Author: Dr Biju Dharmapalan
Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons Throughout the extensive history of human inquiry, no question has been more enduring than this: How does life convert the inanimate into the animate? Ancient civilisations contemplated this enigma through philosophy, mythology, and nascent forms of natural inquiry. The aspiration of alchemists to achieve transmutation, along with contemporary molecular biologists’ endeavours to engineer biological systems, has shaped humanity’s pursuit of comprehending the bioalchemy of matter, fundamentally influencing the progress of science. Currently, the term ‘bioalchemy’ has transcended the domain of magical tales. It delineates an innovative paradigm wherein life serves as a blueprint for technology, sustainability,…
In 1993, Steven Spielberg’s film Jurassic Park captivated audiences worldwide with its intriguing idea, the potential of resurrecting extinct species through advancements in genetic engineering. While entirely fictional, the film sparked curiosity and inspired scientific investigation into reviving ancient creatures like the woolly mammoth or passenger pigeon. Thirty years later, researchers are exploring what was once considered science fiction. Techniques like cloning, genetic engineering, and selective breeding are becoming part of fundamental conservation strategies. Several companies and institutions are at the forefront of these de-extinction efforts. Colossal Biosciences, a US-based biotech company, has gained wide attention for its ambitious projects…
Image Courtesy: Internet SPOTLIGHT: Dr DEBALA MITRA (14 DECEMBER 1925 – 2 DECEMBER 2003) Too often, the dedicated scholars who painstakingly reclaimed India’s past fade into the background. Among such unsung heroes, the remarkable life of archaeologist Debala Mitra warrants a closer examination. Born in pre-independence Bengal, she defied the constraints of a patriarchal society and entrenched feudal traditions to become a luminous figure in Indian archaeology. Mitra was a woman who made the crumbling stone speak. She rose to become the first woman Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), shattering glass ceilings in a male-dominated field.…
The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) stands as one of the most ambitious and transformative scientific projects of the 21st century. TMT is set to be constructed on Mauna Kea, Hawaii, US, one of the premier locations on the earth for astronomical observations. The clarity and stability of the atmosphere above Mauna Kea facilitate incredibly detailed visual observations of the night sky, allowing TMT to capture the precise data required to test fundamental theories of physics and detect the faint signatures of life on distant worlds. Our perception of the universe is poised to experience a significant transformation as a result…
OBITUARY/ Dr E P MADHAVA BHATTATHIRI (1928-2025) Dr E P Madhava Bhattathiri, a distinguished biochemist and esteemed educator, passed away peacefully at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on 14 February 2025 at the age of 97. His remarkable journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to science, education, and humanity. Known for his simplicity and humility, Dr Bhattathiri’s life and career serve as a beacon of inspiration to generations of scientists and educators worldwide. EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION Born in the serene town of Chengannur in Kerala in 1928, Dr Bhattathiri exhibited an early passion for science and knowledge.…
Access to quality resource materials remains a critical challenge for students and research scholars, particularly in the remote corners of India. While the digital age has transformed the way information is disseminated, physical libraries continue to be the cornerstone of academic excellence. Yet, these essential knowledge hubs are increasingly becoming relics of the past, accessible only to a privileged few associated with national institutions and selected universities. So far, every agency in the country has subscribed to its own digital library resources. The access to subscription journals were being acquired through different library consortia of government departments, academic and R…
Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons OBITUARY/ Dr RAJAGOPALA CHIDAMBARAM (1936-2025) Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, a luminary in the field of Indian nuclear science, passed away on 4 January 2025, at the age of 88. He was a key architect of India’s nuclear programme, instrumental in advancing the nation’s scientific and strategic capabilities. His unparalleled contributions to the development of nuclear energy and his visionary leadership in science and technology have left an indelible mark on the country. Born on 11 November 1936, in Chennai, Dr Chidambaram’s academic foundation was rooted in physics. He obtained his BSc (Hons) and MSc in Physics from…
The deep ocean, spanning everything beyond the sunlit surface layer, is Earth’s largest and most mysterious ecosystem, covering over 60% of our planet’s surface. The most profound regions of the Earth’s oceans are called the hadal zone. Named after Hades, the Greek deity associated with the realm of the dead, it is a menacing location that lives up to its ominous title. Comprising profound trenches and troughs, it goes down 11 km (6.8 miles) beneath the surface of the Earth’s oceans. This vast, dark expanse remains unexplored mainly due to the technical challenges posed by extreme pressures, frigid temperatures, and…
OBITUARY: RATAN NAVAL TATA (28 DECEMBER 1937 – 9 OCTOBER 2024) The passing of Ratan Tata, an icon of Indian industry, marks the end of an era that redefined the possibilities for Indian business, innovation, and technological advancement. A man of remarkable vision and compassion, Tata was not only a leader of one of India’s most prominent conglomerates but also a key architect of the country’s modern technological and scientific landscape. His commitment to ethical leadership, philanthropy, and cutting-edge innovation transformed India’s economic and technological framework. While Ratan Tata is celebrated for his contributions to business, his influence in the…
Image Courtesy: NASA Space exploration has always fascinated humanity, and in recent years, many nations, including India, have come in the race to conquer space. Space missions are moving on at an incredible speed. We are already in the final stage of our Gaganyaan mission, India’s maiden crewed mission. NASA plans to send astronauts back to the Moon through its Artemis program. Meanwhile, the International Space Station (ISS), initially designed for a 15-year lifespan, is now in its 26th year and will soon be replaced. Scientists are also seriously exploring the feasibility of human-crewed deep space missions. In addition, space…