Author: Dr Biju Dharmapalan

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…

Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains a significant global health issue, with millions of new cases and deaths reported each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies TB as a priority infectious disease as it is so difficult to diagnose and treat. According to WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2023, an estimated global total of 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2022, equivalent to 133 incident cases per 100,000 population. According to the same report, 1.3 million people succumbed to the disease in 2022. TB BURDEN With an estimated 2.64 million cases in 2021,…

Bioceramics, a distinct subgroup of biomaterials, have significantly transformed the medical industry through their utilisation in surgical implants, prosthetics, and regenerative medicine. These sophisticated materials, made from ceramic compounds, are specifically engineered to interact seamlessly with biological tissues. Bioceramics are derived from ceramics, materials traditionally known for their hardness and resistance to wear. However, unlike their counterparts in pottery or construction, bioceramics are tailored for medical use. These materials include alumina, zirconia, and calcium phosphates like hydroxyapatite, which closely mimic the mineral composition of bone. Bioceramics have become a cornerstone of modern grafting techniques, offering unparalleled biocompatibility, bioactivity, and mechanical…

Innovation in science and technology has helped India transform from a food-begging nation to a food-surplus nation. These innovations centred on the mechanisation of agriculture practices and large-scale usage of chemicals. Though the widely proclaimed Green Revolution has helped increase food production, it has taken away the quality of our produce. It has done tremendous damage to our environment and also to native biodiversity. Our farmers had been cultivating crops for sustenance using traditional practices even before the Green Revolution. Archaeological evidence shows that our ancient civilisations, like the Indus Valley Civilization (around 3300–1300 BCE), practised agriculture, as evidenced by…