, cold coffees and frappucinos (and saving on calorie intake), green tea contains caffeine, which is a decent fat burner. Green tea also has high amounts of catechin and polyphenols, which give your body a small boost in burning up calories. Catechins appear to prevent absorption of fat and to stabilise glucose levels in the body.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals and fibre. The fibre helps to burn fat. It also increases satiety and gives a feeling of fullness.
Berries
Berries are a powerhouse of nutrition -- full of vitamins and minerals. The fibre found in berries makes them a fat burning food.
Almonds
Almonds are a fatty food, but they can help burn body fat. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and heart-healthy fat. They are also a good source of fibre and protein. Nuts also help your body maintain good levels of fat burning hormones, as well as control your appetite and cravings so that you essentially eat less calories overall, even though you're consuming a high-fat food.
So put on your thinking cap and the next time you go shopping for groceries, start by buying and preparing these healthy fat-busting foods. And hey -- next time you sit down to eat some of these foods, be sure to watch your portions, or they will add up

Viewpoint

Markandey Katju (Judge of the Supreme Court of India):

Science is that knowledge by which we can understand nature

(and human society) and use the knowledge for our benefit.

For doing so, the scientists rely on reason, observation, and experiment.

This obviously can not be done on the dictates of any one

(though the government can certainly create the atmosphere where these can flourish).

Science and democratic values go hand in hand.

In science, there is no final word, unlike in religion.

Science questions everything and does not take anything for granted.

NARA’S
SCIENCE DIGEST
A non-profit, on-line science bulletin to popularize science
(http://www.nsdigest.blogspot.com)

My Dear Fellow Scientists,

Internet in India is going to revolutionize the country by changing the mode of everyone’s life and lifestyle. The future generation – our children and grand children – will be depending on internet for their day-to-day activities including education and knowledge. Internet is an interesting world itself for those who have little knowledge about it. It has everything – literally everything – for helping the people who are in search of knowledge. At the click of a mouse, one can explore the globe for anything and everything one needs. We are fortunate to have such a facility in our lifetime. Internet brings people closer and makes the world much smaller than what we thought once. Therefore, internet has become a must, now-on for every educated person.

After blogging for the past few years, I come out with a new one NARA’S SCIENCE DIGEST in order to popularize science among the literate population of the world. In fact, I am confident, with your blessings and cooperation, we can build up a strong base for popularizing science by telling the people what happens inside the world of science. For which, NARA’S SCIENCE DIGEST is open to all those who wish to write about any branch of science in a popular language which can be easily read and understood by non-scientists and scientists as well. One may express the views on science and technology, science and education, scientific research, comments on good and bad sciences etc.

The manuscripts may be sent to my email: sciencespectrum@gmail.com as an attachment along with author’s full address, photograph if any, telephone number and e-mail id. Typed manuscripts on paper are also welcome from those who do not have computer accessibility. The acceptance of the manuscript will be intimated to the concerned author. In order to meet the expenses involved, we charge Rs. 100.00 or $ 5.00 per page (MS word, Arial font, size 12 with 1.5 line space) from the author(s). After editing, the manuscript will be published in NARA’S SCIENCE DIGEST with author’s name and photograph if any.

I know that there are many retired; retiring and serving scientists who wish to publish their valuable thoughts and stagnant ideas and make them available to the whole world. NARA’S SCIENCE DIGEST is a very good medium born for it. Your write-ups will reach millions of readers all over the world through internet. Then why you wait? Take a pen and paper and start writing or open your laptop or desktop PC and begin to type your thoughts to mail me.

I request one and all to make use of this golden opportunity for serving the human society.

With kind regards,
Yours truly,
Prof. A. Narayanan, Ph. D., FISPP
Emeritus Scientist (ICAR),
#19, Phase 5, Maharani Avenue, Vadavalli, Coimbatore – 641 041, Tamil Nadu.
Ph : 0422 2423017 Mobile : 98422 42301