Latest news with #NIIST
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
Proposed extension centre of CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology to focus on core areas of research and product development
A satellite centre planned by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park here at Thonnakkal will focus on core areas of research and product development, including solar-driven hydrogen production from wastewater. A State Cabinet meeting on Thursday (June 5) gave the nod for establishing the 'Extension Centre for Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship.' The Cabinet approval also included allocation of 10 acres of land on a 90-year lease at the Bio 360 Life Sciences Park. Collaborative hub 'The proposed CSIR-NIIST innovation centre will serve as a collaborative hub fostering interdisciplinary research, product development, and entrepreneurship,' NIIST officials said. Major initiatives planned under it include a pilot plant for the solar-driven production of hydrogen from wastewater, an AYUSH manufacturing and standardisation hub, a production line for biopolymer and bio-based products, a bio-enabler bio manufacturing unit and a regional resource development centre. It will also be the first satellite centre of NIIST, a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). NIIST described the decision to establish the centre as a strategic move aligned with its mission to drive sustainable, inclusive innovation and reinforce Kerala's position as a hub for science-driven entrepreneurship. The Bio 360 Life Sciences Park is a flagship initiative of the State government's Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC).
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
CSIR-NIIST develops technology for in situ disposal of biomedical waste
At a time when hospitals are struggling to get rid of biomedical waste, the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratory here, has developed a technology for their in situ disposal in an ecofriendly and cost-effective way. Models meant for regular hospitals and one for the Military Hospital in the high-altitude Siachen glacier are currently undergoing tests, C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, told The Hindu. The NIIST design, which is quite compact, is expected to boost the decentralised disposal of biomedical wastes, benefitting States such as Kerala where they are often transported over long distances to a couple of facilities for the purpose, Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said. The treated waste is expelled from the unit in the form of a powder which is useful as a soil additive, according to him. CSIR-NIIST is hoping that the model for the Military Hospital in Siachen can be commissioned by August 15 to coincide with the Independence Day celebrations this year. The unit undergoing tests for the Military Hospital in Siachen is capable of handling 10 kg at a time, and up to about 100 kg a day, Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said. Here, the real challenge was redesigning the original idea to suit the climatic conditions of Siachen, often dubbed the world's highest and coldest battlefield. 'It has to be a low-temperature operation there. The temperatures being extremely low, it is very difficult to manage biomedical waste. They cannot burn or bury it. In other locations, incinerators are at least possible. There they don't have that option. Even if the cabin housing the waste treatment is artificially heated, the temperatures still tend to be lower than what it is here,' he said. The 10 kg unit takes about half-an-hour to dispose of a single batch. Studies are also under way on another CSIR-NIIST prototype, which will prove useful to regular hospitals, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. 'The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change wanted units specifically for remote areas where the wastes are still burned or buried. We hope to complete the study in two months and hand over the report to the Ministry,' This biomedical waste conversion rig is capable of handling 100 kg per day. Given the misgivings biomedical waste treatment plants tend to arouse in the public, NIIST scientists have also taken the effort to make sure that their design is easy on the eye. The compact units resemble huge green capsicums. The waste is put in by opening the (automated) door provided at the side of the unit. The biomedical waste treatment technology is one among ten 'game-changing technologies' that the NIIST is currently working on.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Pilot production plant for fortified rice kernels inaugurated at CSIR-NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram
The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) here has established a pilot plant for fortified rice kernels (FRK) with the aim of addressing the nutritional needs of vulnerable population groups. According to NIIST scientists, the FRK process involves blending micronutrients with rice flour and extruding the mix into rice-shaped kernels. These are virtually indistinguishable from natural rice. Using in-house technology, the plant enables the continuous production of FRK enriched with essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. NIIST described the establishment of the facility as a 'major step towards combating hidden hunger and enhancing nutritional security.' Krishna M. Ella, chairperson, Bharat Biotech International, and chairperson, Research Council, CSIR-NIIST, inaugurated the plant on Friday. 30 to 50 kg per hour The facility has drying and cooling conveyors for removing moisture effectively, which enables immediate use and distribution of the product. The plant is capable of producing 30 to 50 kg of FRK per hour. The FRK can be seamlessly blended with polished rice for large-scale public distribution, NIIST said. The plant has been established with the aim of addressing the nutritional requirements of vulnerable population groups, especially children and pregnant women, NIIST said. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, said the pilot plant will serve not only as a production unit, but also as a training and innovation hub for start-ups, food safety professionals, public health experts, and students. 'Holds promise' 'It exemplifies our commitment to developing technologies that are socially impactful and accessible,' Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said. Dr. Ella said the facility holds promise for improving public health outcomes across the country, particularly in underserved regions. The FRK plant will be accessible for research, development, product testing, training and promoting innovation and entrepreneurial ventures in the area of rice fortification, NIIST said.
