Kiranjeet Kaur Biotechnologist

  How Does Plastic-Eating Fungus Help to Break the Toughest Plastics in Just Weeks? Eco-Friendly Fungus  Photo/Unsplash T he eco-friendly fungus, Pestalotiopsis microspora , also known as a plant-eating fungus, possesses remarkable degrading properties. It is capable of breaking down complex plastics, such as polyurethane and polypropylene, into simpler compounds. This fungus shows great potential for bioremediation and sustainable management, providing viable solutions to significant environmental challenges. About the Pestalotiopsis microspora  Pestalotiopsis microspora belongs to the genera Aspergillus and Pestalotiopsis. 2. It was discovered in the Amazon rainforest and thrives in low-oxygen environments. 3. It utilizes a process known as mycoremediation. 4. This eco-friendly fungus has the potential to break down microplastics. How does Pestalotiopsis microspora work? 1. Pestalotiopsis microspora uses laccase enzymes to break down long polymer chains in plasti...

  Brain-Eating Amoeba  Naegleria fowleri Photo/Unsplash B rain-eating amoeba, also known as Naegleria fowleri, is a species of the genus Naegleria. It acts as both an amoeba and a flagellate, which is why this is classified as an ameboflagellate excavate. It is pathogenic to human beings. This amoeba causes fatal brain infection in humans known as amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) . Habitat Naegleria fowleri is mostly found in  warm freshwater hot springs rivers &lakes geothermal well water discharge from an industrial power plant water heaters minimal chlorinated swimming pools(with residual chlorine levels under 0.5 g/m³) Life Cycle of Naegleria fowleri Naegleria fowleri is a thermophilic and free-living amoeba. This amoeba basically exists in three forms. cyst stage trophozoite stage biflagellate stage  1. Cyst stage In the cyst stage, Naegleria fowleri protects itself from the harsh environmental conditions it enclosing a single cell under a single-lay...

  Shots Series: Virus Multiply(Viruses that multiply only in Plants) Article No. 1 Photo/Unsplash  V iruses are primarily classified based on their morphology, which includes the physical and chemical characteristics of their virion components as well as their genetic relationships. List of selected viruses that multiply only in plants  1. Caulimoviridae Open circular dsDNA with single-strand discontinuities, like the hepadnavirus. Molecular weight 4 to 5 × 10⁶ Iso metric 50 nm particles. It contains reverse transcriptase. Aphid vector in nature. It is included in the cauliflower mosaic virus. 2. Germniviridae Circular single-stranded DNA. Molecular weight 0.7 to 0.8 x10⁶ Germniviridae has two incomplete icosahedral particles joined as a pair. This virus is usually found in the nucleus. One to two molecules of DNA per pair of particles. It is persistent in whitefly or leafhopper vectors. 3. Luteoviridae  Single-stranded, positive-sense RNA. Molecular w...

  Let’s discuss the World’s three Strongest Acids Especially used in labs  Photo/Unsplash  An acid is a molecule or ion that has the capability of donating a proton and forming a covalent bond. When acids dissolve in water, they produce a sour taste. When acids are chemically detected with specific indicators, they yield specific colors as a result. When an acid reacts with a metal, it liberates hydrogen gas, and when it reacts with a base, it forms salts. Acidic solutions have a pH value of less than 7 . Common examples of acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, citric acid, nitric acid, and acetic acid. There are mainly two types of acids: strong acids and weak acids . Strong acids ionize almost completely in water, whereas weak acids do not. Let’s look at the three strongest acids in the world. Piranha Solution Piranha solution (H2SO5) is a powerful and highly reactive cleaning mixture made by combining concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and hydrogen pero...

  How is “FLAME WEEDING” an effective way to destroy pests and weeds? (Non-chemical weed control method) Photo/Unsplash In today’s scenario, we observe numerous agricultural-related pollutants in our environment. One of the most significant contributors to air pollution is the release of harmful fumes and chemicals into the air from agricultural land. These substances, known as pesticides, protect our fields from the effects of weeds and pests. Pesticides can take various forms, including insecticides, herbicides, and weedicides. According to the The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has defined pesticides are: Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying or controlling any pest, including vectors of human or animal disease, unwanted species of plants and animals, causing harm during otherwise interfering with the production, processing, storage, transport or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, wood and wood products or animal...

  A list of instruments for measuring different weather parameters  (Weather Parameters used in observatories and laboratories) Photo/Unsplash  V arious instruments are employed to accurately measure weather parameters in both observatories and laboratories. These instruments are designed to capture specific weather elements, such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. The choice of instrument often depends on the level of accuracy required for a given study, as well as budget constraints. Regardless of whether the setting is an observatory or a laboratory, a comprehensive list of instruments is essential for measuring each weather parameter to ensure that accurate and consistent data is collected. This systematic approach allows researchers and meteorologists to analyze weather patterns effectively and gain insights into atmospheric conditions. A list of instruments and weather parameters measured  · Anemometer Anemometer is an instrument th...