Geologists get new tool to manage multiple data

while geologists look through sandstone beds on a dried-up river to piece together what happened millions of years ago, volumes of data are generated. A new software may now help geologists with different kinds of data. It caters to special requirements of field-based studies with systematically loaded data on to a laptop generating thematic map of locations including directions, colours, shapes and sizes of stones.

Cant miss the bus

Public transport is the only answer to congestion and pollution

Better disposal mechanism for plastics

incineration of plastic that is non biodegradable leads to emission of cancer-causing dioxins. Researchers from Kolkata say they have developed a better disposal mechanism that cuts down emission of harmful chemicals.

Paddy cultivation reduces global warming

paddy cultivation in India has often been associated with increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Indian scientists have now shown it is the other way round. A study says paddy sequesters organic carbon from the atmosphere thereby reducing global warming.

Cancer in Kolkata air

vehicular pollution is common to most metros. A Kolkata-specific study has highlighted how vehicles in Kolkata emit cancer-causing volatile organic compounds (vocs). The study noted that specific vocs were found in very high concentrations in the city.

Water tax for Kolkata soon

come May, water may no longer be free for Kolkata residents. The city has decided to levy a water tax. "The idea is to recover the operation and maintenance costs of supplying water," says B K Maity, chief engineer at Kolkata Municipal Corporation's (kmc) water supplies department.

A prick-free test for diabetes

diabetics can now now keep the needles at bay. They have an option--non-invasive semiconductor sensors--to test blood sugar levels. The sensor will tap acetone levels in the body, say researchers in Kolkata. Acetone, derived form the breakdown of fat, is a volatile organic compound found in the breath of a person. Its concentration in a healthy individual ranges from 0.5-0.9 ppm (parts per million). The concentration increases in diabetics.

Much of today's environmental impacts originate in cities

The world has seen a dramatic shift to urban living. In 1900, only 10 per cent of the global population were urban dwellers; now it's more than 50 per cent. More than 95 per cent of the net increase in global population will be in cities in the developing world

Disinfectants pollute water

about 250 million people in urban India drink municipal water, which is treated and disinfected before being supplied. A recent study shows the chemicals used for treatment methods might give the water a different set of harmful characteristics.

Thalassemia patients might need fewer blood transfusions

thalassemia patients who undergo expensive treatment to remove extra iron from their system may now take to homoeopathy. Scientists have found a homoeopathic remedy that is inexpensive and without side-effects. The remedy, they say, lessens the frequency of blood transfusions.