Navodita George Maurice | Biological Research Centre of Hungarian Academy of Sciences (original) (raw)

Papers by Navodita George Maurice

Microbial Genomics in Sustainable Agroecosystems, 2019

Heavy metals have emerged out as imperious category of pollutants, showing inimical effects on bo... more Heavy metals have emerged out as imperious category of pollutants, showing inimical effects on both human physiology and the dynamism of terrestrial and aquatic life forms and ecosystems. Depending on their oxidation states, heavy metals can be highly reactive and, therefore, toxic to the simplest to most complex organisms. Different human-based industries including metallurgical, chrome tanning, textiles, electronic, electroplating, metal culminating, fertilizer manufacture, mining, and steel and automobile industries are persuasive sources of toxic heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), gold (Au), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), uranium (U), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni). All life forms including fungi, bacteria, yeasts, plants, and animals may be affected due to toxic levels of heavy metals; however, the diversity and magnitude of toxicities may vary for different organisms. Co-occurrence of different heavy metals in an ecological community may be prime mover of significant nocuous effects of the biomass/activity and diversity of soil microbiota than those instigated by single metals at high concentrations. Remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils is getting substantial momentum and is a perplexing task as metals cannot be degraded and the jeopardies they stance are intensified by their moxie in the environment. Microorganisms are the first entity that endures direct and indirect impacts of hazardous heavy metals. Biochemical and molecular rejoinder of soil microbial population to heavy metal-polluted environment establish a germane model for ecological studies to appraise the influence and dynamics of environmental characteristics. Several microbes have habituated and harbor potential tolerance to detoxify heavy metal-contaminated environments at cellular level different strategies through bioaccumulation, biosorption, biotransformation, etc. for ameliorating heavy metal-contaminated sites. Therefore, universally, several researchers are trapping novel microorganisms for the isolation of competent heavy metal-tolerant bacteria.

Asian Journal of Bio Science, 2012

Annals of Plant Protection Sciences, 2013

An experiment was performed in order to find out the effect of density on survival, developmental... more An experiment was performed in order to find out the effect of density on survival, developmental duration as well as mortality on different stages of 28-spotted epilachna beetle. The results specified that density had insignificant effect on the survival and mortality of the larvae at different instars of Epilachna vigintioctopunctata but it significantly affected the developmental duration. Single event of cannibalism also supported density to act as a factor when fastened with mortality.

Annals of Plant Protection Sciences, 2012

Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Feb 5, 2012

24 european Journal of environmental sciences duration of deVeloPment and surViVal of larVae of C... more 24 european Journal of environmental sciences duration of deVeloPment and surViVal of larVae of CoCCinella transversalis fed on essential and alternatiVe foods navoDi ta m au r ice 1 , a h m a D pe rv e Z 2 * , a sh Wa n i k u m a r 1 , p.W. r a m t ek e 1 1 Department of Biological sciences, sam higginbottom institute of agriculture, technology and sciences, (Formerly allahabad agricultural institute), Deemed-to-be-university, naini, allahabad-211007, india AbstrAct Food in providing essential nutrients for development and sustaining longevity is an important determinant in the survival of organisms. the aphidophagous ladybird beetle Coccinella transversalis is common in the oriental region and feeds on a wide range of aphids that infest and seriously reduce the yield of agricultural crops. the availability of aphids fluctuates throughout the year, being usually present at the end of July and decreasing at the end of March. in this study C. transversalis was fed on essential (aphid...

The food quantity provided and the food consumed affected the overall weight gained by the insect... more The food quantity provided and the food consumed affected the overall weight gained by the insect body. The efficiency to consume food increased from the early instar to the final instar and decreased few days before the last instar entered pupation. The food conversion efficiency was least in the first instar but highest in the fourth instar. The developmental duration shortens when the prey was present in abundance and the larva proceeded towards pupation early. Two species of ladybirds viz., Coccinella septempunctata and C. transversalis occured in the agricultural fields and share almost same prey habitat. The fourth instar of both the species was found to be highly voracious before pupation. The instars of C. sepetempunctata were found to be heavier in body weight and consumed more food as compared to the instars of C. transversalis.

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 2013

Journal of Applied Bioscience, 2009

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 2013

Nitriles are organic compounds bearing a − C ≡ N group; they are frequently known to occur natura... more Nitriles are organic compounds bearing a − C ≡ N group; they are frequently known to occur naturally in both fauna and flora and are also synthesized chemically. They have wide applicability in the fields of medicine, industry, and environmental monitoring. However, the majority of nitrile compounds are considered to be lethal, mutagenic, and carcinogenic in nature and are known to cause potential health problems such as nausea, bronchial irritation, respiratory distress, convulsions, coma, and skeletal deformities in humans. Nitrile-converting enzymes, which are extracted from microorganisms, are commonly termed nitrilases and have drawn the attention of researchers all over the world to combat the toxicity of nitrile compounds. The present review focuses on the utility of nitrile-converting enzymes, sources, classification, structure, properties, and applications, as well as the future perspective on nitrilases.

Typhoid fever is one of the major problems in India due to the emergence of MDR strains of Salmon... more Typhoid fever is one of the major problems in India due to the emergence of MDR strains of Salmonella spp. Blood samples collected from 252 presumptive typhoid fever patients from different localities of Allahabad region were tested by Widal test and then cultured for Salmonella species followed by identification using standard procedures. Susceptibility pattern of the isolates against 16 antibiotics were determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. Conjugative experiment was carried out with selected multidrug resistant isolates of Salmonella species. A total of 30.53% samples were positive by culture method in contrast to 66.26% blood samples tested positive by Widal test. The isolates were identified as S. typhi (52.94%), S. paratyphi A (27.45%), S. typhimurium (15.68%) and S. bongori (3.92%). Majority of isolates showed resistance to Tetracycline, Ampicillin, Nitrofurantion, Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid while all the isolates were found resistant to Kanamycin. The isolates showed maximum sensitivity towards Streptomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin and Ofloxacin. The multidrug resistant isolates demonstrated various drug resistance patterns. Conjugation studies showed transfer of resistance pattern (ACCoT) for majority of Salmonella isolates tested. Changing drug sensitivity pattern suggests need for continuous evaluation of sensitivity and resistance pattern of Salmonella isolates so as to make rational use of antibiotics in the management of enteric fever cases in future.

252 blood samples collected from patients of different localities of Allahabad region were found ... more 252 blood samples collected from patients of different localities of Allahabad region were found to be positive for typhoid fever when tested by Widal test. The causative agent Salmonella species were cultured from the blood samples and then were identified by using standard procedures. The isolates were identified as S. typhi, S. paratyphi A, S. typhimurium and S. bongori. Age, socio-economic status and seasonal variations were identified as significant risk factors associated with incidence of Salmonella infection. Blood samples were collected from both males and females belonging to the age groups from ˂1 to 50 years where the infection rate of typhoid fever was found to be higher among children. Socio-economic strata showed difference in incidence of Salmonella species with the low category showed highest number of isolates. Peak period of typhoid fever was found in June while a lower peak was noted in the month of November.

In India a number of agriculturally important crops are attacked by the obligate biotrophic fungi... more In India a number of agriculturally important crops are attacked by the obligate biotrophic fungi of the family Erysiphaceae (Ascomycota: Erysiphales) causing powdery mildew resulting in great economic losses. Psyllobora bisoctonotata (Mulsant) a mycophagous coccinellid (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has been found to feed on powdery mildew in natural condition. A study was conducted to gather information on the development of P. bisoctonotata feeding on the powdery mildew (Erysiphe Polygoni) of the blackgram (Vigna mungo). Results indicate short developmental duration and higher survival ratio.

Microbial Genomics in Sustainable Agroecosystems, 2019

Asian Journal of Bio Science, 2012

Annals of Plant Protection Sciences, 2013

Annals of Plant Protection Sciences, 2012

Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Feb 5, 2012

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 2013

Journal of Applied Bioscience, 2009

Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 2013

Modern biology has given countless magnitudes to the improved and impeccable understanding of hum... more Modern biology has given countless magnitudes to the improved and impeccable understanding of human physiology establishing the fact that reproductive physiology is not only multifarious but more byzantine in females. Role of hormones in the physiological processes can’t be discounted as they take charge over a number of processes for instance from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to perimenopause and finally menopause in females. Hormonal ups and downs sometimes bring mood alterations, anxiety and behavioural outbursts in a woman. Hormones controlling premenstrual syndrome (PMS) not only affect mood, body weight, food preferences but also the sexual desire of a woman. Many women easily accept this unexpected hormonal change but for others it is an appalling nightmare.

Nature discerns individuals of all the species enduring on the planet earth either as male or fem... more Nature discerns individuals of all the species enduring on the planet earth either as male or female who live together for a shorter time span or for a life time partaking in building up of a population by courtship and mating. Both male and female individuals are well-appointed with an exceedingly advanced reproductive system that becomes fairly intricate and condensed in females in comparison to males as females bear the child load in their wombs. Although females play a vivacious role in raising a child from birth till adulthood they face copious hardhips some are known and some unknown. In the human society life of a female undergoes incredible prompt changes since she is a little child. Life becomes radically multifaceted with every step as she grows further reaching adulthood. Her life experiences an abrupt turn right after marriage when her husband asks her "Are you a virgin?".

Carbon nanotube or CNT is not a new term in the present scenario actually it is the allotrope of ... more Carbon nanotube or CNT is not a new term in the present scenario actually it is the allotrope of carbon sharing a cylindrical nanostructure. The length-to-diameter of nanotubes lies in between 132,000,000:1 and have very fascinating properties to be used in nanotechnology, optics, material science, electronics and other fields of science. Due to their extraordinary thermal conductivity, mechanical and electrical properties carbon nanotubes are used as additives for various structural materials for example, in baseball bats, car parts and golf clubs nanotubes form a very tiny fraction of the material. Nanotubes are members of fullerene family which also includes the buckyballs and the ends of these nanotubes may be capped with the hemisphere of buckyballs. Their name has been derived from their long, hollow structure with walls formed by one-atom thick sheets of carbon known as graphene. These sheets are then rolled at specific and dicrete angle and the combination of rolling angle and radius decides the properties of these nanotubes. Nanotubes are either single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) or multi-walled nanotubes (MWNTs). The particles of nanotubes are held together by van der Waals forces. Applied quantum chemistry specially the orbital hybridization best describes chemical bonding in them. Chemical bonds are chiefly composed of sp2 bonds similar to those occurring in graphite and are stronger than the sp3 bonds found in diamond and alkanes and so are responsible for great strength of these structures.

The group vertebrata is known to enclose class Amphibia that can be best represented by frogs, to... more The group vertebrata is known to enclose class Amphibia that can be best represented by frogs, toad, salamanders, newts and caecilians. Amphibians are ectothermic tetrapods whose eggs are not surrounded by egg membranes. Most of the adults are known to lay eggs in water from which larvae with gills emerge out and undergo metamorphosis into lung bearing adult. However, mudpuppies and olms retain larval gills throughout their life while adults are also known to respire through the skin. The subclass Lissamphibia is known to contain three orders of modern amphibians namely Anura, Caudata and Gymnophiona. About 6,500 species of amphibians are known today. Superficially they resemble reptiles but repltiles along with birds and mammals have eggs surrounded by protective membranes. The study of amphibians is known as batrachology and they are good ecological indicators as a good proportion of them are now facing danger of being extinct. The early amphibians are believed to have evolved from Sacrcopterygians during the Devonian Period. They diversified and became dominant during the Carboniferous and Permian periods but were later replaced by reptiles, birds and mammals.

The word amphibia means dual mode of life. Just like the name the members of class Amphibia are a... more The word amphibia means dual mode of life. Just like the name the members of class Amphibia are adapted for living both on land as well as water. Salamanders, frogs and toads are the important members of this class loaded with magnificent features that enable these creatures to survive in diverse array of environments. Frogs and toads are very closely related but have striking differences. The purple frog is an astounding species of frog placed in the family Sooglossidae. Scientifically this species is known as Nasikabatrachus sayhyadrensis which prefers to dwell in the Western Ghats of India. The common names of this frog are purple frog, Indian purple frog and pignose frog. The frog has been discovered recently in October 2003 by S.D. Biju and F. Bossyut. This species is very remarkable among all the species of animals inhabiting Western Ghats. Its closest relatives are Seychelles and it is believed that Nasikabatrachus sayhyadrensis have evolved separately for the millennia. Its evolution provides strong evidence to the clue that Madagascar and Seychelles got separated from the Indian landmass when Gondwanaland started separating. Due to its ancient lineage the purple frog is also known as coelacanth of the frogs.

A number of disorders are known to affect human beings and dyslexia is one such disorder which is... more A number of disorders are known to affect human beings and dyslexia is one such disorder which is defined by different experts in different ways. The World Federation of Neurologists in 1968 defined dyslexia as a disorder common in children where despite the conventional classroom experience they fail to attain language skills of reading, writing and spelling commensurate with their intellectual abilities. The U.S. National Institutes of Health explains dyslexia as a learning disability that hinders a person's ability to read, write, spell and sometimes to speak. This is a very common disability in children persisting throughout the life. The symptoms may range from mild to severe. If treated at very early stage favorable results are obtained but if neglected negative influences are noticed. Children with dyslexia are of average intelligence and always want to learn things. The disorder is caused by impairment in brain's ability to translate images received from brain or ears into understandable language. It is not a result of vision and hearing problems and also does not occur due to mental retardation, brain damage or lack of intelligence.

The anatomy as well as physiology of the female reproductive system is quite complex when compare... more The anatomy as well as physiology of the female reproductive system is quite complex when compared with the male reproductive system. Menopause is a very prominent stage in the life cycle of all females. It can be simply defined as the absence of the menstrual cycle for at least 12 months. The transition of the menopause starts with varying menstrual cycle length and finally terminates into menstrual period. The menopausal transitional period is often referred to as perimenopause phase although it is not a medical term but is often used while dealing a layman. Postmenopuase period is known to commence after the last menstrual period. Menopause can also be described as a phase of the female's life when the function of ovaries terminates. Ovaries are the female reproductive organs, located in the pelvis, one of each side of the uterus. Each ovary resembles an almond in its shape and size. They are known to produce ova as well as the female hormone estrogen.

Insects are the animals dwelling on the planet earth well adapted to survive in all sorts of envi... more Insects are the animals dwelling on the planet earth well adapted to survive in all sorts of environments one can imagine. They can survive under conditions of extreme cold, deserts and hot areas. They are arthropods whose number is largest when compared with all animal species. They are gifted with dynamic adaptations that help them to occupy all the available habitats. The body of insects is divided into three parts namely, head, thorax and abdomen bearing different appendages for carrying out different functions. Although the body organization appears simple but it is complex when studied in detail. Head bears compound eyes adapted for mosaic vision as well as antennae which are chemosensors, detecting chemicals present in the environment. The head also bears mouth with mouth parts adapted for chewing, biting, sucking, lapping or piercing etc. Thorax typically bears either single or two pairs of wings which are named either fore or hind wings. The thorax also bears three pairs of legs adapted for walking, swimming, burrowing or digging depending upon the habitat of insect. Abdomen bears reproductive structures and it may be terminated into an ovipositor or sting. All the insects have been placed in the class Insecta which has been further divided into a number of orders and suborders depending upon the characters of the insect.

Dissociative identity disorder or DID is a psychiatric condition where an individual shows multip... more Dissociative identity disorder or DID is a psychiatric condition where an individual shows multiple distinct identities coupled with its own specific pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems call this type of condition as multiple personality disorder. Dissociative identity disorder is less frequent in comparison to other dissociative disorders and is known to affect about 1% of human population. It is often comorbid when compared with other dissociative disorders. The individual also suffers from memory loss or temporary forgetfulness. The disorder is often characterized by identity fragmentation rather than a proliferation of separate personalities. Once the disease comes into action the diagnosis acquires the label of controversy. Some people believe that the patients suffering from this disease are hypnotized as their symptoms are iatrogenic while brain imaging studies indicate identity transitions.

Anemia is a clinical condition in which total number of red blood cells or the quantity of hemogl... more Anemia is a clinical condition in which total number of red blood cells or the quantity of hemoglobin in blood declines than the normal level so the oxygen binding ability of hemoglobin is decreased. The word anemia is taken from a Greek word meaning lack of blood as hemoglobin deficiency prevails in the blood. Hemoglobin present inside the red blood cells normally carries oxygen from lungs to the tissues and anemia causes hypoxia in organs. As all human cells are dependent upon oxygen for survival, anemia can lead to a wide variety of symptoms depending upon degree of destruction caused. Anemia is the most common disorder of blood and different types of anemia are known depending upon the underlying causes. Anemia can be classified in a variety of ways for example, on the basis of morphology of the RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms and discernible clinical spectra.

Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) is a clinical condition identified by... more Atherosclerosis or arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD) is a clinical condition identified by thickening of the arterial walls due to the accumulation of cholesterol chiefly the low density lipoproteins. It is a syndrome affecting arterial blood vessels due to which they become hard. The hardening of arterial walls is due to the formation of multiple plaques. The atheromatous plaque is composed of three components chiefly, atheroma which is a nodular accumulation of soft material in the center of large plaques, followed by cholesterol crystals and calcified components. Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that can remain asymptomatic for decades and the plaques may be stable or unstable. Stable atherosclerotic plaques tend to be asymptomatic and are loaded with extracellular matrix and smooth muscle cells while unstable plaques contain macrophages and foam cells along with extracellular matrix that are liable to rupture.

Dementia is loss of cognitive ability in a person either due to global brain injury or some disea... more Dementia is loss of cognitive ability in a person either due to global brain injury or some disease that results in memory loss. If it occurs before the age of 65 then it is known as early onset dementia. The word dementia comes from a Latin word meaning madness. It can be considered as a non-specific illness syndrome where the areas of brain concerned with memory, language, attention and problem solving are severely affected. About six months are required for the disease to be diagnosed and in later stages the affected persons may become disoriented in time. Dementia is treatable up to a certain degree but as the disease advance the symptoms become incurable. The symptoms of the disease may or may not be reversible and it depends upon the etiology of the disease.

Pineal gland is a small endocrine gland present in the vertebrate brain also known as the third e... more Pineal gland is a small endocrine gland present in the vertebrate brain also known as the third eye. It produces a hormone known as melatonin which regulates the sleep-wake cycle as well as seasonal functions of vertebrates. Melatonin is a serotonin derivative. It is a reddish-gray entity resembling a tiny pine cone in shape. It is located rostro-dorsal to the superior colliculus just behind and beneath the stria medullaris, between the thalamic bodies. Pineal gland is a part of epithalamus. It is a calcified component of brain that can be easily viewed in plain X-ray. In human beings it is made up of a lobular parenchyma of pinealocytes surrounded by connective tissue spaces. The surface of the gland is covered by a pial capsule. Pinealocytes form the maximum bulk of this gland but other types of cells are also present that differ in their cellular details.

Human brain is well encapsulated within a thick, bony skull. The choroid plexus secretes the cere... more Human brain is well encapsulated within a thick, bony skull. The choroid plexus secretes the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which surrounds the brain. The fluid passes down through the four ventricles with the help of subarachnoid space and finally enters the cerebral veins through the arachnoid villi. Brain lacks lymphatic system so CSF acts as a partial substitute. Dura mater is a tough, protective connective tissue firmly attached to the skull and includes the subarachnoid space filled with the CSF, arteries and web-like connective tissue known as archanoid mater. The pia mater is a very delicate and permeable membrane composed of collagen, elastin and fibroblasts that rests on the floor of subarachnoid space and allows diffusion between CSF and the interstitial fluid of brain tissue. The pia mater is also interrupted by astrocyte processes. The dura mater, arachnoid mater and the pia mater are collectively known as meninges.

Action potential is an event in which the membrane potential of a cell first increases and then d... more Action potential is an event in which the membrane potential of a cell first increases and then decreases. It is a characteristic property of a number of animal cells namely, neurons, muscle cells and endocrine cells. Some plant cells also produce them. Neurons play a very crucial role in cell-to-cell communication. In beta cells of pancreas action potential is associated with the release of insulin. Plasma membrane has special type of voltage-gated ion channels for producing action potential. These channels remain closed when the membrane potential is close to the resting potential of the cell but if the membrane potential increases then the channels become active. When the channels open they allow an inward flow of sodium ions which increases the membrane potential. The rapid inward flow of sodium ions results in changing the polarity of the membrane and as a result they become inactive. After that potassium channels become activated and there is an outward flow of the potassium ions due to which the membrane returns to its resting state. A transient negative shift known as refractory period prevents back travelling of the action potential. In animal cells generally two types of these potentials are known for example, one which is produced due to the voltage-gated sodium channels and the other which is produced due to voltage-gated calcium channels.

Cholesterol is a waxy steroid of fat produced in liver or intestine, used for the synthesis of ho... more Cholesterol is a waxy steroid of fat produced in liver or intestine, used for the synthesis of hormones and cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma of all mammals. Cholesterol is a very essential structural component of plasma membrane of mammals required for maintaining proper membrane permeability and fluidity. It is also an important agent required for the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D. It is the principal steroid synthesized by animals however, smaller amounts are also produced in plants and fungi. Cholesterol is entirely absent among prokaryotes. If its concentration increases in blood then the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases so its level must be kept under control. The word cholesterol has originated from a Greek word and was first discovered by Francois Poulletier de la Salle in gallstones in solid form in 1769 but, chemical identification was done by Eugène Chevreul in 1815 who gave the term cholesterine.

Conjunctivitis also known as pink eye is actually inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye ... more Conjunctivitis also known as pink eye is actually inflammation of the outermost layer of the eye known as conjunctiva and inner surface of eyelids. The most probable cause is viral infection but in some cases it may be caused due to bacterial action or some allergic manifestations. Viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are common in childhood but they also occur in adults. Pink eye can crop up in an individual of any age and at any time. Many factors can be lead responsible for the occurrence of pink eye and they may be classified as either infectious or non-infectious. This infection does not bring any alteration in the vision of an individual. On the basis of factors that are responsible for pink eye it may be classified as allergic, bacterial, viral, chemical and neonatal conjunctivitis. On the basis of involvement conjunctivitis may be classified as blepharoconjuctivitis which is the result of dual combination of conjunctivitis with blepharitis. Keratoconjuctivitis is the combination of conjunctivitis and keratitis. Episcleritis is an inflammatory state which resembles conjunctivitis but lacks discharge.

Liver is one of the very important organs of body that participates in carrying out many importan... more Liver is one of the very important organs of body that participates in carrying out many important functions to sustain life of an individual. It can be affected with any disease or disorder and one of the commonest one includes cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a type of chronic liver disease where the liver tissue is being replaced by fibrosis, scar tissue and regenerative nodules that result in loss of proper functioning of this vital organ. Alcoholism, fatty liver, hepatitis B and C are the major factors that are responsible for this chronic liver disease but other factors may also play minor role for example, viral infection, accumulation of toxic metals like iron and copper due to genetic disease and autoimmune disease. Some idiopathic factors also contribute to liver cirrhosis. Poor quality of life with increased risk of infection is basically responsible for the appearance of one of the most common complication of this disease identified as ascites. Hepatic encephalopathy and esophageal varices are other complications associated with cirrhosis. This chronic condition is generally irreversible and in advanced cases liver transplant is the only solution. The term cirrhosis actually originated from a Greek word meaning diseased liver. René Laennec gave the term cirrhosis in 1819 while carrying out his work.

Fishes inhabit the underwater world and make the ocean life amazing. They are awesome in a real s... more Fishes inhabit the underwater world and make the ocean life amazing. They are awesome in a real sense as they have acquired a number of adaptations to live in the dangerous environment of water. Their number varies in millions in the ocean world. They are not only beautiful but are also very important to us as they provide us very valuable items that are useful for us in our day to day life. Isinglass is one such valuable stuff obtained from the swim bladders of fish and is of high economic importance. It is a form of a protein known as collagen which is widely used for the clarification of wine and beer. It can be processed in the form of a paste to make glue which is used in commercial purposes. Isinglass was in general prepared from the swim bladder of sturgeon fishes particularly the Beluga sturgeon. In 1795 William Murdroch prepared isinglass from the swim bladder of cod which was a cheap substitute for the isinglass obtained from the swim bladder of sturgeon. The isinglass prepared from cods was chiefly used in Britain not in Russia. The bladders once taken out from the body of fishes is processed and dried and then moulded in different shapes depending upon the usage.

The endocrine disorders among females are of various types but the most common one is the polycys... more The endocrine disorders among females are of various types but the most common one is the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is basically an inherited disorder and can be received from either parent. The chances of occurrence of this disorder vary from 5-10% among the females of age group of 12-45 resulting in female sub-fertility. This endocrine disorder can be identified by anovulation which is diagnosed by irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, polycystic ovaries, ovulation-related infertility, excessive secretion of androgenic hormones that cause hirsutism and acne. High cholesterol level, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance are other known symptoms. All these symptoms vary among different individuals. The disorder is known by a number of other names like polycystic ovary disease, functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, ovarian hyperthecosis and Stein-Leventhal syndrome. A polycystic ovary has abnormal number of eggs that can be viewed near its surface resembling cysts.

Social Behaviour that has given greater dimensions to animal nature.

The porcess by which cell undergoes death.

The process of growing of an individual from childhood till adulthood.

The techniques or behaviour animals adopt during courtship.

The behaviour comprises of all the techniques an organism utilizes to ward off from the predator.

Aggression is a behaviour adopted by individuals under different conditions.

The process of getting old is ageing

Termites are both harmful as well as useful for us.

Tapworms cause the disease known as taeniasis.

Silkworm are the producers of silk.

Prawns form a valuable source of commerce.

Plasmodium causes the disease malaria. About 9 species are involved in this.

Pearl is a valuable item produced by pearl oysters.

Locusts are pests that cause tremendous damage to our crops.

lac is a truly insect product produced by an insect Laccifer lacca or Tachardia lacca.

Honey bees are the producers of honey and the commercial production of honey is known as apiculture.

Scientifically known as pisciculture

It is a protozoan parasite that causes the disease amoebiasis. It occurs in two forms viz., troph... more It is a protozoan parasite that causes the disease amoebiasis. It occurs in two forms viz., trophozoite (active) and cyst (inactive).

Taxonomy is the branch of science that deals with the identification and nomenclature of organisms.

Species are the different types of animals existing on earth.

Coccinellids, frequently known as the ladybird beetles belong to the order Coleoptera and the fam... more Coccinellids, frequently known as the ladybird beetles belong to the order Coleoptera and the family Coccinellidae, are prospective predators of an array of insect pests, especially aphids, scale insects, mealy bugs, thrips and other small soft-bodied insects, besides, phytophagous mites. There are also a number of coccinellids that feed on plants. .Aphid biocontrol is fundamentally influenced due to composite interactions occurring between released natural enemies, especially the coccinellids both within and between the species (other Aphidophaga). Rivalry within the species, especially in the form of cannibalism is decisive for triumphant field releases and aphid biocontrol as it may negatively impinge the fortune of field releases. In addition if the prey habitat harbors two or more coccinellids together forms the predatory guild. Predation of one predator by another in a guild is designated as the intraguild predation (IGP). Cannibalism and intraguild predation (IGP) occurring between different coccinellid predators may have direct or indirect effects on the successful utilization of coccinellids as biocontrol agents against aphid pests. Cannibalism refers to the act of killing and eating either whole or part of an individual belonging to the same species. Individuals of the same species or different coccinellid species can serve as alternative food in dearth of prey. Eggs and younger larvae that have just molted are more prone to cannibalism. Cannibalism does not embrace the individual which has already deceased. When the population of the aphids decline the aphidophagous ladybirds participate in this event in order to conserve the progeny. A study was executed in order to find out the pattern and incidence of cannibalism when conspecific species of ladybird beetles namely Coccinella transversalis and Cheilomenes sexmaculata were allowed to grow together by feeding on the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi.. The results spotlight that the cannibalism events were higher in C. transversalis as compared to that in C. sexmaculata.

Ladybird beetles are known as ‘Farmer’s Friends’ and they can be categorized as aphidophagous, co... more Ladybird beetles are known as ‘Farmer’s Friends’ and they can be categorized as aphidophagous, coccidophagous as well as phytophaous depending upon their feeding habits. The 28-spotted ladybeetle, Epilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Fabricius is a phytophagous insect and has acquired the status of stern pest of solanceous crops all over the world. The beetle is also known to cause tremendous damage to the important solanaeous crops in northern parts of India so we decided to search alternative food for this pest. An experiment was conducted to study oviposition as well as adult emergence of this species of ladybird when fed on the leaves of a weed, Coccinia grandis (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae). Egg laying was noticed when the adults were fed on the leaves of the weed. Food and its quality were found to have significant effect on oviposition (F=591.63). Age of female showed a profound effect on the total number of eggs laid by her (F=1.436). The ratio of the total number of eggs laid and the total number of adults emerged was also significant (χ2=830.26). Our study wraps up that C. grandis can be used as an alternative food for E. vigintioctopunctata.

India has an incredible affluent assortment of both flora and fauna. The fauna is extremely disti... more India has an incredible affluent assortment of both flora and fauna. The fauna is extremely distinctive establishing the ecosystem steadiness in a drastic comportment. Ladybird beetles are cosmopolitan in distribution. They diminutive insects ranging in size from 1-10 mm, vibrantly clad with shades of red, yellow or orange with spots on their elytra, belonging to the order Coleoptera and family Coccinellidae. North India has an exceedingly loaded population of ladybird beetles together with both the herbaceous and aphidophagous species. They are elected as farmer’s friends as they prey upon a number of insect pests like aphids, mealybugs, thrips other soft bodied insects and phytophagous mites. They are persuasive biocontrol agents and indispensable gears of Integrated Pest Management. They have already been time-honored as successful biocontrol agents against coccids, diaspids and other pest infestations. Our study deals with the development of three species of aphidophagous ladybird beetles viz., Coccinella septumpunctata, C. transversalis and Cheilomenes sexmaculata and one species of herbaceous ladybird beetle namely Epilachna vigintioctopunctata on the pollens of flowers.

Intraguild predation arises when two predator species contend for same prey and one of them also ... more Intraguild predation arises when two predator species contend for same prey and one of them also feeds upon its competitor. As a result, intraguild predation merges two structuring forces in ecological communities: competition and predation and may engender a diversity of indirect effects among co-occurring species. Cheilomenes sexmaculata and Coccinella transversalis are the very well-liked ladybird beetles of the oriental region, easily accessible in the gardens and the surrounding environment. It has been well renowned that these ladybird beetles have a wide prey range. Our study deals with the intraguild predation among these two ladybird beetles when present together in the field. Cheilomenes sexmaculata appears to be the strongest intraguild predator feeding indiscriminately on the eggs as well as the larvae of Coccinella transversalis. On the other hand, C.transversalis prefers to cannibalize conspecific eggs as well as larvae.

Food plays an important role in the survival of organisms by providing essential nutrients as wel... more Food plays an important role in the survival of organisms by providing essential nutrients as well as power of sustaining longevity. Coccinella septempunctata, Coccinella transversalis and Cheilomenes sexmaculata are the most prevalent aphidophagous ladybird beetles of the Oriental region preferring to feed on a wide range of aphids that are responsible for causing heavy economic losses to our agricultural crops. The availability of aphids fluctuates throughout the year, becoming available by the end of July and decreasing by the end of March. Our study deals with the availability of ladybird beetles throughout the year by feeding and ovipositing on aphids when aphids are available and then becoming dormant when aphids are not available i.e., by feeding on alternative foods. The alternative foods that we have provided include natural honey, sugar syrup, mealy bugs (coccids) and pollen grains. The ladybird beetles were found to survive on coccids and natural honey. However, no development of larvae was found and the rate of mortality was also increased on sugar syrup and pollen grains.

Springer nature, 2021

The overconsumption of the non-renewable sources of energy has caused ecological imbalance and th... more The overconsumption of the non-renewable sources of energy has caused
ecological imbalance and this has paved the way for the utilization of the renewable
energy sources. Sustainable energy sources include solar energy, plant or forest
biomass, tidal and wind energy. Renewable sources of energy are traditional,
conventional, or new. Production of eco-friendly energy sources is now in high
demand. The task for the production of sustainable energy can be overtook by a wide
variety of microbes. A wide variety of microorganisms encompass the potential of
biofuel production, for example, many bacteria can directly produce ethanol by
sugar degradation. Microalgae and cyanobacteria can reduce CO2 to biofuels by
photosynthesis. Methanotrophs can produce methanol by oxidizing methane.
Geobacter sulfurreducens and Shewanella oneidensis can be used in the microbial
fuel cells (MFCs) for bioelectricity and biohydrogen production. MFCs use catabolic
function of microbes and generate electricity by using a wide variety of materials, for
example, biomass. Recent research has shown that MFCs will be able to replace the
non-renewable sources of energy and will produce electricity adequate for the
consumption of human society.

Elsevier, 2019

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a very useful modern-day tool that replenishes microbial growth... more Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a very useful modern-day tool that replenishes microbial growth on a moist surface if inert carriers and insoluble substrates are used. SSF offers several proportionate monetary as well as implementation advantages over the earlier submerged fermentation (SmF) technique that yields products with higher concentration, curtailed costs, and uncomplicated fermentation equipment, and generates reduced amounts of effluents along with a waste output that is more or less negligible. In the current scenario, SSF finds its place mostly in enzyme production as well as in organic compounds and metabolite manufacturing. Biofuel, paper, and pulp, along with detergent and textile production, show great dependence on cellulases. Endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and β-glucosidase are the three major cellulose components that can efficaciously unwind the chains of cellulose into small lignocellulose subunits and thereby produce smaller cellobiose and glucose sugar units. Different types of fungal species (filamentous, thermophilic, endophytic, etc.) are the most popular cellulase producers because they can degrade the cellulase comprehensively. A wide array of fungal species are involved in the vast production of cellulase these days with the help of this strategy because it offers lower cost with higher cellulase production.

Termites depend on their gut microbes for digestion of complex polysaccharides of wood into simpl... more Termites depend on their gut microbes for digestion of complex polysaccharides of wood into simpler molecules. Cellulose is a major polymeric carbohydrate present in the wood which is broken down to simpler byproducts through metabolic steps by the hindgut microbes. Termite gut microbes also produce gases during the cellulose degradation process, of which methane is the major product. Gut microbes belong to three major groups, namely, bacteria, archaea and protozoa. They show a mutualistic relationship and typically convert 95% of cellulose into simple sugars within 24 h. More than 200 species of microbes form this community

Global climate change is a matter of grave concern in the present scenario casting its significan... more Global climate change is a matter of grave concern in the present scenario casting its significant and lasting effect on the flora and fauna dwelling over earth. A number of factors such as biotic processes, variations in solar radiation received by earth, plate tectonics, volcanic eruptions certain human activities can be considered as key components responsible for this devastating phenomenon. Aphid populations are also under potential threat by the effects caused by the changes in the climatic conditions posing a direct and indirect effect on the predators consuming aphids as food resulting in overall ecological imbalance.