Latest news with #DepartmentofChemistry
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make concerning discovery after examining blood samples from birds: 'We need to find out more about the sources'
As we gain more knowledge about the substances that make up our world, it gets easier to identify toxins that damage humans and wildlife. Unfortunately, we're finding these harmful substances in unexpected places and quantities, with negative impacts on our long-term health. One recent study, reported by Norwegian SciTech News, revealed that harmful PFAS are found in higher concentrations than we ever knew in China's birds — and the implications stretch worldwide. Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology examined blood and liver samples from Chinese wading birds as well as shellfish from the areas where the birds feed. They were looking for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as "forever chemicals" because they take up to 1,000 years to break down naturally. The researchers already knew they would find PFAS in the birds, as these toxins have accumulated in all kinds of wildlife and even the human body. However, they were shocked by the quantities. "The biggest increase is in the livers of wading birds. We found up to 180 times more PFAS than previously," said postdoctoral fellow and lead author Junjie Zhang, per Norwegian SciTech News. PFAS have been linked to numerous health effects, including multiple forms of cancer, liver damage, cholesterol disorders, fertility problems, hormone disorders, developmental disorders in children, and immune system problems. Unfortunately, because of the way they build up in the environment and food sources, higher levels of PFAS in wildlife are likely to translate to higher levels in humans, especially when found in water sources where people drink and fish. The study didn't just identify a higher concentration of PFAS; it also piloted a new testing method developed by study co-author Lara Cioni called the "Total Oxidizable Precursor assay." This test shows some of the subgroups of PFAS that have been a primary focus and identifies substances that break down into them. Looking at the whole chain — both the toxic products and their previously lesser-known origins — gave researchers a fuller picture of where the toxins were coming from, which is vital information for prevention. "We need to find out more about the sources, but also about the effects PFAS have on wading birds, other animals and humans," said professor Veerle Jaspers of the Department of Chemistry at NTNU, per Norwegian SciTech News. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Musi river water unfit for drinking except at Osman Sagar: Study
Hyderabad: A scientific study published in the June edition of the Cleaner Water journal by ScienceDirect has found that water from the Musi River is unfit for drinking at all locations except at its upstream source, Osman Sagar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research, titled 'Spatial and Seasonal Assessment of Water Quality of Musi River, India,' was led by Ajmal Koya Pulikkal of the Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Mizoram, and co-authored by Mohammad Zakwan from Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. Water samples were collected from four stations — Osman Sagar (upstream), Bapughat and Musarambagh (midstream), and Nagole (downstream) — during the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. The study analysed 27 water quality parameters using standard methods and indices such as the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI), Nemerow's Pollution Index, and various irrigation indices. The WAWQI values across the sites showed a sharp deterioration in water quality downstream: 38 at Osman Sagar, 175 at Bapughat, 197 at Musarambagh, and 179 at Nagole. Only Osman Sagar met the Bureau of Indian Standards for potable water. The deterioration became significant at Bapughat, attributed to urban encroachments, waste dumping, and sewage discharge. The study noted a slight improvement in water quality at Nagole, likely due to the Amberpet sewage treatment plant near Musarambagh. Seasonal and irrigation assessment reflect pollution load Seasonal analysis revealed further insights. While water from Osman Sagar remained suitable for both drinking and irrigation in all seasons (S-1 category), the other stations fell into S-3 (unsuitable for irrigation) during the pre and post-monsoon periods, and into S-2 (moderately suitable) during the monsoon, due to dilution effects. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kelley's index also indicated that only Osman Sagar's water was suitable for irrigation throughout the year. The study flagged declining dissolved oxygen levels and rising biochemical oxygen demand downstream. Hydrochemical facies analysis (a method used to interpret the chemical composition of water) using Piper diagrams further revealed a shift in water composition from upstream to downstream. The authors call for urgent and consistent monitoring, improved wastewater treatment, effective stormwater management, and stronger environmental regulation to reverse the degradation.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
AU experts develop compounds that may boost human memory
Prayagraj: In a breakthrough development, scientists from Allahabad University (AU) have identified 14 chemical compounds that could significantly enhance human memory. These compounds, developed in the university's chemistry laboratory, show promising effects in opening constricted brain neurons, which are often associated with memory loss and cognitive decline. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research, led by Prof Ramendra Kumar Singh of the Department of Chemistry at AU, marks a major advancement in the search for memory-enhancing drugs. Remarkably, the compounds developed in the Prayagraj-based university are currently undergoing international testing in laboratories in the United States, specifically at California State University, Fullerton. According to Prof Singh, preliminary results from the testing of three compounds showed positive outcomes, suggesting their potential in combating memory-related disorders. A research paper detailing this discovery was recently published in the Netherlands-based scientific journal, Journal of Molecular Structure, further highlighting the global relevance of this work. Explaining the scientific basis of the study, Prof Singh said that hyperphosphorylated tau proteins—proteins with an excess of phosphate groups—are responsible for memory degradation in humans. These proteins accumulate in the brain due to a deficiency of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. The enzyme acetylcholinesterase is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, thus leading to its depletion. The 14 newly developed compounds aim to inhibit the function of acetylcholinesterase, thereby maintaining healthy acetylcholine levels and potentially improving memory and brain health. To identify these compounds, the research team conducted a series of chemical reactions in the lab and utilised computational techniques such as molecular docking and computer simulation to evaluate the compounds' activity and cytotoxicity. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The detailed analysis confirmed that all 14 compounds showed significant promise in both effectiveness and safety. These compounds, after being encoded, were sent to California for second-phase testing on specific cell lines known to produce the tau protein responsible for Alzheimer's disease. Although the names of the compounds have not yet been disclosed, Prof Singh noted that the early-stage results are encouraging, with three compounds already delivering positive findings. The next steps in the research include developing a drug based on the most effective molecule. If successful, this could lead to a new therapeutic option for millions suffering from memory loss and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's.
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Science
- Indian Express
IISER's Prof Sujit Ghosh awarded Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Prize
Professor Sujit Ghosh from the Department of Chemistry at Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, has been awarded the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Prize by Germany's Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This recognition is awarded to distinguished scientists and scholars every year in recognition of outstanding research contributions. The prize is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany. and is named after Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel (1784–1846), a prominent German astronomer and mathematician. Key selection criteria for the prize include: excellent scientific achievements that have already shaped the scientific field and reasonable prospect of future outstanding top performance with appeal beyond a narrow field of expertise, among others. The award carries prize money and enables collaborative research projects at German research institutions. Ghosh will be visiting the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf in Germany for collaborative research as part of this prize. Ghosh's research group is working on the development and functional studies of various advanced porous materials like Metal-organic Frameworks (MOFs), Metal-organic Polyhedra (MOPs), Porous organic polymers (POPs), Hydrogen-bonded Organic Frameworks (HOFs), Nano-composites of porous materials etc. for chemical industry, energy, and environmental applications.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
KLEF Faculty and German Scientists Jointly Research Innovative Biosensors for Sepsis Detection
Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Andhra Pradesh, proudly announces that one of its faculty members from the Department of Chemistry is making significant contributions in healthcare research. Dr. T. Anusha, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at KLEF Deemed to be University, is collaborating with Dr. Parvaneh Rahimi from TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Germany, on a joint research project focused on developing advanced biosensor technology for the early detection of sepsis. Their project, titled 'Development of an Electrochemical Biosensing Platform for Multiplexed Simultaneous Detection of Sepsis Biomarkers,' is funded under the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) initiative. The goal is to develop a low-cost, portable, and rapid biosensor capable of detecting multiple sepsis biomarkers simultaneously. Early and accurate detection of sepsis—a life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to infection—is critical to reducing fatal outcomes, especially in emergency rooms and intensive care units. The research has the potential to benefit a wide range of stakeholders. Patients and doctors in both rural and urban areas will gain access to quicker and more accurate diagnostic tools. Diagnostic laboratories and ICUs, which currently rely on expensive and time-consuming tests, can improve efficiency with this technology. Point-of-care providers in low-resource and developing regions will also benefit from affordable, reliable diagnostics. Moreover, the project opens up new opportunities for start-ups and healthcare industries working on biomedical devices. One of the key goals is to develop a working prototype of the biosensor that can deliver results within minutes from a small blood sample. This will enable doctors to begin treatment sooner, increasing patient survival rates. In addition to the scientific innovation, the project encourages technology transfer and collaboration with start-ups, promoting entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector. As part of the project, Dr. Anusha is scheduled to visit Germany in August 2025. During her stay, she will collaborate closely with the research team at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, share expertise, and work on accelerating the biosensor's development. Commenting on this achievement, Er. Koneru Lakshman Havish, Vice President of KLEF Deemed to be University, said, 'We are extremely proud of our faculty's achievement. This international collaboration and joint research effort will significantly contribute to the rapidly growing field of biosensor technology. At KLEF, we are committed to fostering a vibrant research ecosystem and advancing innovative solutions that can transform healthcare. We believe in thriving through research excellence, academic rigor, and meaningful global partnerships.' The Department of Chemistry at KLEF Deemed to be University continues to make notable contributions to interdisciplinary research. This latest initiative adds another milestone to its track record, marking a step forward in affordable healthcare diagnostics and showcasing the power of global partnerships in addressing life-threatening diseases like sepsis.
