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Indian Express
7 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Indian scientists discover rare marine worm on Tamil Nadu coast
Written by Debasmita Chowdhury Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), led by Dr Anjum Rizvi and researcher Ms Ritika Datta, have identified a new species of marine nematode along the Tamil Nadu coast. This marks only the third globally recorded species of the rare genus Pheronous. The microscopic worm, christened Pheronous jairajpurii, was discovered during field studies on a Tamil Nadu beach. Free-living marine nematodes, according to marine biologists, play crucial roles in maintaining ocean ecosystem health and act as biological indicators for coastal environmental assessment. Until now, the genus Pheronous included only two documented species—one discovered in South Africa in 1966, and another in China in 2015, which was later also reported in Korean waters in 2023. The latest discovery means the Pheronous species spans at least three continents. The newly identified species has been named in honor of the late Professor M S Jairajpurii, a pioneering Indian nematologist who significantly advanced nematode research in India. 'The discovery of Pheronous jairajpurii is a testament to the incredible and often hidden biodiversity along India's vast coastline,' said Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the ZSI. The identification not only expands the known distribution of the Pheronous genus but also highlights the rich biodiversity of Indian coastal waters. Marine scientists emphasize that such discoveries stress the need for systematic exploration and cataloguing of marine life, particularly microscopic organisms that often go undocumented despite their ecological significance. Microscopic analysis revealed distinct morphological traits that set P jairajpurii apart from its South African and Chinese counterparts. Detailed anatomical studies showed unique structural features, including specialised head formations and body segmentation patterns observable under high magnification. The sparse yet widespread pattern of this genus suggests it may have ancient evolutionary origins, with isolated populations emerging across ocean basins over geological timescales. (Debasmita Chowdhury is an intern with The Indian Express)
Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
Thunderstorms, gusty winds to continue in Bengal till at least May 24
Written by Debasmita Chowdhury Bengal is currently experiencing a spell of severe thunderstorms, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing persistent yellow alerts across the region. This pattern is expected to continue, bringing light to moderate rain and thundershowers to both North and South Bengal, with some areas bracing for heavy rainfall and wind gusts of up to 60 kmph through at least May 24. In North Bengal, all eight districts —Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Malda — remain under continuous surveillance. Isolated heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm is expected in Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur, and Cooch Behar on May 23, accompanied by strong winds of 40-50 kmph, which could intensify to 60 kmph in some areas. From May 25, precipitation in North Bengal is expected to be limited to scattered or isolated rainfall, and maximum daytime temperatures are anticipated to remain stable. Meanwhile, South Bengal is also preparing for widespread precipitation. Western and northern districts in the region like Purulia, Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Murshidabad are likely to experience consistent light to moderate rain and thundershowers on May 23. Coastal and central districts, including Kolkata, Howrah, and North and South 24 Parganas, will see increasing rainfall intensity in the latter half of May 23. Several districts, including North and South 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Murshidabad, and Nadia, are forecast to experience wind speeds of 50-60 kmph on either May 21 or May 22. Murshidabad, in particular, is forecast to receive heavy rainfall of 7-11 cm from May 22 to May 23. After May 23, rainfall in South Bengal will taper off to isolated occurrences by the early morning of May 24, with maximum temperatures holding steady. Kolkata, after recent significant rainfall, is expected to have a partly cloudy sky turning generally cloudy later today, Thursday, with possible light rain or thundershowers this evening and night. Temperatures are forecast to range between 34 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius, accompanied by high humidity. Authorities are strongly advising residents across Bengal to prioritise safety during these severe weather events. This includes staying indoors and avoiding open fields, isolated trees, and water bodies due to the high risk of lightning strikes and potential waterlogging in low-lying areas. Specific warnings highlight the possibility of damage to standing crops and horticulture, landslides in the hilly regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, and urban traffic disruptions. Earlier, a special marine warning was issued for coastal areas, with swell waves of 0.5-0.7 metres predicted between May 20 and 22, urging fishing boats to exercise extreme caution and coastal recreational activities to be carried out with due care. The author is an intern with The Indian Express
