All posts tagged: Scientists

IIT Bombay scientists find a new way to lower LDL cholesterol | Health and Wellness News

IIT Bombay scientists find a new way to lower LDL cholesterol | Health and Wellness News

4 min readUpdated: Jun 19, 2026 07:24 AM IST For decades, scientists have tried to lower harmful fats in the blood by targeting enzymes, genes or receptors involved in fat metabolism. Researchers at IIT Bombay have now taken a strikingly different approach: preventing fat from reaching the point inside liver cells from where it is released into the bloodstream. Working with scientists at IISER (Indian Institute of Science Education and Research) Pune and IISER Kolkata, the team has developed a tiny peptide (a short chain of amino acids or the building blocks of life) called KTDP that interrupts the movement of fat inside liver cells. In laboratory-grown liver cells and zebrafish, this reduced the release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the bloodstream by nearly 50 per cent. The findings, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), are still at an early stage. The peptide has not been tested in humans. But researchers say the work opens an entirely new strategy for reducing the biggest risk factor of heart attacks, namely …

Pune scientists develop ‘fingerprint’ test for authentic jamun honey

Pune scientists develop ‘fingerprint’ test for authentic jamun honey

A new study by scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, has found that authentic jamun honey contains low glucose levels and high antioxidant content, providing scientific evidence for its long-held reputation as a healthier natural sweetener. A key outcome of the research is the development of a reliable authentication method for jamun honey. (HT PHOTO) The research, led by Udaya Kiran Marelli, analysed 82 authentic jamun honey samples collected from the Mahabaleshwar region of Maharashtra. Using advanced analytical techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry (MS), the team, comprising Snehal Sadashiv Waghole, Shirin Hanna Moncy and Sapna Ravindranathan, developed the first comprehensive chemical profile of jamun honey and established a scientific method to verify its authenticity. The study found that jamun honey consistently contains lower glucose levels and higher fructose content. According to the researchers, this composition is associated with a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream, supporting the traditional belief that jamun honey may be a preferable option for individuals seeking foods …

Tiny ‘alien-like’ blue octopus discovered near Galápagos stuns scientists | Pets-animals News

Tiny ‘alien-like’ blue octopus discovered near Galápagos stuns scientists | Pets-animals News

3 min readNew DelhiJun 15, 2026 11:00 PM IST The ocean is full of creatures that seem straight out of science fiction, and scientists have just added another one to the list: a tiny bright blue octopus discovered deep beneath the waters near the Galápagos Islands. About the size of a golf ball, this tiny creature was found nearly 1,773 metres below the Pacific Ocean’s surface and has now been confirmed as an entirely new species. Named Microeledone galapagensis, the octopus was first spotted during a 2015 deep-sea expedition near Darwin Island in the Galápagos archipelago. Researchers aboard the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus had sent a robotic submersible named Hercules to explore an underwater mountain when cameras picked up the unusual little animal resting on the seafloor. Even scientists watching the footage in real time were instantly taken in by the sight. But what first looked like an adorable deep-sea encounter soon turned into a scientific mystery. Why scientists knew this octopus was something unusual After collecting specimens and bringing them back to the Charles …

Study reveals clues to Milky Way’s past through stars from ancient ‘Loki’ galaxy

Study reveals clues to Milky Way’s past through stars from ancient ‘Loki’ galaxy

The Milky Way was formed gradually, as smaller galaxies got subsumed into our own galaxy over billions of years, and stars left over still share characteristics. By studying their similarities, scientists can determine their galaxies of origin. Astronomers identified a sample of these 20 stars that may have grown up together in a dwarf galaxy, which the team has dubbed ‘Loki’. Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: Source link

Scientists build 3D device merging living brain cells with advanced electronics

Scientists build 3D device merging living brain cells with advanced electronics

Researchers have built a 3D device that brings living brain cells and advanced electronics together in one system. The device can be programmed with computational methods to recognise patterns. The team used advanced fabrication methods to build a 3D mesh of microscopic metal wires and electrodes. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: Source link

India achieves key milestone with Kalpakkam PFBR, RS Chairman lauds scientists

India achieves key milestone with Kalpakkam PFBR, RS Chairman lauds scientists

Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Thursday termed the achievement at Kalpakkam nuclear reactor as a “moment of national achievement over two decades in the making”. The 500-MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu achieved first criticality on April 6. First criticality is the moment when a nuclear reactor initiates a controlled and sustained chain reaction for the first time. Highlighting the significant scientific progress in the House, Radhakrishnan said the milestone marked “the successful culmination of sustained efforts by thousands of scientists, engineers, industries and multiple units of the Department of Atomic Energy“. The chairman said that the achievement advances India into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear programme, which uses plutonium in fast breeder reactors to generate more fuel than it consumes. The third stage will involve thorium-uranium-based reactors. “Unlike conventional reactors, a fast breeder reactor has the unique capability to produce more fuel than it consumes,” Radhakrishnan said. PFBR has been designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) and constructed by Bharatiya Nabhikiya …

Why Scientists Call This Central African Amphibian the ‘Wolverine Frog’

Why Scientists Call This Central African Amphibian the ‘Wolverine Frog’

3 min readNew DelhiApr 10, 2026 11:00 PM IST Nature is full of bizarre survival tricks, but some are so extreme that they almost sound unbelievable. One such creature is a frog that literally breaks its bones to defend itself. Meet the Hairy frog—a species found in Central Africa that has one of the strangest defence mechanisms in the animal kingdom. At first glance, it looks like a regular amphibian, but what it can do under threat sets it apart in a truly shocking way. A defence mechanism like no other Hairy frog is also popularly called the ‘Wolverine frog’ (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Unlike most frogs that rely on camouflage or quick escapes, the hairy frog takes a far more intense route. When threatened, it deliberately breaks the bones in its toes. These bones then push through the skin, forming sharp, claw-like projections that act as weapons against predators. What’s even more fascinating is that these claws are not permanent. Researchers believe the frog can retract them once the danger has passed, and over time, …

New pill for senior dogs? Scientists test daily drug that may extend lifespan

New pill for senior dogs? Scientists test daily drug that may extend lifespan

A new daily pill being developed by US-based biotech firm Loyal is offering hope to pet owners, with early research suggesting it could extend the lifespan of senior dogs while maintaining their quality of life. The drug does not simply improve how dogs feel but is intended to directly impact the underlying aging process. (Pexels) According to a report by Good, the experimental drug, called LOY-002, is designed for dogs aged 10 and older, particularly those weighing over 14 pounds. What is the new dog longevity pill? LOY-002 is a beef-flavoured, prescription pill currently undergoing regulatory review. It is part of what researchers describe as one of the largest clinical trials in veterinary history focused on extending canine lifespan. The drug targets a hormone known as Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), which plays a key role in growth and metabolism. Also Read: Bichon Frise to Cocker Spaniels: 6 dog breeds known for being naturally friendly and happiest around people While IGF-1 helps puppies develop into healthy adult dogs, it is also linked to faster aging …

Tiny fish stun scientists with mammal-like intelligence

Tiny fish stun scientists with mammal-like intelligence

Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan have identified a new and unexpected behavior in cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus). When shown a mirror, these small reef fish did more than appear to recognize their reflections. They also began interacting with the mirror using a piece of food, suggesting a level of cognitive sophistication not typically associated with fish.  The findings indicate that cleaner wrasse may be capable of “contingency testing,” a complex mental process most observed in highly intelligent marine mammals. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: Source link

‘Gamechanger For Indian Astronomy’: Scientists Hail Budget Push For Big Telescopes, Planetariums | Business News

‘Gamechanger For Indian Astronomy’: Scientists Hail Budget Push For Big Telescopes, Planetariums | Business News

Last Updated:February 01, 2026, 20:07 IST Budget 2026 proposes establishing and upgrading the National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical Infrared Telescope, Himalayan Chandra Telescope and COSMOS-2 planetarium Scientists said the inclusion of planetariums alongside telescopes is also crucial, noting that these projects have long featured in vision documents. Representational image Scientists welcomed the Union Budget’s long-awaited support for building and upgrading major astronomical research facilities, including large solar and optical infrared telescopes, along with planetarium-based public outreach, marking a major boost for Indian astronomy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment and upgradation of the National Large Solar Telescope, the National Large Optical Infrared Telescope, and the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, as well as the COSMOS-2 planetarium, in her budget speech on Sunday to promote astrophysics and astronomy through immersive scientific and public outreach experiences. “We are thrilled at the announcement and hail this push for building large next generation telescope facilities and astronomy outreach centres in India,” stated the Indian Institute for Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru. Director IIA, Dr Annapurni Subramaniam called it a “game …