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

An interesting year this one, with the world locked in and a virus reigning our lives. Nevertheless, there was no dearth of news in science. There was a considerable quantum of studies being reported even outside the realm of the rampant COVID-19 research. At Research Matters, we have tried our best to cover the most interesting stories in the Indian scene and listed below are our most popular stories this year. Take a look.

Researchers investigate how dietary patterns, single nutrients, and food choice may be promoting or protecting against depressive disorders.

Researchers use a cocktail of bacteriophages to fight drug-resistant tuberculosis.

The Nobel Prizes award ceremony begins tonight as the winners receive their medals in their home countries. Get a glimpse of the contributions of the Natural Sciences awardees. 

Study has found that the lockdown widened the challenges of stroke care in the country.

Scientists have successfully grown Indian isolates of P. vivax in different types of human liver cells.

In 2013, over 50 infants died in Attapadi —a protected area in the Palakkad district of Kerala. This incident, and more deaths in the subsequent years, put the spotlight on the health of the tribal population that lives here. Several underlying health issues, including malnutrition and infant mortality, were identified to be rampant. Both the central and state governments responded with a financial package to provide healthcare and related facilities to these communities free of cost. Seven years later, a new study has found that free healthcare hasn't solved the problem of poor access to healthcare and high levels of infant mortality.