A collaborative study by Indian and South Korean scientists has provided new genetic, anatomical, and ecological insights into the wide-ridged Indo-Pacific finless porpoise. The research, based on a stranded specimen in Kerala, revealed distinct genetic differences from Pacific populations and highlighted significant conservation challenges, including limited protected habitats and anthropogenic pressures.
New research from the Revived Genomics of Personality Consortium, published in Nature, suggests that the genetics of personality, involving over 1,200 gene variants linked to the Big Five traits, are significantly associated with various life outcomes including health, education, and career paths. While individual gene variants have small effects, their combined impact is substantial, and environmental factors also play a crucial role in shaping personality.
A new study by King's College London and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has identified 74 genomic locations, including 39 new ones, linked to anxiety symptoms. Analysing data from nearly 700,000 people, the research highlights the complex interplay between genetics and environmental factors in anxiety development and offers new insights into its biological underpinnings.
Researchers have for the first time directly visualised how two DNA molecules, despite their identical negative charges, zip together. This breakthrough, achieved using high-powered atomic force microscopy and advanced simulations, confirms the 'DNA zipper' model, revealing that positively charged metal ions act as molecular bridges to facilitate this crucial biological process. The discovery has significant implications for understanding genetic recombination, gene silencing, chromosome packaging, cancer development, and future biotechnology.
Researchers have discovered a method to externally manipulate a cell's automatic waste clearance process, known as autophagy. This breakthrough, involving the protein LC3, could offer new therapeutic targets for diseases like cancer and Parkinson's, where cellular cleansing mechanisms are often impaired.
A new study published in Nature reveals that lab-grown human brain tissues, or organoids, successfully survived, grew, and formed complex structures when transplanted into mouse brains. This breakthrough offers a novel platform for studying human brain development and neurological disorders.
When the Internet reduced Katrina Kaif to her post-pregnancy body, it exposed how society prioritises cruel 'bounce back' ideals over genuine postpartum healing.
Many of us consume genetically modified (GMO) foods without even realising it. Which leads to an important question -- how can we protect ourselves from food adulteration and misleading claims? asks Nikita Garg, nutritionist and founder of Entech Wellness.
New research using zebrafish suggests that changes in gene activity can lead to the hardening of spinal discs, a major cause of neck and back pain. The study identified potential drug targets, including existing osteoporosis medication and pathways related to fat and phosphate metabolism, offering new avenues for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) beyond surgery.
Creatine has become one of the most talked-about supplements in fitness circles. While many swear by it for improving strength and performance, others worry it could damage their kidneys, cause hair loss or lead to unhealthy weight gain.
The pale-coloured hog deer is believed to be affected by albinism, a rare genetic condition characterised by the absence or reduction of melanin pigment in the skin, fur, and eyes.
The Environment Ministry has designated the Natural History Museum (NHM) in Mizoram as India's 21st designated repository, significantly enhancing the country's biodiversity conservation and scientific infrastructure, particularly within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot.
Scientists at IIT Mandi have identified the cellular signature of anaesthesia in plants, a discovery that challenges conventional understanding of consciousness. Their research shows plants respond to anaesthetics in a synchronised manner, reorganising cellular nuclei despite lacking a brain or nervous system, suggesting a more sentient nature than previously believed and resonating with ancient Indian philosophical thought.
Scientists have detected erythrulose, a sugar found on Earth, in the interstellar medium, marking the first direct discovery of sugar in space. This finding, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests that complex, biologically important molecules can form in space and may have contributed to the chemical ingredients necessary for early metabolic and replication processes on Earth, offering new insights into the origins of life.
A Delhi-based couple filed a police complaint after a DNA test allegedly revealed that their twin born through an IVF procedure shares no genetic connection with either parent, raising questions about embryo-handling protocols at the hospital.
A new study has identified two distinct subtypes of autism, one with increased communication associated with immune-related systems and another with reduced connectivity linked to synaptic pathways. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, pave the way for more precise and personalised autism care and support.
Scientists at CSIR-CCMB have decoded the molecular mechanisms behind how plants use 'sticky' protein droplets to trap and disable invading viruses, potentially leading to more resilient crops and new treatments for human diseases like dementia.
With growing awareness around cosmetic procedures, more people are looking beyond injectables and exploring surgical options for long-lasting rejuvenation. While treatments like Botox and fillers remain popular, plastic and aesthetic surgeon Dr Shilpi Bhadani says a facelift continues to be the gold standard when it comes to addressing visible signs of ageing.
The NEET-UG re-exam was generally tougher than the previous one, with Physics identified as the most challenging and time-consuming section by both students and experts. While Biology was considered easier, Chemistry was moderate. Experts noted conceptual and lengthy questions in Physics and Chemistry, potentially leading to a lower cut-off.
Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha addressed the 'IMMUNOCON-2026' conference, stressing the importance of translating scientific immunological knowledge into public health action. He urged scientists to focus on precision medicine, immuno-AI fusion, climate immunity, and accelerating translational research to combat infectious diseases and enhance healthcare delivery.
Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha emphasised the critical need to translate scientific immunological knowledge into public health action. Speaking at the IMMUNOCON-2026 conference, he highlighted immunology's evolving role in healthcare, stressing continuous innovation and collaboration in areas like immuno-AI fusion, climate immunity, and translational medicine to combat infectious diseases and prepare for future global health threats.
Dehydration is the number one cause of saggy, dull and lifeless skin. Make sure to drink at least 12 to 13 glasses of water a day to keep your skin supple and improve its structure.
'Refined carbohydrates are the quiet troublemaker in our diet.' 'We eat plenty of calories, but not enough nutrition.'
A new study suggests that newer oral weight loss drugs may do more than suppress appetite, potentially altering brain circuits that control motivation and reward, impacting how one experiences pleasure.
Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'
Rather than thinking it as an unfortunate event, experts urge students to see it as 'another opportunity to improve your score. Focus on improving in your weak chapters/units.'
Golden tigers -- also known as strawberry tigers -- owe their pale-gold coats and faint stripes to a rare genetic mutation.
Half a cup of pomegranate seeds packs only 72 calories, yet brims with heart-friendly nutrients and is rich in antioxidant that calm inflammation.
Touching 160kmph means more to me than any wicket I''ve taken: New Australian Hall of Famer Lee
The Natural History Museum, London, has officially unveiled the 24-image shortlist for the 2026 Nuveen People's Choice Award. This prestigious contest, a key part of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition and supported by lead sponsor Nuveen, invites the public to decide which image will be crowned the winner.
A trade deal makes sense only if it is fair and reciprocal. If the cost is strategic dependence or loss of policy space, waiting is the wiser option, asserts Ajay Srivastava.
rediffGURU Shyam Jamalabad, a dentist with over four decades of experience, offers practical advice about how to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
'The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert?' 'In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe.'
'If a parent was diagnosed at 50, the child should start screenings 5 to 10 years earlier (around 35 to 40).' 'Awareness of family history and age of onset helps catch the disease early.'
Even by conservative assumptions that 5 to 10 per cent of infected individuals develop long Covid, India today may be home to 50 to 100 million infected individuals -- many silently coping with breathlessness, fatigue, palpitations, brain fog, or unexplained clotting tendencies.
Qadri Javed Azad and Makwana Kumar are on a 2,000 km expedition from Porbandar to Pahalgam to spread the message of peace, unity and Operation Sindoor.
While heartbreak is often seen as an emotional struggle, it is also known to cause headaches, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distress, weight gain or weight loss and could lead to a heart attack, warns Dr Rahul Bajaj.
Bringing bad news to the fight against HIV/AIDS, a new study has shown that people in India do not have natural or genetic protection against the deadly virus. A study by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has found that a known genetic marker against HIV-1 is virtually absent in Indians, implying lack of natural or genetic protection against HIV/AIDS. The study also makes an effort to tabulate a genetic landscape of the Indian people for various diseases.
Dr Arush Sabharwal, bariatric and metabolic surgeon at SCOD (Surgical Centre for Obesity and Diabetes) Clinic, explains how choosing certain foods can help boost your metabolism.
A new analysis of genetic samples collected from a seafood market in central China's Wuhan city shows the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in raccoon dogs sold at the venue, strengthening the case for the natural origin of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a team of international experts.
