Higher altitudes have lower levels of oxygen, and hence animals living at such altitudes have to adapt. Having higher content of haemoglobin is one adaptation strategy used. In a recent study, scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, explore how blood parasite affect these high altitude birds.

Erik Solenheim, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme visited Center for Ecological Sciences at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru to deliver a talk about the interface of science and policy.

In his talk titled ‘Science Policy Interface: Insights and ideas for a changing world’ Mr. Solenheim spoke about the three main environmental challenges of we face today namely; climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity.

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, in a rare study combining biology and paleontology show how different climatic factors over evolutionary time have affected the evolution of fan throated lizards.

What a year it has been for Indian science! From indigenous transistors to help India's Internet of things to solutions to living in harmony with wild animals we have seen it all. Here we take a look at the highlighs of Indian research in 2017.

Thickness of ice is one of the key indicators of global warming, but it is difficult to take these measurements accurately as direct methods can not be used on a large scale. An international team of scientists make an effort to standardise these measurements and evaluate the various current models.

In an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint, many nations around the world are looking at wind energy. This form of energy is already responsible for 12% of installed power in India. An Indian Institute of Technology Bombay study predicts Indian offshore wind farms will benefit from rise in sea temperatures

Study from  Indian Institute of Technology and National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee find the total area and number of glaciers in the Himalayas to decrease. The study shows that the glaciers are sensitive to climate change and the long term decrease in the extent of the glaciers could lead to flash floods and water shortage in the future.

India is gifted with lush green tropical forests and an annual monsoon that revives life in most parts of the country. Yet, the country is reeling from a persistent drought, while many of our forests are losing ground to rapid development. In the midst of this change, let us look at the state of environmental education in the country.  In this story, Shaurya Rahul Naralanka, a lecturer of environmental science at Manipal University reminds us of the challenges and opportunities in teaching about nature. 

Climate change and anthropogenic pressure are affecting natural environments world over. In this scenario how vulnerable are forests? If we keep growing at the rate we are growing now, what impact will it have on our forests in the years to come? Scientists from Indian Institute of Science and Wildlife Institute of India explore these far reaching questions in an Indian context. Their findings show that many forests are under considerable stress. The researchers say a perception change can help protect our forest.

Different parts of the country was inundated with floods this year, while other parts continue to face rainfall shortages, leading to drought situations. The culprit behind the disparity may be the sudden, extreme rainfall events we have been facing. Warming temperatures leading to extreme events may be affecting the overall rainfall the country receives says this new study.