Despite successful bans on the veterinary drug diclofenac in Nepal and parts of India, a decade-long undercover investigation reveals that toxic alternatives like flunixin and nimesulide are rapidly replacing it, posing a renewed existential threat to the region’s critically endangered vulture populations.
Researchers found a new frog species lurking in a pond in Bengaluru, and hope to discover more with systematic studies.
Image Credits: KV Gururaja
In the animal world, finding a mate, protecting territory and fending off competitors who vie for love are defining moments. Only those adept at the needed skills for these ‘do-or-die’ circumstances survive, reproduce and thrive. A few animals go the extra mile—sing a romantic song, flash their colours to scare competitors and also woo their mate, some chirp high loud to stand out in the crowd and some, like the dancing frogs, shake a leg!
Study identifies specific genes in chickpea plants that help the plant to grow in water-deficient conditions.
A covert survey finds banned diclofenac and other vulture-toxic drugs in pharmacy isles, posing a threat to the slowly-recuperating vulture populations in South Asia.
Researchers have pinned down the seasonal and geographical variation of the harmful gas across the country and the reasons behind it.
Study shows how a proposed hydropower project can submerge the habitats of these cranes and what can be done to make it favourable for the winged visitors.
Herpetologists have discovered 13 new species of geckos this year, and expect to find more in the coming years.
Study highlights why capture-neuter-vaccinate-release is not effective in reducing free-ranging dogs.
The year 2020 saw science thrust into the media limelight as world over people sought news about the COVID-19 pandemic. The year has been marked by frustration and weariness for us all. Nevertheless, science and its people have carried on the quest of figuring out the ways of the world. So here are the science updates that caught our eye in 2020, in no particular order.
Footsteps of history
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we do things, set new normals and left its mark on this year, 2020. Through difficulties and challenges, people kept working, and scientists and researchers were no exception. Here is a small list of significant happenings in science in India, presented in no particular order.
India makes COVID-19 testing kits