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October 23, 2026 12:39 PM

CSIR-CCMB scientists discover new ‘viral alarm switch’ in human cells

Dr Santosh Chauhan’s group at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, have discovered a critical mechanism that human cells use to detect and fight viral infections. The study identifies a dual-action protein that acts as an early warning sensor and activator for the body's immune system. It is now published in The EMBO Journal. When a virus invades a cell, the host must quickly spot the intruder and sound the alarm before the virus multiplies. About seven ...

September 10, 2026 9:25 PM

PM Modi to inaugurate ESTIC-2026 in Delhi on Oct 27: Jitendra Singh

The Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2026) will be held from October 27–29 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to inaugurate the three-day event. The conclave will feature three Nobel Laureates - Prof. Joachim Frank, Sir Richard J. Roberts and Prof. Kostya Novoselov - along with several international award-winning scientists and technology leaders. Announcing the event at its Curtain Raiser, Union Minister of State (Independen...

September 9, 2026 5:16 PM

Self-assembling organic molecules offer new route to green hydrogen production

Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, have developed a metal-free organic material that could improve solar-driven hydrogen production by harnessing the self-assembly of naturally occurring molecules. The research combines the amino acid aspartic acid with a light-absorbing organic molecule called perylene diimide (PDI). The researchers found that when the two components are integrated, they spontaneously organise themselves into highly ordered two-dimens...

August 19, 2026 9:14 PM

Indian scientists develop ‘smart’ cancer drug that targets tumour cells while sparing healthy cells

Scientists in India have developed a new “smart” cancer drug designed to activate primarily inside cancer cells, potentially offering a more targeted alternative to conventional chemotherapy that can also damage healthy cells. The drug, named RK-251, has been developed through collaborative research led by Dr. Asis Bala of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, and Dr. K.P. Bhabak of the Indi...

August 13, 2026 5:27 PM

New computer model tracks magnetic energy build-up to help forecast solar storms

Scientists have developed a three-dimensional computer simulation model that could help improve the forecasting of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and predict their speed, arrival and potential impact on Earth. The multi-institutional research team has developed the model to trace how magnetic energy accumulates in the Sun's outer atmosphere and is eventually released during powerful solar eruptions. The study was led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous i...

August 10, 2026 9:45 PM

Scientists detect unusually thick ozone layer over North Bay of Bengal

Scientists have detected an unusually high concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the North Bay of Bengal, providing new insights into how air currents transport and redistribute ozone in the stratosphere over the Indian region. The unusual ozone layer was found at an altitude of around 21 to 23 kilometres above the North Bay of Bengal and remained in place for more than a day. Researchers said the concentration was significantly higher than normally observed over eastern India. T...

August 3, 2026 10:24 PM

IIT Patna scientists develop hybrid magneto-rheometer to boost smart fluid technologies

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna have developed an innovative hybrid magneto-rheometer that promises to advance research and applications of magnetorheological (MR) fluids - smart materials widely used in sectors such as healthcare, aerospace, defence and industrial automation. Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the new device offers a novel method to accurately evaluate the performance of MR fluids, which rapidly increase in viscosity when ...

July 30, 2026 6:42 PM

Scientists discover faster rotation in Sun’s upper atmosphere, challenging classical physics

Scientists have discovered that the Sun's upper atmosphere rotates significantly faster than its visible surface, with the rotation speed increasing at greater heights above the solar surface, challenging long-held expectations based on classical physics. The findings, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics Letters, are expected to improve understanding of the Sun's behaviour and help refine models of solar activity and space weather, which can affect satellites, communication sy...

July 14, 2026 4:25 PM

Indian scientists develop ultra-sensitive wearable ammonia sensor for real-time toxic gas detection

Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed an advanced ammonia sensor capable of detecting toxic gas at extremely low concentrations while operating efficiently at room temperature. The breakthrough technology is expected to improve workplace safety, environmental monitoring and public health by enabling portable, self-powered and wearable devices that can detect hazar...

July 3, 2026 4:54 PM

Scientists accurately date Bihar’s Munger banyan at around 700 years, making it the oldest scientifically dated banyan tree

A banyan tree in Bihar's Munger district has been identified as the world's oldest accurately dated banyan tree, with scientists estimating its age at around 700 years using high-precision radiocarbon dating, marking a major breakthrough in the scientific dating of tropical heritage trees. The study, published in the journal Quaternary Research, establishes the age of the Ficus benghalensis tree through scientific evidence rather than relying on folklore, historical records or local traditions ...