2 Science Horizon

Volume 2 Issue 10 October, 2017 President, Odisha Bigyan Academy Editorial Board Prof. Sanghamitra Mohanty Prof. Rama Shankar Rath Chief Editor Er. Mayadhar Swain Prof. Niranjan Barik Prof. G. B. N. Chainy Editor Dr. Trinath Moharana Prof. Tarani Charan Kara Prof. Madhumita Das Managing Editor Prof. Bijay Kumar Parida Dr. Prafulla Kumar Bhanja Secretary, Odisha Bigyan Academy Dr. Shaileswar Nanda CONTENTS

Subject Author Page 1. Editorial : Neuroplasticity - An Overview Prof. Tarani Charan Kara 1 2. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2017 Dr. Niraj K. Tripathy 3 3. Circadian Rhythm Prof. G.B.N. Chainy 6 4. Timeline of Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine Abhaya Kumar Dalai 9 5. Loss of Memories "Alzheimer" Prof. (Dr.) Saileswar Nanda 11 6. Health Problems of Elderly Persons Dr. Kalyanee Dash 13 7. Nanomedicine : An Overview Binapani Mahaling 16 Aumreetam Dinabandhu 8. Nutritive Value of Poultry Egg Dr. B. C. Das 21 Dr. K. K. Sardar 9. Human Agenda for Twenty First Century Dr. Soumendra Ghosh 25 10. Protected Cultivation : Scope and Importance Mir Miraj Alli 27 Anwesha Dalbehera 11. The Red Pearl on the Greenery Prof. Animesh K. Mohapatra 32 Saptabarna Mukherjee 12. Artificial Light Pollution : A Problem for All Dr. Tapan Kumar Barik 36 13. Science in Search of Missing Netaji Dr. Nikhilanand Panigrahy 40 14. Galileo Galilei - The Father of Modern Science Prof. Ramsankar Rath 43 15. Detection of Evidence for the Existence of New Planets Dr. Sadasiva Biswal 45 16. Quiz : Computer Science & Information Technology Sri Sai Swaroop Bedamatta 47

The Cover Page depicts : Structure of Brain and Neural Synapsis Cover Design : Sanatan Rout

neutron star EDITORIAL NEUROPLASTICITY - AN OVERVIEW

Brain, the centre of the nervous system in all are not fixed, but appearing and disappearing vertebrates, is perhaps the most complex of biological dynamically throughout the life. Brain needs training to structures. It has multiple components that together maximize its potential. Now it has been recognized that regulate, both, the emotive as well as the higher functions engagement in thinking, acting and learning result in i.e. cognitive once. significant changes of both the physical structure and The seat of these higher functions is not confined function of the brain. When one activity is repeatedly to a single part of the brain. Many parts of the brain are performed, neuronal circuits are being formed, leading responsible for them, but together they constitute a single to better ability to perform the particular task. subsystem called the limbic system, which includes the During the first few years of our early life, the brain hippocampus and the amygdala. The amygdala, which grows rapidly. As each neuron matures, it sends out is as little as an almond, is located deep within the brain multiple branches (axons and dendrites), increasing the below the hippocampus. While the hippocampus is number of synaptic (neuronal junctions) contacts from associated with complex cognitive processing, learning neuron to neuron. However, with advancing age, the and memory, the amygdale is involved in complex ineffective or weaker synaptic connections are deleted emotional responses, such as fear, anxiety, aggression through synaptic pruning, while connections that have and long-term memories. Although major advancements been activated most frequently are strengthened and have been made in the understanding of how the brain preserved. There are several underlying mechanisms that functions, a lot more are yet to be revealed. regulate the synaptic plasticity which is supposed to be It was earlier believed that in youth, the human an important neurochemical basis for learning and memory. mind achieved its maximum growth and thereafter it Further, research on brain development indicated starts declining with age, illness and injury and as we that there are stem cells in the brain which remain active grow old, neural networks of the brain become fixed. throughout life. These stem cells produce neural or glial However, the research work conducted in the last three progenitor cells that migrate into the cerebral white or decades has revealed that the brain never stops changing and it adapts itself to new changes due to Neuroplasticity. gray matter, even in adult stage. There, these cells remain Neuroplasticity is the ability of our brain to change its quiescent for extended periods but can convert into either structure and functions in response to outer experiences, neuron and/or glia on activation. These cells form the new learning and even to inner aspirations (as mentioned basis of postnatal neurogenesis, especially after the brain by Sri Aurobindo, Paramahansa Yogananda and others). injury. In addition, the mammalian brain, can generate When anyone learns a novel skill, new neural pathways neurons that are destined to form the olfactory lobe, are formed in their brain leading to a structural change. hippocampal and possibly other negions even in adulthood. Further, if a particular part of the brain gets damaged Another special feature is that dendrites and its due to injury or illness, then other areas of the brain spines show remarkable degree of plasticity in response takeover that function with equal proficiency. to experience and can form new neural connections Our brain is constantly changing i.e. both within hours and possibly even minutes after some neurogenesis and neuronal death occur throughout life. experiences. The brain does continue to form synapses However, during fetal development structural changes throughout the lifetime and these synapses are actually such as neurogenes is and neuronal migrations are necessary for the process of learning and memory. dominant. While in adult brain the functional neuroplasticity Thus the experiences gained during the life period is dominant, allowing the brain to constantly adapts to of an individual are changing the neural networks by environment and injury. Thus brain has a possibility of both adding and pruning synapses leading to remodeling its own neural circuits to regain the lost neuroplasticity. Scientific research in neuroplasticity is functions caused by neurologic deficit or brain damage. still in its early stages and perhaps we are not yet aware Neuroplasticity is the lifelong ability of the brain of the potential of our brain. Once we learn to exercise to change and reorganize for better adaptability to new the power of our mind a lot of negative emotions, unhealthy situations. It is a functional reorganization within neural habits and psychological disorders can be eliminated, tissue, mediated by changes in neural networks which helping the humanity to lead a Godly life on earth. Prof. Tarani Charan Kara e-mail : [email protected] OCTOBER, 2017 NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE, 2017 Dr. Niraj K. Tripathy

The Nobel Committee of Karolinska genetically controlled patterns of sleep and Institute on the 2nd of October, 2017 has wakefulness in Drosophila melanogaster. He announced the Nobel Prize in Physiology or has elucidated the function of period gene, Medicine for this year. It has been awarded to necessary for the fly to exhibit normal sleep three American biologists jointly. They are cycles. All the three of them were elected to Professor Jeffrey Connor Hall, Michael the National Academy of Sciences and were Morris Rosbash and Michael Warren Young recipients of Gruber Prize in 2009, Shaw prize for their work on molecular mechanisms and Wiley Prize in 2013 besides receiving controlling the circadian rhythm. several other awards. A circadian rhythm is a biological process that displays an endogenous, entrainable oscillation of about 24 hours. The term circadian comes from the Latin words circa, meaning "around" (or "approximately"), and diem or dies, meaning "day". The term Jeffrey C. Hall Michael Rosbash Michael C. Young "circadian" was coined by Franz Halberg in Jeffrey Hall (72), a Geneticist and the late 1950s. The earliest known account of Chronobiologist, is a Professor Emeritus at a circadian process dates back to the 4th Brandeis University, USA. At the time of century BC, when Androsthenes, a ship award he was affiliated to the University of captain serving under Alexander the Great, Maine, USA. described diurnal leaf movements of the Michael Rosbash (73), also a Geneticist tamarind tree. and Chronobiologist, is a Professor at The first recorded observation of an Brandeis University and an investigator at the endogenous circadian oscillation was made Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He had by the French scientist Jean-Jacques d'Ortous cloned the period gene in Drosophila in 1984 de Mairan in 1729 who observed that the and proposed the transcription translation leaves of Mimosa plants open towards the negative feedback loop. sun during daytime and close at dusk. He Michael Young (68), a biologist and observed that the leaves of this plant followed geneticist is affiliated to Rockefeller their normal daily oscillation independent of University, USA. For over three decades he daily sunlight and thus opined that these has dedicated himself to the study of plants have their own biological clock. It has

Science Horizon 2 OCTOBER, 2017 been shown that not only plants but also Rockefeller University isolated the period animals including humans have biological gene. Hall and Rosbash discovered PER, the clocks which help them make physiological protein encoded by the period gene. They adjustment in accordance with the fluctuations showed that PER protein levels oscillate over of the day light. Thus they exhibit circadian a 24-hour cycle, in synchrony with the rhythm. Patterns of activity, with periodicities circadian rhythm and that it was accumulated of approximately 24 hours appear to be during night and degraded during the day. universal components of animal behaviour They hypothesised that the PER protein blocks (Pittendrigh, 1974). Circadian rhythms the activity of the PER gene through an influence behaviour and many physiological inhibitory feedback loop which prevents its processes. These rhythms are created by an own synthesis.Thus it regulates its own level endogenous circadian clock that persists in a continuous cyclic rhythm. under constant environmental conditions. Although the Clock genes have been Biological rhythms are ubiquitous features identified in Drosophila melanogaster of all eukaryotes. It is established that an (Allada et al., 1998; Rutila et al., 1998), internal biological clock in living organisms Chlamydomonas (Bruce, 1972), including humans helps them to anticipate Neurosporacrassa (Crosthwaite et al., 1997), and adapt to the regular daily rhythms. cyanobacteria (Kondo et al., 1994), Arabidopsis thaliana (Millar et al., 1995), This year's Nobel Prize awardees have hamster (Ralph and Menaker, 1988), and peeked into our biological clock and mouse (Vitaterna et al., 1994), the discovered the mechanisms of its inner mechanisms as to how the internal clock working. They described as to how plants, worked continued to remain elusive. animals and humans synchronise their biological rhythms with the earth's revolution, The three Nobel Laureates however, have been able to isolate the gene from as life on earth is adapted to the rotation of Drosophila (fruit fly) and explain how it the planet. controls the normal biological rhythm. Their During the 1970's, Seymour Benzer interest in Drosophila was possibly because demonstrated that mutations in an unknown the genetic tools were known and relatively gene disrupted the circadian rhythm in simple in this organism. They have shown that Drosophila. This was named period gene but this gene encodes for a proteoglycan that is he could not explain how this gene influenced synthesized and accumulates in the cell during the circadian rhythm. In 1984, Jeffrey Hall and night and gets degraded in the day. Additional Michael Rosbash, working at Brandeis protein components of this machinery have University and Michael Young at the also been identified. They have also shown

4 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 that the working of the biological clock follow as to what controlled the frequencies of the the same principle in all multicellular oscillations. This question was addressed organisms including man. when Michael Young in 1994 discovered a second Clock gene, named timeless, that The product of PER gene is a candidate encodes the TIM protein necessary for a clock molecule. The per gene, located on the normal circadian rhythm. He showed that X chromosome of the fruit fly, has been when TIM bound to PER, the two proteins extensively cloned and analysed. According were able to enter the cell nucleus to block to Hardin et al. (1990), mutations in the PER the activity of PER gene and closed the gene in Drosophila melanogaster affect both inhibitory feedback loop. Subsequently they circadian and ultradian rhythms. Arrhythmic have been able to identify additional proteins alleles (of which PERo1 is the first and best required to activate the PER gene. Young and studied example) primarily eliminate his colleagues have identified a gene and circadian rhythms. On the other hand, the named it DOUBLE-TIME (dbt). They S short period allele (PER ) and long period proposed that the normal function of L1 alleles (PER ) shorten and lengthen the DOUBLE TIME protein is to reduce the period, respectively. It has been established stability and accumulation of monomeric PER that the levels of PER gene product undergo proteins. This would promote a delay between circadian oscillation which depends on the per/tim transcription and PER/TIM complex oscillation of PER mRNA, a 4.5-kb transcript function, which is essential for molecular (Liu et al., 1988) level. They have also shown rhythmicity (Price et al. 1998). that the PER protein activity is involved in a The biological clock is involved in feedback loop which influences the cycling various aspects of our complex physiological of the PER mRNA. Thus they have suggested rhythms. It has been established that a similar that this feedback loop is the central feature mechanism is involved in all multicellular of the circadian clock. Again, Petersen et al. organisms including man for the control of (1988) have shown that the PER gene of circadian rhythms. A large fraction of our Drosophila carry species-specific genes are regulated by the biological clock behavioural instructions. and, as a consequence, a well calibrated However, it was not properly understood circadian rhythm adapts our physiology to as to how the PER protein, produced in the different phases of the day. The seminal cytoplasm of the cell, blocks the activity of discovery by the three Nobel Awardees of this the PER gene by entering into the cell nucleus. year has led us to a dynamic field of research At this point another intriguing question arose that concerns our health and wellbeing.

Science Horizon 5 OCTOBER, 2017 References Allada, R., White, N.E., So, W.V., Hall, J.C. and Rosbash, M. (1998). A mutant Drosophila homolog of mammalian CIRCADIAN RHYTHM clock disrupts circadian rhythms and transcription of period and timeless. Cell 93, 791-804. Bruce, V.G. (1972). Mutants of the biological clock in Prof. G.B.N. Chainy Chlamydomonasreinhardi. Genetics 70, 537-548. Crosthwaite, S.K., Dunlap, J.C. and Loros, J.J. Nobel prize for the year 2017 in Physiology (1997).Neurospora wc-1 and wc-2: transcription, photoresponses, and the origins of circadian rhythmicity. or Medicine was given jointly to three Science 276, 763-769. scientists from USA for their notable' scientific Hardin, P.E., Hall, J.C. and Rosbash, M. (1990).Feedback discovery to unveil the molecular mechanism of the Drosophila period gene product on circadian cycling of its messenger RNA levels. Nature 343, 536-540. controlling circadian rhythm of living Kondo, T., Tsinoremas, N.F., Golden, S.S., Johnson, C.H., organisms. The scientists who shared the Kutsuna, S. and Ishiura, M. (1994).Circadian clock mutants Nobel prize for physiology or Medicine in the of cyanobacteria. Science 266, 1233-1236. year 2017 are: (i) Jeffery C Hall, (born in 1945, Liu, X., Lorenz, L., Yu, Q., Hall, J.C. and Rosbash, M. (1988).Spatial and temporal expression of the period gene University of Maine, Maine, USA) (ii) Michael in Drosophila melanogaster. Genes and Development 2, Rosbash (born in 1944; Brandeish University, 228-238. USA) and (iii) Michael W Young (born in Millar, A.J., Carre, I.A., Strayer, C.A., Chua, N.H. and Kay, S.A.(1995). Circadian clock mutants in Arabidopsis 1949; Rockfeller University, New York, identified by luciferase imaging. Science 267, 1161-1163. USA). All the three are citizens of United Petersen,G., Hall,J.C. and Rosbash, M. (1988). The period States of America. gene of Drosophila carries species-specific behavioural instructions. The EMBO J. 7(12), 3939-3947. Circadian rhythm is also known as Pittendrigh, C.S. (1974). Circadian oscillations and biological clock. Biological clock is present circadian organization. In:The Neurosciences Third Study Program, F.O. Schmitt and F. G. Worden, eds. (Cambridge: in all living organisms. According to Meriam MIT Press), pp 437-458. Webster dictionary, circadian rhythm is Price, J.L., Blau, J., Rothenflu, A., Abodeely, M., Kloss, B. defined as an inherent timing mechanism in a and Young, M.W. (1998).double-time is a Novel Drosophila Clock Gene that Regulates PERIOD Protein Accumulation. living system that is inferred to exists to Cell 94, 83-95. explain the timing of periodicity of various Ralph, M.R. and Menaker, M. (1988).A mutation of the behaviours and physiological states and circadian system in golden hamsters. Science 241, 1225- 1227. processes. The word is derived from its latin Rutila, J.E., Suri, V., Le, M., So., W.V., Rosbash, M. and origin where circa meaning around and dies Hall, J.C. (1998). CYCLE is a second bHLH-PAS clock meaning day. Biological clocks are endogenous protein essential for circadian rhythmicity and transcription of Drosophila period and timeless. Cell 93, 805-814. clock of a living system that operate on daily Vitaterna, M.H., King, D.P., Chang, A.-M., Kornhauser, time schedule and copes with 24 h day cycle. J.M., Lowrey, P.L., McDonald, J.D., Dove, W.F., Pinto, L.H., Some of these clocks are shorter than 24 h Turek, F.W. and Takahashi, J.S. (1994).Mutagenesis and mapping of a mouse gene, Clock, essential for circadian whereas some are larger than 24 h and some behavior. Science 264, 719-725. are more or less of 24h duration. These biological n Retired Professor of Zoology, Berhampur University clocks influence our sleep-wake cycles, 401, Bivab Gulmohar Apartment, Behera Sahi, hormone releases, eating habits and digestion, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar-751012 Email: [email protected] maintenance of body temperature and other

6 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 several physiological processes of our body. They also regulate our behavior in response to external environment. Any disruption of above biological cycles may cause chronic health conditions such as sleep disorders, Fig. 1 : A representation of circadian rhythm of hypothetical obesity, diabetes and abnormal behaviors. activity. The activity has a peak at noon every day than it goes Although the phenomenon has been noticed down, again exhibits the peak at noon of the next day. in all most all living systems, the molecular time of eclosion in fruit flies. However, the mechanisms that control our biological clock mechanism by which this gene controls or circadian rhythm was not fully understood. endogenous circadian rhythm was not clear. All living organisms exhibit rhythmatic Hall, Rosbash and Young, by their variation in their behavior. Some of such untiring meticulous scientific experiments, rhythms persists in all conditions and has a made us to understand the molecular period of around 24 hrs. Such rhythms are mechanism by which period gene maintains designated as circadian rhythm. Drosophila time sense of internal clock of Drosophila. is an insect whose common name is fruit fly. Subsequently, they demonstrated presence of The adult flies emerge from their respective many more genes in fruit flies which act in a pupal form 3-4 days of formation of pupa. The concert to maintain biological clock of the phenomenon of emergence of adult flies from species. They showed that per gene produces their respective pupal case is known as eclosion. a protein known as PERIOD (Fig.2). Period Generally adult male flies are sexually active protein is a component of circadian pacemaker. within hours of their emergence whereas Because flies without per gene or mutation in females bear ripe eggs after two days of their the per gene locus either failed to exhibit eclosion and life cycle begins again. The circadian rhythm or showed deviation from eclosion occurs at dawn of every day when the normal rhythm. The mRNA of per gene leaves are damp with dew. If pupa misses after its synthesis in nucleus travels to dawn for even few hours, the phenomenon of cytoplasm of the cell where it produces period eclosion is postponed until next dawn. The protein. The mRNA of per gene oscillates with timing of eclosion is controlled by an a period of approximate 24 hours having a endogenous circadian clock with a free peak during early subjective night. The period running period of approximately 24 hr (Fig.l). protein produced from mRNA of per gene also In the year 1971, Seymour Benzer and exhibited similar oscillation as its respective his graduate student Ronald Konopka mRNA but with a peak six hours later than demonstrated that there is a gene known as the mRNA level during middle subjective period (PER) regulates the circadian rhythm night. It was noticed that increase PER protein of eclosion in Drosophila species, commonly level in cells moves to nucleus and resulted known as fruit fly. Any mutation in this gene in an increase inhibition of production of either decreases or increases the 24 h rhythm mRNA from PER gene.

Science Horizon 7 OCTOBER, 2017 known as DOUBLETIME. DOUBLE TIME puts a phosphate group to the PER protein. Phosphorylation of period protein facilitates faster degradation of PER protein. In brief, light induces a photoreceptor, Fig. 2 : Schematic representation of synthesis of per mRNA (RED) and PERIOD protein (BLUE). Per mRNA synthesis takes cryptochrome which binds to timless protein place in the nucleus. It goes to cytoplasm where it is translated and facilitates its destruction. In the absence To PER protein. The per protein moves from cytoplasm to nucleus and at mid night its concentration is maximum in the of timeless protein, the period protein is bound nucleus. Thus mRNA and protein of per gene exhibit a daily to doubletime protein which facilitates its rhythm in their presence between cytoplasm and nucleus. destruction. This is the reason why period Consequencely, formation of period protein concentration is less in the nucleus of protein is inhibited. How mRNA and Period the cells during day time. With decreasing of protein PER gene exhibit rhythmic shift in light timeless protein is built up and its binds their sub-cellular location between cytoplasm to period protein and both move to nucleus. and nucleus ? They showed that there is This is the reason why in the night period another protein known as TIM, a product of protein concentration is more in the nucleus. another gene known as timeless (TIM) gene. Presence of timless and period proteins in the The protein product of timeless gene, Timeless nucleus inhibit their own synthesis. When protein binds to period protein and facilitates their concentrations decrease, their inhibitory its transport tp nucleus. Both bound proteins effect on their expression is fade away. And bind to DNA and inhibit their transcription transcription of both tim and per gene are by preventing binding of transcription factors resumed and respective mRNAs are formed. CLOCK/CYCLE. CLOCK and CYCLE are Therefore, concentration of mRNA for period two different transcription factors produced protein is more in nucleus during early part by two different genes clock and cycle. These of subjective night when nuclues content of two proteins bind with each other and than period protein is less. The mRNAs of both the complex binds to DNA and facilitates the genes move to cytoplasm and translation of respective proteins take place. The transcription of tim and PER gene. The next combined timeless and period proteins move question comes why PER concentration to nucleus and subsequently inhibit their own increases in nucleus of the cell in night. They expression. As mentioned above, the work found that in daytime, a light sensitive protein of above scientists made us to understand known as cryptochrome (CRY) is synthesiszed how our internal clock is synchronized with in response to light. This protein binds to TIM 24h day cycle. Their work also made us to and prevents its binding to PER. As a understand the cause of many maladies consequence PER can not be moved to which occur in our body when our internal nucleus and thereby, allows transcription of clock is disturbed. mRNA from per gene. The lonely PER protein n now forms a complex with another protein Apartment No. 603, Sudarsan Tower, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar-751007

8 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 TIMELINE OF NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY AND MEDICINE Abhaya Kumar Dalai Nobel Laureate 1905 Nobel Laureate 1906

Robert Koch Camillo Golgi Date of Birth : 11 December, 1843 Date of Birth : 7 July, 1843 Birth Place : Clausthal, Kingdom of Hanover Birth Place : Corteno, Lambardy, Austria Nationality : Germany Now named Corneo Golgi Field of Research : Microbiology Nationality : Italian Profession : German physician. Became Field of Research : Neuro Science professor of hygiene in Profession : Medical Officer different institutions Nobel Prize for : Study on Nervous system Nobel Prize for : Tuberculosis findings Death : 21 January, 1926 (Aged 83 yrs) Death : 27 May, 1910 (Aged 67 yrs) Summary of work for Nobel Prize: Summary of work for Nobel Prize: Major time of his career Camallo Golgi Robert Koch invented methods to purify studied central nervous system. Initially he bacteria from blood sample and to grow those was working with metal impregnation of in pure culture. With continuous improvement nervous tissue using mainly silver. This led of methods he could develop better to the basis of silver staining. The staining method discovered by Golgi found to stain a purification and staining techniques, The most limited number of cells at random in the nerve important improvement was preparation of tissue. He named this discovery as 'black agar plates with solidified bacterial growth reaction'. Later it received his name (Golgi's media. These techniques allowed him to method), popularly known as Golgi Stain. In discover bacterium causing tuberculosis in the black reaction silver chromate particles 1882. The bacterium is Mycobacterium are fixed to the neuron membrane due to tuberculosis. In mid 19th century there was reaction of silver nitrate with potassium dichromate. This staining method enabled him death of one out of seven due to tuberculosis. to view the paths of nerve cells in the brain His work in tuberculosis is as important as for the first time. Later neurons are clearly Koch's postulate. To establish a disease to be demonstrated which led to the acceptance of caused by organism, one has to prove that Neuron Doctrine. The neuron doctrine is the organism is present in diseased individuals but concept that the nervous system consists of absent in healthy ones; which can be isolated discrete individual cells. Besides this and maintained in pure culture capable of discovery he also discovered the reticular intracellular apparatus known as Golgi producing original disease. This was a ground apparatus which acts to process and to breaking discovery that contributed immense package the macromolecules like proteins and help to global human health. lipids that are synthesized in the cell.

Science Horizon 9 OCTOBER, 2017

Nobel Laureate 1906 Nobel Laureate 1907

Santiago R Cajal Alphonse Laveran

Date of Birth : 1 May, 1852 Date of Birth : 18 June, 1845 Birth Place : Petilla de Aragon, Navarre, Spain Birth Place : Paris, France Nationality : Spain Nationality : France Field of Research : Neuro Science Field of Research : Regeneration of nerve, Malaria Profession : Medical Officer and Professor and Sleeping sickness Nobel Prize for : Major contribution to Neuro- Profession : Medical Assistant Major, anatomy Elevated to Chair of Military Diseases and Epidemics Death : 18 October, 1934 (Aged 82 yrs) Nobel Prize for : Identification of Malaria parasite. Summary of work for Nobel Prize: Death : 18 May, 1922 (Aged 77 yrs) Santiago R Cajal worked initially as pathologist Summary of work for Nobel Prize: and microbiologist. Learning the method of Golgi's silver nitrate preparation in 1887, he Laveran carried out his main researches on the turned his attention to central nervous system. He human malaria parasite after end of his worked with neural system of major regions of profession in 1878. During his stay at Bone in the brain. Cajal made major contribution to Algeria he marked a parasite in the blood sample neuroanatomy. He discovered a projection from of patients suffering from malaria. In 1880 he the cell body of a neuron (nerve cell) known to went to Rome with a special aim to confirm be the axonal growth cone. He described the whether the identified malaria parasite is the growth cone to be a concentration of protoplasm same in the blood sample of malaria patients of of conical form endowed with amoeboid movement. Rome. Continued research confirmed the opinion that the blood parasites described by him The discovery had provided evidence for neuron is the cause of malaria. He discovered the theory. He provided detailed descriptions of cell parasite to be a protozoan. He was the first to types associated with neural structure and their express the view that the malaria parasite must connectivity with each other. He discovered a new be present outside the human body as a parasite cell type interleaved among neurons embedded of a member of mosquito family. Besides, he had within the smooth muscles lining the gut. These worked with trypanosome protozoan that cause cells serve as the generator and pacemaker of the sleeping sickness in human. Thus, he had opened slow waves of the contraction that move material Protozoan Diseases, a new field of research in along the gastro intestine. Such cells named after Medical Science. him as Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICC). n ‘Samarpana’, 6 GH/1150/C-15, Markat Nagar, Sector-6, Cuttack-753014

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beginning he forgets the recent incidents but LOSS OF MEMORIES remembers the past happenings very well. But "ALZHEIMER" gradually both recent and past memories fade out. Of course scientists are of the opinion Prof. (Dr.) Saileswar Nanda that normally our Neurons & Brain Cells It was a rainy morning of October when begin to degenerate causing gradual memory I reached aimlessly at the home of my loss even in healthy persons at advanced age. childhood friend Manish. We were together Our brain has more than 100 billion in School and also in College for quite a long neurons which not only maintain the cognitive time. When I reached his drawing room, he function but also store it at memory molecules. was sitting on a sofa with a newspaper in his The flow of information through the neurons hand. I greeted him. He looked at me with a are electrochemical. In Alzheimer's diseases question mark on his face. I introduced the flow of information are blocked by myself. Still he could not place me. I thought accumulated protein called Amylase plaque as I have not met him for a longtime, he has at the synaptic junction. When flow of forgotten me. Immediately his wife appeared information stops the neurons start degrading and wished me. She said that for quite and the person loses his memory. sometime he is having a memory loss. Even many a times, he cannot recognize his wife Besides Amylase deposit as a cause of with whom he has spent long years. I could the disease, there has been an alternative know that he is suffering from Alzheimer's thought of genetic mutation for gene APOE- disease, a disease where dementia E4. Even individuals with Down's Syndrome progresses very fast with loss of memories. having an extra chromosome 21, are also Recognition, identification, recapitulation prone to carry the risk of Alzheimer's disease. gradually fade out. The patient’s day to day activities It was Dr. Alois Alzheimer who discovered hamper. Suddenly he forgets the name of the this and the disease is named after him. This near and dear ones. The memory loss, is an irreversible neuro degenerative condition language problem of not getting the proper that slowly deteriorates the memories and word to express, unpredictable behavior, thinking power. The degradation process leads confusion and misplacement of the usual on to death. The patient in mid 60's of his age articles or necessary requirements are the signs starts forgetting things very often. When he of the disease. Gradually the patient or she reaches 70 years and above, the withdraws himself from family and friend dementia progresses very fast. At the environment and becomes lonely. The disease

Science Horizon 11 OCTOBER, 2017 progresses in mild, moderate and sever phases. 1. Knowledge of the disease can keep In severe phase the patient is completely oneself updated about the society and dependent on others for all his need and work. his own memory. The diagnosis is crucial. One has to take 2. One must ventilate his or her ideas and the history, record the statements of the family emotions to others. Socialization is one members, search for any brain injury or of the best way to revive memory. accidents. Thereafter memory tests can be 3. Regular exercise, Yoga and Pranayam conducted and Computerized Tomography and practice of concentration to avoid (C.T.) Scan of the brain, Positron Emission memory loss is beneficial. Tomography (PET) or Magnetic Resonance 4. Neuro vitamins, Amino Acids, Imaging (MRI) can be done to confirm the Antioxidants are given in the elderly diagnosis before proceeding for treatment. people to prevent Alzheimer. Treatment is the act of the doctor 5. Blood pressure, head injury or neuronal treating. A complete cure may be impossible damage or weakness should be treated but medication for the symptoms and properly. stopping further degradation of the 6. Once the disease has started donot condition and betterment of behavior and seclude him or her from mixing with attitude is essential. others. Do not hammer at this weakness every time making them feel depressed The family should be careful and about the disease. considerate. Love, sympathy, consolation can give confidence to the patient. Diet, nursing 7. Assist him or her to do the daily routine care can boost the patient's confidence and make work normally. Let him feel normal. him active. Thus the onset of severe dementia 8. Talk to them, spend some time with them can be delayed, socialization, reminding of the and help them to remember what has forgotten stories and situations can revive the happened in the recent past. dementia status. Loneliness and seclusion will 9. Stem Cell therapy is going to open up a exaggerate the loss of memory. Newer new hope for the Alzheimer's patients. medicines are yet to come for the complete 10. Family, friends and society with their recovery of the Alzheimer's disease. But there sympathy and kindwords can make them are ways to prevent the onset of the disease. feel normal. Here are few tips to keep oneself fit at the n B-3, Ground Floor, Lord Gunjan Palace, higher age group and change one's lifestyle Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar-751010 to avoid Alzheimer's disease.

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drinking alcohol they can lead healthy life. HEALTH PROBLEMS They should be physically active and eat OF ELDERLY PERSONS healthy diet. They should learn to live better with chronic illnesses. Dr. Kalyanee Dash The Common Health Problems of Old Age Now a days people are gradually living Those are as follows :- longer. According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 41% 1. Arthritis - It is a common health people over 65 years say that their health is problem of old people above 65 years (49.7%). It causes pain in joints and good. But as our age advances, our resistance their quality of life becomes poor for for some diseases becomes less and thus which they cannot lead an active life. susceptibility for certain diseases is increased. But by taking proper treatment and Due to lack of physical activity and reduced leading healthy life style they can immunity, we develop over Weight, Obesity, maintain average health in old age. If Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Type 2 Diabetes, there is severe osteoarthritis of Knee Respiratory Infections, Pneumonia and Gall or Hip Joints, they can walk normally Bladder disease. In old age we also suffer from and lead a normal life by undergoing some other diseases like Breast, Colon and knee or hip replacement surgery. Prostate Cancer, Urinary Incontinence, Dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 2. Heart Disease - Many people suffer from heart disease in old age and die There are certain common health of this illness. It affects about 37% of problems of seniors. Now-a-days due to health male and 26% of female above 65 years consciousness and proper health management, of age. As we become old, there is old people in America are expecting and living increased risk of High Blood Pressure longer than before. According to CDC, if we and increased serum cholesterol, which cross 65 years of age, we can expect 19 years lead to stroke or Heart Attack. It can more to live. Many people have some chronic be prevented with regular exercise, by illnesses in young and middle age. These taking balanced and healthy diet, become more serious in old age. But these maintaining a healthy weight and with people can stay healthy in old age by careful a good night's rest. management of their chronic conditions. By 3. Cancer - After the age of 65 years, adopting healthy life style, maintaining Cancer becomes the second important healthy weight, quitting smoking and cause of death. About 28% of male and

Science Horizon 13 OCTOBER, 2017

21% of female suffer from cancer in old in sunlight, taking calcium and Vitamin age. By mammography, colonoscopy D regularly and more so by leading a and skin examination, it can be detected healthy life style. and treated earlier. Although all types of 6. Diabetes - About 25% of people aged cancers can not be prevented, they can 65 years and above are living with Type be diagnosed and treated in early stage, 2 Diabetes, which leads to increased so that they can live longer. health risk in older people. Diabetes can 4. Respiratory Diseases - chronic be diagnosed easily by simple blood test Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and can be treated easily. It can be (COPD), otherwise known as chronic controlled with proper medication and lower respiratory disease are the third diet. With regular and proper medical most common cause of death in people advice, by leading good life style, above 65 years. About 10% of male and exercise, their life expectancy can be 13% of female suffer from Asthma, improved and they can lead very good where as 10% male and 11% female and healthy living. suffer from Chronic Bronchitis and 7. Fall - most of the elderly people can Emphysema. Thus senior people suffer not walk properly and their chances of from Chronic respiratory diseases like fall gradually increase. They usually Pneumonia and other respiratory fall in their home in slippery floor of infections. This can be diagnosed earlier bathroom, on the steps of the stair case by doing Lungs Function Tests and they and on the carpets. It should be should take proper medicines and prevented by taking care in their living oxygen inhalation by Doctor's advice. rooms, bathrooms and stair case. Thus health condition of elderly persons Usually it happens in elderly obese can be safeguarded. people which can be prevented by 5. Osteoporosis - As age advances our proper maintenance of their body bones became porous and it leads to weight and by adopting some amount restriction of mobility with disability of of physical activity. They can take help old age. It may cause sudden fall and of walking stick while walking. fracture of limb bones and vertebrae. 8. Alzheimer's Disease - It is assumed that As a result, elderly people have poor by 2020, population of elderly persons health condition and poor quality of suffering from Alzheimerism may rise life. This can be prevented by walking above 64 million. Alzheimer's Disease

14 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017

is a chronic, Progressive disease which Some senior people above 50 years of affects old people (10%). They develop age suffer from HIV/AIDS. Seniors usually forgetfulness, which affects their do not use condoms with advanced age, their personal life, like - eating food, immunity is poor. So when they suffer from recognizing their own family persons. HIV, their symptoms (like fatigue, weight loss, Once they go out from home, they can memory loss, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes) not return easily. This can lead to much are confused with old age symptoms. trouble for them and their family The elderly people usually develop some members, which can be prevented by common symptoms of vision and hearing early diagnosis and proper management. problems, infections, nutritional deficiency Elderly people should be advised to do symptoms. Diabetes and renal failure some mental exercise, reading, solving symptoms. More common mental condition quiz to keep their brain active. in old persons is Depression. If not diagnosed Prevention and management of Health and treated early, it may lead to suicide. Problems of Elderly Persons All of us will proceed to senile age. By staying physically active and taking Therefore we should always take care of our proper amount of balanced nutritious food, elders. We will advise them to do regular old persons can remain healthy. They should physical exercises to improve balance and lead healthy life style and avoid obesity. With strength. Their living environment should be advanced age, their physical activity is good to avoid more chance of infection. They reduced. But they should continue minimum should be treated by good physicians for exercise and walking. Their food should be respiratory and skin infections. rich in nutrients and they should avoid extra Seniors should not be neglected in their calories, fatty and sweet food. family and society. They should be taken care Overweight and obesity can lead to Type of by specific doctors and specifically by 2 Diabetes, Osteoarthritis, gall stone, Geriatrician. By taking proper care and Dyslipidemia in old age, which can lead to attention of the elderly people we will pay Heart attack and stroke. They should be respect to them. advised to avoid tobacco in any form like n Living Walls-Horamavu Junction, Bangalore chewing or smoking it. Tobacco is the single Mob. No. 07032900324, 09437627421 greatest preventable cause of illness and death in elderly. They should avoid self medication, drug abuse and alcohol.

Science Horizon 15 OCTOBER, 2017

NANOMEDICINE : nanotechnology. In 1990 the term "Nanomedicine" AN OVERVIEW was coined by Robert A Freitas Jr.with Binapani Mahaling1 consideration of the utilization of the concept Aumreetam Dinabandhu2 of nanotechnology in medicine. In the last two decades tremendous development has been Many diseases that affect our body in done in the field of nanomedicine especially intracellular and extracellular level are in in biomaterial, drug delivery and tissue nanometer scale. For example interaction engineering applications. The first generation between microorganisms such as bacteria nanomedicine has been entered into the and virus to cells, cell to cell interactions in routine clinical use for the last 20 years. cancer, mutations in DNA and protein misfolding are in nanoscale level. The body protects itself Types of Nanomedicines from these infectious agents also at nanometer There are different types of nanomedicines scale. The material that ranges from 1-1000nm such as nanopores, nanofibers, nanogel, is called as nanomaterial. As the physicochemical nanoparticles, nanocrystals, liposomes, properties of nanomaterial can be engineered micelles, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, according to the need and as the biological dendrimers, nanobiosensors, and nanorobots. molecules are in nanometer scale, therefore, Nanopores bearing membranes which these material can be useful in medicine. The allowed the entrance of oxygen, nutrients, application of nanotechnology in medicine glucose, insulin molecule and disallow such as diagnostics, treatment and prevention passage of immune system molecules such as of diseases is nanomedicine. "Nanomedicine antibody or immunoglobuline are useful for may be defined as the monitoring, repair, cell therapy and organ transplantation. construction and control of biological systems at the molecular level, using engineered Nanofibers have been well explored in nanodevices and nanostructures". Nanomedicine the last two decades for tissue engineering and is a vast field, which includes nanomaterials drug/therapeutics delivery purpose. By virtue for biological mimetics, nanomachines, of high surface area to volume ratio, porosity, biomaterial, tissue engineering, biosensor, 3D architecture and functionality they allowed delivering drugs, genetic materials and better cell adhesion, proliferation and diagnostic agents. differentiation in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Therefore, they have been applied History of Nanomedicine for musculoskeletal, bone, cartilage, ligament, Nanomedicine has gained importance muscle, skin, blood vessel, and neural tissue since the beginning of the concept of engineerings. The nanofibers encapsulated

16 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 drugs, polypeptides, proteins, DNA and RNA aqueous media. They increase the solubility are delivered at the site of action and release and stability of drug thereby increasing them in controlled and sustained manner. bioavailability. The metal oxide nanocrystal Thereby, they increase the bioavailability of and semiconductor nanocrystals have been the drugs and decrease the toxicity. used for in vitro and in vivo imaging. Nanogels are nano sized hydrogel, with Liposomes are lipid vesicles that form a tendency to imbibe water when placed in an when phospholipids arrange themselves in aqueous environment. They have a great head to tail orientation. These are bilayered affinity towards aqueous solution, superior structure and can encapsulate both colloidal stability, inertness in the blood stream. hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug and release In the internal aqueous environment, drug the drug in the targeted cells via simple encorporation made them suitable for the drug adsorption. The physicochemical properties and gene delivery, smart imaging modalities of liposomes can be varied according to the and regenerative medicine application. phospholipid use. It is useful for both imaging Nanoparticles have diversified applications and drug/gene/polypeptide delivery purpose. in biology and medicine. Because of controlled Polymeric micelles are the self and differential physicochemical properties assemblies of block co-polymers having like shape and size, surface charge, characteristic core-shell (hydrophobic core- hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, surface roughness, hydrophilic shell) structure. These are well porosity, heterogeneity, crystallinity and explored for systemic delivery of drugs and coating or surface functionality of nanoparticles contrasting molecules for imaging. they have used as fluorescent biological labels, Carbon nanotubes have been well drug and gene delivery, pathogens detection, explored in biology and medicine due to their proteins detection, DNA structure probing, intrinsic physical and chemical properties. tissue engineering, tumor destruction via They belong to the family of fullerenes and hyperthermia, separation and purification of consists of graphene sheets rolled up into a biological molecules and cells, MRI contrast tubular form. These structures can be obtained enhancement and phagokinetic studies. either as single-or multi-walled nanotubes. Nanocrystals are crystals with a size in They have been used in drug /interfering RNA the nanometer range, which means they are delivery, tissue engineering, biomaterial, nanoparticles with a crystalline character. The protein/DNA sensing and nanobiosensor. nanocrystals are consisting of 100% drug They themselves have anti cancer properties molecules and exist as nanosuspension in and used as an anticancer material.

Science Horizon 17 OCTOBER, 2017

Quantum dots are semiconductors with by measuring the change in volume, excitons confined in all three spatial concentration, displacement, velocity, dimensions. They absorb white light and then gravitational, electrical and magnetic forces. re-emit it within few nanoseconds at a specific They have been well explored in case of cancer wavelength. By varying the size and composition diagnosis, orthopaedic biology and diabetes. of quantum dots, the emission wavelength can Nanorobots are the future nanodevices be tuned from blue to near infrared. They have which travel through the body searching out higher flexibility as compared to conventional the diseases. One of such development is fluorescent compounds therefore, replaced spinning screws which travel in the blood traditional organic dyes in biological and carring drugs to the infected tissue and also medicinal analysis and research work. They burrowing into tumors and killing them with have been effectively used in single cell heat. Another such application is the imaging, gene silencing, metastasis, stem cell development of artificial polymeric RBC therapeutics, lymphocyte immunology, which not only carry oxygen but also drug and cancer, embryogenesis etc. imaging molecules. Another nanorobot is Dendrimers are highly branched microbivors which could potentially patrol the nanosized monodisperse structure consisting bloodstream, finding out and digesting of a central core from which all the branches unwanted pathogens includeing bacteria, are originating. Cavities are found in the core viruses, or fungi from it. A femtosecond laser and between branches of the dendrimers acts like a nanoscissor to cut axon of a which could be useful for drugs/diagnostics roundworm and that gets regenerated again. agents loading. To the functional groups of This nanoscissor has been applied for ends of branches allowed tethering of drugs/ dissecting individual chromosome of a cell. protein/polypeptide/DNA or RNA and useful Applications of Nanomedicines aspro-drugs and vehicles for solubilization, Nanomedicine has a vast applications in encapsulation, complexation, delivery, and diagnostics, treatment and prevention of site-specific targeting of small-molecule diseases. The different applications of drugs, biopharmaceuticals and contrast agents. nanomedicine has been described below. Nanobiosensors are the devices that Nanomedicines in diagnostics respond to chemical species in biological samples. They utilise unique properties of In vivo imaging : nanoparticles/quantom biological and physical nanomaterials to dots/carbon nanotubes are used as contrast recognize a target molecule and effect agents particularly for MRI and ultrasound transduction of an electronic signal. They as they enhance contrast and favourable measure specific cells and tissue in the body bio distribution.

18 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017

In vitro diagnostics : Novel sensor material. Use of iron oxide nanoparticles for concepts based on nanotubes, nanowires, cancer therapy where they have injected to the cantilevers or atomic force microscopy are tumor side and heating could cause destruction applied to diagnostic devices/sensors. The aim of cancer cell without affecting the normal cells. of these sensors is to improve the sensitivity, Biomaterials : The hydroxiapitite reduce production costs or measure novel nanoparticles or other nanoparticles have been analytes that until recently could not be detected. used to improve the biocompatibility and In vivo tracking : Advanced and fully mechanical strength of biomaterail implants. equipped nanomedical heart trackers are used The hydroxyapitite nanocomposits have been in major hospitals to accurately track the developed for orthopaedic implants. heartbeat and its downfalls and for treating it Nanomaterials coating at the surface of the as needed in the body. implants enhances the biocompatibility of the Diagnosis of polymorphism and bone substitutes. Nanocomposits are used as pathogen : The nanopore sequencing is an dental fillers. ultra-rapid method of sequencing based on Active implants : Nanomaterial are pore nanoengineering and assembly. This used to increase the biocompatibility and method can sequence more than 1000 bases surface properties of electrode of active per second accurately and can have potential for implants. For example the nanomaterial used the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms, to improve the charge transfer and and for gene diagnosis of pathogens. biocompatibility in retinal implants. Pacemakers Nanomedicines in therapy with nanostructured electrode or with nanostructure coating have improved Drug delivery : The nanofibers, biocompatibility and functionality. nanogel, nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, carbon nanotubes, and dendrimers are used Tissue engineering : the nanoengineered as drug carriers increased bioavalaibility, scaffolds have been well explored for the controlled pharmacokinetics and reduced regeneration of tissue or organ. For example toxicity of the drug. They are also used for nannofibers scaffold have been used for gene, polypeptide and RNAi delivery in the musculoskeletal, bone, cartilage ligament, treatment of various diseases. muscle, skin, blood vessel, and neural tissue engineering. Drug/Therapy : the nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes and dendrimers have unique Nanosurgery : The surgery was medical effects according their structure. For performed at nanoscale label in cells or tissue example the carbon nanotubes have antibacterial by using nanotechnology. For example, and anticancer properties and act as therapeutic cutting dendrites was possible using

Science Horizon 19 OCTOBER, 2017 micropipette from single neuron without which are useful for imaging also show affecting its viability. By using femtosecond toxicity. The carbon naotubes shows asbestos laser surgery of single axon was performed like effect on mesothelium. Non degradable in a round worm which was again regenerated. polymeric nanoparticles like polystyrene This femtosecond laser acts as nanoscissor particles also show toxicity. But the biodegradable and was used to remove single chromosome polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles from nucleus of living Chiniese harmster ovary which act as drug carriers have no major cell, nanosurgical abletion of focal adhesion of toxicological effect at their used concentrations. adjoining mammalian epithelial cells. In future However, extensive toxicological evaluation nanorobot can be designed for its use in of all nanomedicines is needed. pathology, diagnosing and correcting the lesions. Future of nanomedicine Toxicological issue of nanomedicine It will not be wrong if we tell that 21st Nanomedicine is known to have significant century is the era of nanotechnology. In last impact on human health. Therefore, it is two decades this field has been boomed from necessary to evaluate their toxicological effect starting material synthesis to applications for on human health and environment and that human health. Though a lot of advancement opens a new field called nanotoxicology. The has been done in drug delivery, therapy, nanotoxicology is a new branch of toxicology. biomaterial, active implants, tissue engineering The toxicological effect of nanomaterials and nanosurgery there is lot to achieve in each depend upon their shape, size, origin material, field. In drug delivery what is achieved is surface area, electric charge, physicochemical increase in bioavailability and controlling properties, peculiarities of the structure, pharmacokinetics by sustained delivery of dosage, administration route, concentration in drug. However, this is not sufficient, along the target organ, and duration of action. Due with this if targeted drug delivery is achieved to their unusual physicochemical properties the along with crossing of epithelial barriers like nanomaterials affect biological behaviour at skin epithelium, endothelium of alimentary cellular, subcellular, protein and DNA level canal and vagina, blood retinal barriers and which is the advantages of the nanomaterial blood brain barrier then that might be a perfect and might act as disadvantage from the system. In that case the delivery system would toxicological point of view. The metal only go to the disease area, release drug there nanoparticles including gold, TiO2, ZnS and then perform its function without affecting shows increase in oxidative stress and the nearby tissues. It is in a preliminary stage inflammation at higher concentrations. The that the nanomaterial acting as therapeutics Quantum dots and semiconductor nanoparticles material or acting synergistically with the

20 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 encapsulated drug molecules. It might be NUTRITIVE VALUE possible with the perfect choice of materials OF POULTRY EGG for nanomaterial synthesis. For biomaterial or Dr. B. C. Das implants to be applied inside the body there Dr. K. K. Sardar might be immune rejection or chances of Poultry are reared across the world for infection or long term dislocation from site production of egg and meat. The consumption of application. For this nanoporous of poultry egg and meat provides animal biomaterials along with antibacterial and protein to human beings. Two eggs provide stimulating properties for cell fate process 160 calories of energy and more than 20% of might be more desirable for perfect implants. the daily requirements of protein, iodine, In the field of tissue engineering if the whole phosphorous, vitamin A, D and B complex functional organ can be developed with including fat. At present, India ranks 3rd in nanomaterials then that might be a boon for egg production after China and USA in the the society, however, it needs a lot of world. However, there is a misunderstanding understanding and work. In nanosurgery prevailing among the general mass of Indian hypothetical nanorobot which might detect the public about the food value of poultry egg. disease can clear it without affecting the Many believe that eggs are baby chicks and surrounding tissue. The nanorobot also can they do not consume it thinking that it is be designed to find out the microbial irrational to kill the life before it flourishes. pathogens, digest them to individual But there is a section of people who call aminoacids, sugar molecules or nucleic acids. themselves egg vegetarian because they think By using this nanorobots almost all diseases that, since they consume the egg which does could be treated. However, presently this is not have a life, they are in vegetarian diet in hypothetical stage. unlike other non-vegetarian food which is References prepared after killing the animal or birds or 1. Betty Y.S. Kim, et al, Nanomedicine, New England Journal other living beings. Unscientific debates over of Medicine 2010, 363,2434-2443 2. Shailesh Yadav, et l, Nanomedicine: Current Status and Future fertilized versus unfertilized eggs and Implications, Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, 2012, 22, 6-9 nutritional value of fertilized and unfertilized 3. O. V. Salata, Applications of nanoparticles in biology and medicine, Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2004, 2 eggs confuse people and arouse suspicion to 4. Saha M. Nanomedicine: promising tiny machine for the healthcare in future - a review. Oman Med J 2009;24(4): 242-7. egg eating. To clear doubt in our mind, the 5. Eung-Sam Kim, et al, Emerging nanotechnology approaches process of egg production has to be understood. in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Int J Nanomedicine. 2014; 9 (Suppl 1): 1-5 Female chickens are called pullets for n Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA their first year of life or until they begin to lay 1Email ID- [email protected] 2Email [email protected] eggs. All pullets start laying eggs in and

Science Horizon 21 OCTOBER, 2017 around twenty weeks of age and then they are called hens. Some birds lay eggs daily while some birds on alternate day, and others once or twice a week. Most of the hens are productive layers for two years then their egg production declines; some continue to lay eggs for several years. The average time taken by a hen to lay egg is 25 hours. They usually do not lay eggs in dark hours, so, once the time reaches the dusk hour they will lay egg in next morning and around 80 to 90 % egg laying takes place before noon. Like human beings, the hen also ovulates to produce ovum for fertilization. In chicken, the ovary contains a cluster of developing ova or yolks. Female human ovaries also contain developing eggs. In woman, a mature egg is Fig. 1: Reproductive System of Hen released from the ovary once in a month. If the egg becomes fertilized, it attaches to the Ovary wall of the uterus and begins to form an A female chick is born with a fully embryo and if the egg is not fertilized, it is developed ovary containing several thousands eliminated through menstruation. The same of tiny ova, or future yolks. The ova begin to process continues in the body of chicken but develop, one at a time, when the pullet (a hen it is considerably shorter in time. less than one-year-old) reaches sexual Process of egg formation in hen maturity. Each yolk is enclosed in its own sac The reproductive system of hen mainly or follicle- a highly developed system of blood consists of the ovary and oviduct. The yolk vessels nourishes the developing yolk. develops in the ovary while egg is completely Typically, about 15 minutes after the last egg developed in the oviduct, a 26 inches long tube was laid, ovulation occurs. At ovulation, the like structure and loosely attached to the follicle ruptures to release the yolk into the backbone between the ovary and the tail. Most oviduct. The formation double-yoked egg is female animals have two functional ovaries, possible when two yolks are released but the hen uses only one, the left one. The simultaneously. Rupture occurs at the stigma right ovary and oviduct remain dormant. line, an area of the follicle which has no blood

22 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 vessels. The infundibulum, also known as the egg is known as oviposition. Just before funnel, captures the ovulated yolk. The laying, the egg rotates to the large end. infundibulum is where fertilization takes Normally young hen lays small eggs and size place. The yolk passes along to magnum after increases as the hen gets older. 15 minutes and in about 3 hours, the hen Structure of egg deposits the albumen (white) around the yolk. The poultry egg consists of a minute As the albumen (white) is formed, the yolk reproductive cell. The egg consists of shell, rotates, twisting the albuminous fibers to form shell membrane, albumin and yolk. the chalazae. The two shell membranes are formed in about 1 hour and 15 minutes Shell followed by addition of water and minerals It is the hard outer covering of the egg. in the isthmus. The egg has now reached its It is mainly made up of calcium carbonates. full size and shape and passes along to the It provides protective covering to liquid uterus (shell gland) where, after 19 to 21 protein, besides it helps in gaseous exchange hours, it acquires its shell (the outer hard of developing embryo through small pores covering) and shell color. The egg takes pause present throughout the shell. Shell is also for few minutes in the vagina. The uterus covered with cuticle, a thin mucous layer, and inverts through the vagina, the cloacae (the it partially blocks the pores to prevent junction of the digestive, urinary and excessive evaporation of moisture from egg reproductive systems) and the vent to release and also physically blocks the entrance of the egg outside the hen's body. Laying of the microorganism to the egg.

Table 1: Parts of oviduct and their contributions to egg formation

Part/region of Approximate Approximate the oviduct length in cm time egg spends Major functions in region in hour Infundibulum 7.5-10 0.25 Engulf the yolk after ovulation Magnum 37-38 3 Thick white and all egg white protein secreted Isthmus 10 1.25 Two shell membranes and some salted water are added Uterus 10 20-21 Some water and minerals are added to egg white , shell , shell pigment and cuticle are also secreted Vagina 5 - Egg passes without spending much time. Some believe cuticle secreted here

Science Horizon 23 OCTOBER, 2017

Shell membrane holds the fluid yolk mass together. Under There are two layers is inner and outer vitelline layer there are seven to nine membranes. The outer layer is slightly thicker concentric rings of light and dark yellow than the inner membrane and remains attached materials. There is a neck like structure called to the shell through egg except in the area latebra which holds the germinal disc in place where the air shell is formed. Fertilized and Unfertilized Egg Albumen Eggs those are produced by normal sexual There are at least four layers of albumen. cycle of chicken is an unfertilized egg, and Immediately under the inner shell membrane eggs those are produced when the hen mates there is a layer of outer thin albumen which with a male bird is called a fertilized egg. constitutes about 25 % of total egg white. Many have a blind belief that eggs are A firm and thick layer of albumen follows this dead baby chicks but technically this is not layer and constitute about 55.55 % of total egg true since egg sold in the market for human white. There is another layer of thin albumen consumption are unfertilized ones. Researches below thick albumen called as inner thin have further proved that there is absolutely albumen which is about 16.8% of the total egg no difference between fertilized and white. The chalaziferous layer of thick albumin unfertilized eggs so far as nutritional content which surrounds the yolk follows this layer. of both is concerned. It continues with chalaza which is a chord like How to distinguish between fertilized structure. It helps to hold the egg in position. and unfertilized eggs Yolk We can normally differentiate between It is the yellowish ball like structure fertilized and unfertilized eggs by following surrounded by egg white. It forms a colourless two methods membrane called as vitelline membrane which By candling Here we can differentiate them without breaking the eggs. This process is carried out in a dark room and a Candler (small flash light or any flash light from any source). To do that we need to hold the egg at slanting angle so that we can observe the width, turn it into left and right and view the content inside the egg. If the egg appears opaque to us, then it is a

Fig. 2: Chicken Egg Anatomy fertilized one.

24 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017

By breaking HUMAN AGENDA In this method, one has to break the egg FOR TWENTY FIRST and observe the central part of the yolk. In CENTURY case a white spot or a white ring is observed Dr. Soumendra Ghosh in the egg yolk (yellow part) then it is a fertilized egg. A fertilized egg also has tiny A Leap Towards Immortality red lines along the surface of egg yolk. The truth is if you are born, then you Like milk, egg is also a very good source must die. From the day when man realized the truth, he has been trying to win over death. of nutrition and contains almost all the vital If you search Google, there you will find nutrients required for our growth and hundreds of sites where they offer you means development. It does not require special to prolong youth and life without expiry date. storage facility and can be stored in normal Can we live a life with everlasting youth and temperature for several days. It is readily die when we wish ? available everywhere and easy to prepare. The While looking for immortality it is found ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) that an increasing minority of scientists, recommends eating half an egg per day to doctors and thinkers are speaking openly that meet daily minimum protein requirement of very soon modern science will defeat death human beings. Considering all the advantages and grant humans with eternal youth. Notable mentioned here, we may appreciate the among them are the gerontologist Aubrey de NECC's (National Egg Producers Grey and the polymath inventor Ray Kurzweil (winner of 1999 US National Medal of Co-ordination Committee) slogan "SUNDAY Technologist and innovation). In a seminar on HO YA MONDAY, ROJ KHAO ANDE". Man's priority in the coming century they all References: spoke about fight against death. In 2012

1. N. S. R. Sastry and C. K. Thomas, Livestock Production Kurzweil was appointed a director of Management, Kalyani Publisher (2015) engineering at Google, and a year later Google 2. B. Panda and S.C. Mohapatara, Poultry Production, launched a sub company called Calico whose ICAR, New Delhi (1989) stated mission is, 'to solve death'. Google has 3. Donald D. Dell and Will D. Weaver, Commercial recently appointed another immortality Chicken Meat and Egg Production, 5th Edition (2002) n believer Bill Maris as President of the project. College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, In an interview Maris said 'If you ask me OUAT, Bhubaneswar E-mail : [email protected] to-day Is it possible to live to be 500 ? the answer is 'yes'.” Later Maris backs up his brave and laud words with lot of evidence and expectations. He said we are trying to win the game by 2150; when someone asked why ?

Science Horizon 25 OCTOBER, 2017

Maris said, “It is better to live than to die'. due to wrong signals. Biological aging is also Such view of Maris was shared by another due to wrong signal. Once the signaling silicon valley luminaries Pay Pal Co-founder pathway and signaling molecules are known of Peter Theil. Pay Pal confessed that he aims half of the war is won. to live forever. I think there are three main The development in the field of genetic modes of approaching death - you can fight engineering, regenerative medicine, it. Though in our society most people are nanotechnology, use of micro robots for cleaning either in denial or acceptance mode, few clogged arteries etc. have laid the foundation people prefer to fight. I am one of them. for antiaging and immortality studies. Every Strategy to Fight death day we are inching ahead towards immortality. Some experts believe that human will Man may die of old age or after overcome death by 2200; others say by 2100. prolonged illness, may die in an accident. One Kurzwell and de-Grey believe a healthy body may die from starvation or from over eating. and healthy bank balance will have a serious In any case when you die your living body shot at immortality. According to Kurzwell in becomes dead body. What makes a body living every ten years or so we will march into or dead ? The only answer is 'life'. What is rejuvenating clinics and receive a makeover life ? While defining life, the 19th Century treatment that will not only cure our illness Philosopher Herbert Spencer Writes, 'Life can but will rejuvenate our senile tissues and be defined as a co-ordination of different organs. Before the next treatment is due physiological activities, the lack of co- scientists and doctors shall have invented a ordination is death.' 'Co-ordination' in a living plethora of new medicines and upgraded system can be achieved by a series of gadgets. If in the twentieth century we have 'regulation' of different physiological activities almost doubled life expectancy from forty to brought about by 'enzymes'. Enzymes are seventy; so atleast in twenty first century we biological catalysts which requires a substrate should alleast be able to double it to 150. and several factors for proper functioning. The Road Map to Immoratlity function of an enzyme is regulated. Hormones, cytokines, growth factors and At present to find out the cause of any many 'x' factors act as regulators. When illness, doctors depend on investigations. regulation is lost a cell's functioning is Investigations are carried out by pathologists, derailed. Life comes to an end. To-day cell microbiologists, radiologists. In future such biologists, molecular biologists and a host of investigations will be done by micro robots other scientists are trying to find out the with special sensors. Robots will travel inside ultimate source that regulates the function of the body, move from cell to cell and will find various activities of cell. How a signal dictates out abnormal cells, tumors, bacteria or any a cell to divide or to commit suicide ? Now other pathogens in the body. A computer will we know synthesis of wrong proteins, process the signal from the robot and suggest malfunctioning of DNA repair mechanism are therapy according to the patient's genetic make

26 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 up, biological age and mental status. When a PROTECTED CULTIVATION : person visits a Doctor for check up the Doctor SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE will simply introduce a robot into the body by Mir Miraj Alli1 a laser gun. Computers will prescribe Anwesha Dalbehera2 medicines which are neither pills nor syrup. Introduction The medicines are some nano-particles that will take care of illness. The present agricultural scenario is a mix If the robot detects that some cells or of outstanding achievements and missed tissues are not functioning properly or they opportunities. If India has to emerge as an are senile, computer in that case may suggest economic power in the world, our agricultural replacement therapy. In such cases stem cells productivity should equal those countries, may be implanted at the site or different types which are currently rated as economic power of readymade differentiated cells like hepatic of the world. We need a new and effective technology which can improve continuously cells (for liver) β-cells (for pancreas) and neurons may directly replace the degenerated the productivity, profitability and sustainability nerve cells. For the treatment of nutritional of our major farming systems. One such deficiencies computer may suggest gene technology is the green house technology. edited animal or antioxidant rich crop therapy. Although it is centuries old, but it is new to Gene edited laboratory made meat, boneless India. About 95% of plants, either food crops fish by then will be available in market. These or cash crops are grown in open field and as a foods will boost life expectancy. result per unit productivity is low. Protected In reality so far modern medicine hasn't cultivation is one of the most promising areas extended our natural life span by a single year. of agriculture in the current context. It is an Its great achievement has been to save us to upcoming and alternative production system enjoy the full quota of life in good health. Future involving high-tech and intensive practices medicine will re-engineer and rejuvenate mainly for urban context and to meet the human body. May be by 2100 we will be able export demands of horticultural and ornamental to regenerate organs and tissues. Nevertheless, crops for food, nutrition and economic every failed attempt to overcome death will get security. Protected cultivation and Polyhouse/ us a step closer to the target. The next generation Greenhouse cultivation are similar terms. will therefore start their attack on the death What is a Greenhouse ? from a new and better position. Contd Green house is a framed structure covered Reference : with transparent or translucent material Homo Deus - A brief history of tomorrow by Yuval wherein the plants are grown under controlled Noah Harari Publ-Harvill Secker London (1916) or partially controlled environmental n conditions resulting in yields higher than that Bakharabad, Cuttack-753002 Mobile No. 9437319307 under open conditions.

Science Horizon 27 OCTOBER, 2017

Crops Grown In Polyhouses l Ideally suited for vegetables and flower The following crops/vegetables/flowers crops: In polyhouses mostly high value are usually grown in polyhouses. flower & vegetable crops are grown. Vegetables : Mostly exotic vegetables l Off-season production of vegetable and such as asparagus , Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, fruit crops can be possible.

Squash, Celery, Tomato, Capsicum, Chinese l Disease-free and genetically superior cabbage, Leek, Lettuce, Parsley etc. transplants can be produced continuously. Floriculture : Roses, Orchids, Gerbera, Scope of Protected cultivation Aster, Lilies, Marigold, Carnation, Greenhouse Technology for Production Chrysanthemum, Anthurium etc. of Cut Flowers : In the polyhouses, mainly Landscape Plants : All types of shade roses are grown for export. Other exotic loving plants or foliage plants which require flowers like carnations, gerbera, orchids, minimum light for healthy growth. lilium and other bulbous flowers are now Indian Scenario increasingly produced commercially both for Protected cultivation technology in India export and domestic market. for commercial production is hardly three Greenhouse Technology for Plant decades old. In1965, Indo-American Hybrid Propagation : Asparagus, sweet potato & seeds, Bangalore was first to apply greenhouse Gourds are sensitive to low temperature. The technology in India for commercial production planting material of these vegetables can be of seeds, ornamental plants and cut flowers. well- maintained in polyhouses. But India's first exposure to truly hi-tech protected farming of vegetables and other Hybrid Seed and Seedling Production : high-value horticultural produce came Nearly 40 per cent of the total cost of hybrid through the Indo-Israel project on greenhouse seed production is incurred on labour cultivation, initiated at the New Delhi-based employed for emasculation and pollination. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Use of male-sterile lines, gynoecious lines and in 1998, shortly after the establishment of growth regulators facilitate hybrid seed diplomatic ties with that country. production in polyhouses. Advantages of Protected Cultivation Micro-irrigation in Polyhouse Crops: In drip irrigation, water is applied near the l The yield may be 10-12 times higher than that of open cultivation depending plant root through emitters or drippers, or upon the type of greenhouse, type of below the soil surface at a low rate varying crop and environmental control facilities. from 2-20 litres per hour. Drip irrigation

28 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 results in a very high water application But with the help of plastic mulches weeds efficiency of about 90-95 per cent. problem can be solved. Protected Cultivation of Vegetables in There are two types of plastic mulch High Altitudes : In hilly areas of the country sheets used in polyhouses, one is Black especially in Northern plains the soils are colour plastic mulch sheet which is mostly highly fertile but extremes of temperature used in winter season and the other one is ranging from 0- 480C during the year do not white colour plastic mulch sheet used in allow year round outdoor vegetable summer season. cultivation. But with protected cultivation Importance of Protected Cultivation technology farmers can grow horticultural in India crops in the polyhouses. In Ladakh, polyhouses with low cost technology have According to the Agriculture Census been employed successfully to grow 2010-11, small & marginal farmer's vegetables round the year and also to take up percentage in India has been increased from seed production of vegetables round the year 83.29 per cent in 2005-06 to 84.97 per cent in in spite of adverse climate. So there is need 2010-11 where as medium and large farmer's to promote these polyhouse models in other percentage has been decreased. It means that arid temperate regions of the country. the fragmented land holdings are increasing. Scope of better weed management : By So there is a need to use protected cultivation use of plastic mulches in the polyhouse crops technology for high value cash crops. By the problem of weed management can be adopting this technology farmers can increase solved easily. As we know that weeds are main their profits from small areas also. And if India cause of yield loss since they compete with has to meet the demands of its people then main crop for space, nutrients, light, water etc. this technology is essential.

Comparison of Cut Flowers Yield Between Open & Polyhouse Conditions: Sr. Type Of Crop Conditions Average Yield % of I Grade No. (flowers/m2/yr.) quality flowers 1 Cut Flowers like Gerbera Open Conditions 130-160 15-20% 2 Carnation etc. Polyhouse Conditions 240-250 85% Source: www.starfiber.com So it is clear from above table that in polyhouses, cut flowers yield is higher than open conditions. In polyhouse grown cut flowers, not only quantity but also quality can be increased.

Science Horizon 29 OCTOBER, 2017 Performance of tomato varieties Returns From Polyhouse farming under polyhouse and open field A typical, traditional farm of 4000 conditions in KASHMIR region square meters (1 Acre) would generate an Varieties Polyhouse Open field estimated annual income from Rs. 20,000 to yield (q/ha) yield (q/ha) 1,50,000, (Depending upon type of cultivation BT-117-5-3-1 342 115 i.e. Cereals, Vegetables, and Fruits) whereas KT-10 283.60 117.40 estimated annual income from similar sized BT-10 294 111.65 poly house is Rs.1,00,000 to 5,00,000. Arka-Alok 260 57.90 Potentially, polyhouse farming can help the Arka-Abha 193.50 70.33 farmer to generate income around the year Source: Sudagar.S, July (2011) growing multiple crops and fetching premium Per Unit Cost involved In Polyhouse prices for off-season vegetables. construction: Govt. Subsidies In Polyhouse Cultivation: Sl. Type of polyhouse Cost For adoption of greenhouse technology No. (Rs/m2) by the farmers, the government of India has 1 Low tech polyhouse 300 to 500 made provision for subsidy @ 50% of the total without fan & pad system cost of greenhouse including micro irrigation 2 Medium tech polyhouse 800 to 1100 system with fogging and misting devices with fan & pad system under centrally sponsored scheme of NHM 3 High tech polyhouse 2000 to 3500 with fully automatic (National Horticulture Mission (2005)) & control system Horticulture mission for North East and Himalayan states (HMNEHS). Per Unit Cost of cultivation of Crops grown under greenhouse Steps to Accelerate Protected Cultivation Crops Avg. cultivation Policy cost (Rs/m2) l There is a need for regular uninterrupted Vegetables Capsicum & 105 power supply to maintain optimal Tomato growing conditions within protected Flowers Gerbera & 500 structures. Carnation NurseryMango, Guava 225 l To provide better return to the farmers, & Aonla etc. there is a need to provide support with Source: National Committee on Plasticulture proper market linkages/ market Application in Horticulture, GOI (2013) intelligence and cool chain.

30 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017

Research involved in production of high value cash crops in polyhouses in some of the states. So, l The most suitable crop sequences need to be developed for protected structures this technology can also be adopted as a and season based research. business. However, due to high training needs of the green house growers and some poor l Selection and promotion of suitable quality produce with pesticide residues has design of protected structures need to be become a matter of great concern. These undertaken for different regions of the issues can easily be addressed by integrating country for cultivation of high-quality various production and protection practices long-duration vegetables and flowers. including location specific designing and Development construction of the polyhouses for efficient l Large-scale motivation and training of input use. Creating awareness among the educated unemployed youths in the field greenhouse growers for judicious use of of protected cultivation. pesticides for safe production can be instrumental in providing quality products l Self-help groups with scientific support without polluting the environment. should be promoted for multiplication of quality planting material for protected References:

cultivation. l Devi and Thakur, (2013), Protected Cultivation as an Emerging Agri-Entrepreneurship in Hilly Regions of Conclusion India, Popular Kheti, 1(1):21-25. The protected cultivation of high value l Sudagar.S, (2013), Production and marketing of cut flowers International Journal of Business and crops has become important from economic Management Invention, Vol. 2: 15-25. n point of view. It offers several advantages to 1Assistant Agriculture Officer grow high value crops with improved quality C/O- Jadava Sahu, At-Koshal Nagar, Near Mishra Coaching PO-Rajendra College, Dist -Bolangir even under unfavourable and marginal Mob-7008282782 2Assistant Agriculture Officer environments. This technology can change the C/O-Bipin Bihari Pradhan, At-Madhab Nagar, Thana Chowk, Medical Road, PO-Sohela, Dist-Bargarh768033 socio-economic status of the marginal and small farmers. If India has to sustain its agricultural production and also to increase it's per unit productivity, then this technology is a better alternative. Both the centre and state govt. are also providing support for adoption of this technology. Many entrepreneurs are

Science Horizon 31 OCTOBER, 2017

THE RED PEARL The two well-known species include ON THE GREENERY Trombidiidae holosericeum and Trombidiidae Prof. Animesh K. Mohapatra grandissimum. The former is confined to the Saptabarna Mukherjee Palearctic ecozone i.e. the largest ecozone of Earth comprising of the eco-regions of Introduction Europe, Northern Africa, Northern and Our mother Earth is adorned with Central parts of Arabian Peninsula and Asia. numerous natural elements. The polar ice The latter, commonly known as giant red caps, the endless ocean the cherished greenery velvet mite has been reported in certain parts and many others beautify this world. But apart of India in adequate abundance. from these, the presence of some unique Residing in any corner of the world, organisms with their unique appearance also these mites generally occupy dry environments imparts a spell-bound effect to embellish our such as deserts and semi-arid regions. But the nature. One such organism which supplements soil litter, plant leaves and logs of decaying the glamour of the Earth is none other than a wood are not bereft of the residence of a few small velvet mite. The bright red color of the species. The solitary and cool underground organism is due to the small red - colored hairs world fascinates these creatures. These present all over its body and that is what makes creatures mainly appear from April to October it the red gemstone of nature. Its characteristic mostly in the gardens and deciduous colour has given it various names such as woodlands. They are found in humus-rich soil scarlet fly, red velvet mite, rain bugs and with moss and litters as they prefer dampness sadhaba bohu. to prevent desiccation. These amazing lives Habit and Habitat prefer to remain at great depths and the incidence of their emergence to the soil The red velvet mites are members of the surface is distinctly visible on the occasions subphylum Chelicerata of the Phylum of heavy rainfall. The penetration of water Arthropoda. Belonging to the family flow in the cracks and crevices of ground fills Trombidiidae, they are tiny creatures with their spaces compelling them to come to the attractive, bright red color body resembling soil surface. However, certain peculiarities in Ruby. There are about 50,000 different kinds their lifestyles are observable. These mites are of mites recognized worldwide among which diurnal creatures which are characteristically the velvet mites occupy a significant position. active during the day time finishing all their The mites can inhabit diverse habitats and hazardous tasks and vanishing underneath the hence are omnipresent even occupying great soil during the dusk to relax. The variations sea depths. The size of tiny red velvet mite is are predominantly visible during summer and not much larger than the head of a pin.

32 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 winter seasons. They are renowned velvet mite after the rainfall. The termites, hibernators of winter remaining mostly after a brief period of flight, shed their wings underground during the winter seasons. and settle down on the ground. This event is Food and Feeding Habits taken advantage of by the red velvet mites when they exhibit their predatory action by The larval forms are parasitic on their attacking the termites and sucking their hosts which mainly include the arthropods like abdominal fluids. grasshoppers, aphids, beetles etc. while the adults are free living predators of certain Intricate Morphology arthropods and their eggs. They may be Most of the mites are no longer than a polyphagous or restricted to a particular dish. few millimeters in length. These resembling They are mostly vibration sensitive and the natural toy pillows - are beautifully chemosensitive as they possess the capability adorned with a cushion of velvety hairs on to navigate their surroundings and detect their their bodies that act as a sensor. They have a prey by analyzing the vibrations and chemical pair of simple eyes but lack antennae, hence, substances secreted by their prey. The adults use the front pair of legs as feelers to obtain also exhibit the feature of cannibalism by feedback from the surroundings. Their simple feeding on other members of their own species. eyes are sensitive to light permitting them to Despite the presence of their predatory procure hazy spots of certain objects rather attitude, it's very interesting to know that they than getting images. Their physique shows a are not targeted prey, mostly pertaining to their deviation from the general body structure of distastefulness and warning colour. the arthropods. This is due to the fusion of An interesting aspect of their feeding their two body segments i.e. cephalothorax habit is observable due to the co-emergence and abdomen together to form one unit. of the winged termites along with the red Generally, 6 pairs of appendages are attached to the cephalothorax which include a pair of chelicerae, a pair of pedipalps and 4 pairs if legs. The larva however has 3 pairs of legs. The mites employ the chelicerae, which are pointed fang- like structures, to procure or suck food while feeding. The adults have a characteristic 4 spotted body, 2 spots on either side, each spot demarcating the site of emergence of 2 legs. Their body cavity is filled

Figure 1: Velvet mites tussle with each other with yellowish colored fluid which functions to occupy feeding territories as a hydrostatic skeleton that enables the mite

Science Horizon 33 OCTOBER, 2017 to form burrow in the soil. They usually Life Cycle exhibit sexual dimorphism. The males have The amazing life cycle of these mites is comparatively short and narrower abdomen comprising of six stages which include egg, than the female. Further, the male mites are pre- larval stage, larval stage, protonymph, smaller in size than the females. deutonymph, tritonymph and adult. The Unique Mating Style fertilized eggs laid in the months of March to The breeding season of these velvet July undergo a gestation period of about 1-2 mites is March to July, though some of them months, depending on the environmental can oviposit during autumn. They are well conditions after which the larvae hatch out. known for their extraordinary elaborate The appearance of larva is usually mating rituals in their self created houses. synchronous with their host which mainly When a mite decides to settle down in life, includes the arthropods. The larvae are then the animal makes deliberate efforts to ectoparasitic on the hosts to which they get build its nests commonly referred to as love attached for 1-2 weeks after which they get gardens by the entomologists. The intricate detached and penetrate into the soil. The house is structured with plants and sticks. The protonymph being calyptostatic develop male mite deposits spermatophores on the leaf within the cuticle of larva. The deutonymph blades present there. In order to acquaint the are free living and emerge in the summer or female about their garden, the male deposits autumn to forage on plants. The calyptostatic a silken trail that leads to the entrance of its tritonymphs develop within the cuticle of castle, where the male waits hopefully for a deutonymphs in the soil and the adults emerge female to come. When the male sees an in the autumn. The adults generally hibernate approaching female, it starts dancing to be remarkably noticeable and prove himself as an effective partner. The female when stumbles on the silken trail starts following the male upto his fortress. The female then impregnates herself by sitting atop on one of its large sperm bubbles. But the spotting of the love garden by another male leads to its destruction. The rival male damages the silken trail and deposits his own sperms after receiving the previously deposited sperms of the former male. Consequently, the rival's sperm gets fertilized. Figure 2: Life cycle of red velvet mite

34 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 during the prolonged winter period. The adults Natural Enemies of a few species may lay eggs in autumn and The velvet mites have very few natural the late appearing nymphs may fail to mature predators due to the distastefulness of their in the same year, hence, they require 2-3 years body oil. Hence, certain organisms even after to complete their life cycle. Post-imaginal engulfing it spit them out. However, a few moulting of tritonymphs (one to several times) enemies are present to balance the soil was also observed in Microtrombiidae, which ecosystem. The presence of the phenomenon lead to the emergence of so - called pre- adults. of cannibalism among the mites has made How is the Host Affected? their adults their own enemies. Besides the predatory effect of a few entomophagous birds The larval forms of red velvet mites act like crow, mynah and sparrows have been as potential life-threatening ectoparasites of reported. However, the cattle and human some arthropod like aphids. The degree of gatherers, to utilize them for commercial damage depends on the size of the host and purpose, indeed pose a threat to these mites. the parasites as well as the number of parasites Role in Ecosystem affecting the mite (mite load). The attack of larvae in large numbers makes the host The red velvet mites play a significant role weakened to such an extent that it becomes in the ecosystem and are an inseparable part of the food web. They constitute a family of soil incapable of flying. A considerable decline in arthropods that aid the ecosystem. The bacteria the reproductive rates of adult aphids has also and fungi which are integral members of the been observed. The hosts are however unable community of soil decomposers are consumed to attack and feed on the mites probably due by numerous predators including insects. The to their bright red color which acts as an red velvet mites aid to maintain this uninterrupted indicator of distastefulness. system by feeding on those insects thereby ensuring the survival of the essential microbes including bacteria and fungi. They also consume the invasive insects which destroy the vegetation. Hence, they are critical agents in determining the decomposition rates in the woodland. This also makes them one of the potential biological controlling agents of nature. Economic Importance The tiny red velvet mite plays an amazing role to satiate the mankind, by Figure 3 : Larvae of red velvet mites on a host solving numerous diseases. The red-colored

Science Horizon 35 OCTOBER, 2017 oil extracted from them is highly coveted as ARTIFICIAL LIGHT POLLUTION: it is aphrodisiac in nature. The oil is also A PROBLEM FOR ALL known to have medicinal values used in the Dr. Tapan Kumar Barik treatment of arthritis, paralysis and boosting Life on Earth Needs the Natural the immune system of the body. Their close Rhythm of Light and Dark association with the fungus in their natural habitats i.e. the leaves suggest that some- Background antifungal substance is also present in their Our planet Earth is home to millions of exoskeleton which can be evaluated and species of living organisms. The biosphere in utilized for commercial purposes. which all these living beings have their Conclusion sustenance, contains air, water, soil etc. All The rapid and reckless utilization of the these are well balanced to ensure and help a products of these mites has catered to the healthy growth of life in the world. This numerous needs of the mankind; however, that balance not only helps the life-cycles of living has posed a threat to the existence of these organisms to continue but it also creates the tiny creatures. The exploitation is gradually perennial sources of minerals and energies increasing for their utility but it has created without which the human civilization of today an adverse effect on their population statistics. could not flourish. There is almost no These tiny red cushions are endangered and alternative to industrialization for fulfilling are gradually disappearing from numerous high demand for food and goods worldwide. corners of the world. If our negligence But the important thing is that most of the continues, then a time may come when these industrial factories are not eco-friendly. These creatures will leave us forever. Hence, it is factories produce a lot of waste every day as our responsibility to leave no stone unturned their byproduct. They are dumping their waste to conserve them instead of turning a blind products wherever they want and polluting the eye to their condition. Our genuine endeavour air, water, and land. Pollution causes harm or in this regard will definitely culminate into a discomfort to humans and other living positive outcome which will definitely organisms by damaging the environment. intensify the beauty of our Mother Earth. Pollutions are of two types such as natural and References man-made. The natural pollution is produced http://animals.mom.me/red-velvt-bugs-come-out-after-rain naturally and will affect less our environment http://theoatmeal.com/comics/red_velvet_mite http://www.cirrusimage.com/Arachnid_velvet_mite because of its regeneration ability. But the n Life Science Education (DESM), pollution that is being made by humans has Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneswar huge effect on our environment. In this context

36 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 artificial light can also be considered as a factor for pollution. Light is one of the most important physico-chemical abiotic factor without which life cannot exist. Organisms get light from the sun, stars, lightening, volcanoes etc. Among these, sun is the most important source of The World at night (source: http://visibleearth.nasa.gov) light. Several processes of living organism like photoreactivation, metabolism, pigmentation, Classification of Light Pollution vision development of eye and reproduction Light pollution can be classified as of animals are highly influenced by light. (i) light trespass, (ii) glare and (iii) sky glow. However, almost all humans in modern (i) Light Trespass occurs when undesirable society use electric light to reduce the natural light enters one's property, for instance, daily dark period by extending light into the by shining over a neighbor's fence. evening or before sunrise in the morning and A common light trespass problem occurs utilizing approximately 19% of all electricity when a strong light enters the window to produce light at night. This expansion in the exposure period of light in the form of of one's home from outside, causing artificial light alters the natural pattern of light problems such as sleep deprivation. and dark in ecosystems and causes light (ii) Glare is light that inhibits our ability to pollution. It has been estimated that about see effectively. The most familiar 20% of land on the earth is considered to be example is the bright light from an polluted by light. Therefore, it becomes as oncoming vehicle at night. Glare can be important an issue as global warming. Light categorized into different types such as pollution refers to the introduction of artificial (a) Blinding Glare, (b) Disability Glare light by humans, directly or indirectly into the and (c) Discomfort Glare. environment. Artificial light pollution is also (a) Blinding Glare describes effects such as known as photo-pollution or luminious that caused by staring into the Sun. It is pollution. One-quarter of all energy consumption completely blinding and leaves temporary is used for lighting worldwide and lights or permanent vision deficiencies. used in homes and workplaces account for 20%-50% of this. Approximately 35% to 50% (b) Disability Glare describes effects such of light pollution is caused by roadway as being blinded by an incoming cars lighting. Lux is the SI unit of illuminance and lights, or light scattering in fog or in the luminous emittance. eye reduces contrast, as well as

Science Horizon 37 OCTOBER, 2017

recent decades cause increase in the risk of breast and prostate cancers, obesity and early onset of diabetes. There is a straight link between breast cancer and light pollution. Night shift female workers were found to have an elevated breast cancer risk associated with occupational exposure to artificial light at night. It is related to the release of melatonin hormone in the body causing changes in the body. ii. On Plants The additional extra light for plants can be dangerous for them and their life India at night (source: http://visibleearth.nasa.gov) cycle can be influenced by light. Many reflections from print and other dark plants use the length of night for speed areas that render them bright, with of growth and time of flowers and fruit. significant reduction in sight capabilities. iii. On Communication (c) Discomfort Glare does not ordinarily cause a hazardous situation in itself, and Visual communication within and is annoying and irritating at best. It can between species may be influenced by potentially cause fatigue if experienced artificial night lighting. over extended periods. iv. On Behaviour (iii) Sky glow is caused by light projected Flood lights and other outdoor lighting up into the night sky, either directly or hamper migration and contribute to by reflection, which lights up particulate reproductive failure and population matter in the air, thereby obscuring our decline by causing disorientation of view of the stars. migratory species. It also attracts Impact of Light Pollution insectivores to the artificially elevated numbers of insects that become trapped i. On Human Health in the glare, thus inducing abnormal Light pollution affects physiological behaviour. Hatchlings of some birds processes of humans. Increase in the need the protein from insects and spiders artificial light in modern societies over in their diet to survive. Decline in insect

38 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017

population leads to decline of many launched 12-step bird-friendly program that plant species that provide habitat for encourages buildings to turn down lights many other species, ornamental plants, during migrations. Educational drives to and so on. publicize impact of light on turtle hatchlings v. On Ecosystem and seabird fledglings. The cumulative effects of behavioral Remedial measure for light pollution is changes induced by artificial night much easier and cheaper than for most lighting on competition and predation other kinds of pollution have the potential to disrupt key Solutions and recommendations ecosystem functions. Increasing public and government Circadian rhythm is a biological process awareness about the consequences of light in plants, animals, fungi, and cyanobacteria pollution will encourage people to reduce that displays an endogenous, entrainable amount of lighting and block lighting from oscillation of about 24 hours. These 24- outside environment. The regulations must be hour rhythms are driven by a circadian implemented through laws as is already done clock. Alteration of the circadian clock in most other countries. Legislation needs to may cause performance, alertness, be made to support and require dark sky sleep and metabolic disorders. Clock friendly lighting through by-laws, modified genes carry the genetic instructions to engineering standards and building codes. produce protein products that control Conclusion circadian rhythm. Understanding on the consequences of Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) artificial lighting is still limited, and the field The Fatal Light Awareness Program in holds many opportunities for basic and applied Toronto, Canada has recorded data of research. Careful research focusing on collisions of birds with man-made structures artificial night lighting will probably reveal it for over 10 years. They recorded about 160 to be a powerful force structuring local species of birds as victims of collisions to communities by disrupting competition and man-made structure. According to Daniel predator-prey interactions. Ecologist and Klem Jr., biologist at Muhlenberg College in Conservationists should not neglect the Pennsylvania, more than 100 million birds are consequence of light pollution and they should affected by collisions each year in North examine it in detail. America and many of the species involved are n Assistant Professor, Post Graduate Dept. of Zoology, recognised as endangered species. FLAP Berhampur University, Bhanjabihar-760007, Odisha, India

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In fact, the mystery surrounding Netaji's SCIENCE IN SEARCH suspected death has been elusive so far. Some OF MISSING NETAJI members of the Indian National Army (INA) are sure that Netaji lost his life during a plane- Dr. Nikhilanand Panigrahy crash at Taihoka in Taiwan on 18th August 1945 on his way from Saigon to Soviet Union. Where might be Netaji Subhas Chandra Such a view has been supported by the assertion Bose now ? Nobody is sure about it. Even made by a Japanese doctor, Taneyoshi Iyo people are not sure whether he is dead and if Simi, who is said to have treated him, when so, when, where and how he might have lost he was suffering from fatal injuries due to the his life. The Government said plane-crash. In the reports published of India in the past had recently in two Calcutta magazines, Dr. Iyosimi constituted two has categorically stated that Netaji was brought commissions, headed by in a stretcher to the hospital for treatment at Shah Nawaz Khan (1955) about 3PM on 18.8.1945 in serious condition. and G.D Khosla (1970) to Immediately he was rushed in to the surgical enquire into this mystery. ward and eight medical personnel treated him expeditiously. At that time his condition was Both had concluded that he might have critical: his body-temperature was 39°C and been killed in an air-crash. But the country is pulse beat 120. Even though he was in his not prepared to accept this shocking view. senses, his entire body was completely burnt During the late seventies when Morarji Desai and there was almost no chance of his was the Prime Minister, the matter was survival. Anyway he was properly bandaged discussed in the parliament. and administered with two Vitamin-injections. At that time Mr. Desai came out with However, at about 7 PM he lost his senses the view that it was difficult on the part of and did not respond to any treatment. At 10 government to accept the versions of the PM he breathed his last. Dr. Iyosimi wrote commission as conclusive. the death- certificate of Netaji in his own hand-writing. Next morning Habibur Rahaman, an associate of Netaji, carried the dead body with him. Whatever may be the truth behind this report, recently three Indian researchers have expressed the view that Netaji might have escaped from the plane-crash and arrived at Moscow, as per the records available in Russia. Such a finding is also gaining

40 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 credence, if we look at the biographical sketch Forward Bloc; as he maintains that the alleged of Netaji's past years. In 1941, during Second ashes actually belong to Isme Okura- a World War, Netaji was arrested by the British Japanese soldier. Further some relatives of Government of India and was put into jail. Netaji, including Smt. Lalita Bose have However, when his health deteriorated he was appealed to the Netaji British Centenary kept under house arrest at Calcutta in his own committee, not to bring the alleged ashes from residence. At that time Ras Behari Bose, who Tokyo unless it has been conclusively proved was staying in Japan, learnt about this. He that they actually belong to Netaji. hatched a secret and immaculate plan to Under these circumstances, appropriate release Netaji from detention. Accordingly, he scientific methods should be applied to sent a team of seven Japanese citizens in a resolve this issue. However it is reported that plane to meet Netaji at his residence, which Mr. Chitta Bose, the general Secretary of was well-guarded by British police. Netaji exchanged his dress with one of these Japanese forward Bloc, would prefer an Indian research guests and left his residence in disguise along team to visit the war-museums in Russia, with the other two Japanese, leaving behind USA, England, Japan and some South Asian the third Japanese as a substitute for him, in countries and collect relevant facts in this his residence. Thus he could escape from matter without any delay. Mr. Basu further detention, by hoodwinking the British guards. maintains that right now such a step would Later on the third Japanese in Hindu uniform be more appropriate to settle this issue. also left the house without creating any This is a very sensitive matter, because suspicion in the minds of the British. After it has assumed national importance since long. his miraculous escape from the city of Hence Netaji's supposed death should be Calcutta, Netaji reached Germany via Kabul investigated very carefully but promptly; and and had a meeting with Hitler relating to the in a non-controversial manner. Probably matters for India's independence. Historians scientific investigation of the ashes would say that "Netaji's journey from Calcutta to provide the correct solution. Berlin was a historic one and its nearest parallel is the escape of Shivaji from the clutches of In this context, we would like to point Aurangzeb." So it appears Netaji might have out, how the mystery surrounding the French escaped into Moscow from Saigon via Taihoka. emperor Napoleon's death was resolved after a pretty long period with the help of scientific It is a fact that the issue of Netaji's death experimentation. carried national overtones for all the Indians. There had been sharp reactions from many Napoleon died in May 1821 at the age quarters, when it was announced that the ashes of 51, after being exiled to the island of St. of Netaji have been preserved in the Renkoji Helena by the British in 1815. As his freedom Temple at Tokyo. Such a claim has been in the desolate island was being curtailed by refuted by Mr. Samar Guha, an ex-MP of the British, he was very much mentally

Science Horizon 41 OCTOBER, 2017 depressed and developed various kinds of It may be mentioned that an event, very illness. When he died after six years of such similar to that of Netaji's disappearance during intolerable life, different people attributed air-travel, took place on 15th December 1944. different causes to his death-such as diseases The reputed. American band-leader Glenn like hepatitis, syphilis, tuberculosis, melania, Miller was asked by Gen. Eisenhower to even poisoning by an enemy. However a team conduct some concerts for the troops in of British doctors, after dissecting and Europe. Even though the day was very foggy, examining his internal organs, concluded that Miller ventured to take up the trip and boarded he died of cancerous ulcer of the stomach. In an ill-equipped Norseman air-plane. spite of this medical report, controversy Unfortunately, he never arrived at his destination regarding Napoleon's death persisted. in Europe. Till now, there have been several Later on, a chemical analysis of a lock conjectures regarding his mysterious of hair of Napoleon, which had been preserved disappearance on board: Some say, he was since the day of post-mortem of his body, murdered by a pre-planned design of one revealed that he died of arsenic-poisoning. It black-marketer; others say that even though was established that this poisoning has not he met with a serious accident he escaped by been made by any enemy, but by the green- a stroke of luck and is still living in some patterned wall-paper, which had been used to sanatorium-of course with a charred body due decorate the Longwoodhouse in St. Helena, to the air-crash-injuries. However Fred Shaw, where Napoleon lived in exile. Dr. David an ex-RAF (Royal Air Force) navigator believes Jones, a British chemist, took a sample of the that Miller must have lost his life due to the alleged wall-paper and subjected it to bombardment, when a British squadron jettisoned chemical test. As the wall-paper contained its 4,000- pound bomb-load in a particular area Scheele's Green, its property of arsenic- of the English channel, where unfortunately poisoning could not be ruled out. In fact, in Miller's air-plane was flying at that time. the damp, humid living-room of Napoleon, Anyway the riddle of the mysterious its poisoning effect was quite intense. Thus it disappearance of the American hero, Glenn was concluded that a non-human enemy really Miller, still remains unresolved. However, had hastened the death of Napoleon-and no human any remains of Glenn Miller been found, this being actually conspired to kill him. It is due mystery could have been solved by the modern to this reason that in 1950's, the bedroom at scientific techniques. Rome of Mrs. Clare Boothe Luce, US In fact science has the rare ability of ambassador to Italy, was redecorated by unravelling the past accurately, even if some removing such dangerous Scheele's Green minor evidence is made available to it. In this wall-paper-the evil effects of which were context, it would be pertinent to quote an unknown to the people till then. incident, which has been a center of

42 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 controversy since 1356. Geoffrey de Charny, GALILEO GALILEI - a French nobleman, once produced a piece of THE FATHER OF cloth with red-marks, claiming that it MODERN SCIENCE contained the blood-stained impression of the crucified Jesus Christ and, as such, it belonged Prof. Ramsankar Rath to the beginning of Christian era. However, Till only five hundred years back hence, the archbishop of Turin wanted to know the religion ruled over all types of free expression exact truth. Sohe requested the scientists of of thought. Traditional beliefs were controlled the University of Oxford, University of by the authorities of the Church in Europe. Arizona and Federal University of Technology Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) of Italy was born in Zurich to investigate into this claim. It was and brought up in such an atmosphere found by applying radio-carbon dating that the reigning all over the continent. However, these piece of cloth did not actually belong to the restrictions could not deter Galileo's biblical times. Walter Mc Crone, a microscopist independent mind to have a scientific outlook, of Chicago, in an interview with the Scientific to go out of its confinement and fly like a free American in the year 1988, expressed that the bird in the open sky. The natural urge and alleged cloth was "imbued with a pale gelatin- inquisitiveness to know with a proper based medium speckled with particles of red perspective enabled him to discover and bring ochre". He further confirmed that the so-called new knowledge to the world. It is for this blood-stains were actually formed by particles reason that he is known to the scientific world of vermilion and the cloth did not belong to as the father of modern science. the beginning of Christian era. Thus the case It was he who analysed the process of of the holy cloth was not at all genuine and it the free fall of a body in all its details. This was manipulated by de Charny. included the study of the relation of the Speaking truly, now science has increase in velocity and the distance traversed developed to such an extent that among other by the falling body with time. His true tests, DNA finger-printing can be regarded as scientific mind however came to surface from most reliable. Thus the ashes of Renkoji a different event. While sitting in a mass Temple may be subjected to proper scientific prayer meeting in a Church he closely watched scrutiny, so that the claim about Netaji's ashes the oscillations of a candle stand suspended can be settled. It will be a great achievement by a long string from the roof and wondered if the world will be in a position to know if there was any connection between the length conclusively the secret about Netaji's last of the string, the mass of the candle stand and mysterious disappearance, even if it is too late. the time of an oscillation. After returning n home he repeated the experiment taking Badakhemuni Bunglow, Utkal Ashram Road, Berhampur-760001 Mobile No. 9437026651 stones of different weights and strings of

Science Horizon 43 OCTOBER, 2017 various lengths and noted the time of oscillation the Sun is at the centre of the solar system in each case as accurately as possible with a and the Earth as well as the other planets of view to determining the relation existing the system were revolving round it. Galileo between them. His aim behind all these verified the truth of this theory by actual experiments was to disprove the Aristotelian observation through his telescope and theory that a heavier mass would reach the circulated it in Italian language for the ground earlier than a lighter one if both of information of the general public. Some them were allowed to fall freely at the same professors were supporters of the geocentric moment from the same height. Not only did Aristotlean theory. They unitedly came out he prove that Aristotle was wrong, but he could against the Copernican theory requesting the construct a formula relating to the distance church to ban it from the public. Galileo got traversed with the time taken for the fall. very much worried and went to Rome, the He conducted an experiment to measure Italian capital, for apprising the authorities of the speed of light. However, the device failed the strong reasons behind his belief in the Sun- chiefly because it was not as efficient and fine centric system. He explained to them that for as required to measure the enormous speed determining the correctness of a theory which of light. That he could develop on his own a is essentially scientific, Bible cannot be the telescope, the first of its kind till his time and book of reference. In case the arguments was able to discover four moons of the planet supporting such a theory differed from the Jupiter tells a lot about his probing as well as statements in the Bible, then explanations his bold mind considering the hostile attitude could be given to the public that such of the Church towards new findings. It was statements in the Bible have mysterious only much later that eight more moons of meanings not meant for the public. The Jupiter were discovered by other scientists. protestants however suspected this way of explanation as a conspiracy against them. A He was the first among the Philosophers controversy arose and in 1616 A.D. church (science was the recognized as a part of asked Galileo to refrain from arranging public Philosophy) of his time to argue that the support for the Copernican theory. mystery of the origin of the universe could be explored only through experimental In 1623 A.D. a close friend of Galileo observations and their analysis, not merely by was enthroned as the Pope. Even then Galileo discussions and reasoning. It was Copernicus could not succeed in persuading him to lift who had the courage to question the current the ban on him. However, he was permitted belief that the sun and its revolved around the to write a book explaining the two opposite earth, meaning thereby that ours is a theories in all their details. Two conditions geocentric universe. He came forward with were imposed namely not to support any of the proof on support of his new theory that the two theories together with giving the

44 Science Horizon OCTOBER, 2017 concluding remark that not man but God alone DETECTION OF can tell which one is correct. EVIDENCE FOR THE In obedience to the decision of the EXISTENCE OF NEW church he wrote the book titled 'Dialogue PLANETS Concerning the Two Chief World Systems' and Dr. Sadasiva Biswal published it in 1632 A.D. after a five member Prolegomenon scrutiny committee approved it. The book was acclaimed as both a literary and philosophical Spirals of dust around young stars work of very high order. However it was pave a way for the detection of the evidence noticed that after going through the book the of the existence of new planets. A group of general opinion went in favour of the astronomers is proposing that huge spiral Copernican theory. The Pope felt that it was a patterns observed around some new born mistake on his part to allow the publication stars, merely a few million years old (about of the book. He now argued that the book one percent our Sun's age), may be the violated a condition imposed a long time back evidence for the presence of giant unseen in 1616 A.D. even if it obeyed the two planets. Such an idea goes a long way for conditions of 1632 A.D. Under such a charge against him he was kept under house arrest observation and detection of new planets. by court orders. The court of justice further Also this could enable us to enrich our ordered that Galileo should publicly declare knowledge of the early formative phase of that Copernican theory was wrong. He had a planet. no other way than to submit to this court Though astronomers have listed a decision without protest. number of planets orbiting other stars, the very Galileo was a true catholic in spirit, but earliest phases of planet formation are elusive this did not prevent him from putting his faith because nascent planets are born and on the independent spirit of science. During embedded inside vast, pancake-shaped disks the period of his house arrest till death in 1642 of dust and gas encircling newborn stars, A.D. he wrote his second book 'Two New known as circumstellar disks. Sciences' four years prior to his death. The manuscript was stolen and went into the hands On the other hand, scientists have found of a publisher in Holland. But it is agreed that evidence of a planet on the fringes of our solar this was a book which set a new direction for system tentatively named "Planet Nine". After the progress of contemporary physics. Pluto was demoted to a dwarf planet, this n could be a major breakthrough in our Aatreya Bhoomi, Plot No. 107(P), Acharya Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751013, understanding of our cosmic home. Michael Phone No. 0674-2542708

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E Brown, one of the astronomers responsible Another method of planet detection is for Pluto's demotion and Konstantin Batygin the identification of large-scale features of the California Institute of Technology, have produced by planets. This method is quite come up with evidence for the existence of different from all other techniques presently this new planet. With the aid of computer used. This approach can go a long way in simulations, Brown and Batygin have answering many questions of astronomical formulated the theory for the presence of a observers. planet in the undiscovered outer realm of icy Gaps and rings observed in other bodies beyond Pluto known as the Kuiper belt, circumstellar disks suggest invisible planets throwing open the possibility that our solar embedded in the disk. It is also difficult to system may be even bigger, and even more ascertain the presence of a new planet from populated than we know. The new planet is the observed gap, because the gaps may be likely to be smaller than Neptune. created by a planet's gravity. Also, multiple Theory of gas-and-dust disks for the planets together may open a single common detection of new massive planets gap. So, it is very difficult to estimate their number and masses. The presence of new planets may be detected through the modification of Two large-scale spiral arms around two circumstellar disks on large scales. This is young stars, SAO 206462 and MWC 758 have based on detailed computer modeling of how been photographed by the telescopes mounted gas-and-dust disks evolve around new born on the ground of the earth. A few other nearby stars, which was conducted by two NASA stars also show smaller spiral - like features. Hubble Fellows, Roubing Dong of Lawrence Astronomers are now busy in searching for Berketey National Laboratory, and Zhaohuan the causes of the creation of such spirals Zhu of Princetion University. Their research around some stars. has appeared in the 2017, August 5 edition of The first planet orbiting a normal star the Astrophysical Journal Letters. was identified in 1995. Through the help of According to Dong's opinion, “It is not ground-based telescopes and NASA's Kepler so easy to observe suspected planets inside Mission, a number of exoplanets have been a bright disk surrounding a young star. cataloged to date. Since the planets are in Based on this study, we are convinced that mature systems, many millions or a few billion planets can gravitationally excite structures years old, they offer little direct clues as to in the disk.” how they formed.

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Dong has further added that there exist QUIZ : many theories about the formation of the COMPUTER SCIENCE planets, but very little work is based on direct & INFORMATION observational evidence confirming these TECHNOLOGY theories. Using NASA's James Webb Sapce Sri Sai Swaroop Bedamatta Telescope, the astronomers can trace the 1) Who is known as the "Father of Internet" ? circumstellar disks and look for features, as a) Alan Perlish b) Jean E. Sammet simulated by the modeling. This will help c) Vint Cerf d) Steve Lawrence them to directly observe the predicted planet causing the density waves. The natural 2) Which of the following is the first high level programming language ? gravitational interaction between the disk and a) C b) COBOL the planet creates regions where the density c) FORTRAN d) C++ of gas and dust increases. 3) Which one is volatile memory in a According to the scientist Zhu, computer system ? simulations also suggest that these spiral a) Hard Disk b) RAM arms have rich information about the unseen c) ROM d) Optical Drive planet, revealing not only its position but also its mass. 4) Which one is the first word processor application ? Further Reading a) Word Star b) Sun Star Office 1. Everyman’s Science, Vol. LI, No. 4, Octobr’16 - c) Apple i Work d) MS Word November’16, PP. 72-73. 2. Down to Earth, 16-29, February 2016, PP. 46-47. 5) Who is known as the "Father of 3. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015 Supercomputing" ? n Retired Principal, a) David J. Brown b) Seymour Cray Plot No. 506, G.A. Colony, Bharatpur, Bhubaneswar-751003 c) Adam Dunkels d) Gene Amdahl 6) One Terabyte (1 TB) is equal to how many GB ? a) 1024 GB b) 1028 GB c) 1000 GB d) 1012 GB 7) Which of the following operating system is developed and used by Apple inc.? a) Windows b) Android c) iOS d) UNIX

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8) Which one is the first search engine 17) Which protocol is used to receive in internet ? E-mail ? a) Google b) Archie a) SMTP b) P0P3 c) Altavista d) WAIS c) HTTP d) FTP 9) Which one is the first Web Brower 18) Which web Brower is provided default internet in 1990 ? with a window machine ? a) Internet Explorer b) Mosaic a) Opera b) IE c) Mozilla d) Nexus c) Chrome d) Mosaic 10) First Computer Virus is known as - 19) In which year '@' sign was first chosen a) Rabbit b) Creeper Virus for its use in E-mail address ? c) Elk Cloner d) SCA Virus a) 1976 b) 1980 11) Which one programming language is c) 1977 d) 1972 exclusively used for artificial intelligence ? 20) Which method is used to connect a remote a) C b) JAVA to computer ? c) J2EE d) Prolog a) Device b) Dialup 12) For which of the following purpose c) Diagnostic d) Logic Operator Firewall in computer is used ? a) Monitoring b) Data Transmission ANSWER c) Securityd) Authentication 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (d) 5. (b) 13) Who created C programming language ? 6. (a) 7. (c) 8. (b) 9. (d) 10. (b) a) Ken Thomson b) Robbin Milner 11. (d) 12. (c) 13. (c) 14. (a) 15. (d) c) Dennis Ritchie d) Frieder Nake 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (b) 19. (d) 20. (d) 14) .gif is an extension of - n a) Image file b) Video file B. Tech., 1st Year, Computer Science Engineering, c) Audio file d) Word file Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi-766002 Mobile : 7077993547 15) Who first introduced Computer Hard E-Mail : [email protected] Disk in 1956 ? a) Dell b) Apple c) Microsoft d) IBM 16) In Computer World, Trojan refers to - a) Virus b) Malware c) Worm d) Spyware

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