Science Horizon

Volume 5 Issue 11 November, 2020

President, Odisha Bigyan Academy Editorial Board Prof. Pramod Chandra Mishra Prof. Niranjan Barik

Editor Prof. Ramesh Chandra Parida Er. Mayadhar Swain Dr. Choudhury Satyabrata Nanda Managing Editor Dr. Rajballav Mohanty Er. Bhagat Charan Mohanty Secretary, Odisha Bigyan Academy Dr. Nilambar Biswal

CONTENTS Subject Author Page 1. Editorial : Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality Er. Mayadhar Swain 2 2. The Mysterious Concept of Mass - III Dr. Bijay Kumar Parida 4 3. Mineral Development and Ecological Sustainability Dr. Sundara Narayana Patro 7 4. Behaviour Development of The Child Dr. (Mrs.) Pritishri Parhi 12 5. Let Us Find L.C.M. Dr. Archana Panigrahi 15 6. A Brief History of Indian Math-Magicians Purusottam Sahoo 17 7. O Mighty Planet Venus Vaibhavi Karthik 24 8. One Interesting Series of Nilakantha Er. Mayadhar Swain 25 9. Dragonfly: The Hawk of the Insect World Dr. Raj Ballav Mohanty 26 Dr. Taranisen Panda 10. Stories of Genes: II The Genetic Code G.B.N. Chainy 27 11. Mask: A Need For Survival Dr. Pranab Kumar Ghosh 32 12. Humus - The Skeleton of Soil Meenakhi Prusty 37 Monika Ray 13. Quiz: Covid-19 Pandemic Dr. Bibhuti Narayan Biswal 43 14. Recent News on Science & Technology 45

Cover Design : Kalakar Sahoo NOVEMBER, 2020

// EDITORIAL // CLIMATE CHANGE AND CARBON NEUTRALITY

At present Global Warming and Climate the atmosphere from burning of fossil fuels Change are the main environmental problems like coal, petroleum oil and natural gas in faced by Earth. The problem is created by factories and thermal power plants. Also lot of man. Both the problems have occurred due to CO2 is emitted from vehicles. Fossil fuels rise in concentration of some gases, contain carbon and when burned CO2 along collectively called green house gases (GHGs) with energy is released. in the atmosphere. These gases allow the sun Before start of industrial revolution in light to come to the surface of Earth, but they 1750, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere obstruct the passage of reflected infrared light was 280 ppm (parts per million) and now it has to the space, thereby increasing Earth’s increased to 412 ppm. This represents a 47% temperature. This is called global warming increase since the beginning of the Industrial and due to this ice in high mountains, glaciers Age and an 11% increase since 2000, when it and Poles have started melting and sea level is was near 370 ppm. Half of the increase in gradually increasing. It is feared that if this atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations in tendency goes on, some small islands and low the last 300 years has occurred since 1980, and lying coastal areas will be inundated. As per a one quarter of it since 2000. study published in the Cryosphere Journal in China, USA, India and Russian Federation September 2020, sustained greenhouse gas are the leading emitters of CO to the emissions could see global sea level rise nearly 2 atmosphere. The situation has reached such a 40 centimetres this century as ice sheets in stage that the United Nations has declared Antarctica and Greenland continue to melt. climate emergency. Due to global warming, climate change has Realising the destructive power of CO , occurred due to which number of cyclones and 2 hurricanes are increasing along with droughts it was decided internationally in different and floods. A study published in the journal conferences and conventions to limit the Nature Communication recently suggests that carbon emission to the atmosphere. The last 31 million people living in river deltas are at important meeting was held in Paris in 2015 high risk of flooding and other impacts from and an agreement, known as Paris Agreement, tropical cyclones and climate change. was reached to limit the global temperature rise by 2°C above preindustrial level by the Among all the green house gases, the end of the century and it was also decided to contribution of carbon dioxide (CO ) is more 2 try to limit it at 1.5°C rise. Different towards global warming. This is emitted to countries have committed voluntarily the

2 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 quantum of reduction of carbon emission to 1. Energy efficiency achieve the target. 2. Use of renewable energy Before industrialisation, carbon dioxide 3. Clean, safe and connected mobility was released to the atmosphere from burning 4. Competitive industry and circular economy wood for cooking purpose, from animal 5. Infrastructure and interconnections respiration and also due to some natural 6. Bio-economy and natural carbon sinks phenomena like volcano eruption etc. The 7. Carbon capture and storage emitted CO was being absorbed by plants and 2 It is to be noted that the 2015 Paris watermass, as a result the total CO 2 Agreement mentioned the need to achieve concentration in the atmosphere was climate neutrality by the end of the century, remaining constant. But after industries were but the EU plan is aiming to expedite it by a established and coal was burnt, the emitted few decades. The European Commission, no CO could not be absorbed completely by the 2 doubt, has taken a good initiative. Although it natural processes and hence its concentration seems difficult to achieve carbon neutrality gradually increased. by 2050, if the roadmap is followed European Green Deal, the initiative religiously, they can be successful in their unveiled by the European Union (EU) in venture. Other nations should follow it for a December 2019 aims to lead the way towards clean world. A good news is that China, the climate neutrality by 2050. It has presented biggest emitter of CO2 aims to achieve carbon an initial road map of the key policies and neutrality by 2060. This was announced by measures to achieve this. What does ‘carbon Chinese President Xi Jinping during a speech neutrality’ mean? According to the European on 22 September 2020 to the United Nations Parliament, carbon neutrality is achieved general assembly. when “the same amount of carbon dioxide is Some world leaders at the annual United emitted into the atmosphere as it is removed Nations meeting in the last week of September by different means, achieving a zero balance, have voiced a warning: “If Covid - 19 does not also known as a zero carbon footprint”. Will kill us, Climate Change will.” With Siberia it be successful? EU members are now seeing its warmest temperature on record this serious about this. Spain has prepared its year and enormous chunks of ice caps in first draft of climate change and Energy Greenland and Canada sliding into the sea, Transition in May 2020 which seeks to ensure countries are acutely aware that there is no that Spain is carbon neutral by 2050. Other vaccine for global warming. European nations will definitely follow it. „ The European Commission has Er. Mayadhar Swain presented following seven strategic issues Editor that member countries must pursue together to achieve zero carbon footprint by 2050.

Science Horizon 3 NOVEMBER, 2020

THE MYSTERIOUS CONCEPT OF MASS- III

Dr. Bijay Kumar Parida Introduction graviton, is assumed to have zero rest mass. In Part – I of this article published in Unlike photon whose existence is beyond July, 2020 we discussed some basic aspects of doubt, gravitation is a mere speculation. The mass like mass as quantity of matter, zero rest mass of both these particles can be redefinition of the SI unit kg in terms of the appreciated from the fact that both Planck constant, three possible forms of mass electromagnetic and gravitational interactions appearing in motion and gravitation, and the are of infinite range, range being inversely equality of the three masses. proportional to the mass of the carrier. Besides, there is a class of neutral elementary In Part – II published in August, 2020 we particles called neutrinos (three in number presented some more aspects of the concept one each associated with the charged particles of mass such as its relation to energy in electron, muon, and tauon) which were initially Newtonian and Einsteinian formalisms, its thought to be massless. But later findings relation to spacetime as in the general theory indicated that these three different types of of relativity, a specific mass expression called neutrino show a kind of mutual transformation the Planck mass, and the issue of missing (technically called neutrino oscillation) which mass and its implications. cannot be explained on the basis of zero mass. In Part – III we propose to discuss some This led to the consequence that neutrinos are strange looking aspects of the concept of mass not massless but likely to have exceedingly such as zero mass, negative mass, complex small masses. For example, the electron mass, and a viable quantum mechanical origin neutrino appears to have a mass which is nearly of mass. 5×10-5 times the mass of electron. Incidentally, Zero Mass neutrinos are among the most abundant particles Though in our everyday world it is in the universe though difficult to observe unlike difficult to think of a zero-mass object, the many other particles. concept of zero mass is not uncommon in the Negative mass microscopic domain of matter. As we have Let’s recall the definition of Newton’s noted previously, photon, the carrier of second law of motion. It states that when a net electromagnetic interaction, has zero rest mass force is applied on a body the body accelerates as it always moves with speed c, the speed of in the same direction as that of the force and light in free space. In an analogous manner the the amount of acceleration is proportional to carrier of gravitational interaction, called

4 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 the amount of the force. The inverse of the be matter in invisible form, which is called corresponding proportionality constant, which dark matter (about 25 percent of the mass of is also a constant, is called the (inertial) mass the universe). In addition, they assume the of the body. Looking at the directions of the presence of dark energy (about 70 percent of two vectorial quantities involved (force and the mass of the universe) to account for the acceleration) the constant of proportionality increased rate of expansion of the universe that and hence mass has to have a positive sign, i.e. has been observed in the 1990s. Thus, dark mass is a positive physical quantity. This is the matter is a source of attractive force or gravity traditional perception and is found to be true whereas dark energy produces repulsive force or in Newtonian physics. For argument sake, if we antigravity (negative pressure). There are take the proportionality constant and hence theoretical speculations that the concept of dark mass as a negative quantity then we see that the energy may be linked to that of negative mass. force that causes acceleration of positive mass In 2017 physicists have been able to would cause deceleration of negative mass, etc. produce a material in laboratory that exhibits When a ‘bullet of negative mass’ is fired from negative mass behaviour, i.e. when it is pushed a gun it would hit the gunman instead of the it comes towards the pusher instead of moving target. According to the familiar Newton’s law away. The material was obtained by cooling of gravitation, two positive masses or two rubidium atoms to an incredibly low temperature, negative masses would attract each other very close to absolute zero where they whereas a positive mass and a negative mass collectively formed a quantum state known as would repel each other. An ‘apple of negative Bose-Einstein condensate that shows this kind mass’ when detached from the tree would of peculiar behaviour when nudged by a laser. accelerate upwards instead of coming down; Imaginary (complex) mass the earth (assumed to have positive mass) is Besides positive, zero, and negative then said to apply ‘antigravity’ on the apple. values of mass there is at least a theoretical Though we do not see any form of matter with possibility of mass being imaginary. By negative mass around us, the concept of imaginary we mean square-root of a negative negative mass finds its place in the domains of number; the familiar imaginary quantity cosmology and quantum theory with interesting being called i. We recall that in relativity consequences. c (speed of light in free space) is the maximum In general relativity and cosmological permissible speed of a material body. If this models of the universe including the big bang restriction is removed, or a body is allowed to model negative mass seems to play a role. move faster than light, mass of the body Astronomers have found that the visible matter becomes imaginary. Such an ‘imaginary’ body of the universe (less than 5 percent of the is called a tachyon (Greek tachy meaning estimated mass of the universe) is not adequate rapid) or a tachyonic particle, theoretically to hold the galaxies together and so there must speculated in 1967 by G. Feinberg, who was Science Horizon 5 NOVEMBER, 2020 inspired by a science-fiction story woven It is interesting to note that rhyming with around faster-than-light communication. the name ‘tachyon’ are ‘luxon’ (Latin lux means Let’s see how this comes about in a ‘light’) (meaning moving at the speed of light, simple manner. We shall assume that Einstein’s e.g. photon) and ‘bradyon’ (Greek bradus energy formula and mass formula remain valid means ‘slow’) or tardyon or ittyon (meaning for tachyons and that energy of tachyon (E) is moving slower than light, e.g. all known bodies real and hence tachyon’s relativistic mass m (= and particles except photon). E/c2) is real. Let v > c in the mass formula Origin of mass The origin of mass as a physical parameter is an interesting aspect of scientific Then we may write investigation. Mass of a given object can be understood ultimately in terms of masses constituent particles. But then how do these particles, considered as point-like entities where i= 1 , the imaginary quantity and r = without physical dimensions, get their masses? §·v2 This question was explored in quantum field 1 ¨¸2 , a real quantity. Then, in order to theory. It is interesting to note that mass finds ©¹c a place in quantum physics like other classical keep m real, m , the rest mass of tachyon has to 0 physical quantities but unlike some of them be imaginary. This simple consideration such as charge and angular momentum, mass indicates the peculiar nature of the mass of a is not quantized, i.e. there is no minimum mass tachyon, i.e. a body with imaginary rest-mass of which other masses are integral multiples. In can have real mass and real energy when moving the corresponding quantum field theory (called at higher-than-light speed. the standard model of particle physics) it is Most scientists believe that faster-than- speculated that the field associated with a particle light particles cannot exist because their called Higgs boson gives rest mass to the propagation would violate the known laws of particles that fundamentally constitute matter. physics including causality. However, some Theoretically perceived in 1964 by Peter Higgs proposed that such a particle could be and named after him, the Higgs boson has been considered as a quantum of a quantum field experimentally discovered in proton-proton with imaginary mass. But such a particle was collisions at 8 TeV of energy in 2012 with a found to be unstable and has been more or less mass of 125 GeV/c2(or 125 GeV when c = 1 ruled out. However, it is possible to have as in the natural system of units). The tachyonic fields or imaginary mass fields in experiment was conducted at the world’s most quantum field theory, a higher and more powerful, 27-km long Large Hadron Collider complicated version of quantum mechanics, (LHC) at CERN, Switzerland. In the theory of without any violation of the laws of physics. 6 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 Higgs mechanism, the elementary particles MINERAL such as quarks (up, down, strange, charmed, DEVELOPMENT top, and bottom) and leptons (electron, muon, AND tauon) are assumed to have zero rest mass to ECOLOGICAL begin with and pick up their respective rest SUSTAINABILITY masses through interaction with the Higgs field. Then these massive quarks produce Dr. Sundara Narayana Patro massive nucleons (protons and neutrons) which Introduction in turn form nucleus and nucleus along with Globally, the mining industry is in boom electrons constitute the conventional atom in the 21st century as the world prices of from which molecules and matter in bulk are minerals, ores and metals have soared to record produced. In the process besides the concept of levels. In order to meet the demand of internal rest mass the concept of binding energy consumption and revenue generation from (discussed in Part – II) plays an important role. export, India is moving fast to explore its Thus, the Higgs mechanism appears to solve the mineral reserves. The hitherto agricultural puzzle involving the origin of mass of the economy of the country is now in transition to conventional matter. But it leaves another industrial economy. As one of the gifted states question unanswered: What could be the origin in the country, Odisha has the major mineral of the mass of the Higgs boson itself? resources in bounty. It is for this reason Summary entrepreneurs from all over the world are crowding for their share. According to To sum up, in this series of articles we Directorate of Mines, Government of Odisha, have attempted to give a brief overview of the there are more than 26 types of minerals various aspects of the concept of mass that available in the state. But the State has identified plays a pivotal role in our perception and 13 minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, chromite, understanding of the world around us down to coal, limestone, dolomite, fireclay, china clay, microcosm. We have tried to indicate in a simple nickel ore, mineral sand, manganese, graphite, language how a mundane concept like mass quartz/quartzite/silica, as major minerals. It could have such mysterious aspects. It should be has chromite (170.39 million tonnes), nickel mentioned that the story of mass is still not (174.48 MT), bauxite (1,805.72 MT), iron finished. Hopefully, this would whet the appetite ore (5,073.63 MT), manganese ore (119.21 of the curious learners to explore the subject MT) and coal (79.30 billion tonnes), which more as they grow up in their academic career. constitute of 92, 83, 55, 38, 44 and 26 per „ cent of India’s reserves respectively. The rich Plot No. 4586 (Bitaana), Vidya Lane, Gadakana, Bhubaneswar – 751017 mineral wealth of the state is attributed to its Email: [email protected] favourable geological set up. Mobile No. +91 9437308424

Science Horizon 7 NOVEMBER, 2020

Mineral Exploration increasing demand of developmental activities; With available technology, skilled therefore, Odisha State has been aggressively manpower, market demand and interest shown pushing mining and industrial projects. But by investors it is natural for any state to be the economic benefit of the mineral tempted for mineral exploration. With development at the cost of environmental hundreds of mineral mines already leased out degradation becomes counterproductive as it or in operation, the Government of Odisha is causes loss of ecosystem sustainability. India’s now initiating the process of auction of nine major mineral reserves overlap with areas Greenfield mineral blocks in Sundaragarh and having richest forests. Keonjhar districts of Odisha. The estimated Impact on Ecosystem iron ore reserve in these blocks is 574 million Kendujhar and Sundaragarh are the two tones located at Pureibahal (38.30 Million land locked districts situated in the northern Tonnes), Chandiposhi (33.73 MT), Jhumka- part of Odisha with geographical areas of Pathiriposi (114 MT), Dholtapahad (23.92 8303 sq km and 9712 sq km respectively. MT), Netrabandha Pahar-West (17.27 MT) in About half of the area of these districts is Sundaragarh district; and Rengalaberha-North- covered by forests of northern tropical East (28.87 MT), Gandhalpada (314.37 MT), deciduous type and inhabited by Ho, Juang, Unchabali (3.6 MT) and Kalimati in Kendujhar Bathudi, Bhuyan, Bhumij, Gond, Kisan, Munda, district. While Kalimati is a manganese block Oraon, Santal and Sounti tribes. These natural (0.686 MT) and Unchabali is a mix of iron and forests contiguous to Jharkhand are also the manganese, the rest blocks are iron ore. Iron corridors for movement of elephants and other ore is the raw material for steel production. wildlife. With new reforms and auction Odisha is the highest steel producing state in process, now the responsibility of setting up the country and the production target is 100 of the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) and million tonnes per annum by 2030. getting environmental clearance and forest The mining and industrial activities clearance lies on the State Government. These generate employment and contribute more to clearances will cost removal of virgin forests GDP. According to the Economic Survey of and mining here will require removal of lakhs 2018-19 the mining sector alone contributes of valuable Sal and other associated trees, to 10.8 per cent of the Gross State Domestic which will have devastating consequences on Product (GSDP). The problems associated both the ecosystems and their biodiversity. with such activities are environmental Felling a tree is as bad as a murder and felling pollution, loss of air and water quality, loss of an entire forest is genocide. What is needed forests, shrinkage of natural habitats of rich now is the cost benefit analysis of the projects biodiversity and tribal habitations. However, from an ecological angle. If the timber value minerals have to be exploited to meet the of a full-grown Sal tree is estimated at rupees

8 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 fifty thousand, its ecological value in a forest million hectares of forest land has been would be fifty lakhs. The ecological value diverted for 27,144 projects in the country, includes the value of timber; the soil it according to a source of the Ministry of conserves; the minerals it recycles; the carbon Environment, Forest and Climate Change. In dioxide it sequesters (carbon benefit); the 2019 alone, the Union Government diverted oxygen it gives; the rain it attracts and recharges 11,467.83 hectares of forest land for 932 the ground water; the thermal balance and projects in 22 states. Out of this 4,514 hectares ecological balance it maintains; the shelter it were diverted in Odisha for 14 projects. A gives to the animals, birds and associated cumulative analysis reveals that a total of climbers and other species; the fruits, leaves 48,442 hectares of forest has been diverted in and other plant parts it yields for medicine, the State by end of 2017 for 461 projects, food and various other purposes; etc. Natural according to a news report. Out of this as forest also has cultural and recreational value; many as 171 mining projects alone have led to all the celebrations and rituals in forest areas diversion of 22,666 hectares of forests. centre on tree cycles-unfolding of leaf, Cause of Concern flowering, fruit bearing, etc. The cause of concern is that the mineral Under the Forest (Conservation) Act blocks are not brown mining or merchant 1980, forest areas can be diverted for mining. mining blocks but virgin blocks. Mining in the In lieu of this, money is collected by the virgin forest areas brings about fragmentation government which is then used by the of natural habitats and detrimental impacts on authorities for afforestation. The man-made wildlife ecology as well as ground water forest suffers from ‘empty forest syndrome’ recharge system and aquifer dynamics. The and does not provide ecosystem services as activities of mineral ore mining, starting from well as habitat for wildlife. Thus, a man-made excavation to beneficiation to transportation, forest, expected to be raised out of will have both regional and cumulative adverse compensatory afforestation, cannot be effects on the environmental quality including compared with a natural forest. Further, the the ambient work zone air, water quality and socio-economic-cultural life of tribal biodiversity. The Environment Impact communities is intricately linked to the natural Assessment (EIA) Notification 2006, brought forest ecosystem. Vegetation clearance for out by the Ministry of Environment, Forests mining will disturb their fabric of life support and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the system. We are also aware that spread of Environment (Protection) Act 1986, is a key viruses which cause zoonotic diseases like piece of the legal regime for environmental Covid-19 are on the rise due to loss of virgin management in the country. It provides a list forests. Since the enactment of the Forest of projects and activities that must obtain a (Conservation) Act 1980, a total of 1.51 prior Environmental Clearance (EC) before

Science Horizon 9 NOVEMBER, 2020 operating the project. An EIA makes an also consumption and to change the production assessment of the likely impacts of a project pattern through green technology. In response such as mine, irrigation dam, industrial unit or to the call of the 21st Conference of Parties waste treatment plant. There is provision for (COP 21) of the United Nations Framework public consultation in the rule including public Convention on Climate Change held in hearing at which the local community and December 2015 at Paris, India’s Nationally interested persons can give opinions and raise Determined Commitment to Paris Climate objections. The MoEFCC now proposes to Agreement was to create a cumulative carbon amend the EIA 2006 and has prepared the draft sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide EIA 2020. It is an amnesty scheme as a equivalent by 2030 by increasing its forest permanent feature of the law. Under this new cover from the present level of 24 percent to draft, projects can start operations without an 33 percent. The National Environment Policy EC and later, pay a monetary fine to regularize 2006 and revised draft National Forest Policy the project, that is, obtain an EC after starting 2019 also mention that to achieve the national work rather than before-contradicting the goal for ecological security, the country basic objective of the law. As a result, it should have a minimum of one-third of the incentivizes projects to start operations total area under forest cover. The basic thrust without an EIA, public hearing, or an of the draft forest policy is also conservation, Environment Management Plan (EMP), protection and management of forests along creating serious risks for the environment and with safeguarding the interests of tribes and people’s health and safety. Among the major forest dependent people. departures from existing regulations is the Atmanirbhar Bharat removal of several activities from the purview If the government is thinking of revenue of public consultation. Among several projects generation for the state and giving employment under this category coal and non-coal mineral to the local as well as migrant workers who prospecting projects also come which do not have come back to the state under the distress need prior EC or permission. There is of covid-19 pandemic agriculture and forestry apprehension that the post-facto environmental are the two important eco-friendly sectors for clearance (of projects executed without prior the purpose. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India clearance) would further weaken protection of has announced the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat environment and forests.9 Abhiyan’ (Self-reliant India Movement) on International Agenda May 12, 2020 with a special economic and The United Nations in 2015 set 17 comprehensive package of rupees 20 lakh Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for crores. The five pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat countries to achieve by 2030. The SDGs basic focus on economy, infrastructure, system, objective is not only to reduce production but vibrant demography and demand. The five

10 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 phases of this programme or movement are technology for beneficiation of sub-grade ore businesses in MSMEs; poor, including migrants would also help reduce waste, recover and and farmers; agriculture; new horizons of conserve the valuable minerals. Such steps growth, and government reforms and enables. would help towards harvesting of more minerals Atmanirbhar Bharat is a transformative doctrine for revenue generation and ensure ecological in all sectors of the economy and national life. sustainability with minimum damage to the Covid-19 pandemic can be converted to an forests, ecosystem, natural habitat and local opportunity of employment generation under tribal community life support system. The this programme to accommodate the migrant Union and State Governments concerned need labourers and farmers in the sector of MSMEs, not be in haste to put the aforesaid Greenfield soil conservation, tree plantation and forestry mineral blocks under auction for the present as in the mining areas, national and state there is no such pressing demand of iron and plantation programmes as large amount of manganese. Mining of minerals, development DMF, CAMPA, CSR and other such funds activities and ecological security must be in have remained unutilized. Agriculture is perfect harmony for long-term benefit of the another potential sector of employment community and state as well. generation in Odisha State under this Reference programme, as more than sixty per cent of the 1. Tenders for Nine Iron Ore and Manganese state’s people are engaged in this traditional Blocks in Odisha likely in July, Business occupation. Happily the growth rate in the Standard, Bhubaneswar, 24th June 2020. agriculture sector in Odisha during 2019-20 2. Nine Mineral Blocks in Odisha to go under is 7.61 per cent which is much higher than the Hammer Next Month, The New Indian Express, Bhubaneswar, 15th June 2020. national average of 2.8 per cent. Prime Minister 3. India Continues to Lose Forest land to non- has now launched a new financing scheme forestry Projects, Down To Earth, New Delhi, under the rupees one lakh crore Agriculture 9th June 2020. Infrastructure Fund meant for setting up 4. Draft National Forest Policy 2020. storage and processing facilities, which will 5. India Forest Report Scroll.in, 8th Jan. 2019. help farmers get higher price for their crops. 6. UN Sustainable Development Goals 2015. Conclusion 7. National Environment Policy 2006. 8. Personal Collections. Instead of leasing out new mineral „ blocks, the production of minerals can be President, Orissa Environmental Society increased by revamping the existing mines. E-mail: [email protected] Mob.: 9437190420 This will lead to rapid exhaustion of the minerals from pits early and bring back the degraded land to near natural condition by eco-restoration. Application of the advanced

Science Horizon 11 NOVEMBER, 2020

BEHAVIOUR DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD

Dr. (Mrs.) Pritishri Parhi A child’s development is a continuous The important behavioural problems of process. It depends on the prenatal environment growing children include bed wetting, thumb and the environment into which the child is suckling, shyness, lying, stealing, born. The prenatal environment influences the submissiveness, backwardness in study, eating period from time of conception till the birth disorders, hyperacidity, stubbornness, fits, of the baby. It is the mother’s health which inferiority complex, mental retardation, nail reflects towards growth and development of biting, phobia and psychogenic vomiting etc. the foetus. Factors like infectious diseases, The children also react differently in the poor nutrition, drugs, Rh. Blood factor, same environment. One child may develop a mother’s age and her emotions may cause particular deviant behaviour, the other one problems and abnormalities in mental as well may develop still other deviant behaviour as physical health of the child. Sometimes due whereas the third child may react to the to prolonged labour, the baby may not get environment in a normal way. Therefore every sufficient blood supply which may cause brain aspect of the child’s life has to be studied in damage leading to abnormal behaviour. detail. The hereditary factors like physique, The environment in which the child is emotions and intelligence together with born also affects the child’s development after environmental factors like his parents, school, birth. This includes roles of its family, siblings and friends should be studied. neighbourhood, friends and the society in which The causes of deviant behaviour of the child the child grows. Every society follows certain can be categorized broadly as causes related rules and regulations. It is this society which to (i) Family (ii) Socio-cultural factors (iii) shapes the child’s behaviour. It influences him Physical status of the child. to learn certain moral and social values. I. Family If the child does not conform to the Family plays a very important role for moral standards and expectations of his parents child’s personality development and mostly and society; he is punished and believed as a during formative years. The factors which problem child in the society. contribute a lot in the family include (a) Behavioural Problems Relationship between parents and child (b) A behavioural problem is a deviant Broken homes (c) Family size and position of behaviour of a child considered detrimental to child in the family. the welfare of individual, family and the society.

12 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020

In parent-child relationship, the child’s dependent and it becomes difficult for the basic needs has to be fulfilled. If the needs are child to face the activities outside in later not satisfied by the parents, the child develops period. When the economic condition of a a problem. The child not getting its emotional large family is not good, the children are needs like love, affection, protection and neglected who develop inferiority complex security may develop apathy and becomes and become prone to certain other problems indifferent to the society later on. But too in their behaviour. much love and affection may do more harm to II. Socio-Cultural Factors the child also. The child becomes more The socio-cultural factors include peer dependant on the parents. The children of group, neighbourhood, school environment and dominant parents are likely to be anxious, shy, culture of the society. The family, the peer fearful whereas the children of indulgent parents group and the neighbourhood play a vital role make better social adjustments. Since parents for socialization of the child. Child’s attitude are his regular and constant companions, the and personality is shaped neatly in the school child imitates many of their words, emotions environment under the guidance of teachers. and actions in the early stages of childhood. However, if there is association with antisocial The child’s personality is also influenced friends in the school, there is more chance of by an important factor ‘Broken Homes’. The getting involved in antisocial activities. factors like husband -wife relationship, The culture of society in which the child economic status, personality and health of the is being grown up has also a major impact on parents etc influence the child very much. the child’s development. In male dominated Deviant behaviour in children is seen whose society, male child is given more importance parents have been separated or divorced. In an than female one. As a result, the females environment of disharmony among parents, become submissive and males project stronger the child’s basic needs of love, affection and outlook. Sometimes traditions, beliefs and security are hampered. These children suffer superstitions also have negative effects on child’s from nervousness and anti-social behaviour. development. Some even believe that mental The family size and child’s position in retardation and mental illness are, caused by the family also play a major role. In families evil spirits. The villagers go for ‘Evil treatment’ having more children, the parents cannot devote instead of taking the child for medical treatment more time for giving love and affection to which worsens the health condition. every child. But in small families, this need is III. Physical status of the child easily fulfilled and the adjustment is very well between the family members. However, it is Children suffering from abnormalities seen that in case of single child, the parents like paralysis, obesity, malnutrition, blindness, over protect him /her. It makes the child over- deafness feel inferior to healthy children. The

Science Horizon 13 NOVEMBER, 2020 child enjoying good food and good health is vi. Parents should not quarrel with each emotionally more stable than a child being other or find each other’s faults in front physically weak and suffering from some of the child as it adversely affect the abnormalities. The abnormalities in physique child’s personality development. may lead to their scholastic backwardness and vii. All children are different in their they may not participate in activities of the capacities. The parents have to identify society satisfactorily. Sometimes the the abilities and capacities in their condition becomes so worse that these children which can be encouraged in a children with some degree of abnormalities are planned way. not accepted and well treated by their parents, peer groups and friends. It is seen that the viii. Preferential treatment to any particular prematured child takes some more time for its child by parents in family must be avoided. All sons and daughters should be physical and mental development as compared to a normal matured child. treated equally. Guidance for Parents ix. The parents should take a conscious decision as to when they should have The following are some of the measures children and how many they should have. which can be followed by parents to prevent This is called responsible parenthood. problem behaviour in children. The parents should try and understand to i. The needs and problems of the child satisfy the physical, emotional and social needs along with the treatment technique should of their children. In case of noticing any deviant be understood by the parents. behaviour in the child, the parents have to take ii. Parents should be neither too much immediate check up and better medical concerned nor be overambitious for treatment for cure of any abnormality. The the child. parents may also seek advice and guidance iii. Child should not be punished too much. from any child psychiatrist. When it is essential, he may be explained „ clearly. Professor, HDFS, College of Community Science, iv. Parents have to spend sufficient time O.U.A.T., Bhubaneswar- 751 003 Mob.: 9437231705 with their children in playing, discussing E-mail Id: [email protected] and talking etc. v. The child should be encouraged to play as it helps him in physical, mental, social and moral development.

14 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020

LET US FIND L.C.M.

Dr. Archana Panigrahi L. C. M. means Lowest Common digits 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in these 5 pieces of Multiple. Let us discuss a simple and paper. We call these 5 pieces of paper as interesting method for children to understand “Multiples of 2’s paper”, “Multiples of 3’s L. C. M.. paper”, “Multiples of 4’s paper”, “Multiples of Procedure 5’s paper” and “Multiples of 6’s paper” respectively. We have to make holes in the First of all, we have to construct a square places of multiples of 2 i.e., 2, 4, 6,....., 96, 98, of size 10 unit x 10 unit on a piece of paper. 100 in “Multiples of 2’s paper”. Similarly, we Now we have to mark 10 columns and 10 rows have to make holes in the places of multiples inside this square so that we can get 100 small of 3 i.e., 3, 6, 9, ....., 93, 96, 99 in “Multiples squares of equal size. We will write 1 to 100 of 3’s paper”, multiples of 4 i.e., 4, 8, 12, inside these small squares as below. We call .....,92, 96, 100 in “Multiples of 4’s paper”, this piece of paper as “MAIN PAPER”. multiples of 5 i.e., 5, 10, 15, ....., 90, 95, 100 “MAIN PAPER” in “Multiples of 5’s paper” and multiples of 6 123456789 10 i.e., 6, 12, 18, ....., 84, 90, 96 in “Multiples of 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 6’s paper” as given in Fig.:1, 2 & 3. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Multiples of 2’s paper” 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 Now we have to take 5 pieces of paper which are equal to the size of the “MAIN PAPER” and mark 10 columns and 10 rows inside this square so that we can get 100 small squares of equal size. Let us mark multiples of Fig.1

Science Horizon 15 NOVEMBER, 2020

“Multiples of 3’s paper” “Multiples of 4’s paper”

Fig.2 Fig.3 We have to cut the papers and make holes 3’s paper” on the “Multiples of 2’s paper”, we in black marked squares as above. can see the common multiples of 2 and 3 i.e., How to find L. C. M.? 6, 12, 18, ...... , 84, 90, 96 inside the holes. The Example-1 L.C.M. of 2 and 3 lowest number among the common multiples is 6 i.e. L.C.M. of 2 and 3 is 6. Let us put the “Multiples of 2’s paper” Example-2 L.C.M. of 2, 3 and 4 on the “MAIN PAPER”. We can see the multiples of 2 i.e., 2, 4, 6, .....,96, 98, 100 Similarly, we put the “Multiples of 4’s inside the holes. By putting the “Multiples of paper” on the “Multiples of 3’s paper”. We can

“Multiples of 5’s paper” “Multiples of 6’s papers” 16 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 see the common multiples of 2 ,3 and 4 i.e., A BRIEF HISTORY 12, 24, 48, ...... ,72, 84, 96 inside the holes. OF INDIAN MATH- The lowest number among the common MAGICIANS multiples is 12 i.e. L.C.M. of 2, 3 and 4 is 12. (Evolution of Indian Mathematics Example-3 L.C.M. of 2, 3, 4 and 5 in concert with world events) Similarly, we put the “Multiples of 5’s Purusottam Sahoo paper” on the “Multiples of 4’s paper”. We can Introduction see the common multiples of 5 and 4, i.e., 20, 40, 60 and 80 inside the hole. Now, by putting It is said “History is written by the the ‘multiples of 3’s paper’ we can see the conqueror, the vanquished are relegated to the common multiples of 2, 3, 4 and 5 i.e., 60 mists of time and their footprints are effaced inside the holes and it is the lowest number. by the chariots of the winners. The great Roman So L.C.M. of 2, 3, 4 and 5 is 60. Empire, studied so assiduously by school children all over the world, pales in comparison Example-4 L.C.M. of 3, 5 and 6 to the great Mongol empire, which at its peak Let us put the “Multiples of 3’s paper” ruled over a territory five times larger. on the “MAIN PAPER” .We can see the Knowledge of our cultural evolution and our multiples of 3 i.e., 3, 6, 9,.....,93, 96, 99 progress over the millennia is dictated by the inside the holes. By putting the “Multiples of written word; specifically words written by 5’s paper” on the “Multiples of 3’s paper”, we the ascendant powers during the time of writing. can see the common multiples of 3 and 5 i.e., When you convert swords to ploughshares, it 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 inside the holes. The is the swords of the losers that are beaten into lowest number among the common multiples ploughshares. Their stories struggle to be told is 15 i.e. L.C.M. of 3 and 5 is 15. Now by over the crescendo of the winner’s cannons. putting the “Multiples of 6’s paper” on the So it is with their intellectual achievements.” “Multiples of 5’s paper”, we can see the common multiples of 3, 5 and 6 i.e. 30, 60, 90 It is the opinion, and rightly so, that inside the holes. The lowest number among Indian contributions to mathematics have not the common multiples is 30 i.e. L.C.M. of 3, been given due acknowledgement in history. 5 and 6 is 30. For the last 2000 years, India and China combinedly constituted 40% to 50% of the Reference world population. Their early, thriving Book- “Manachhuan Ganita” (Odia) - civilizations gave rise to singular achievements Archana Panigrahi, Published by “The Book Point”, Bhubaneswar. in all areas of human thought. As a result of prevailing Eurocentrism, many discoveries and „ Lecturer in Statistics, Surajmalsaha Mahavidyalaya, inventions of them are presently culturally Puri-752002 attributed to their Western counterparts. E-mail:[email protected] Mobile-7978780442 Science Horizon 17 NOVEMBER, 2020

Raising awareness of Indian and Arabic hundreds of years, even thousands of years in mathematics is all too often tempered with the case of the Ancient Period. The classical dismissive rejections of their importance period of Indian mathematics straddled the compared to Greek mathematics. The ancient and middle ages (400 AD to 1200 contributions from the great civilizations of AD). During these eras, many important India and China are perceived either as contributions were made by scholars, namely, borrowers from Greek sources or having made Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara-II, and only minor contributions to mainstream Varâhamihira. mathematical development. The decimal number system, so Indian mathematics emerged in the Indian commonplace today, was first recorded in subcontinent from 1200 BC until the end of Indian mathematics. Indian mathematicians the 18th century. Since this is a story of made early contributions to the study of the mathematicians, let us then, to be concept of zero as a number, negative numbers, mathematically precise (!) clarify what one arithmetic, and algebra. In addition, means by “Indian subcontinent”. trigonometry was further advanced in India, Geographically, the Indian subcontinent, and, in particular, the definitions of sine and is a southern region and peninsula of Asia, cosine laws. These mathematical concepts were primarily situated on the Indian Plate and transmitted to the Middle East, China, and projecting southwards into the Indian Ocean Europe and led to further developments that from the Himalayas. The Indian subcontinent now form the foundations of many areas of is related to the land mass that rifted from mathematics. Over time, our Indian Gondwana (the ancient supercontinent that subcontinent story became their European story. broke up 180 million years ago) and merged Ancient and medieval Indian with the Eurasian Plate nearly 55 million mathematical works, originally composed in years ago. In common parlance, the Indian Sanskrit, usually consisted of a section of subcontinent includes all or part of Bangladesh, sutras in which a set of rules or problems were Bhutan, India, Maldives,Nepal, Pakistan and stated with great economy in verse in order to Sri Lanka. The term “Indian subcontinent” is aid memorization by a student. This was used interchangeably with the term “South followed by a second section consisting of a Asia”. prose commentary (sometimes multiple One common way of demarcating eras commentaries by different scholars) that of our history, is into three separate eras or explained the problem in more detail and periods: the Ancient Period (3600 BC - 500 provided justification for the solution. In the AD), the Middle Ages (500 AD - 1500 AD), prose section, the form (and therefore its and the Modern Era (1500 AD - present). memorization) was not considered as According to this classification, the eras last important as the ideas involved. All

18 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 mathematical works were orally transmitted Indus Valley civilization and the Vedas to until approximately 500 BC; thereafter, they modern times. This is by no means a scholarly were transmitted both orally and in manuscript work or a comprehensive or a complete list of form. The oldest extant mathematical who might be considered “famous”; it is the document produced on the Indian subcontinent author’s selection and any errors and omissions is the birch bark Bakhshali Manuscript, the dear reader finds, I can only attribute to my discovered in 1881 in the village of Bakhshali, ignorance. Here, then, are the times they lived near Peshawar (modern day Pakistan) and is and their stories. likely from the 7th century AD. This birch 1. 800 BC– 600 BC (world population ~ 75 bark documents describe the use of “zero” as million) a place-holder - the earliest known Indian use The great Indus Valley Civilization had of a zero symbol. Like many gems of Indian begun and ended almost a thousand years ago, origin, this document is in British possession. having survived two thousand years in the A later landmark in Indian mathematics midst of the Bronze age. The Great Pyramid was the development of several types of of Giza was completed almost 1350 years ago series expansions for trigonometric functions and the mammoth has been extinct for a (sine, cosine, and arc tangent) by mathematicians thousand years. A mere 100 years ago the of the Kerala school in the 15th century AD. famous Iliad and the Odyssey were composed. Their remarkable work, completed two India witnessed the birth of the “Great centuries before the invention of calculus in Kingdoms”: the sixteen Maha Janapadas. In Europe, provided what is now considered the short order, The Buddha (563 BC), Confucius first example of a power series (apart from (551 BC) and the Mahavira (549 BC) strode geometric series). the world as the Magadha Empire rises to There is no doubt that the world today is dominance. greatly indebted to the contributions made by The two Major Epics of India: There is Indian mathematicians. The very foundations much scholarly debate regarding the dates of modern mathematics and the pillars upon of The Ramayana and The Mahabharata narration. Estimates range from 7th to 3rd which all subsequent leaps and bounds were centuries BC extending up to the 3rd made rest upon two key concepts, both century AD contributions made in the Indian subcontinent: Baudhayana the introduction of decimal system and the With the passage of three millennia since invention of zero. Baudhâyana composed his sutras has come the As a non-mathematician, I have tried to fog of antiquity wherein we are left to interpret bring together some vignettes of famous very dated texts. His sulva sutras comprise a mathematicians of the past and the present; group of Vedic Sanskrit texts which cover, in Indian mathematicians dating back from the

Science Horizon 19 NOVEMBER, 2020 addition to Vedic sacrifices, dharma, daily between Ashoka and Kalinga would be echoed rituals, mathematics, etc. The Baudhâyana again in the British conquest of India under the Sulvasutra is noted for containing several sulva stewardship of the East India Company – sutra early mathematical results, including an lucrative commerce and wealth. It was during approximation of the square root of 2 and these tumultuous years, in the Ancient Period the statement of the Pythagorean Theorem. of world history, that another great Indian In addition, another problem he tackled with mathematician arose. some success was finding a circle whose area Acharya Pingala is the same as that of a square. To him is attributed the authorship of the Pythagoras of Samos lived circa 570 BC Chandahsastra (also called Pingala-sutras), – 495 BC, a few decades separating him and the earliest known treatise on Sanskrit our mathematician of yore, and it is possible prosody. It presents the first known description that mathematical discoveries in India made of a binary numeral system in connection with their way to ancient Greece, and perhaps into the systematic enumeration of meters with Pythagoras’s study group. fixed patterns of short and long syllables. His approximation of the square root of 2 is (This is a contribution to physical given as: phenomenon). The discussion of the 11 combinatorics of meter corresponds to the 2| 1  | 1.41426, 33.4.34 binomial theorem. Halâyudha’s commentary which is accurate to five decimals. includes a presentation of Pascal’s triangle (called meruprastâra). Pingala’s work also 2. 300 BC – 200 BC (world population ~ 125 includes material related to the Fibonacci million) numbers, called mâtrâmeru, knowledge of Momentous events were occurring, both in which was known in India about 1500 years India and elsewhere. The evolution of the ago. Use of zero is sometimes ascribed to great Tamil literary tradition proceeded in Pingala due to his discussion of binary earnest. Although the Great Pyramid of Giza numbers, usually represented using 0 and 1 in in Egypt is more famous, a bigger pyramid modern discussion. Pingala used the Sanskrit began construction in Mexico, known as the word ‘sunya’ explicitly to refer to zero and Great Pyramid of Cholula. Ashoka became the some historians attribute the discovery of the Emperor of the great Mauryan Empire, his “zero” to him. philosophy to spread all over India and beyond The name of Leonardo of Pisa, also known in the centuries to come. This came about as Fibonacci (1170-1250) is attached to the because of the Kalinga war, one of the sequence: 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 ...... in which the nth term is given as: deadliests in ancient history, which led Ashoka U = U + U adopting Buddhism. The inducements to war n n-1 n-2

20 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020

Pascal’s triangle is a triangular array of the Aryabhata binomial coefficients. In much of the Western world, it is named after the French mathematician Blaise Pascal, although other mathematicians in India and elsewhere studied it centuries before him.

He also gave the formula (a + b)2 = a2 + b2 + 2ab His works imply that the ratio of the circumference to the diameter is (4 + 100) × 8 + 62000)/20000 = 62832/20000 In Pascal’s triangle, each number is the sum = 3.1416, which is accurate to five of the two numbers directly above it. significant figures. Aryabhata or Aryabhata-I was the first 3. 476 AD – 550 AD (world population ~ 175 of the major mathematician-astronomers from million) the classical age of Indian mathematics and Indian astronomy. His works include the Since our previous mathematician, events Âryabhatîya (which mentions that in 3600 were occurring that affect our lives now. The Kaliyuga, 499 AD, he was 23 years old) and Chera Dynasty, one of the major powers in the Arya-siddhanta. He also qualifies as a South India was flourishing. The last Roman major early physicist for his explicit mention emperor is forced to abdicate and the “Great of the relativity of motion (which is never Roman Empire” begins to dissolve. Western absolute). Europe descends into the “Dark Ages” a period of demographic, cultural and intellectual His major work, Aryabhatiya, a stagnation that lasted about decades of compendium of mathematics and astronomy, centuries. This period is arbitrarily used to was extensively referred to in the Indian demarcate the transition from Ancient to mathematical literature and has survived to Middle Ages. The year 525 AD initiated the modern times. The mathematical part of the Anno Domini era, used in Gregorian and Julian Aryabhatiya covers arithmetic, algebra, plane calendars, ubiquitous in our daily timekeeping. trigonometry, and spherical trigonometry. It also Muhammad, the last of the prophets sent by contains continued fractions, quadratic equations, God, will be born in the year 570 AD. sums-of-power series, and a table of sines.

Science Horizon 21 NOVEMBER, 2020

Aryabhata worked on the approximation Brahmagupta for pi (S ), and may have come to the conclusion thatS is irrational. If true, it is quite a sophisticated insight, much earlier than the proof of irrationality of pi (S ) in Europe only in 1761 AD by Lambert, the German mathematician (1728 – 1777 AD). He uses 3 as a "practical" value of ʋ, and ξͳͲൎ͵Ǥͳ͸ʹʹas an Aryabhata, long before it was "accurate" value of ʋ. The error in this "accurate" value is less recognized in the West, asserted that He uses 3 as a “practical” value of S , and the Earth is spherical and it revolves 3.1622 as an “accurate” value of S . The around the sun. He discovered the error in this “accurate” value is less. position of nine planets and stated that Brahmagupta was a mathematician and these planets too revolve around the sun. astronomer. He is the author of two works on He also stated the correct number of mathematics and astronomy: the days in a year to be 365. Brâhmasphutasiddhânta (BSS, “correctly Aryabhata worked on the place value established doctrine of Brahma”, dated 628 system using letters to signify numbers AD), a theoretical treatise, and the and stating qualities. It is speculated that Khandakhadyaka (“edible bite”, dated 665 Aryabhata might have been the head of the AD), a more practical text. The most significant Nalanda University and is also reputed to contribution of Brahmagupta was the have set up an observatory at the Sun introduction of zero (0) to mathematics which temple in Taregana, Bihar. stood for “nothing” and was the first to give rules to compute with zero. 4. 598 AD – 668 AD (world population ~ 200 million) Death and destruction are He also explained how to find the cube the major events of this time period. China and cube-root of an integer and gave rules makes massive invasions into the Korean facilitating the computation of squares and peninsula kingdom. The great Teotihuacan square roots. He made numerous early buildings in Mexico are set on fire and is contributions to the understanding of algebra, the precursor for the demise of their arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry and civilization and empire. The last great astronomy. Roman-Persian war ends in exhaustion on The significance of giving a practical both sides. Muhammad migrates from insight into the concept of zero cannot be Mecca to Medina and dies in 632 AD. The overstated. The entire edifice of the modern Dark Ages continue to shroud Europe in world, our entire civilization today, would barbarity and intellectual darkness. crumble, if not for the use of the zero.

22 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020

The historian of science George Sarton circle for the zero, and who gave a unique and called him “one of the greatest scientists of remarkable, rational approximation of the his race and the greatest of his time.” sine function in his commentary on Brahmagupta’s mathematical advances were Aryabhata’s work. His most important carried on further by Bhâskara II, a lineal mathematical contribution concerns the descendant in Ujjain, who described representation of numbers in a positional Brahmagupta as the ganaka- chakra- system. Moreover, Bhaskara stated theorems chudamani (the gem of the circle of about the solutions of today’s so-called Pell mathematicians). We can only describe the equations. Born in the district of Mysore, genius of Brahmagupta using the words of the this small town lad grew up to be the shining great German philosopher Arthur star. His contributions are mainly his proof Schopenhauer thus: of the fact that zero stood for ‘nothing’ (the “Talent hits a target no one else can hit; idea initially introduced by Bhramagupta). Genius hits a target no one else can see.” He made many calculations to prove so; division, permutation and combination 5. 600 AD – 680 AD (world population ~ theories. He also proved how the earth 205 million) appears to be flat even though it’s a sphere. After a reign of 700 years, the three Bhaskara I’s sine approximation formula is Kingdoms of Korea ends. The great empire a rational expression in one variable for the that influences Europe in the Middle Ages for computation of the approximate values of 400 years, the Bulgarian Empire, rises and the trigonometric sines. The formula is elegant, simple and it enables one to thrives in the shroud of the Dark ages. compute reasonably accurate values of Bhaskara trigonometric sines without using any geometry whatsoever: 16x S  x sin x|dud2 0 S , with a 54xxSS maximum error of 1.9% 6. 1088 AD – 1173 AD (world population ~ 320 million) Gunpowder, a revolutionary invention, was invented almost 300 years ago in China, another bastion of inventions. The oldest Commonly called Bhaskara I to avoid university in Europe was formed (the confusion with the 12th-century mathematician University of Bologna) in Italy. This is 1500 Bhâskara II, he was a 7th-century hundred years after the oldest university in the mathematician, who was the first to write world, Nalanda University was founded. numbers in the Hindu decimal system with a

Science Horizon 23 NOVEMBER, 2020

Hemachandra His most significant contribution in mathematics was his initial version of the Fibonacci sequence, some fifty years before O MIGHTY Fibonacci. He was not only a mathematician but PLANET VENUS also a scholar, polymath and poet who wrote on grammar, philosophy and contemporary history. A prodigious writer, Hemachandra wrote Vaibhavi Karthik grammars of Sanskrit and Prakrit, poetry, prosody, O Venus that lights the way, lexicons, texts on science and logic and many Those who take you in vain must pay. branches of Indian philosophy. It is said that Hemachandra composed 35 million verses in total, many of which are now lost. Therefore, his O Venus goddess of beauty and love, contributions are not only restricted to math but You fly swiftly through the sky like a dove. over all the various different fields that he had mastered over. To be continued.... O Venus morn and evening star, „ You are so beautiful you glint from afar. 2643 Williams Grant Street, Sugar Land, Texas 77479, USA (PDLO3VDKRR#JPDLOFRP You don’t show any secret tunnels, FOR SPECIAL ISSUE OF SCIENCE HORIZON Just zip through the blue as if in a funnel. A special issue of ‘Science Horizon’ (December 2020) on

‘ENERGY RESOURCES’ will be published. Authors are requested to contribute Articles/Essays/Fictions/Quiz/Science Cartoons on the Although it seems I’m telling a lie, above theme which may include topics on different sources of energy such as coal, petroleum oil, natural gas, nuclear, wind, solar, ocean, It’s you who lights the whole of the sky. biomass, hydel and any other new and renewable energy sources. „ „ „ Articles containing principle of operation and details of different Class - 4 power plants may also be sent. Gildersome Primary School, The article should ordinarily be of maximum five pages Town Street, Leeds LSS27 7AB printed on one side of A-4 size paper. Authors are further requested to send their articles by 15.11.2020 and give their E-mail, Contact details,

Passport size photographs etc. The articles should be sent to the

Secretary, Odisha Bigyan Academy by the following address by post/ in person and through E-mail ([email protected]).

Secretary, Odisha Bigyan Academy,

Plot No.-B/2, Saheed Nagar,

Bhubaneswar-751007, Odisha, India.

24 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020

ONE INTERESTING SERIES OF NILAKANTHA

Er. Mayadhar Swain Nilakantha Somayaji (1444 - 1544) was a and so on, which leads to the general results, great mathematician and astronomer of Kerala. One of his most influential works was the 111ªº2nn 1 1 1 §·..... §· §·§· astronomical treatise Tantrasamgraha «»¨¸  ¨¸ ¨¸¨¸ 344¬¼«»©¹ ©¹ 4 ©¹©¹ 4 3 completed in 1501. He had also composed an elaborate commentary on Aryabhatiya of Then Nilakantha has presented a crucial Aryabhata I (476-550) called the Aryabhatiya argument. As we sum more terms, the Bhasya. 1 1 difference between and sum of power of 3 4 In Araybhatiya Bhasya, Nilakantha had (as given by RHS of the above equation) discussed infinite series expansions of becomes extremely small, but never zero. So trigonometric functions and problems of when taken all the terms of the infinite series algebra and spherical geometry. One together (i.e. n of), RHS becomes zero. converging infinite series given by Nilakantha Hence, we obtain, in this book is;

2n 11§· §· 1 1 2n ¨¸...... ¨¸ 11§· §· 1 1 44©¹ ©¹ 4 3 ¨¸...... ¨¸ ..... 44©¹ ©¹ 4 3

People earlier believed that study of Nilakantha has given a proof of this converging mathematics was over in India after series in his book. Proceeding to prove the Bhaskaracharya (1114 - 1185). But after the series, he first obtains the sequence of results discovery of the works of Kerala School of such as, Mathematics by Englishman C.M. Whish in 11 1  1835, it is now known that mathematics was 3 4 4.3 studied and many fundamental theorems had 11 1  been found out for about three hundred years 4.3 4.4 4.4.3 after Bhaskaracharya. 11 1  „ 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.4.4.3 Plot No. 70, Laxmi Vihar Phase – 1 Bhubaneswar – 751018 Phone : 9438693724

Science Horizon 25 NOVEMBER, 2020 DRAGONFLY: primarily of its enormous compound eyes THE HAWK OF THE containing 30,000 facets, so they have near INSECT WORLD 3600 vision. Dragonflies reproduce by laying 1Dr. Raj Ballav Mohanty eggs near the water body which hatch in to an 2Dr. Taranisen Panda aquatic nymph. It preys on larva, tadpole and The dragonfly is a flying insect belonging even small fish, live in water up to 2 years and ultimately metamorphose in to adult stage to the order Odonata and infraorder Anisoptera. The fossil record shows that they were present which comes out of water and fly. The adult dragonfly lives for only 2 to 3 weeks. in our mother earth from around 325 millions years ago i.e. from upper carboniferous period. Food & Nutrition There are about 3012 different species of Dragonflies are exclusively carnivorous, dragonfly living in warmer parts of every eating a wide variety of insects ranging from continent except Antarctica. butterflies, moths, damselflies, mosquitoes The body of dragonfly has 3 distinct and even small dragonfly. They intercept and segments i.e. the head, thorax and abdomen as catch their prey in mid air. Dragonflies are in all insects. Head is large with very short insect world’s most efficient hunters, catching antennae, dominated by two compound eyes, up to 95% of the prey they pursue. Hence, two pairs of short transparent wings, sometimes they are called the “hawk of the insect world”. of coloured patches. They are powerful and Also, they become the prey of night hawks, agile fliers, moving in any direction and can swifts, flycatchers and swallows and wasps suddenly change their path. Their flight speed those who predate it. varies from 15-30 mile per hour. Another Nature & Behaviour interesting thing is that each wing out of 4 can Dragonflies are cold blooded creatures work independently. The head is comprised and raise their body temperature by basking in

26 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 the sun. Some dragonflies are territorial and STORIES OF defend their territory against intruders. GENES: II The Moreover, some of them migrate like birds GENETIC CODE and they cover long distance up to 11,000 miles back and forth across the Indian Ocean. G.B.N. Chainy Bio-indicators Stories on genes is unaccomplished Dragonfly depends on healthy aquatic without referring to the genetic code as it is environment as well as healthy food chain to the soul of genes. The present article is in reproduce and survive. So, their presence in continuation to my earlier article published in sizable number indicates a healthy Science Horizon October, 2020 on Stories of environment. Genes. Hence, in the present article briefly we Helpful To Human Being will discuss genetic code. All living organisms They consume and control the number are defined by the information coded in their of mosquitoes, flies and other insects harmful genome. Most of the functions of living to human beings. In fact, they catch and eat 30 organisms are executed through different types to 100 mosquitoes per day. Thereby they of proteins. All proteins are made up of twenty benefit the gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts natural amino acids. Most organisms can make and help reduce the use of pesticides to kill more or less some amino acids but depend on the insects. their diet for others. For example: we can make 12 amino acids in our body whereas a bacteria Dragonfly Parks can make all of them. For convenience of readers, Realizing its role and importance in names and abbreviation of twenty amino acids making a healthy environment, dragonfly parks are given in box 1. Since they are present in all are developed in some European countries to proteins, they are commonly referred to as natural conserve these beneficial creatures. amino acids. Nevertheless, all living organisms Inspiration synthesize proteins in their cells by reading the The flight of the dragonfly is so special information coded in their genes. This that, it has inspired the engineers who dream information has been encoded using two base of making robots that can fly like dragonfly. pair genetic alphabet since the beginning of life NASA has also planned a dragonfly mission to on earth. Several questions come to our mind. Titan in 2026. How is information coded in genes of cells? How does cell read above codes? Why does „ 1Ex-Reader in Botany, Plot No. 1311/7628, Satya Bihar, genetic code not change with time? Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751010 Information Flow in Living System 2Department of Botany, Chandbali College, Chandbali, Bhadrak- 756133, Odisha, India The mystery was unveiled in 1964 after Email: [email protected] a decade of the discovery of DNA. By this Science Horizon 27 NOVEMBER, 2020

The next question comes to mind how information of twenty amino acids are concealed in four bases of DNA. By this time, Robert Holley from the USA isolated transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA). The tRNA is a short ribonucleic acid that helps cells to decode a mRNA sequence to a protein. It acts as an adaptor molecule time, scientists have confirmed that twenty between a mRNA and a protein. Cells have amino acids are alphabet of all proteins while specific tRNA for each amino acid. It brings four bases (adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine specific amino acid to a growing protein (C) and guanine (G)) are alphabet of chain as per the information present in mRNA. deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), genetic In 1965, Robert Holley for the first time, material, of all living organisms. Messenger determined the sequence of a nucleic acid, ribonucleic acid (mRNA) molecules carrying alanine-tRNA. information present in DNA move from Decoding the Code nucleus to cytoplasm In 1961, Crick along with his colleague where proteins are Brenner proposed the general nature of genetic synthesized. The mRNA, code for proteins from genetic experiments a single chain nucleic conducted on T4 bacteriophage, a virus that acid, is made up of four infects E.coli (bacteria).They noticed that common nucleotides as induction of a mutation (deleting or inserting that of DNA except it of a base pair) in a gene causes muddling of contains uridine (U) entire code beyond the site of mutation. But instead of thymine (T). when three base pairs were either deleted or So, it was apparent that inserted into phage, the sense of code beyond information for synthesis of proteins are the point of insert or deletion is retained. present in DNA. Francis Crick, a co- They deducted that the code for amino acids discoverer of DNA with James Watson, are present in DNA as triplet base. However, proposed flow of information from DNA to more conclusive experimental evidences were protein by his famous Central Dogma in 1957 still lacking to demonstrate a link between which holds true even today. four bases of DNA and twenty amino acids of

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enzymatic methods and analysed incorporation of amino acids in peptides synthesized from these synthetic mRNAs. A brief explanation of his experimental approach is given in figure 2. First a defined double helical DNA polymer was synthesized by a chemical or enzymatic (DNA polymerase) method which had repeat di, tri or tetra de- oxyribonucleotides of different proteins. In the same year, in an elegant combinations. From this, a mRNA was experiment Marshall Nirenberg and his colleague Matthaei from the USA demonstrated that a synthetic poly-uridylic acid (polyU), aribonucleic acid containing only uracil, when subjected to a cell free protein synthesis system (see box 2), selectively made a polypeptide containing only phenylalanine amino acid residues. They synthesized polyU using an enzyme, polynucleotide phosphorylase, was discovered by Marianne Grunberg-Manago in 1955. Soon the group demonstrated that poly C and poly A form polypeptide chains synthesized using RNA polymerase. of polyproline and polylysine, respectively. Synthesized mRNA was subjected to a cell Within few years, Nirenberg and his colleagues free protein synthesis system followed by were able to decipher codons for several amino analysis of amino acids incorporation into the acids. They were also able to notice that code newly synthesized peptide (Figure-2) . For is triplet and degenerate in nature. Soon, an example : A ribonucleic acid which contains Indian born American biochemist Har Gobind uracil and cytosine alternatively Khorana synthesized different RNA chains in (UCUCUCUCU) when subjected to a cell free definite patterns with the help of chemical and protein synthesis system synthesises a

Science Horizon 29 NOVEMBER, 2020 dipeptide containing serine and leucine For universal nature of genetic code, bacterial alternatively. And using such several system can express human recombinant DNA. combinations of bases A, U, C and G, he It is unambiguous in nature. It means one confirmed that genetic code is consisted of codon of genetic code is dedicated for one 64 distinct three-letter words known as amino acid. You can think the importance of it. codons. Khorana also observed that codons Due to above reason no other amino acid can replace a destined position of an amino acid in a protein. Thus, all proteins maintain their integrity. Genetic code is redundant or degenerate in nature. It means several codons can code for one amino acid. For example: there are six codons for arginine, four codons for glycine, three codons for isoleucine and two codons for tyrosine and only one codon for methionine. If you observe the genetic code carefully, you will find that third base of the codon varies. Codons that encode same amino acids are called synonym. do not overlap. Subsequently, some three- The significance of degeneration of third letter codons were found that instruct cells to codon position is not very clear. Many suggest stop the protein synthesis. AUG has dual role. that such degeneracy of genetic code has played It normally codes for methionine and serves an important role in evolution of organisms. as start signal in protein synthesis. Thus, Another important characteristic of genetic code genetic code was deciphered (Box 3). For is its non-overlapping nature. Genetic code their seminal contribution in understanding does not have any punctuation to distinguish genetic code, Har Gobind Khorana, Marshall between codons. For example : Nirenberg and Robert W Holley were awarded UCUGUCAUCCCG codes for serine, leucine the 1968 Nobel Prize. serine and proline, respectively. Nature of the Genetic code Consequences of changes in bases of codons Genetic code is universal in nature. It Any change in first two bases of the means that for all living organisms, the genetic triplet codon will cause changes in amino acid code is the same. It has a lot of application. sequence of proteins. Such changes in codons

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universal nature. For example: human mitochondrial DNA, UGA codes for tryptophan rather acts for a stop signal. Also, AGA and AGG are read as stop signal in human DNA mitochondria instead of arginine and AUA codes for methionine rather isoleucine. Also, some deviations in genetic code are recorded in some invertebrates. Outlook In 1968, Crick commented that genetic code is a frozen accident of evolution which cannot evolve any more. So, people thought that the story of genetic code comes to an end. Most people accepted that DNA molecule will cause synthesis of defective proteins that has the maximum capacity to accommodate can affect our physiological functions. Sickle only two base pairs and translation of proteins cell anaemia is an example of it. Beta globin is apparatus is robust that it cannot be modified. a single chain protein containing 147 amino Human mind is curious. By mid-nineties acid residues. In normal human beings, the scientists asked the possibilities of expanding chain has glutamic acid at position 6. CAG is genetic code either by increasing its alphabet the codon for glutamic acid. Due to a point from four bases to six or eight with unnatural mutation CAG changed to GTG which codes base pairs or modulate genetic code functions for valine. So, in sickle cell anaemia, beta chain by engineering the translational apparatus for of haemoglobin is a defective which resulted incorporation of non-standard amino acids in poor oxygen carrying capacity of into proteins other than twenty natural amino. haemoglobin. On the other hand, suppose a More than two decades of hard work, scientists base is deleted or inserted then consequences were able to expand the alphabet of genetic will be a disaster. In both cases a shift in code from 4 to 6, then to 8 by introducing reading frame occurs. It is known as frame shift unnatural base pairs. This will expand mRNA mutation. Frame shift mutations are deleterious. having 6 to 8 nucleotides and expand the Deviations in the Genetic Code capacity of building of new proteins from  However, some deviations are recorded numerous non-standard amino acids available in case of the genetic code violating its in Nature. Scientists are able to engineer

Science Horizon 31 NOVEMBER, 2020 translational apparatus of cells to incorporate MASK: A NEED desired non-standard amino acids into FOR SURVIVAL proteins. These synthetic proteins may have immense therapeutic or pharmaceutical or biological applications in future. Expanding genetic code from 4 to 8 bases will Dr. Pranab Kumar Ghosh exponentially increase the amount of “Wearing a mask is a gesture that combinatorial information that a single DNA communicates solidarity during an epidemic- molecule can contain. New synthetic a time when a community is vulnerable to organisms can be developed that can clean being divided by fear, between the healthy environment or can produce new proteins of and the sick.” immense therapeutic value. In another issue, - Christos Lynteris, we will discuss expansion of genetic code and Medical Anthropologist its consequences. The human race is going through one of Further Readings: the toughest situations since time immemorial. The covid pandemic has challenged the human 1. Science Horizon Vol 5, Issue 10 “STORIES OF GENES : 1. DNA, GENES, race like nothing before and every country is CHROMOSOMES AND GENOMES by facing a very serious situation. India is also G. B. N . C hainy facing the cruelty of covid. As a country we are 2. Nature (1961)Vol.192 pp1227 “General adding more and more new cases every day, it Nature of the Genetic Code for Proteins” by shows how serious the situation is in India. F.H.C. Crick, L. Barnett, S. Brenner and R.J. Watts-Tobin (available in internet). Covid 19 pandemic has led to 3. Nobel Lecture “The Genetic Code” by unanticipated challenges that require collective Marshall Nirenberg, Decemebr 12, 1968 action and support from all. All necessary (available in internet). measures to fight the spread of Novel Corona 4. Nobel Lecture December 12,1968 “Nucleic Virus (covid 19) are being effectively led by acid synthesis in the study of the genetic code” by H. Gobind Khorana, December 12, 1968 the government, but there is a need for us to ( available in internet). practice some preventive behavioral practices 5. Resonance (2012)Vol.17 (12) pp 1136 “The in a sustained manner like - Greet without Genetic Code: Yesterday, Today, and physical contact; Maintain physical distance; Tomorrow” by J. Ling and D. Soll. (available Wear reusable face cover or mask; Avoid in internet). touching eyes, nose and mouth; Maintain „ Former Professor of Utkal University, respiratory hygiene; Wash hands frequently 603, Sri Sudarshan Tower, and thoroughly; Do not spit in the public Saheed Nagar, Bhubaneswar E-mail: [email protected] places; Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces; Avoid unnecessary

32 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 travel; Discourage crowd. Among these advertised: ‘Wear a mask and Save Your Life! practices, wearing a mask has become the A Mask is 99% Proof against Influenza.’ topmost priority in our day to day life. How to Wear a Mask History 1. Wear mask so nasal clip is over the nose. Polish bacteriologist Carl Flugge External pleats should face downwards. demonstrated in the 1890s that respiratory 2. Open mask pleats so it covers mouth and droplets contain bacteria. In 1897, his nose. collaborator and surgeon Johann Mikulicz started 3. Tie upper strings first, and then lower using ‘a piece of gauze tied by two strings’ to the strings. There should be no gap between cap and sweeping across the face so as to cover face and mask. the nose and mouth during operation. 4. Do not touch front of the mask. In 1902, Dr. Alice Hamilton, a faculty of 5. Remove by first untying lower string and Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia then upper string. conducted research by keeping culture plate 6. Replace mask after 8 hours or when on a table while the surgeon carried out his damp/humid. operation and spoke up to 500 words, an 7. Dispose the mask in the recommended average of 75 bacterial colonies was identified. manner. She also observed that talking released droplets up to 24 cms while with coughing it was 36 8. Clean hands after removal of mask. cms. She concluded that this spray of saliva 9. Do not reuse single use mask, or surgical through the mouth of surgeon can cause masks. harmful wound infection to the patient getting 10. Wash and dry cloth mask daily and keep operated. She published her paper in The it in a clean, dry place. Journal of American Medical Association 11. Put the mask off when you are alone. (JAMA) of the year 1905. She advised the 12. Reduce the use of mask while isolating surgeons and nurses of her institution to use a you most of the time. mask to cover their mouth so that this infection 13. Do not use it at home. is prevented. By 1935, almost all surgeons wore face masks. 14. Do not share your masks with others, even if you are not sick. The general people had also learnt to use them during pandemics. During the Great 15. Make sure the mask does not have any Manchurian Plague of 1910-1911, face masks hole or tear. had been deemed effective. San Francisco Different Types of Mask made them compulsory during the 1918-19 Surgical masks: These are to be used by Spanish Flu pandemic. The Red Cross healthcare workers, patients with covid-19

Science Horizon 33 NOVEMBER, 2020 symptoms and care givers to patients. They and physical distancing is difficult, such as are disposable, and meant to be used only public transport, in shops or in either confined once. or crowded environment.” Homemade masks: These may be machine Several recent studies have shown that made, hand sown or made using materials you masks indeed stop the virus from spreading. have at home. They are for use in public American computer scientist De Kal published settings like grocery stores, pharmacies or at a research paper that says if 80% of people home for high risk individual. wear masks, the number of infections would Other alternatives: If you can’t buy or make fall by almost 92%. But if only 30-40% of the a mask, the next best alternative is to tie a people wear them, you will get almost no cotton handkerchief, bandana or scarf around beneficial effect at all. A study published in your face. Ensure that two layers of the cotton ‘The Proceedings of the National Academy cloth cover your nose and face snugly. of the Sciences’ of the USA reported wearing a mask is the most effective way to stop the N95 respirators: These are reserved primarily virus, as it blocks the atomization and inhalation for health workers and form a part of Personal of virus-bearing aerosols (that) represents the Protective Equipment (PPE). dominant route for infection. A modeling study Why Masks are a Need for Survival? led by the University of Cambridge suggests Initially, during outbreak of covid, the an entire population wearing masks of just World Health Organisation (WHO) opposed 75% effectiveness can bring a very high RO the use of face masks by the general public. (RO is the number of people to whom an Later on the WHO changed its advice by infected person passes the virus) of 4 to less saying –”the general public should wear the than 1. A study conducted by researchers from masks where there is wide-spread transmission US, Canada and Poland analysed Covid-19

Fig. A: Wear a Mask, Save Your Life

34 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 mortality in 198 countries to assess the impact of masks on the spread of infection. They found in the 18 countries, including South Korea and Hongkong, which required wearing of masks in public within 3 weeks of the outbreak’s onset, average mortality rate was 1.6 per million people by the month of May. But countries that waited longer to acquire masks in public saw higher average death rate, while those that did not require masks at all, show very high mortality rate. Fig.B: Wear Mask for World Another report published in the Covid 19 has become a pandemic because Lancet, researchers reviewed 172 studies it is highly contagious. This is why health experts analyzing disease outbreaks to assess the across the world have argued in favour of everyone effectiveness of masks. They found , not wearing a mask. Therefore many countries had wearing masks led to an average 17.4% chance issued national advisories. India was early mover of infection transmission compared to just in asking all citizens to wear masks. 3.1% for those wearing masks. Similarly, a study published in Nature, analyzing non- The mask does not only protect its pharmaceutical interventions in China, South wearers from infection but also portrays them Korea, Italy, France and the US, researchers and their immediate social environment in a found that Covid-19 cases grew at 38% a day spectacle of medical reason and hygienic before containment measures were awareness. Another good news is that the implemented. But the growth rate of cases fell simple face mask mandatory in the fight against sharply when social distancing, mandatory the covid 19 pandemic may just help India to masks were introduced. meet its target of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by 2025. According to the leading US based health care expert Dr Atul Gawande the basic logic of Demerits of Masks wearing a mask is ‘I protect you, you protect i Mask is supposed to be used for a limited me.’ Research has shown it is not just coughing time. If you wear it for a long time: and sneezing but also the simple act of talking oxygen in blood may reduce, you start which lead to emission of droplets that may feeling weak which may lead to health infect another person. Wearing a mask properly hazard. is effective both ways, by offering protection i Many commercially available masks are against droplets and by reducing emission. made from layers of plastic and are

Science Horizon 35 NOVEMBER, 2020

designed to be single-use. According to Wear it because you care. an analysis by scientists at University Wear it because you dare. College London, if every person in UK Wear it to fight. uses one single use mask everyday for a To defend. year, an extra 66,000 tonnes of To protect. contaminated plastic waste will be generated. Wear it to encourage. i Running while wearing a tightly sealed To encourage your country. mask, adds extra load on the respiratory Every country man, woman and child. muscles while breathing. This can lead Every caste, creed and religion.

to an increase in the build-up of CO2, Wear it whenever you step out of home. which could harm lungs. Everywhere, every time. i Wearing a mask for a long time can Clean it regularly. cause a lot of sweating, which may get Wear it for yourself. trapped inside the mask. That is good for Wear it for your family. any kind of bacteria or virus growth. Wear it for India. i Some people feel they cannot breathe properly with a mask on. The feeling of Make Your Own Mask. something covering their face makes Wear Your Own Mask.” them uncomfortable, feeling suffocated. The importance of wearing a mask is i Dermatologists say that excessive use now widely understood. Look around you, of masks can irritate the skin behind and almost everyone has a mask strapped on. your ears as the elastic keeps rumbling Experts say masks will remain an integral against it. part of our lives for a long time and will become as common as wearing a pair of Wear Your Own Mask sunglasses or a cap. The following is a slogan launched by the Times of India, a daily newspaper, to „ ADVENT, popularize among people about importance of M-87 using home-made mask. Baramunda Housing Board Colony, Baramunda “Wear it with courage. Bhubaneswar -751003 Wear it with pride. Mob: 9871399580 Wear it together. Wear it to stand as one. Wear it to show your support.

36 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 HUMUS- THE SKELETON Chemically, humus consists of certain OF SOIL constituents of the original plant material 1Meenakhi Prusty resistant to further decomposition; of 2Monika Ray substances undergoing decomposition; of Introduction complexes resulting from decomposition, either by processes of hydrolysis or by The term “humus” dates back to the time oxidation and reduction; and of various of the Romans, when it was frequently used to compounds synthesized by microorganisms. designate the soil as a whole. It was later applied to the organic matter of soils and Humus composts or to different fractions of this Humus is a complex and rather resistant organic matter, as well as to complexes formed mixture of brown or dark brown amorphous by the action of chemical reagents upon a and colloidal organic substance that results variety of organic substances. from microbial decomposition and has Wallerius first defined “humus” in 1761 chemical and physical properties of great in terms of decomposed organic matter. significance to soils and plants. However, the prevailing ideas concerning the Humus is separated from the non humic chemical nature of humus and the mechanism substances such as carbohydrates (a major of its formation were very vague. Most often fraction of soil carbon), fats, waxes, alkanes, it was considered as a complex formed in peptides, amino acids, proteins, lipids and soils, in bags, or in composts, from plant organic acids by the fact that distinct chemical residues, by a special process of formulae can be written for these non humic “humification”. substances. Most small molecules of non humic De Saussure, in his famous work, substances are rapidly degraded by “Recherches Chimiques Sur La Vegetation”, microorganisms within the soil. In contrast soil devoted considerable attention to humus. He humus is slow to decompose (degrade) under found that it is not a homogeneous substance, natural soil conditions. When in combination but that it consists of various complexes which with soil minerals soil humus can persist in the can be readily removed. soil for several hundred years. Humus is the major soil organic matter component, making Waksman defines humus as “a complex up 65% to 75% and assumes an important role aggregate of brown to dark colored amorphous as a fertility component. substances, which have originated during the decomposition of plant and animal residues Humic Substances by microorganisms, under aerobic and Humic substances are the components anaerobic conditions, usually in soils, of humus and as such are high molecular composts, peat bogs, and water basins”. weight compounds that together form the

Science Horizon 37 NOVEMBER, 2020 brown to black hydrophilic, molecularly molecular features of humic substances relates flexible, polyelectrolytes called humus. Many back to the precursor compounds and the of the components of humus are heterogenous, environmental conditions under which the relatively large stable organic complexes. They humic substances formed. Humic substances function to give the soil structure, porosity, have been shown to contain a wide variety of water holding capacity, cation and anion molecular components. Some typical exchange, and are involved in the chelation of components are: polysaccharides; fatty acids; mineral elements. The elemental analysis of polypeptides; lignins; esters; phenols; ethers; humic substances reveals that they are primarily carbonyls; quinones; lipids: peroxides; various composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, combination of benzene, acetal, ketal, and lactol, nitrogen, and sulfur in complex carbon chains and furan ringed compounds; and aliphatic (aliphatic components that make up (carbon chains) compounds. The oxidative approximately 40% 50% of the total) C CCC degradation of some humic substances produces and 4, 5, and 6 member carbon rings (aromatic aliphatic, phenolic, and benzenecarboxylic components that make up 35 60% of the total) acids in addition to n alkanes and n fatty acids. with C C,C N and C=O groupings. The major phenolic acids released contain Preliminary understandings about how approximately 3 hydroxyl ( OH) groups and humic substances are formed is based on 4 between 1 and 5 carboxyl (COOH) groups. published theories: Humic substances can be subdivided into (1) Lignin modification three major fractions (1) HUMIN, (2) HUMIC ACIDS (HAs), and (3) FULVIC ACIDS (FAs). (2) Quinone Amino Acid Interaction These subdivisions are arbitrarily based on the (3) Microbial Synthesis of Aromatics solubility of each fraction in water adjusted to (4) The Mallard Reaction (a sugar amino different acid alkaline (pH levels) conditions. acid reaction sequence). Humins Each theory describes complicated biotic Humins are that fraction of humic and abiotic reactions in which a variety of organic substances which are not soluble in alkali compounds, such as phenolic compounds (eg. (high pH) and not soluble in acid (low pH). lignins), complex carbohydrates, and Humins are not soluble in water at any pH. nitrogenous substances are resynthesized to Humin complexes are considered macro form large complex polymers. In order for organic (very large) substances because their these polymerization reactions to proceed, molecular weights range from approximately inorganic mineral catalysts must be present. 100,000 to 10,000,000. In comparison the Therefore, the availability of trace minerals is molecular weights of carbohydrates (complex a requirement for the formation of humic sugars) range from approximately 500 to substance. The extreme variability in the 100,000. The chemical and physical properties

38 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 of humins are only partially understood. As a result humic acids function as important Humins present within the soil is the most ion exchange and metal complexing (chelating) resistant to decomposition (slow to systems in the soil. breakdown) of all the humic substances. Some Fulvic Acids of the main functions of humins within the Fulvic acids (FAs) are a mixture of weak soil are to improve the soil’s water holding aliphatic and aromatic organic acids which are capacity, to improve soil structure, to maintain soluble in water at all pH conditions (acidic, soil stability, to function as a cation exchange neutral and alkaline). Their composition and system, and to generally improve soil fertility. shape is quite variable. The size of fulvic acids Humic Acids are smaller than humic acids,with molecular Humic Acids comprise a mixture of weak weights which range from approximately 1,000 aliphatic (carbon chains) andaromatic (carbon to 10,000. Fulvic acids have an oxygen content rings) organic acids which are not soluble in twice that of humic acids. They have many water under acid conditions but are soluble in carboxyl (COOH) and hydroxyl ( COH) groups, water under alkaline conditions. Humic acids thus fulvic acids are much more chemically consist of that fraction of humic substances reactive. The exchange capacity of fulvic acids that are precipitated from aqueous solution is more than double that of humic acids. This when the pH is decreased below 2. On an high exchange capacity is due to the total average 35% of the humic acid molecules are number of carboxyl groups present. The number aromatic (carbon rings), while the remaining of carboxyl groups present in fulvic acids ranges components are in the form of aliphatic from 520 to 1120 cmol (H+)/kg. Fulvic acids (carbon chains) molecules. The molecular size collected from many different sources and of humic acids range from approximately analyzed, show no evidence of methoxy groups

10,000 to 100,000. Humic acid polymers ( CH3) groups, they are low in phenols, and are readily bind clay minerals to form stable less aromatic compared to humic acids from organic clay complexes. Peripheral pores in the same sources. the polymer are capable of accommodating Because of the relatively small size of (binding) natural and synthetic organic fulvic acid molecules they can readily enter chemicals in a lattice (clathrate) type plant roots, stems, and leaves. As they enter arrangements. Humic acids readily form salts these plant parts they carry trace minerals from with inorganic trace mineral elements. An plant surfaces into plant tissues. Fulvic acids analysis of extracts of naturally occurring are key ingredients of high quality foliar humic acids will reveal the presence of over fertilizers. Foliar spray applications containing 60 different mineral elements. These trace fulvic acid mineral chelates, at specific plant elements that are bound to humic acid can be growth stages, can be used as a primary readily utilized by various living organisms. production technique for maximizing the plants

Science Horizon 39 NOVEMBER, 2020 productive capacity. Once applied to plant photosynthetic apparatus to capture energy from foliage fulvic acids transport trace minerals the Sun thus must survive on residual carbon directly to metabolic sites in plant cells. They containing substances on or in the soil. Energy are the most effective carbon containing stored within the carbon bonds functions to chelating compounds known. They are plant provide energy for various metabolic reactions compatible, thus nontoxic when applied at within these organisms. Beneficial soil relatively low concentrations. organisms (algae, yeasts, bacteria, fungi +XPDWHV nematodes, mycorrhizae, and small animals) perform many beneficial functions which Humates are metal (mineral) salts of influence soil fertility and plant health. For humic or fulvic acids. The formation of a example, the bacteria release organic acids humate is based on the ability of the carboxyl which aid in the solubilization of mineral and hydroxyl groups (on the outside of the elements bound in soil. Bacteria also releases polymers) to dissociate (expel) the hydrogen complex polysaccharides (sugar based ion. Once the hydrogen ions are dissociated a compounds) that help create soil crumbs negatively charged anion ( COO- or CO-) (aggregates). Soil crumbs give soil a desirable results. Two of these anions can bind to positive structure. Other beneficial soil microorganisms metal cations, such as Iron (Fe++), copper such as the Actinomyces release antibiotics (Cu++), zinc (Zn++), calcium (Ca++), into the soil. These antibiotics are taken up by manganese (Mg++), and magnesium (Mg++). the plant to protect it against pests. Antibiotics The simplified reaction (COO- + also function to create desirable ecological Fe++ oCOOFe+ + H) proceeds to bind two balances of soil organisms on the root surface anions, frequently a COOH and a COH group. (rhizoplane) and in soil near the roots The humate composition of any one humic (rhizosphere). Fungi also perform many substance is specific for that substance. As there beneficial functions in soils. For example, exists a large variability in the molecular mycorrhizae aid plant roots in the uptake of composition of different humic substances, water and trace elements. Other fungi humates from different mineral deposits would decompose crop residues and vegetative matter be expected to have their own unique features. releasing bound nutrients for other organisms. Humic Substances and Their Influence on Many of the organic compounds released by Soil Fertility fungi aid in forming humus and soil crumbs. Humic substances are a good source of Beneficial soil animals create tunnel like energy for beneficial soil organisms. Humic channels in the soil. These channels allow the substances and non humic (organic) compounds soil to breathe, and exchange gases with the provide the energy and many of the mineral atmosphere. Soil animals also aid in the requirements for soil microorganisms and soil formation of humus, and help balance the animals. Beneficial soil organisms lack the concentration of soil microorganisms. A

40 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 healthy fertile soil must contain sufficient the cohesive forces that cause very fine soil carbon containing compounds to sustain the particles and clay components to attract each billions of microscopic life forms required other. Once formed these aggregates help create for a fertile soil and a healthy plant. A living a desirable crumb structure in the top soil, soil is a fertile healthy soil. making it more friable. Soils with good crumb Humus functions to improve the soil’s structure have improved tilth, and more porous water holding capacity. The most important openings (open spaces). These pores allow for function of humic substances within the soil gaseous interchange with the atmosphere, and is their ability to hold water. Humic substances for greater water infiltration. The mean help to create a desirable soil structure that residence times of these organo mineral facilitates water infiltration and helps hold complex aggregates varies with different humic water within the root zone. Because of the substances. The mean residence time of humic large surface area and internal electrical substances within these aggregates, based on charges, humic substances function as water radiocarbon dating, using extracts from non sponges. These sponge like substances have disturbed soils, is as follows: humin,1140 the ability to hold seven times their volume in years; humic acid, 1235 years; and fulvic acid, water, a greater water holding capacity than 870 years. Man has shortened the residence sod clays. Soils which contain high time of humic substances by excessive concentrations of humic substances hold water fertilizing and by using tilling practices that for crop use during periods of drought. This is cause excessive weathering of sods. In order to why growers who apply humate based fertilizers retain humic substances within the soil, growers and integrate production practices which need to implement production practices which preserve humic substances, can frequently prevent their decomposition. Growers need to harvest a crop during periods of dry weather. develop practices which retain the residence time of humic substances. It is essential to avoid Humic substances are key components destructive fertilization practices, rotate crops, of a friable (loose) soil structure. Various minimize pesticide usage, deep plowing, and carbon containing humic substances are key mix crop residues in the top soil by using components of soil crumbs (aggregates). minimum tillage practices. Soils which contain Complex carbohydrates synthesized by bacteria adequate humic substances have improved tilth and humic substances function together with (workability) and are thus more efficiently clay and silt to form soil aggregates. As the maintained for crop production. humic substances become intimately associated with the mineral fraction of the soil, colloidal Degradation or inactivation of toxic complexes of humus-clay and humus silt substances is mediated by humic substances. aggregates are formed. These aggregates are Soil humic substances function to either formed by electrical processes which increase stabilize or assist in the degradation of toxic

Science Horizon 41 NOVEMBER, 2020 substances such as: nicotine, aflatoxins, soil moisture is less likely to be released into antibiotics, shallots, and most organic the atmosphere. pesticides. In the microbial degradation process Water bridging is an important function not all of the carbon contained within these of humic and fulvic acids. Water bridging by toxins is released as CO2, a portion of these humic substances involves the attraction of a toxic molecules, primarily the aromatic ring water molecule followed by the attraction of compounds are stabilized and integrated within a mineral element cation (simply illustrated the complex polymers of humic substances. - - + by ( COO H2O Fe ) at an anionic site on the Humic substances have electrically charged humic or fulvic acid polymers. The water sites on their surfaces which function to attract holding capacity of humic substances and their and inactivate pesticides and other toxic ability to bind trace mineral elements function substances. For this reason the Environmental together in water bridging. Water bridging is Protection Agency recommends the use of believed to improve the mobility of nutrient humates for clean up of toxic waste sites. ions through the soil solution to the root. Humic substances buffer (neutralize) the These mechanisms also help reduce leaching soil pH and liberate carbon dioxide. Humic of plant nutrients into the subsoil. The presence substances function to buffer the hydrogen of humic substances within saline soils (those ion (pH) concentration of the soil. Repeated soils which contain high salt concentrations, field studies have provided experimental e.g. sodium chloride) aid in the transmutation evidence that the addition of humic substances of the sodium ions. The transmutation to soils helps to neutralize the pH of those reactions, a biological process that occurs soils. Both acidic and alkaline soils are within living organisms, result in the combining neutralized. Once the soil is neutralized, then of sodium with a second element, such as many trace elements formerly bound in the oxygen, to form a new element. Although the soil and unavailable to plant roots, because of theory of transmutation has met considerable alkaline or acidic conditions, become available opposition by some traditional physicists and to the plant roots. chemists, biologists have recorded convincing Humic substances help to stabilize soil data to prove that transmutation occurs in living temperatures and slow the rate of water organisms. Application of humins, humic acids, evaporation.The insulating properties of and fulvic acids to saline soils, in combination humic substances help to maintain a more with specific soil organisms, results in a uniform soil temperature, especially during reduction in the concentration of sodium salts periods of rapid climatic changes, such as (e.g. NaCI). The reduction is not correlated cold spell or heat waves. As water is bound with a leaching of the salt, rather with an within the humic substances and humic increase in the concentration of other substances reduce temperature fluctuations, elements. The addition of humic substances to

42 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020 soils containing excessive salts can help reduce QUIZ: the concentration of those salts. By reducing COVID-19 the salt content of a soil its fertility and health PANDEMIC can be “brought back” to provide a more desirable environment for plant root growth. Dr. Bibhuti Narayan Biswal References 1. What are the medical conditions that increase 1. The Biochemistry of Humus Formation , D. the risk factor for COVID-19? C. White Head and J .Tinsley, Journal of a) Hypertension and Heart disease Science, Food & Agriculture,Vol -14, Issue - b) Liver and Kidney disease 12, December 1963,pp:849-857 c) Any kind of lung disease (asthma, emphysema, 2. On Humus Formation ,ChandrikaVaradachari chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and Kunal Ghosh, Plant and Soil, 1984 pp:305-313 [COPD] 3. Humus Chemistry : Genesis , Composition d) All of these and Reactions, F. J. Stevenson ,1994 2. The incubation period is the time from when 4. A Study on Natural and Synthetic humic someone is infected until symptoms develop. acids and their complexing ability towards For the SARS-CoV-2 incubation period is cadmium, A. Datta , S.K. Sanyal and S.Saha, a) 2 to 14 days b) 14 days Plant and Soil ,Vol 235, No.1 , August 2001, pp:115 -125 c) 10 days d) None of these. 5. Carbon cycles in Soils, Formation and 3. The mortality /Fatality rate of old age person Decomposition, C.A. Cambardella, for COVID-19 is Encyclopedia of soils in the Enviroment , a) 2-5% for age group 65-75 years 2005, pp:170-175 b) 4-10% for the age group 75-85 years 6. Advances in Understanding the molecular c) Greater than 10% forthe age group 85 structure of soil organic matter : Implications for interactions in the Environment, Marker years above. Kleber and Mark. G. Jhonson , Advances in d) All of these Agronomy ,Vol-106,2010 pp:77-142 4. The bat viruses‘CORONA’ is derived from „ Junior Scientist (Soil Science) & Latin word which means Junior Scientist (Agronomy) a) A small circle of light b) Novel Virus RRTTS, Mahisapat, Dhenkanal & RRTTS, Keonjhar Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, c) Crown d) All of these Bhubaneswar 5. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Email: [email protected] CoV responsible for SARS in 2002 was originated in a) Guangdong, b) Middle east c) Wuhan d) America

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6. Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) CoV responsible for MERS in 2012 emerged in a) Italy b) Middle East c) Nigeria d) China 7. The global Pandemic COVID-19 stands for a) Novel coronavirus b) Corona Virus 12. How SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted? c) SARS-CoV a) Infected people have the virus in their d) Coronavirus disease that emerged in 2019 mouths, noses, and throats 8. What are the common symptoms of Corona b) Various Surfaces may have viruses from patients? infected person droplets a) Fatigue and muscle ache c) Droplets come out when infected persons b) Fever are talking, laughing, coughing, and sneezing c) Loss of taste or smell d) All of these d) All of these 13. How infectious Respiratory Droplets Can 9. What are the emergency signs of COVID-19 travel? which need immediate care? a) Droplets canTravel during sneezes, a) Blue lips or face b) Travel up to 6 feet during coughs b) Increased rate of breathing than normal c) Talking, and singing c) Waking up during sleep with shortness of d) All of these breath 14. Transmission of Virus is more likely with d) All of these. Closer Contact when 10. Infectious Period of COVID is the time during a) People who live together (physical contact which someone infected with SARS-CoV-2 can and shared spaces) transmit the virus to other people. It is generally; b) Shared environment (for example, offices a) 14 days and restaurants) b) 2 days before the start of signs and c) Sharing food and bathrooms symptoms d) Close contact (within 6 feet for 15 minutes c) 10 days after the onset of illness or more) d) There has been a fever within the past 3 days e) All of these. 11. It is said that no tests are perfect. What are the 15. The risk of transmission of viruses increases two kinds of tests usually done for COVID-19? manifold in a) PCR & Antibody test a) Congregate Housings b) Only the Antibody test b) Hospitals c) Antibody test and Swab Test c) Malls and markets d) PCR test and blood test d) Schools and colleges

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16. The number of people one infectious person will infect if everyone that person has contact RECENT NEWS ON with (is susceptible) is called SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY a) Reproductive number (R0) * * * b) Real number Smart Glasses To Help Stay c) Transmission Potential d) Infectiousness Attentive 17. If the Reproductive number(R0) value is more  A Canada-based start-up Auctify has than 2 what does it mean? created what it claims as the world’s first anti- a) More people will be infected procrastination smart glasses that uses AI to b) Fewer people will be infected monitor what a user is looking at and suggests c) No people will be infected them to pay attention. d) Infection remains constant. The glasses have a built-in camera that 18. For most dangerous virus measles, the R0 uses machine learning and tracks what a user value is looks at during the day. It then sends the a) 01 b) 10 recorded data to the connected app where c) 15 d) 02 users can set up different goals and objectives as per the need. 19. For COVID-19 virus, the R0 value is a) 10 b) Between 2 to 3 The pair of glasses use biosensors and c) 15 d) 01 patent-pending computer vision software to track activities, and provides personalized 20. A positive PCR test means insights aimed at boosting productivity and a. Shows that there are virus particles in sample focus. b. This means there is no active infection Venus Might Host Life, New c. Asymptomatic d. All people with the infection will have RNA Discovery Suggests in their sample The unexpected atmospheric detection of phosphine, a smelly gas made by microbes ANSWER on Earth, could spark a revolution in 01. (d) 02. (a) 03. (d) 04. (c) 05. (a) astrobiology. 06. (b) 07. (d) 08. (d) 09. (d) 10. (b) There is something funky going on in the 11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (e) 15. (a) clouds of Venus. Telescopes have detected 16. (a) 17. (a) 18. (c) 19. (b) 20. (a) unusually high concentrations of the molecule „ Academic Co-ordinator, phosphine- a stinky, flammable chemical Reliance Foundation School Academic Council (RFSAC), typically associated with faeces, farts and Reliance Corporate Park, Navi Mumbai-400701 E-mail: [email protected] rotting microbial activity-in an atmospheric layer far above the planet’s scorching surface.

Science Horizon 45 NOVEMBER, 2020 The finding is curious because here on Ramanujan Prize 2020 Earth, phosphine is essentially always 7KH$EGXV Salam International Centre associated with living creatures, either as a for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) has awarded the by-product of metabolic processes or of human 5DPDQXMDQ3UL]HIRU

46 Science Horizon NOVEMBER, 2020

7KHSUL]HLVDZDUGHGDQQXDOO\WRDUHVHDUFKHUIURP The Royal Swedish Academy of a developing country who is less than 45 years of 6FLHQFHVKDV DQQRXQFHG WR DZDUG WKH 1REHO age on 31 December of the year of the award, and Prize in Physics 2020 with one half to Roger who has conducted outstanding research in a Penrose, University of Oxford, UK “for the developing country. Researchers working in any discovery that black hole formation is a branch of the mathematical sciences are eligible. robust prediction of the general theory of Nobel Prizes in Science in relativity of Einstein” and the other half jointly 2020 to Reinhard Genzel, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Garching, Germany The 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or and University of California, Berkeley, USA Medicine has gone to three scientists Harvey and Andrea Ghez, University of California, J. Alter of the U.S. National Institutes of Los Angeles, USA “for the discovery of a +HDOWK0LFKDHO +RXJKWRQRI WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ supermassive compact object at the centre of of Alberta, and Charles M. Rice of Rockefeller our galaxy” University, New York for the discovery of the The Royal Swedish Academy of hepatitis C virus. The discovery of the virus 6FLHQFHVKDV DQQRXQFHGWR DZDUG WKH 1REHO helped in the development of vaccine and Prize in Chemistry 2020 to Emmanuelle drugs for the disease Hepatitis C, which Charpentier of Max Planck Unit for the Science according to the World Health Organization, of Pathogens, Berlin, Germany and Jennifer A. is the main cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer. Doudna of University of California, Berkeley, It afflicts more than 70 million people around USA “for the development of a method for the world, and is responsible for more than genome editing”. They have discovered one 400,000 deaths annually.

Harvey J. Alter, Charles M. Rice and Michael Houghton

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Chemical Sciences. She has been associated with the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata since 2009 in the capacity of assistant professor. Born in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district, she is the first Odia woman to win such an award in science and technology. She has done her post graduation in Chemistry Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna from Ravenshaw University, while her of gene technology’s sharpest tools: the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors. Using these, researchers can change the DNA of animals, plants and microorganisms with extremely high precision. This technology has had a revolutionary impact on the life sciences, is contributing to new cancer therapies and may make the dream of curing inherited diseases coming true. Dr. Jyotirmayee Dash Wins Dr. Jyotirmayee Dash Prestigious 2020 Shanti doctorate degree (Ph.D) has been awarded by Swarup Bhatnagar Prize the prestigious IIT Kanpur. Indian scientists below the age of 45 are The Council for Scientific and Industrial bestowed with the award for their exceptional Research (CSIR) has released for 2020 the research in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, names of 14 scientists who have been awarded Mathematics, Biology, Environment Science, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, India’s highest Medicine and Engineering. science award. Compiled by Odia scientist Dr Jyotirmayee Dash won EDITOR the 2020 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for

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