Climate Change: Understanding, Effects, and Individual Efforts for a Better Climate Condition [By Ms. Tanaya Rajeev Gajbhiye, (B.Tech. Biotechnology)]

 

Climate Change: Understanding, Effects, and Individual Efforts for a Better Climate Condition

Ms. Tanaya Rajeev Gajbhiye, (B.Tech. Biotechnology)

 The temperature in India has been skyrocketing for a decade now. Growing up during the early 2000s, I thoroughly enjoyed the summer season. The warm weather, ice- creams and staying up late are what made me really look forward for the summer vacations. However, the lovely happy summer has now turned into something unbearable since the last few years due to the tremendous rise in the temperature.

 

India has been experiencing constant heat waves and the temperature in places like Delhi has gone as high as 52.1°C. Everybody needs to ask themselves, why is this happening? who is responsible for these immense rises in temperature levels?  What are the repercussions if this keeps going on? and the most important question what can” I “do to help the situation? The reason behind this all is “climate change”.

What is Climate change?

RNA-Based Vaccine: Sprayable Antiviral Suspension for Plants (By Saurabh and Prashant)

  

RNA-Based Vaccine: Sprayable Antiviral Suspension for Plants

(Saurabh and Prashant)

  

Table of Contents:

·         Introduction

o   Overview of Plant Viral Diseases

o   Importance of Developing Effective Antiviral Measures for Plants

·         RNA-Based Vaccines: A New Frontier

o   Concept and Mechanism of RNA-Based Vaccines

o   Comparison with Traditional Plant Protection Methods

·         Mechanism of Action

o   How RNA-Based Vaccines Work in Plants

o   Interaction with Plant Immune System

o   Benefits over Other Antiviral Methods

·         Advantages and Benefits of dsRNA/RNAi

·         Potential Challenges and Limitations of dsRNA/RNAi RNA Vaccines

EcoCampusHub: Discover the Green Lungs of VNCAB, YTL Campus

 EcoCampusHub: Discover the Green Lungs of Our Campus

At EcoCampusHub, we're on a mission to celebrate and conserve the rich diversity of plant life that thrives right here in our college space. Our interactive database offers a window into the botanical wonders of our campus, inviting you to explore, learn, and connect with the natural world around you.

What We Offer:

1. Comprehensive Flora Database: Dive into our extensive collection of plant species found on campus, complete with detailed descriptions, photos, and ecological insights.
2. Educational Resources: Whether you're a student, faculty member, or nature enthusiast, our educational materials provide fascinating information about local flora, from common species to rare gems.
3. Citizen Science Opportunities: Join us in documenting and monitoring the plants on campus. Your observations contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts.
4. Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals passionate about plants and environmental stewardship through workshops, events, and volunteer opportunities.

Why EcoCampusHub Matters:

Our campus is not just a place of learning—it's a living ecosystem teeming with biodiversity. By exploring and understanding the flora surrounding us, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life and our role in preserving it for future generations.

Hydroponics: हायड्रोपोनिक्स (मातीविना शेती) Definition, History, Key Components, Scope, Advantages, and Limitations

Hydroponics: Definition, History, Key Components, Scope, Advantages, and Limitations

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

Hydroponics: Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, utilizing a water-based nutrient solution to provide essential minerals directly to the plant roots. This soilless cultivation technique allows for precise control over environmental factors, promoting efficient nutrient absorption and faster plant growth.

The word hydroponics comes from two Greek words ‘hydro’ meaning water and ‘ponos’ meaning labor. This word was first used in 1929 by Dr. Gericke, a California professor who began to develop what previously had been a laboratory technique into a commercial means of growing plants.

Some notable authors and researchers in the area of hydroponics include:

Robotics-assisted Phenomics tools (Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.))

 Robotics-assisted Phenomics tools

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

Phenomics, the study of an organism's physical and biochemical traits, plays a crucial role in crop improvement by providing valuable insights into plant characteristics and responses.  Plant phenomics research is at the forefront of modern science, driven by advanced technologies like robotics, imaging systems, and machine learning. It enables the rapid collection of vast datasets on plant traits and their responses to environmental factors, facilitating precise agriculture, genetic analysis, and the conservation of biodiversity. By integrating genomics and non-invasive imaging, it accelerates crop improvement efforts, addressing global challenges like food security and climate change adaptation. This interdisciplinary field continues to evolve with emerging technologies, making it pivotal for sustainable agriculture and environmental science. Here are some applications of phenomics in crop improvement:

1.      Identification of Desirable Traits: Phenomics helps identify and quantify desirable traits in crops, such as yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutritional content. This information guides breeders in selecting the best parent plants for crossing.

Drone Technology and its Application in Agriculture (By: Prachi S. Mahajan)

Drone Technology and its Application in Agriculture

Author: Prachi S. Mahajan (M.Sc.  Agriculture)

Drone technology, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), has been increasingly adopted in agriculture to enhance farming practices and improve overall efficiency. Drones offer various benefits, including cost-effectiveness, data collection capabilities, and the ability to cover large areas quickly. Here are some of the common applications of drone technology in agriculture:

1. Crop Monitoring: Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and multispectral or hyperspectral sensors can capture images and data of crops from the air. This data helps farmers monitor plant health, identify areas of stress or disease, and assess the effectiveness of irrigation and fertilization practices.

2. Precision Agriculture: By combining drone-collected data with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, farmers can create detailed field maps. These maps provide insights into variations in soil properties, allowing for targeted application of resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides. This practice helps optimize inputs and reduce environmental impact.

Illustration: Use of drones for spraying in agronomical & horticultural crops

3. Crop Spraying: Drones can be equipped with spraying systems to apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers precisely to crops. This targeted approach reduces chemical usage and minimizes human exposure to potentially harmful substances (this can be observed in the image above).

4. Crop Assessment and Yield Estimation: Drones equipped with advanced sensors can assess crop health, estimate yield potential, and predict harvest times. This information is invaluable for better planning and decision-making in the agricultural process.

5. Livestock Monitoring: Drones can also be used to monitor livestock, enabling farmers to locate and assess the condition of their animals in large or remote areas. This aids in detecting any health issues or distress.

6. Soil Analysis: Drones can collect soil samples from different parts of a field, providing farmers with crucial soil health data. This information helps in understanding soil fertility and tailoring crop management strategies accordingly.

Innovative biological fields for industrial applications (By: Dr. Prashant B. Kale)

 Innovative biological fields for industrial applications

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.)

Introduction:

Indeed, microbiology and biotechnology have played a significant role in the industrial revolution, particularly in the field of mass production of biomass, proteins, and secondary metabolites. The growth and rapid multiplication of microorganisms in large vessels, such as fermenters, have revolutionized various industries and enabled the efficient production of valuable products.

Here's a review of how microbiology and biotechnology contribute to industrial processes:

Keywords: Microbiology, Biotechnology, Industrial fermentation, Biomass, Proteins, Secondary metabolites, Mass production, Biopharmaceuticals, Bioremediation, Bioenergy, etc.

Chandrayaan-3, Agriculture, Environment, and Climate

 Chandrayaan-3, Agriculture, Environment, and Climate

Introduction:

Chandrayaan-3, the lunar mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aims to achieve a successful landing on the moon's surface and deploy a rover to conduct experiments. While the primary focus of the mission is lunar research and space exploration, Chandrayaan-3 indirectly contributes to agriculture, environment, and climate studies through various means. (Chandrayaan-3 module views from the official website of ISRO  can be seen in the image below).

A.    Remote Sensing and Agricultural Monitoring:

Curcumin in Turmeric: Importance, Factors and Geographical Differences (By: Dr. Prashant and Dr. Ravindra)

 Curcumin in Turmeric: Importance, Factors and Geographical Differences

Author: Prashant B. Kale (Ph.D.), Dr. Ravindra Satbhai (Ph.D.)

Introduction:

Turmeric, a popular Indian medicinal plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, has gained recognition for its numerous health benefits. The rhizome of turmeric, known as Curcuma longa L., is widely used in South East Asian countries for its flavor, color, and spicing properties in food preparations. It is an integral part of traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. Turmeric and its active component, curcumin, have garnered considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities. This article explores the variation in curcumin content in turmeric, the factors influencing it, and the geographical differences observed.

1. Importance of Curcumin: Curcumin, derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is a linear diarylheptanoid known for its excellent medicinal properties. It is a small molecular weight polyphenolic compound and one of the primary ingredients in turmeric and curry powders. Curcumin has been reported to exhibit various pharmacological, microbial, and medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.

Top 10 applications of solar pumps, including bird bathtubs and garden fountains (By: P.S. Tupe)

Top 10 applications of solar pumps, including bird bathtubs and garden fountains

Author: P.S. Tupe (BE ETC)

Introduction:

Solar energy finds applications in various sectors. The versatile application of solar energy across sectors underscores its significance in creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly world.

Here are its top ten applications with DC pumps: