What if the future of gut health has been quietly fermenting in Indian kitchens for generations? From a century-old idli batter starter to the hidden "dark microbiome," scientists are uncovering how traditional fermented foods may hold the key to restoring microbial diversity and developing gut health solutions uniquely suited to Indian populations.
Posted on in Microbiology & Science
How do cells translate genetic information into the proteins that sustain life? At IISc Bengaluru, structural biologist Tanweer Hussain is uncovering the molecular machinery behind protein synthesis, disease, and viral infection. From ribosomes to cryo-EM, his journey highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship, collaboration, and persistence in modern science.
India accounts for nearly half of the world’s snakebite deaths, yet the crisis remains under-discussed. This article explores the challenges of snakebite treatment, antivenom accessibility, persistent myths, and gaps in healthcare, while highlighting the urgent need for awareness, improved therapeutics, and stronger public health interventions to save lives.
From preparing culture media as an undergraduate to leading research on antimicrobial resistance, in this Journey of a Young Investigator (JOYI) 2026 article, Nidhi Gupta reflects on a scientific journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, mentorship, and personal loss. Now a Scientist at TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, she explores how persistence, in both microbes and people, can drive discovery, growth, and purpose.
Posted on in Other, Science, Networking, Personal Experience & Young Investigators
In this Journey of a Young Investigator (JOYI) 2026 article, Ambuja Navalkar, DST-INSPIRE Faculty at the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, reflects on her journey from a curiosity-driven child to an independent researcher studying protein disorder and cancer. She shares lessons on interdisciplinary science, mentorship, and navigating uncertainty in academia.
Posted on in Other, Science, Networking, Personal Experience & Young Investigators
How did life emerge from a lifeless planet? This article explores the scientific quest to understand abiogenesis, from the formation of organic molecules on early Earth to the RNA World hypothesis and the emergence of protocells. It examines how simple chemistry may have evolved into the first self-replicating living systems.
From a small village in Madhya Pradesh to leading a research group at IISER Pune and an EMBO GIN awardee, Krishanpal Karmodiya's journey reflects resilience, curiosity, and perseverance. His lab investigates how the malaria parasite Plasmodium rapidly adapts to changing environments and drug pressures, offering new insights into disease biology and control.