ਲੇਖ
Why do we have so many different tests for COVID-19?
Posted on 09 December, 2020 From RT-PCR to rapid antibody kits to sewage surveillance — It is easy to become confused by the variety of different tests currently available for COVID-19. In this article, Somdatta explains the different ways in which each of these tests work, the pros and cons of each method, and the nuances involved in interpreting the results obtained from each of these tests.
Why do we have so many different tests for COVID-19?From RT-PCR to rapid antibody kits to sewage surveillance — It is easy to become confused by the variety of different tests currently available for COVID-19. In this article, Somdatta explains the different ways in which each of these tests work, the pros and cons of each method, and the nuances involved in interpreting the results obtained from each of these tests. |
Preprints and biological research in India: together in sickness and in health?
Posted on 18 November, 2020 Uploading scientific studies to preprint servers before sending them off to journals for peer-review has become a standard practice in the physical and mathematical sciences. However, biologists have been slow in embracing the trend. In this article, Divya examines the advantages offered by as well as the risk associated with the widespread use of preprints during the time of the pandemic.
Preprints and biological research in India: together in sickness and in health?Uploading scientific studies to preprint servers before sending them off to journals for peer-review has become a standard practice in the physical and mathematical sciences. However, biologists have been slow in embracing the trend. In this article, Divya examines the advantages offered by as well as the risk associated with the widespread use of preprints during the time of the pandemic. |
Open Science responses during the COVID-19 pandemic
Posted on 21 October, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic, while affecting the lives and work of scientists all over the globe, has also enabled an outpouring of generosity and innovation when it comes to rapid and open sharing of research outputs. During the International Open Access Week 2020, we examine some of the initiatives taken by various national and international organisations to improve global access to COVID-19 research.
Open Science responses during the COVID-19 pandemicThe COVID-19 pandemic, while affecting the lives and work of scientists all over the globe, has also enabled an outpouring of generosity and innovation when it comes to rapid and open sharing of research outputs. During the International Open Access Week 2020, we examine some of the initiatives taken by various national and international organisations to improve global access to COVID-19 research. |
The echo network – raising voices for a better future
Posted on 21 October, 2020 Some of the most pressing global concerns of today can only be addressed if disciplinary barriers are breached and a nurturing environment is created to enable free and open exchange of ideas. The echo network is an initiative that aims to facilitate this process by creating a network of like-minded thinkers and bringing them together on a common platform to brainstorm solutions to issues related to human-environment relationships in India.
The echo network – raising voices for a better futureSome of the most pressing global concerns of today can only be addressed if disciplinary barriers are breached and a nurturing environment is created to enable free and open exchange of ideas. The echo network is an initiative that aims to facilitate this process by creating a network of like-minded thinkers and bringing them together on a common platform to brainstorm solutions to issues related to human-environment relationships in India. |
Pooling samples to increase SARS-CoV-2 testing
Posted on 03 September, 2020 You may have heard of this puzzle about identifying a fake coin: You have eight of Rs. 1 coins. Real coins weigh 10g each, but you are told that one of the coins is fake and weighs less than the others. Using a simple weighing machine, on which you can place some coins and read out their total weight, what is the least number of weighings in which you can locate the fake coin?
Pooling samples to increase SARS-CoV-2 testingYou may have heard of this puzzle about identifying a fake coin: You have eight of Rs. 1 coins. Real coins weigh 10g each, but you are told that one of the coins is fake and weighs less than the others. Using a simple weighing machine, on which you can place some coins and read out their total weight, what is the least number of weighings in which you can locate the fake coin? |
How one Indian institute is contributing to the battle against COVID-19
Posted on 30 July, 2020 With improved strategies to fight, prevent, and treat COVID-19 being the need of the hour, many Indian institutes and universities have redirected their research activities towards meeting this challenge. Suchibrata provides a glimpse into how various researchers at one such institute, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, are contributing to this effort through innovative research solutions.
How one Indian institute is contributing to the battle against COVID-19With improved strategies to fight, prevent, and treat COVID-19 being the need of the hour, many Indian institutes and universities have redirected their research activities towards meeting this challenge. Suchibrata provides a glimpse into how various researchers at one such institute, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, are contributing to this effort through innovative research solutions. |
How seven Indian labs coped with the immediate aftermath of a global health crisis
Posted on 30 July, 2020 The nationwide lockdown, imposed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, brought the work of several professionals across the country to a grinding halt, and scientists were no exception. From creating emergency glycerol stocks and shifting meetings online to dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the pandemic efforts, here is a look at how researchers across India have dealt with this unprecedented situation.
How seven Indian labs coped with the immediate aftermath of a global health crisisThe nationwide lockdown, imposed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, brought the work of several professionals across the country to a grinding halt, and scientists were no exception. From creating emergency glycerol stocks and shifting meetings online to dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to the pandemic efforts, here is a look at how researchers across India have dealt with this unprecedented situation. |
Update: Is the novel coronavirus evolving?
Posted on 24 July, 2020 The article ‘Is the novel coronavirus evolving?’ provided insights on different studies carried out worldwide on genomic mutations of SARS-CoV2. This follow-up article discusses some key findings from genome sequencing studies done in India.
Update: Is the novel coronavirus evolving?The article ‘Is the novel coronavirus evolving?’ provided insights on different studies carried out worldwide on genomic mutations of SARS-CoV2. This follow-up article discusses some key findings from genome sequencing studies done in India. |
Is the novel coronavirus evolving?
Posted on 24 July, 2020 One of the reasons why viral infections can be difficult to treat is the high mutation rate displayed by many viruses, which can sometimes allow them to evade our immune systems and develop resistance to drugs. In this article, Shivani looks into the evidence gathered by scientists around the world on mutations in the genome of SARS-CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Is the novel coronavirus evolving?One of the reasons why viral infections can be difficult to treat is the high mutation rate displayed by many viruses, which can sometimes allow them to evade our immune systems and develop resistance to drugs. In this article, Shivani looks into the evidence gathered by scientists around the world on mutations in the genome of SARS-CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID-19. |
Innovations to make India self-reliant in tackling COVID-19
Posted on 16 July, 2020 With the COVID-19 pandemic causing massive disruptions in our healthcare system, many Indian innovators are rising to the challenge. In this article, Vanshika explores some new technologies and ingenious solutions developed by Indian researchers from academia as well as industry that are currently in the pipeline
Innovations to make India self-reliant in tackling COVID-19With the COVID-19 pandemic causing massive disruptions in our healthcare system, many Indian innovators are rising to the challenge. In this article, Vanshika explores some new technologies and ingenious solutions developed by Indian researchers from academia as well as industry that are currently in the pipeline |
The history and science of mask-wearing
Posted on 08 July, 2020 Masks are one of our simplest, cheapest and most effective allies in the war against COVID-19. In this article, Madhuri looks back at the hundred-year-old history of using masks to prevent plagues and pandemics and the science behind what makes them so strategically important as a public health tool.
The history and science of mask-wearingMasks are one of our simplest, cheapest and most effective allies in the war against COVID-19. In this article, Madhuri looks back at the hundred-year-old history of using masks to prevent plagues and pandemics and the science behind what makes them so strategically important as a public health tool. |
The role of science and scientists in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic (Part 2)
Posted on 22 June, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of a thriving scientific ecosystem for dealing with global crises. In this two-part article series, Kaushik Biswas, Associate Professor at the Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, discusses how innovative scientific endeavours are paving the way for better prevention and treatment strategies for this rapidly-spreading disease.
The role of science and scientists in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic (Part 2)The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of a thriving scientific ecosystem for dealing with global crises. In this two-part article series, Kaushik Biswas, Associate Professor at the Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, discusses how innovative scientific endeavours are paving the way for better prevention and treatment strategies for this rapidly-spreading disease. |