Bitter gets better

BITTER gourd is one of the most disliked vegetables because of its taste. But given its nutritional and medicinal value one is often forced to eat it. However, over the past three decades, this vegetable’s bitterness has reduced, thanks to the hybrid varieties created by scientists in India. These hybrids—pusa do mausmi, pusa vishesh, arka harit and many others—are commonly available and differ in their shape, size, colour and taste.

Amid germophobia

HANDWASH brands like Lifebuoy and Dettol promise to make you 99 per cent germ-free. The promise rides on the properties of an antibacterial agent triclosan, which has been in use for over 40 years. However, it is only in the past decade that this common active ingredient is under scrutiny for being detrimental to health. A new study has added to the evidence.

Science and Technology - Briefs

Zoology Thin yet tough

The right call?

Power punch

A SOLAR cell may be as useless on a dark cloudy day as a windmill on days when there is no breeze. To overcome this uncertainty, excess power generated from such natural sources needs to be stored so that it can be used later.

Improved cure for TB

Nano arsenic mop

MILLIONS in India and Bangladesh are at risk due to arsenic contaminated groundwater. Drinking such water can result in diseases like high blood pressure, abnormal thickening of skin and liver and prostate cancers. The methods to filter arsenic from drinking water are limited and costly. Commonly, alumina (aluminium oxide)-based materials like activated alumina are used to filter the contaminated water.

Leakage plugged

LEAKY pipes are a major concern for water utilities across the globe. An estimated 20 to 40 per cent of water is lost through leakages in distribution systems that often remain undetected. Finding accurate methods to pinpoint the leak so that the pipes can be repaired is a necessity. But tracking leaks in water pipes can be tricky.

Next gen toilets

FOUND in the uninhabitable climes of Antarctica, psychrotrophic bacteria could be the answer to India’s sanitation problems. After successful experimentation in high altitude toilets used by defence personnel, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to use the bacteria to tackle the problem caused by open defecation in the country. It will also be put to use in Indian Railways.

Science and Technology - Briefs

FOOD SCIENCES Buttery assault