Author name: admin

Jodhpur, 26th November 2025: Why do individuals sharing the same DNA, even within a family, respond so differently to diseases and treatments? This question—starkly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic—lies at the heart of groundbreaking research led by Prof. Mitali Mukerji, Professor, Department of Bioscience & Bioengineering; Affiliate Faculty, School of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science; and Centre for Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development at IIT Jodhpur. Prof. Mukerji, an eminent scientist working at the intersection of genomics, precision medicine, evolutionary biology, and Ayurgenomics, is spearheading a transformative effort to understand the molecular, environmental, and cultural signatures that shape human health diversity. Her research aims to deliver contextual, personalized, and sustainable healthcare solutions, particularly for populations in arid and extreme environments. Decoding Human Health in Extreme Environments: The Thar DESIGNS Initiative At IIT Jodhpur, Prof. Mukerji leads pioneering work under Thar DESIGNS (Desert EcoSystem Innovations Guided by Nature and Selection)—a flagship initiative that explores how life adapts to the harsh, high-temperature, high-UV, low-water conditions of the Thar Desert. Her group studies how extreme environmental pressures influence metabolism, cardiovascular health, respiratory diseases, and long-term disease transitions. Drawing from genetics, anthropological surveys, and evolutionary history, her team analyses native Thar Desert populations—shaped by centuries of migration and cultural evolution—to understand: How genetic variations facilitate adaptation to arid environments How traditional practices align with biological resilience How ecosystems and human health are intertwined This effort is strengthened by a multidisciplinary team across engineering, ecology, and medical sciences. A unique element of the project is the use of birds as ecological indicators, supported by citizen science, where local communities and birdwatchers contribute real-time data to map biodiversity, climate signals, and environmental change. Through Thar DESIGNS, IIT Jodhpur is building a global framework for studying health in extreme environments—an area increasingly relevant as climate change reshapes disease patterns worldwide. AyurTech: Integrating Ayurveda and Advanced Technology for Precision Healthcare Another central pillar of Prof. Mukerji’s work is AyurTech—a convergence of Ayurveda, genomics, AI, machine learning, NLP, and systems biology to deliver next-generation personalized healthcare. The foundation of this work lies in Ayurgenomics, an emerging discipline that Prof. Mukerji helped conceptualize and establish over two decades. Ayurgenomics aims to scientifically decode Ayurveda’s individualized health principles, particularly Prakriti (body constitution), using modern genetic and molecular tools. At IIT Jodhpur, AyurTech is translating this knowledge into clinical, integrative, and technological solutions, including: AI-enabled computer vision tools for phenotype and Prakriti assessment Machine learning models that integrate genomic, epigenetic, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic datasets Evidence-based protocols for precision diagnostics and therapeutics Digital platforms for preventive and personalized wellness AyurTech brings together experts from Ayurveda, modern medicine, biotechnology, computer science, and engineering, making IIT Jodhpur one of the few institutions globally to pursue such a deep, scientifically anchored integration of traditional knowledge and state-of-the-art technology. “Human health is shaped by a constellation of factors—our genes, environment, cultural practices, and evolutionary history. At IIT Jodhpur, we are weaving these layers together through genomics, Ayurgenomics, AI, and ecosystem science to create healthcare solutions that are personalized, evidence-based, and context-aware. Our work in the Thar Desert and through AyurTech aims to demonstrate how traditional knowledge and modern science can jointly illuminate pathways for resilience and sustainable well-being.” — Prof. Mitali Mukerji, IIT Jodhpur Towards a New Era of Contextual, Inclusive, and Precision Health Through her leadership, IIT Jodhpur is emerging as a unique hub where science, technology, culture, and ecology converge. From decoding health variability to exploring desert-adapted resilience and building AI-augmented Ayurvedic tools, Prof. Mukerji’s work holds transformative potential for: Personalized medicine Climate-resilient healthcare strategies Sustainable disease management in extreme environments Integrative medicine backed by scientific validation Her research reaffirms IIT Jodhpur’s commitment to driving innovation that is globally relevant, locally rooted, and scientifically rigorous.

CHENNAI, 26th November 2025: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers have developed and deployed India’s First Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System for Ports. The system has been developed completely by National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), based on the requirements outlined by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoSPW), Government of India. This system will provide a major boost to indigenisation of technology and expertise in the Indian Maritime sector and reduce dependency on imports. The system can easily be scaled up and enhanced to meet the ever-evolving requirements of the concerned stakeholders and incorporate global best practices This system has already been implemented in Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited (VISL), Kerala, which was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 2nd May 2025. Two other ports in the Western Coast are also in discussions with IIT Madras to deploy this system. A Key advantage of the Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management is that the MoSPW and the Government of India have full and strategic control over source code, databases and aspects of the solution. With the technical know-how readily available with the Government, the country can create a pool of competent manpower equipped with state-of-the-art theoretical and practical knowledge. Elaborating on the system, Prof. K Murali, Head, NTCPWC, IIT Madras, said, “An Indigenous system eliminates the risk of a leak of strategically important data of movement of vessels. Further, it also enables fast tracking of innovations to provide the most appropriate solutions to various challenges and reduces other operational and financial risks associated with dealing with private vendors.” The Key Technological advantages of the Vessel Traffic Management System, in comparison with imported systems, include Customised and OEM independent interfacing of radar and voice data Open source design Secure data and defence applications The indigenous Vessel Traffic Management also removes the risk of lock-in with private vendors and reduces foreign exchange expenditure and dependency on private vendors/foreign solutions providers. This system is scalable to accommodate deployment in more ports with enhanced capabilities. It is also completely secure, with minimal deployment and maintenance costs.

LUMAMI, NAGALAND, 24th November 2025: Nagaland University scientists were part of a multi-institute research team that conducted an extensive study on how diverse land use practices are transforming soil health in Dhansiripar region of the State. Their study sheds new light on the urgent need for sustainable land management to protect agricultural productivity and environmental stability. The research team assessed soil across six villages – Amaluma, Dhansirpar, Doyapur, Kiyeto, Melongmen and Razhaphe, capturing the complex interactions between local farming systems and soil characteristics. The study not only contributes to scientific understanding but also has wide societal implications, from informing local farming practices and supporting policy development to enhancing environmental conservation and boosting long-term food security. The researchers aim to generate data-driven insights that help farmers improve crop yields, support sustainable agriculture, enhance local livelihoods and contribute to national goals of environmental resilience. The team examined how rapid agricultural expansion, urbanisation and forest conversion are impacting essential soil properties, including soil acidity (pH), bulk density, porosity, water-holding capacity, organic carbon and nutrient availability. The team found that prevailing practices in the region are contributing to soil degradation, declining fertility and heightened erosion risks-issues that farmers themselves raised during initial field surveys. The research was undertaken by Nagaland University jointly with researchers from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, Dibrugarh University, Tocklai Tea Research Institute and Diphu Medical College and Hospital. The findings were published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-025-14699-8), an international peer-reviewed journal brought out by the global academic publisher Springer that focuses on scientific methods, tools and data used to track environmental quality. Highlighting the need for such studies, Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “Nagaland University today announced findings from a multi-institute, university-led study revealing rapid soil degradation in the Dhansiripar region of the State. The research team reports strongly acidic soils, declining structural stability and sharp variations in nutrient availability across six surveyed villages. The University urges immediate adoption of sustainable land-management practices to prevent further deterioration and safeguard the region’s agricultural productivity and environmental health” A major focus of the study was understanding how soil properties differ among lowland paddy fields, cultivated agricultural plots, orchards and forest areas. Researchers employed advanced tools such as multivariate analysis of variance, principal component analysis and cluster analysis to quantify variations and pinpoint the underlying causes. Strongly to moderately acidic soil conditions, ranging from pH 4.9 to 5.9, were documented across sites. Organic carbon content ranged between 0.45 and 3.69 percent, indicating substantial variation in organic matter turnover. The team also reported notable differences in macronutrient availability and cation exchange capacity, underscoring the need for tailored nutrient management approaches. Highlighting the important findings of this research, Co-author Prof. Manoj Dutta, Department of Soil and Water Conservation, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, said, “This study meticulously examines a diverse array of land use systems, encompassing lowland paddy fields, cultivated agricultural plots, flourishing orchards, and verdant forest areas. By adopting this comprehensive approach, the research facilitates a nuanced exploration of how various land management practices impact soil properties. This methodology allows for specific and insightful comparisons that are often absent in contemporary peer-reviewed studies.” Further, Prof. Tanmoy Karak, Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, said, “We found that soil in Dhansiripar is particularly vulnerable to erosion and fertility loss, with the Soil Structural Stability Index showing signs of degradation in low-land paddy zones. These findings reinforce the need for land-use-specific conservation strategies and sustainable farming interventions. Our research also integrates the perspectives of local farmers, whose concerns and observations have helped shape the study’s long-term objectives.”  Emphasising the critical findings of the research, Ms. Reshinaro Tzudir, PhD Scholar, Department of Soil and Water Conservation, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, said, “Our study highlights the significant variability in soil properties across different regions and the alarming susceptibility of these soils to erosion and fertility loss under prevailing agricultural practices. This raises urgent concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of our ecosystems. By focusing on the extensive degradation observed across many areas, we underscore the pressing need for innovative, sustainable management strategies. This emphasis is particularly timely and resonates with the growing global efforts to combat soil degradation, ensuring the preservation of our natural resources for future generations.” Dr. Ranjit Kumar Paul from the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute in New Delhi, added, “The study employs advanced multivariate statistical methods to deliver a comprehensive quantitative analysis of soil characteristics. This rigorous methodological approach not only enhances the reliability of the results but also facilitates stronger conclusions regarding the interactions between land use and soil properties.” According to the team, the research stands out due to its focus on a region that has been largely absent from detailed soil health assessments. Its comparative approach across multiple land-use systems, combined with rigorous statistical modelling, offers a holistic picture of soil dynamics that is rarely available in the North East. FUTURE RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Looking ahead, the researchers plan to undertake longitudinal studies to monitor how soil properties evolve, and implement them, such as agroforestry and improved crop rotations. They also plan to collaborate with local communities to integrate traditional knowledge. The researchers also aim to engage policymakers to promote evidence-based land-use planning and to explore soil biological properties for a fuller understanding of soil health. Comparative studies with similar regions and community awareness programs are also proposed as part of the future roadmap. MULTI-INSTITUTE STUDY The study was carried out by Miss Reshinaro Tzudir, Prof. Manoj Dutta, Dr. Alongba Jamir, Mr. Sorenthung Patton, Dr. Rizongba Kichu, Mr. Haiguipeung Hieme, Miss Angela Pidenro, Dr. Sewak Ram, Mr. Debobratha Mondal, Prof. C. S. Maiti, Dr. Animesh Sarkar, Dr. Pankaj Neog and Prof. Tanmoy Karak from the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema. Collaborators include Dr. Ranjit Kumar Paul and Dr. Md. Yeasin from ICAR–Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi; Dr. Saumik Panja from the University of California San Francisco; Dr. Jiban Saikia from Dibrugarh

GUWAHATI, 21st November 2025: Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers have developed a natural method to remove lead from contaminated water using cyanobacteria, microorganisms that are related to bacteria but are capable of photosynthesis. The developed method offers a sustainable and low-cost solution to one of the world’s most persistent environmental threats. The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious Journal of Hazardous Materials, in a paper co-authored by Prof. Debasish Das, Professor, Dept. of Bioscience and Bioengineering, along with his postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Abhijeet Mahana, and Prof. Tapas K. Mandal, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati. On a global level, lead is one of the most toxic pollutants, affecting over 800 million children, with approximately 275 million in India. It commonly enters water through industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and old water pipelines. Once a water resource is contaminated with lead, it remains for decades, accumulating in living organisms and causing severe neurological, cardiovascular, kidney, and developmental problems. Conventional methods, such as chemical treatment and synthetic adsorbents used for removing lead, are generally expensive and often generate secondary pollutants. To address these challenges, the research team at IIT Guwahati has used bioremediation, a natural process in which microorganisms clean contaminated environments. These microorganisms naturally exist in soil and water and help in restoring ecological balance. To achieve this, the research team employed a light-dependent lead-bonding cyanobacterial species, “Phormidium corium NRMC-50”. The team researched the different parts of the cyanobacterium to examine which of the components were the most efficient to absorb and remove the lead contaminants. As a result, the study found that exopolysaccharides, or EPS, a part of the cyanobacterium, exhibited the highest lead removal efficiency of 92.5% from contaminated water. Speaking about the findings of the research, Prof. Debasish Das, Dept. of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “These cyanobacterial biosorbents require minimal energy input and can be scaled without sophisticated infrastructure, making them more affordable for widespread application. Preliminary estimates suggest that the overall cost of treatment using our method is approximately 40–60% lower than that of conventional techniques, while maintaining comparable or even superior efficiency in metal removal. This economic advantage, coupled with its eco-friendly nature, positions our approach as a sustainable alternative for industries and municipalities seeking affordable solutions to contamination.” The researchers also demonstrated that cyanobacteria offer multiple environmental benefits such as absorbing pesticides, herbicides, hydrocarbons, synthetic dyes, and industrial chemicals, among others. The metals absorbed by the microorganisms can be recovered and converted into valuable products such as biochar, bioplastics, or biofuels. Considering these organisms are self-replicating, low-cost, and require only sunlight, carbon dioxide, and minimal nutrients, they offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic adsorbents currently being used globally. As the next step, the research team is targeting scaling the process from laboratory setup to a pilot-scale treatment system and testing it in real wastewater streams. Disclaimer – The research described in this release is at a laboratory stage. The findings are subject to further validation and should not be interpreted as final or ready for commercial application.