Latest news with #IAM
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
7-day bed rest test helps study spaceflight effects
Koustabh Kari (left) and Akshat Mohite BENGALURU: The Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) under the Indian Air Force (IAF) has completed a seven-day continuous head-down bed rest study to simulate microgravity and investigate how spaceflight affects the human body and mind. The experiment, held between July 10 and 16 at IAM's campus in Bengaluru, is India's first focused study on both physiological and cognitive changes linked to prolonged weightlessness. Two civilian volunteers — Akshat Mohite, 27, founder of the space startup Astroborne Space from Bengaluru, and Koustubh Kari, 23, an MSc Chemistry student from KLE University in Dharwad — took part in the study called 'Satata-shayanānusandhānam'. For seven days, Mohite and Kari remained in a 6° head-down tilt position, lying face-up without standing, sitting, or stepping out of bed. 'This tilt angle was chosen carefully, as it is an internationally accepted standard used by agencies like Nasa and European Space Agency to simulate the effects of microgravity on Earth. The posture causes fluid shifts towards the head, mimicking what astronauts experience in orbit,' one source said. All daily functions, including eating, drinking, and hygiene, were performed while maintaining this posture. Both participants consumed meals developed by the Defence Institute of Bio Defence Technologies (DIBT) for astronauts, similar to those used in isolation studies, and drank water through sippers designed for use while supine. IAM researchers monitored a range of physiological changes during the trial. These included cardiovascular conditioning, muscle atrophy, bone density loss, neurovestibular changes, and fluid redistribution toward the brain. Ultrasound scans of the optic nerve sheath were done every alternate day to detect signs of intracranial pressure, which can occur when body fluids pool in the upper body under microgravity conditions. Baseline tests were performed before the trial to assess medical history, blood and urine profiles, limb muscle girth, and vestibular system stability. Cognitive functions were tested using IAM's in-house software Psumeda, designed to track attention, memory, and decision-making. These assessments were repeated during and after the trial to detect any cognitive decline. Throughout the study, researchers recorded various physiological parameters: continuous heart rate, blood pressure, Muscle girth, Intraocular pressure. Mohite has previously undergone centrifuge training in the US and has experience with space analogue isolation studies. Kari, the second participant, is a student with no prior space analogue experience. The data collected will help develop protocols to manage astronaut health during long-duration missions. 'The team will use the results to design exercise regimens and cognitive training protocols aimed at reducing the risks of cardiovascular deconditioning, muscle loss, and cognitive decline in space. The study will also contribute to understanding neurovestibular changes that can lead to dizziness or balance issues after spaceflight,' another source said. Beyond astronaut applications, the findings may be useful for improving care protocols for bedridden patients on Earth, particularly for geriatric care and rehabilitation. This study ran in parallel with the IAM's Anugami analogue mission — which TOI had reported on Jul 20 — which focused on crew behaviour and psychological resilience in isolation. IAM plans further experiments of longer durations in future phases.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
India's own astronaut training & space psychology protocols ready
Pic credit: IAF BENGALURU: In a milestone for India's human spaceflight ambitions, the country has indigenously validated its first medical and psychological selection and training protocols for astronauts. The validation was achieved through the successful completion of 'Anugami', a ten-day — July 7 to 17 — human space analogue experiment conducted jointly by the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) and ICMR, in Bengaluru. The exercise, part of the larger Gaganyaan Analogue Experiment (Ganex) that is aimed at shaping India's long-term human spaceflight programme. Until now, astronaut preparation in India has leaned heavily on international collaborations, with candidates sent abroad for specific mission training. But Ganex marks a shift towards building indigenous systems that can train, monitor, and prepare Indian astronauts at hone for future missions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo Diverse Participants At the heart of Anugami was a diverse crew designed to simulate real-world complexities of human space missions. Group Captain Angad Pratap, a Gaganyaan astronaut-designate led the mission. While the other two participants were Commander Rajiv Prasanna, a naval MiG-29K pilot with survival training experience, and Mohana Sai Akula, an independent analogue astronaut and civilian researcher from the Centre for Advanced Research in Space Psychology at IAM. This mix allowed the team to capture data across a range of performance baselines—from elite military pilots to civilian scientists—reflecting the broader participation India envisions for its future space programme. The ten-day mission, sources said, tested protocols that go beyond standard astronaut training and maintained international standards. For nine and a half days, the crew lived in a closed, space station-like environment, adhering to strict food and sleep routines, conducting onboard scientific experiments, and managing interpersonal dynamics in isolation. The final segment focused on launch and re-entry simulations, mirroring human spaceflight procedures. Key Tests Among the key tests were yoga and mindfulness routines adapted for microgravity, and terra-farming experiments using controlled light environments to study plant growth in space-like conditions. Medical emergency management was a central part of the exercise. The crew rehearsed responses to scenarios such as panic attacks, eye injuries from foreign objects, and fractured limbs. By the mission's end, participants could independently perform basic medical checks, including ECG and EEG tests, using simple protocols designed for space conditions. Civilian Astronaut An emotional and cognitive monitoring system called ECHO (Emotional and Cognitive Health Observation) was also tested. This system mapped mood patterns to specific triggers and monitored how psychological interventions—such as meditation or structured communication—helped the crew recover from stress or fatigue. Crucially, Anugami's outcomes will inform not just the human spaceflight missions but the country's plans for its own space station project. The data collected helps tailor astronaut training frameworks to different backgrounds. 'For civilian researchers, clearer cognitive and physical benchmarks have now been established. For military-trained personnel, the protocols adjust for prior experience in high-performance or survival environments,' one source said. 'We are building for the long term, creating a spectrum of selection and training models for various types of Indian citizens, not just career test pilots or air force crew,' another source said. Eyes On Future According to the Indian Air Force, Anugami marks a leap forward in the IAF's contribution to the Indian space programme. The mission was launched by DK Singh, director of Isro's Human Space Flight Centre, and concluded in the presence of Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, director general of medical services (Air). Ganex will now continue with further experiments. Future simulations are likely to take place in extreme environments such as submarines, oceanic vessels, the Rann of Kutch, or Ladakh, feeding into a broader roadmap for India's human spaceflight future.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Budgeting For Efficiency: The Cost Of Overlooking IAM
Fran Rosch is the CEO of Imprivata, a digital identity company for life- and mission-critical industries. As digital transformation accelerates, organizations gain speed and agility—but they also expand their digital attack surfaces. Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, cloud computing and mobile devices are revolutionizing how we work. But without the right security infrastructure, they can introduce serious risks. In today's high-stakes environment, traditional cybersecurity strategies that slow people down don't just hurt productivity—they create new vulnerabilities. Inefficiency is the new threat vector. Every login delay, friction point or manual workaround is a potential opening for attackers. That's why identity and access management (IAM) frameworks—when designed for both security and usability—are becoming foundational to modern cyber resilience. Just as organizations budget for threat prevention, they must also invest in eliminating inefficiencies that expose systems to risk. Security must evolve from an obstacle to an enabler that strengthens operations without slowing them down. The Double-Edged Sword Of Digital Transformation Automation and AI are streamlining workflows and transforming everything from supply chains to customer support. However, with each cloud app, remote endpoint or AI-driven process comes new complexity and vulnerabilities. The more dynamic your organization becomes, the harder it is to secure legacy tools and reactive strategies. Adopting smarter, faster and more adaptive defenses that do not slow down business is critical for meeting today's threat landscape. Security is non-negotiable, but such systems can backfire if they inhibit usability and efficient workflows. Frustrated employees facing friction with multi-step logins or delayed access to essential systems will seek workarounds that lead to password sharing, unsecured personal device use and unauthorized software installations. Users will often try to circumvent security tools that feel like obstacles to the work they need to do, which is why the most effective cybersecurity strategies are not just about enforcement but enablement. Security strategies that emphasize efficiency not only minimize risk but also support productivity, morale and innovation, driving a clear return on cybersecurity investment. Where Efficiency And Security Converge Nowhere is the balance between efficiency and security more essential than in identity and access management. In today's distributed workforce, where employees, partners and vendors connect from countless locations and devices, IAM serves as the strategic framework for governing access—ensuring that the right individuals have the right level of access to the right resources at the right time. A well-structured IAM program is not just a collection of tools; it's a foundational pillar of modern cybersecurity architecture. Built on principles like least privilege, zero trust and continuous authentication, IAM enables organizations to align security controls with operational workflows—improving both protection and productivity. Effective IAM frameworks require internal coordination across IT, security, HR and business units. They must be designed to integrate with endpoint protections, secure development practices (such as DevSecOps) and unified threat detection systems. This cohesive approach ensures that identity isn't treated as a siloed concern but as a dynamic component of an organization's broader security and operational strategy. While IAM platforms and technologies play a role in execution, it's the internal design, governance and integration of IAM policies that ultimately determine success. Mature IAM frameworks adapt in real time to user behavior, device context and access patterns—reducing friction without compromising control. When done right, IAM works quietly in the background, helping secure the enterprise without slowing it down. Budgeting For Seamless, Scalable Security Too often, cybersecurity budgets focus narrowly on prevention and response. But in today's landscape, the most effective security strategies are those that employees actually embrace—approaches that are seamless, intuitive and aligned with how people work. In 2025 and beyond, budgets must reflect this shift by prioritizing investments that strengthen both security and usability. That starts with building and maturing internal IAM frameworks. These frameworks form the foundation for secure, efficient operations. When thoughtfully designed and well-integrated, they help empower users while minimizing exposure. Key budget priorities should include: • Development and refinement of robust IAM frameworks. • AI-driven behavioral monitoring to detect anomalies early. • Automation that speeds incident response without compromising control. • Ongoing training that embeds secure habits into daily routines. Business leaders often view cybersecurity as a cumbersome money sink. Instead, it should be seen as a catalyst for innovation and operational speed. A strong security posture is not just about defense—it's about enabling the business to adapt and grow with confidence in the face of change. In today's constantly changing threat environment, efficiency is at the heart of resilience. Security frameworks that seamlessly integrate with daily operations will enable real, long-term strength. As organizations plan their investments, efficiency should be treated not as a secondary benefit of cybersecurity—but as a core, measurable outcome that guides funding decisions. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla's mission validates India's astronaut selection & training: Former IAM chief
BENGALURU: For the first time, India's astronaut training protocols are being tested and validated in real space conditions, said Air Vice Marshal Anupam Agarwal, former Commandant of the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), which is responsible for selecting and preparing Gaganyaan astronaut-designates. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In an exclusive interview to TOI, Agarwal, who was an air commodore when he helmed IAM, described Group Captain 's (Shux) current mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission as a critical milestone for India's human spaceflight efforts. 'The entire aerospace medicine process, physiological and psychological selection, is being validated. Not only was he selected well, but also the test standards we developed, the procedures we followed, the psychological selection methods, everything is now being put through a real microgravity test,' Agarwal said. 'It is a fulfilling feeling,' he added. IAM's involvement in astronaut screening goes beyond selection. It collects extensive baseline medical and physiological data before a mission. According to Agarwal, this data is now central to studying how microgravity affects Indian astronauts. 'Changes, if any, will be compared with the kind of changes we expect in microgravity. We will study those extensively and try to determine whether our methods for collecting and interpreting baseline data were correct. This will bolster the entire process.' Agarwal said India's limited past exposure to human spaceflight made missions like Shukla's especially important. 'This is extremely complicated and many developed nations have attempted it and were unable to achieve it. For us, international exposure is the best thing that could happen to this programme.' He added that knowledge about human spaceflight is often not openly shared in literature and can only be gained through experience. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'If we want success, we must learn fast, learn accurately and learn what's relevant.' Looking ahead to Gaganyaan and future Indian space missions, Agarwal said IAM's role will be critical. 'The aerospace medicine specialists are to the human what the engineers are to the spacecraft. They help design the human-use products, the man-machine interface, the safety of crew, acoustic, visual, vibration and acceleration standards, clothing, hygiene products and so on.' Reflecting on his personal experience of selecting India's first set of astronaut-designates, Agarwal said shortlisting Shukla was a memorable moment for him and his team. 'We agreed that we have been extremely lucky in life. The selection process allowed us to meet some of the brightest, most intelligent and professionally sound humans in the country. Shux is one of them. How many people have this opportunity? It was, is and will remain an excellent experience to meet Shux.'
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Has DOCU's 15% Year-to-Date Decline Created a Buying Opportunity?
Docusign, Inc. DOCU has been under considerable selling pressure, with the stock declining 15.4% year to date. This drop is in stark contrast to the 14% rally in its industry and the 6% gain in the Zacks S&P 500 composite, highlighting relative underperformance. However, looking at the bigger picture, DOCU shares have still gained 33% over the past year, suggesting that the current pullback may be a correction rather than a long-term downtrend. As of the latest close, the stock was priced at $76.21—approximately 29% below its 52-week high of $107.86. Moreover, it is trading below its 50-day moving average, signaling prevailing bearish sentiment among investors. DOCU Below 50-day Moving Average Given the recent weakness in DOCU shares, investors might view this as an attractive buying opportunity. But is now the right time to step in? Let's take a closer look. DOCU Enhances IAM With Microsoft, Salesforce Docusign continues to enhance its Intelligent Agreement Management (IAM) platform, strengthening its integration capabilities with enterprise powerhouses like Microsoft MSFT and Salesforce CRM. These collaborations are not just cosmetic; they are core to the company's mission of optimizing agreement workflows and delivering AI-driven insights that improve the end-user experience. By embedding itself more deeply into tools already familiar to business clients—such as Microsoft 365 and Salesforce's CRM suite—Docusign enables seamless agreement management within platforms that enterprises use daily. This integration simplifies contract processes, accelerates decision-making, and creates a unified ecosystem where legal, sales, and procurement teams can collaborate efficiently. The IAM platform's growing synergy also highlights Docusign's commitment to positioning itself as more than an e-signature solution—it's becoming a comprehensive digital agreement hub. Whether a user is drafting a contract within Microsoft Word or managing client pipelines in Salesforce, Docusign's IAM helps ensure that documents move swiftly through automated, intelligent workflows. These platform partnerships also deepen customer reliance on DOCU's services, anchoring it within critical enterprise infrastructure. As more businesses seek to modernize agreement processes, Docusign's integrations with Microsoft and Salesforce are proving instrumental in extending reach, improving retention and reinforcing its competitive edge in the SaaS landscape. DOCU Grows Revenue, Cash Amid Market Lead DOCU solidified its leadership in the e-signature market with a strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 performance. It recorded $764 million in total revenues, an 8% year-over-year increase. Impressively, $746 million of that came from subscriptions, highlighting the stability of its SaaS model. Subscription growth, driven in part by Microsoft and Salesforce-aligned services, reflects how enterprises are deepening their usage of Docusign across contract lifecycles. Net revenue retention improved to 101%, suggesting that customers are spending more on the platform. Though billings growth slowed to 4%, it was more indicative of extended renewal cycles than weakening demand. What stands out is Docusign's profitability and capital discipline. The company generated $228 million in free cash flow in the first quarter, translating to a healthy 30% margin. As integrations continue to enhance customer value, the company has also committed to shareholder returns, expanding its buyback authorization. These strategic moves suggest that DOCU is not only focused on growth but also on delivering sustained value. With Microsoft and Salesforce reinforcing its relevance across enterprises, and strong free cash flows backing that momentum, Docusign remains well-positioned to maintain its dominance while evolving into a broader digital agreement ecosystem. DOCU's Estimates Signal Slower Growth Ahead DOCU's growth outlook appears somewhat tepid, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings at $3.54, slightly below the prior year's figure. While a 7% earnings rebound is expected in fiscal 2027, the pace remains modest for a SaaS company striving to regain stronger momentum. Revenue projections also indicate gradual progress, with sales expected to increase 6% in fiscal 2026 and 6.4% in 2027. This level of growth may not be sufficient to excite investors, especially amid increasing competition in the digital agreement space. Without a meaningful catalyst to accelerate earnings or revenues, DocuSign risks being viewed as a mature player with limited upside, rather than a high-growth software leader able to command premium valuations. Hold DOCU: Wait-and-Watch Mode Advised DocuSign has come under pressure this year, underperforming both its peers and the broader market. While the company continues to enhance its product offering through deeper integration with Microsoft and Salesforce, the stock's recent weakness signals investor uncertainty. Despite strong profitability and consistent free cash flow, growth projections appear modest and do not reflect the high momentum often expected in the SaaS space. The stock is also exhibiting technical weakness, which may further weigh on sentiment. Given the current conditions, a hold approach is appropriate. Investors should wait for clearer signs of acceleration before reconsidering a buying position. DOCU currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days Just released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops." Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.5% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. See them now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report Salesforce Inc. (CRM): Free Stock Analysis Report Docusign Inc. (DOCU): Free Stock Analysis Report
