Author: Science India Bureau
YOUNG SCIENTIST/ Dr DIGENDRANATH SWAIN Dr Digendranath Swain, a senior researcher at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has recently been conferred the prestigious Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award. Presented by President Droupadi Murmu, the award recognises his remarkable contributions to the field of space science and technology. As a leading figure in structural engineering, Dr Swain has played a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and success of India’s ambitious space missions. At the heart of Dr Swain’s work lies his expertise in structural engineering for rocket components, with a…
TECH TALK /TRIGLYCERIDES DETECTOR In a groundbreaking development, researchers at the MEMS, Microfluidics, and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus, have introduced an innovative electrochemical biosensor designed to rapidly and cost-effectively detect triglycerides (TGs). TGs are a critical marker for assessing the risk of heart disease, and this new device promises to transform how we monitor and manage heart health. POINT-OF-CARE DIAGNOSTICS The primary aim of this biosensor is to revolutionise point-of-care diagnostics, offering a faster, more accessible method for testing triglyceride levels. Elevated TG levels are closely linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and…
PHOTO FEATURE The tenth edition of the India International Science Festival 2024 (30 November – 3 December) concluded successfully at IIT Guwahati. The four-day festival saw enthusiastic participation by people from all age groups, especially young science enthusiasts, and by people from all walks of life. With a packed melange of workshops, demonstrations, lectures, discussions, deliberations, Moon museum in the open and more, peppered with a medley of cultural performances, the festival became an affair to remember. This edition of the IISF, held at the sprawling IIT campus, was the first in northeast India. The photographs from the festival provide…
TECH TALK / PEROVSKITE SOLAR CELLS Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, led by Prof Trilok Singh from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, have made a significant leap forward in solar cell technology. Their groundbreaking development of Perovskite solar cells promises to reduce production costs and streamline manufacturing, paving the way for broader adoption of solar technology worldwide. Published in the journal SMALL, this work presents a transformative approach to fabricating Perovskite cells under standard air conditions, eliminating the need for complex and costly anti-solvent methods traditionally used in production. The Perovskite solar cells developed…
YOUNG SCIENTIST: PROF RADHAKRISHNA GANTI Prof Radhakrishna Ganti of IIT Madras has been honoured with the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Engineering Sciences for his significant contributions to wireless communication systems, particularly in the field of 5G technology. He was conferred the award in August this year. His work has not only put India on the global 5G map but also laid the foundation for indigenous technological development in wireless systems. 5G FOR RURAL CONNECTIVITY In the early stages of 5G development, rural broadband was not a priority on the global agenda. Prof Ganti,…
The India International Science Festival (IISF) is an annual event organised by the Government of India to celebrate and promote science, technology, and innovation. Its primary objective is to inspire young minds, encourage scientific curiosity, and foster a spirit of innovation among people, particularly students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. The IISF also seeks to provide a platform for scientific exchange and networking, bringing together scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and citizens from across the country and abroad. IISF 2015 Date: 4-8 December 2015Venue: Indian Institute of Technology, New DelhiTheme: Science for All The first India International Science Festival (IISF), a joint event…
YOUNG SCIENTIST : Dr PRASHANT KUMAR Dr Prashant Kumar, a distinguished Scientist-SF at the Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has become a pivotal figure in advancing atmospheric science and weather forecasting in India. His research contributions in space applications and Earth system sciences have earned him the prestigious Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, which was given to him on 22 August 2024 by President of India, Droupadi Murmu. In the category of space science, Kumar shared the award with Dr Digendranath Swain of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of ISRO. Kumar’s expertise lies in…
IN FOCUS: SATYENDRA NATH BOSE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR BASIC SCIENCES Established on the 13 June 1986, the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) stepped into its 39th year in 2024. Professor Satyendra Nath Bose (1893-1974) was one of the foremost quantum physicists in the world. He is immortalised by his discovery of Bose Statistics in 1924. Subsequently, coinages like Bose-Einstein Condensation and Higgs boson highlight his contributions that remain relevant even to contemporary physics. Half of the fundamental particles of the universe—bosons—are named after him. In order to pay tribute to the memory of this great son…
In a significant breakthrough in the field of astronomy, India unveiled its groundbreaking Gamma-ray telescope—MACE (Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment) at Hanle in Ladakh on 9 October. The importance of MACE lies in the fact that it’s the world’s tallest, measuring 4270 meters above sea level. It is India’s largest and the world’s highest gamma-ray telescope, which will provide a new window into distant stars and galaxies in the universe. It is also the world’s second-largest, ground-based gamma-ray telescope with a 21-metre-diameter dish. The largest telescope of the same class is the 28-metre-diameter telescope, which is part of the High Energy…
Nikhil Lemos, a 16-year-old from Vadodara, has made waves in the world of healthcare innovation with his development of a mini-robot called Meditel, designed to help people take their medications on time. Meditel isn’t just any reminder device; it’s equipped with a comprehensive system that includes an alarm for timely reminders, a reusable water bottle for added convenience, and a thoughtfully designed pill organiser that can accommodate a variety of medication schedules. Lemos’ innovation has proven to be life-changing for those who struggle with remembering their medication, particularly elderly individuals, which was his primary inspiration. Lemos’ journey into healthcare robotics…