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Showing posts from October, 2025

First Local Chikungunya Virus Case

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  The New York State Department of Health recently confirmed the first locally acquired case of chikungunya virus in the US since 2019. This case appeared in Nassau County on Long Island. It marks the first local transmission in New York. The infected individual likely contracted the virus through a mosquito bite. The source of the virus remains unclear. This event has raised awareness about mosquito-borne diseases in temperate regions. Overview of Chikungunya Virus Chikungunya is a viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes. It is common in tropical and subtropical zones. Symptoms include sudden fever, joint pain, muscle ache, headache, rash, and swelling. Most patients recover within a week. Some suffer long-term joint pain lasting months. Severe cases are rare but can affect newborns, elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Transmission and Local Spread The virus spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites another. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, found in parts...

“Ghost” Jellyfish Drone Revolutionizes Stealth Underwater Surveillance

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  Modeled after real jellyfish, the robot features an umbrella-like dome and delicate tentacles made from hydrogel electrode material, allowing it to become nearly invisible underwater. With a diameter of 120mm and a weight of just 56 grams, the compact design ensures smooth and discreet aquatic movement. Efficient and Silent Operation Powered by an electrostatic hydraulic actuator, the device imitates jellyfish muscle contractions while consuming only 28.5 milliwatts of energy. Its ultra-low power use and silent performance make it ideal for long-term environmental monitoring, ecosystem studies, and underwater reconnaissance. AI-Driven Underwater Intelligence Equipped with artificial intelligence and a micro camera, the bionic jellyfish can recognize underwater objects using machine learning. Demonstrations have shown its ability to hover, track, and identify items like fish and artificial markers with precision—offering a glimpse into the future of autonomous ocean research. ...

Most Liked Article Award - Global Diseases Research Awards

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T he Most Liked Article Award celebrates outstanding research in global diseases that captured exceptional reader engagement and global recognition.  Event Details:  Website: globaldiseases.org  Nomination Link: https://globaldiseases.org/award-nomi.. .  To Contact: contact@globaldiseases.org  Nominate now and celebrate the Most Liked Article Award   #GlobalDiseasesResearch #ResearchExcellence #MostLikedArticle #GlobalHealth #ScientificImpact #ResearchAwards #InnovationInHealth #GlobalRecognition

Global Temperature Hits New High

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  Greenhouse gas levels reached unprecedented highs in 2024, according to the United Nations. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide all set new records. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported the largest annual rise in CO2 since measurements began in 1957. This sharp increase challenges global efforts to limit warming under the Paris Agreement. The 2024 year was also the warmest on record, intensifying concerns about climate feedback loops and the planet’s ability to absorb emissions. Unprecedented Rise in Greenhouse Gases In 2024, CO2 concentration soared to 424 parts per million (ppm). This is a 3.5 ppm jump from 2023, the biggest single-year increase ever recorded. Methane levels reached 1,942 parts per billion, while nitrous oxide hit 338 parts per billion. Since pre-industrial times, these gases have increased by 152%, 266%, and 125% respectively. CO2 remains the dominant greenhouse gas, responsible for about two-thirds of the current warming effect. C...

Direct Benefit Transfer in Fertilizer Subsidy System

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 1 The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertilizers ensures that subsidies reach farmers directly through fertilizer companies based on verified retail sales. The mechanism links sales to farmers’ Aadhaar numbers, promoting transparency and efficiency. It guarantees access to subsidized fertilizers for all farmers, regardless of land size, through a no-denial policy where any verified buyer can avail subsidy benefits. Subsidy Distribution and Financial Overview Under the DBT framework, fertilizer companies receive full subsidy reimbursement based on actual sales data authenticated through Point of Sale (PoS) devices. The government allocates significant funds annually to cover the cost of indigenous and imported Urea and Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers. While urea subsidies form the largest share, overall subsidy expenditures have shown a gradual decline due to market and policy adjustments. Pricing and Subsidy Mechanism for Urea Urea is supplied to farm...

Best Research Article Award - Global Diseases Research Awards

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The Best Research Article Award honors exceptional scholarly work demonstrating originality, significant impact, rigorous methodology, and advancement of knowledge globally. Event Details: Website: globaldiseases.org Nomination Link: https://globaldiseases.org/award-nomi.. . To Contact: contact@globaldiseases.org Nominate now and celebrate the Best Research Article Award #BestResearchArticle #ResearchExcellence #AcademicAchievement #InnovationInResearch #ScholarlyImpact #ScientificExcellence #ResearchRecognition #KnowledgeAdvancement #TopResearch #GlobalResearchAwards  

False Smut Disease Devastates Punjab Paddy Crops

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The 2025 kharif season in Punjab has witnessed severe damage to paddy crops due to false smut disease. Continuous rainfall and flooding disrupted essential anti-fungal spraying. This has led to widespread infestation, threatening the state’s agricultural output and farmer livelihoods. False Smut Outbreak Heavy and incessant rains caused floods across Punjab. These conditions prevented timely anti-fungal treatments on paddy fields. As a result, false smut disease, locally known as haldi rog, emerged aggressively. The disease has affected paddy crops at the maturing and harvesting stages, causing concerns among farmers and officials. Extent of Crop Damage and Loss Crop loss estimates vary. Some experts and legislators report up to 25% damage in affected areas. Agricultural authorities, including Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), estimate losses closer to 2-6%. Despite differing views, the damage is substantial given the large scale of paddy cultivation in Punjab, which spans over 32...

Painted Storks Return To Kaziranga After Four Years

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  The recent sighting of painted storks in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) marks a hopeful moment for conservation. After a four-year gap, these near-threatened birds have reappeared in the park’s wetlands. This event marks the success of ongoing protection efforts and the ecological importance of Kaziranga as a habitat for migratory birds. Significance of the Sighting Painted storks (Mycteria leucocephala) are large wading birds known for their distinctive pink and white plumage and long yellow-orange bills. Their return to Kaziranga is because the species has been declining due to habitat loss and wetland degradation. The sighting shows that conservation measures can help restore natural habitats and support vulnerable species. It also enriches the park’s ornithological diversity during the migratory season. About Painted Storks Painted storks belong to the family Ciconiidae. They are native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. These birds pre...

Govt seeks proposals for pharma, medtech projects under PRIP scheme

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  The Government of India recently invited applications for research and innovation projects under its Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector scheme. This initiative aims to transform the sector into a globally competitive and innovation-driven industry. With a total approved budget of Rs 5,000 crore, the scheme is expected to support about 300 projects. These projects will involve a combined R&D investment of approximately Rs 11,000 crore in areas such as new medicines, complex generics, biosimilars, and novel medical devices. Scheme Objectives and Scope The scheme seeks to promote innovation in pharmaceuticals and medical technology. It focuses on creating a robust innovation pipeline. The goal is to enhance India’s capacity to develop advanced healthcare solutions. This includes medicines for rare diseases, antimicrobial resistance, vaccines, and devices addressing tropical and pandemic-related diseases. Financial Assistance and Project Categories Proj...

Best Academic Researcher Award - Global Diseases Research Awards

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  The Best Academic Researcher Award honors outstanding scholars whose innovative research, impactful publications, and dedication to advancing knowledge significantly contribute to academic excellence worldwide. Nominate now and celebrate the Best Academic Researcher Award #BestAcademicResearcher #ResearchExcellence #GlobalScholars #AcademicInnovation #KnowledgeAdvancement #ResearchLeadership #ScholarRecognition #GlobalResearchAward #AcademicImpact #ExcellenceInResearch Event Details: Website: globaldiseases.org Nomination Link: https://globaldiseases.org/award-nomination/?ecategory=Awards&rcategory=Awardee To Contact: contact@globaldiseases.org

Butterfly Diversity as an Indicator of Urban Wetland Health

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  Recent surveys across seven Delhi Development Authority (DDA) biodiversity parks reveal rise in dragonfly and damselfly populations. Between September 25 and 27, 2025, a 54% increase was recorded compared to the previous year. The total count rose from 8,630 to 13,253 individuals. This surge marks improving wetland ecosystems and biodiversity resilience in urban Delhi. Survey Overview and Key Findings The survey covered seven major biodiversity parks in Delhi. Kamla Nehru Ridge led with 3,935 individuals and 26 species. Kalindi followed with 3,682 individuals and 20 species. Aravalli recorded 2,249 individuals across 16 species. Other parks included Yamuna Biodiversity Park (1,730 individuals, 21 species), Tughlaqabad (1,061 individuals, 14 species), Neela Hauz (523 individuals, 15 species), and Tilpath Valley (73 individuals, 6 species). Notably, the Yellow-tailed Ashy Skimmer (Potamarcha congener) was documented for the first time at Yamuna Biodiversity Park. Species Diversity...