Science Horizon2ND YEAR 1ST ISSUE JANUARY, 2012

ORISSA BIGYAN ACADEMY

Prof. (Dr.) Surjyonarayan Behera, an eminent Physicist of Odisha,

Ex-Director of the Institute of Physics, Former Vice-Chancellor, BerhampurUniversity and ex-Director, Institute of Materials Science, Bhubaneswar left for

his heavenly abode at Bhubaneswar on 14.12.2011. He was 70. His demise is agreat loss to our State and Country.

Prof. Behera's research studies in Solid State Physics and especially his

significant contributions to the understanding of the phenomenon of hightemperature superconductivity in the Cuprates made him famous both

internationally and nationally. Renowned Journals of national and internationalrepute viz. Pramana, Indian Journal of Physics, Journal of Pure and Applied

Physics, Bulletin of Material Science, Solid State Communication, PhysicalReview, Physics Letters, Phase Transaction etc. have published his research

papers breaking new grounds for further research work. Some of the publicationsare either incorporated or referred to in treatises like the "Developments in

Theoretical Physics", "Advances in Photon Physics" etc. Also, he has edited abook captioned "Electronic Correlation and Disorder Effects in Metals". He was

also the Editor of "Science Horizon" published by Odisha Bigyan Academy. Hewas a Visiting Professor and Visiting Scientist at the Simon Fraser University

and McMaster University, Canada, Universitat G.H. Duisburg, Germany, AustralianNational University, Canberra and International Centre for Theoretical Physics,

Trieste, Italy.

Prof. Behera was the recipient of 'Samanta Chandrasekhar Award' (1991).

ODISHA BIGYAN ACADEMY, BHUBAESWAR

OBITUARY

O P

M N

President, Odisha Bigyan AcademyProf. (Dr.) Basudev KarVice President, Odisha Bigyan AcademyProf. (Dr.) Shashi Narayan MohapatraEditorProf. Sodananda TorasiaLanguage ExpertProf. (Dr.) D. K. RayManaging EditorSri Sanatan RanaSecretary, Odisha Bigyan Academy

1ST ISSUE2ND YEAR JANUARY,2012

Science Horizon

Editorial Board

Dr Ramesh Chandra Parida

Dr Nityananda Swain

Dr Pramod Kumar Mahapatra

Dr Prahallad Chandra Nayak

Dr Bhabendra Kumar Patnaik

Prof. (Er) P.C. Patnaik

CONTENTS

Subject Author Page

1. Species Diversity in Plant Kingdom : An Overview R. B. Mohanty 1

2. Clinical Trials : Human Experimentationin search of New Medicines Guru Prasad Mohanta 3

3. Lemon and Bittergourd Pramoth Ku. Pani 5

4. Radio Frequency Ablation Therapy Prem Chand Mohanty 9

5. Preventive, Protective and Curative Measuresfor Biodiversities of Odisha Nadiya Chand Kanungo 13

6. Fertigation Jagadish Chandra Paul and 16Jayanarayan Mishra

7. Protect Land to Avoid Pollution S. M. Behera 19

8. Chemical Disaster and Human Future Prafulla Kumar Mohanty 21

9. The World of Microbes Basanta Kumar Choudhury 25

10. Biofuel : A Need of Tomorrow Adwesh Behera 28

11. Something to know about Triglycerides Kalyanee Dash 30

12. Levitation Train : A Transport for the Future Nikunja Bihari Sahu 32

13. X-Factor : Is there life on Mars ? Gopal Krishna Das 34

14. Future in our Hands : Human Clones Sashibhusan Rath 35

15. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) : A Threatening Evolution G.C. Sahoo and Nidhi Mathew 38

16. Quiz : Elements Smt. Archana Panigrahi 43

11. 5W'S+H : Crying away Emotions Nityananda Swain 44

The Cover Page depicts the DNA Molecule, the Fullerene, the IVF Cell division and the Graphene.

EDITORIALUNESCO KALINGA PRIZE - 2011

With the dawn of the year 2012, Bhubaneswar witnessed a spurt of activities in the field ofScientific Research and Popularization of Science. The 99th Indian Science Congress wasinaugurated onthe 3rdJanuary, 2012 in theKIITUniversityCampus by the Hon'ble Prime Ministerof India, Dr. Manmohan Singh. More than 15000 scientists from different fields, including 7Nobel Laureates and winners of several awards, participated in the Congress which continuedtill the 7th January. During this period, the Children's Science Congress was inaugurated by theHon'ble Former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on the 4th, in which 95 teamsparticipated. The Women's Science Congress was held on the 5th, graced by high dignitaries.

Concurrently, the International Conference for Celebration of the 60th Anniversary ofUNESCO Kalinga Prize for Popularisation of Science was organised at the KIIT ConventionCentre, on the 4th & 5thJanuary. Theconference was jointly organised by the Kalinga FoundationTrust (KFT), Odisha; UNESCO, France; Dept. of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of Indiaand DST, Govt. of Odisha. Hon'ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Naveen Patnaik inauguratedthe conference. Eleven, out of twenty seven living Kalinga Prize Laureates, five members ofthe Jury and two senior officers of UNESCO participated in the conference. The Kalinga ChairAward - 2009 was presented to Prof. Trinh Xuan Thuan from Vietnam.

On this occasion it was declared that the prestigious UNESCO Kalinga Prize for 2011 willbe awarded to Dr. Rene Raul Drucker Colin of Mexico. He will get a cash prize of US $ 20,000,the Silver UNESCO - Albert Einstein medal and a citation. He will also get the Kalinga Chair-2011. A large number of scientists, faculty members and students from different academicinstitutions participated in the program. During the technical sessions, the Kalinga Laureatesaddressed the participants on important issues of science popularization and frontiers of science.

The Valedictoryceremony was held at the end of the second and concluding day which wasattended by academicians and dignitaries. His Excellency, the Governor of Odisha, Shri M. C.Bhandare graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He presented the Kalinga Samman - 2011 tothe octogenarian scientist, Prof. Gokulananda Mohapatra, an eminent popular science writer andactivist. Prof. Mohapatra is a pioneer in publishing several books on popular science includingscience fiction. In the field of popularisation of science, the promotional activities of Prof.Mohapatra, spanningover more than five decades, includes writing articles for print and electronicmedia, organising all facets of Bigyan Prachar Samiti, publication of science magazine anddelivering talks in schools, colleges and public meetings.

The Kalinga laureates attending the conference interacted with the scientists and studentsof Odisha during the conference and beyond it. All these programmes had a great impact on theyouth and the scientific community of Odisha in general and students in particular. It is hopedthat in future the name and fame of Odisha in the field of Popularisation of Science will spreadfar and wide.

Sodananda Torasia

JANUARY, 2012

1ScienceHorizon

Plants have inhabited this earth for the

last 500 million years i.e. from the Cambrian

period of Paleozoic era, as per the fossil

records and the Geological time scale. They

initially originated in water, evovled from

unicellular to multicellular forms, gradually

became complex in the ir struc tu ra l

organization and finally adopted to land life.

Passing through different intermediate phases,

they have attained their present form, the

Angiosperms or the seed bearing plants. In

course of this long period of evolution,

innumerable varieties of plants, ranging from

microscopic and aquatic Diatoms to gigantic

'Sequoia' like plants, measuring about 125

meters in height, 30 meters in girth and with

an average life span of 3000 to 4000 years

developed, who invade and adapt all possible

habitats available on this earth. Observingsuch

numerous varieties of plants with all possible

shapes, sizes, structures, colours, habitats,

distinct modes of life and longevity, a

question very often haunts the minds of even

non-biologists : as to how many types of

plants are there on this earth ? How many of

them are benficial to the mankind ? We cannot

get a concrete answer to these questions

because the plant scientists have also no

definite idea about the exact number of

species in the plant kingdom.

SPECIES DIVERSITYIN PLANT KINGDOM :AN OVERVIEWR. B. Mohanty

Taxonomic literature of course offers

different estimates of the size of the plant

kingdom from time to time. Carlous Linnaeus

(1707-1778), the pioneer explorer and father

of modern taxonomy has identified and named

about 7700 species of plants. He has asserted

in his book Genera Plantarum that the total

variety of plants may be hardly 1000, which is

much less than what was commonly believed.

The next detailed cataloguing was done by

John Lindley (1847) who credited the plant

kingdom with a total 92,930systematists, have

identified and described 97,205 plant species

in his monumental work during 1862-1883.

Further explorations were carried out in

different parts of the world in the later part of

the 19th and the early 20th century by famous

botanists like Engler and Prantl (1884-1938),

A.B. Rendle (1865-1938), William Roxburgh

(1832), Oswald Tippo (1942) and Hutchinson

(1884-1972) et al., as a result of which more

and more new plants were discovered and

taxonomisists gradually increased their

estimation. The botanists till now presume the

size of the plant kingdom to be between

3,50,000 to 4,00,000 species distributed

roughly as follows : Algae-18,000, Fungi-

90,000 to 1,00,000, Lichens -15,000,

ScienceHorizon2

JANUARY, 2012

Bryophytes-14,000 to 20,000, Pteridophyta-

6000 to 9000, Gymnosperms around 1000

and Angiosperms about 2,00,000 species.

But this estimation now appears to be

antiquated in view of the addition of around

5000 new species and varieties each year,

discovered from inaccessible and remote areas

of the world. Moreover, greater parts of the

tropical Asia, South America, Arctic Tundra

and Oceanic flora are yet to be thoroughly

explored. Hence, it will take many more years

to measure the size of the plant kingdom

existing on our mother earth.

Moreover, regarding thenumberof useful

or beneficial plants, the answer is also the

same i.e. not exactly known till date. It is

because, man from the very beginning has

depended on and exploited the plants of his

surrounding to fulfil all of his concrete (food,

shelter, medicine, agricultural operation and

other numerous domestic uses) as well as

abstract (faith, taboo, avoidance, sacred plants,

worship etc.) requirements. People in different

parts of the world have utilized the plants of

their habitats differently. A survey carried out

to assess the extent of plant utility in India

may highlight the multifarious use of number

of plants by mankind. The Indian sub-continent

possesses rich floristic wealth of over 15,000

species of higher plants and about one third of

the flora is endemic.AnAll India Co-ordinated

Research Project on Ethnobiology, functioning

under the Department of Environment and

Forest, has once esitmated that, of the total,

7500 plants are medicinal, 3999 edible, 700

culturally important, 525 plants are used for

fibre, 400 for fodder, 300 for pesticides and

insecticides, 300 for gum, resin and dye and

another 100 provide incense and perfumes

(Anon 1994). Among them 3000 to 5000

species are of much economic value. Studies

during the last three decades in India have

brought on record some seven thousand

(7000) uses of plants, of which about two

thousand (2000)are newor havinglittle known

uses (Jain, 1992). The number of useful plants

and their multifarious uses in the whole world

can be well imagined from this estimate.

Now the important question is can all

these plant species survive till their complete

survey, identification and assessment is done ?

With wanton destruction of forest and

vegetation in the name of development, man is

destroying this priceless gift of nature so

rapidly that, the majority of plant species both

known and unknown are going to be wiped out

in the next few decades. So it warrants some

serious thought and immediate action to check

this devastation and to save this planet.

Reader in Botany, N.C. College, Jajpur, Odisha-755001Ph. : 06728-223058, Mob. : 9861013069

JANUARY, 2012

3ScienceHorizon

New medicines are needed to fight the

diseases for which no cure is available atpresent, or as an alternative to existing

medicines with improved safety andeffectiveness. The development of newmedicines is a lengthy, risky and tediousprocess. The experimental medicinal substance

can't be directly tested on human beings. Theanimal testingdata (pre-clinical testing) formsthe foundation for the clinical testing. Thetesting of experimental medicinal substance

passed through the preclinical phase is apotential candidate fortesting onhuman beings.The animal models can neither completely

simulate the disease conditions of humanbeings nor the experimental toxicity dataobtained from animals be extrapolated to

humans. Hence testing of promising medicinalsubstance in humans is a must before beingapproved for mass useas medicine. The testing

of this new substance in healthy human beingsand then on patients is known as 'clinical trial'.

The clinical trial has three distinct phaseswhich must be carried out before the testmedicinal substance is approved for mass use.

The clinical trial cannot be carriedout withoutthe permission of the Drugs ControllerGeneral India. The Drugs Controller General

is the head of the Central Drugs StandardControl Organization, the Department

CLINICAL TRIALS : HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION INSEARCH OF NEW MEDICINES

Guru Prasad Mohanta

responsible for maintaining the quality andstadnards of medicines in our country. Inaddition to this permission, the approval fromthe ethics committee is also essential to carryout clinical trials. Out of the three phasesmentioned above, the phase - I is performedon healthy human volunteers, while the othertwo phases; phase II and phase -III, are carriedout on patients.

Thephase - I studyis initial human testingin a small group of healthy human beings,termed as volunteers. The number of healthyvolunteers required to participate in the studyvary from 20 to 100. The study is aimed atdeciding the safe dosing range which can beused for next phase study. For the first time,the effects of the substance, as well as how thebody handles it, are studied in humans.

The phase-II is a controlled clinical studyin a small group of patients ranging from 100to 500 in number with disease to assess thetest medicinal substance's effectiveness, sideeffects and risks. Each patient is monitored asdose is increased. This phase of study aims todecide what is the minimum dose required toproduce a beneficial effect and what is themaximum dose that produces severeundesirable effects.

The phase-III is a controlled and

uncontrolled clinical trial involving around

ScienceHorizon4

JANUARY, 2012

1000-5000 patients to generate statistical dataabout safety, efficacy and overall benefit-riskrelationship of the test medicinal substances.The results of the study are the basis for

approval of the test substance as medicine formass use.

Based on animal testing, the Drugs

Controller General of India allowsthe initiationof clinical trials. The permission for clinicaltrials in different phases is issued successively,based on the outcome of the previous phase.Finally, after the phase-III study demonstratesthat the use of substance has more beneficialeffects than the risks involved in using it,permission is granted to market the medicine.However, the study does not end here. Theclinical trials are limited studies and many of

the adverse effects of medicines cannot becaptured. When the medicines are used inlarge scale after marketing permission, oftenmany adverse effects are noticed. If seriousside effects appear, the decision is often takento restrict its use or ban its use (withdrawingthe medicine from the market). The phase ofstudy, that is continued after marketingappproval, is called phase - IV study or Post -Marketing surveillance. The post marketing

surveillance is meant for monitoring adverseeffects of medicines during use.

While the clinical trials are useful toprotect the people from large scale exposure

from unsafe medicines, the people whoparticipate in these studies need to be treatedwith dignity and protected from exploitation.

Hence, the Government of India outlines theEthical Guidelines to be followed in carryingout biomedical experiemnts on human beingsincluding clinical trials. The basic principlesof the ethical guideline are to safeguard theinterest of human subjects participating inclinical trials. These four basic principles are:Beneficence (this requires that good shouldresult, harm should be avoided, or that thebenefits should justify the risk on harm, Non-Maleficence (do not harm), Respect for rights(this requires that the human subjects havefree choice whether to participate or not), andJustice (this requires an equal distribution ofburden and benefit). These basic principles ofethics are universal and followed throughoutthe world.

India is being increasingly seen as sitefor clinical trials. A large number of trials,now ongoing are mostly global ones. Thepeople of India are often alleged to have beentreated as experimental guinea pigs even if thestrict regulations are in force. The ethicalguidelines are reported to have been violatedand the trials are very often conducted withoutthe permission of the Drugs Controller. Theseare the cases of our ignorance, leading toexploitation. The general understanding ofclinical trials not only help us while carryingout clinical trials in scientific and ethical waybut also protect us from being exploited whileparticipating is such research as participants.

Department of Pharmacy, Annamalai University,

P.O.-Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu-608002,E.mail : gpmohanta@hotmail.com

JANUARY, 2012

5ScienceHorizon

LEMON

Lemon, the wonder fruit is very wellknown for its wide range of culinary and non-culinary uses. It is a native of Asia and ispresumed to be grown first in India and China.Later on it entered into Paris, Iraq and Egypt inabout 700 AD. The scientific name of lemonis Citrus Limoni (L.) and it belongs to familyRutaceae. Plants are best grown in temperateclimate but are susceptible to cold. It can begrown both in dry and humid atmosphere.Though it can be grown in infertile and poorsoil but for better yield, a little manure andfertilizer is necessary. Plants are mostly grownfrom seeds. Plantation should be made at 25ft.apart for spread of canopy and better growth.Complex nitrogen and potash in equalproportion may be added thrice a year in thefirst year of plantation for better yield. Indiaoccupies top position in lemon productionand contributes to about 16% of world'sproduction. It is followed by Mexico-14.5%,Argentina-10%, Brazil-8% and Spain-7%.

Lemon plant is a medium sized tree,reaching a height of 10-20ft. Plants areevergreen, branched and the twigs have sharpthorns.

LEMON AND BITTERGOURDPramoth Ku. Pani

Leaves are ovate, unipinnate compound ,flowers are bisexual, solitary or in clusters of

2-many develop in the leaf axis. Fruits are ovalwith nipple like protuberance, green in color

and light yellow at maturity. Leaves and fruitsare aromatic with oil glands. Lemon has

different varieties like Clementine, Grapefruit,Rangpur, Eureka, Lisbon, Meyer etc.

Lemon has a wide variety of culinary

applications. It is used

1. in sweetened lemon juice from with salt

and water, as soft drink.

2. as preservative in certain foods.

3. as pickle.

4. in rawtea, rice(lemonrice),certain curries.

5. in dairy farm for preparation of curd and

cheese.

6. in baking food, pudding etc.

7. Lemon slices and peels are used as food

and drinks.

There are a significant non-culinary uses

of lemon. These include :

1. It is a source of commercial citric acid.

2. Lemon juice removes stain and grease

from the fabrics.

3. Removes stains and grease in kitchen.

4. Remove oil from hair and dandruff.

5. Deodorize refrigerator and kitchen.

6. The peels are driedand used ascattle feed.

ScienceHorizon6

JANUARY, 2012

7. Powered peels are added to pottedplants to keep the flowers fresh for

long period.

8. Peel and leaf powder or juice can be

applied in soil to prevent or reduce

bacterial diseases in crop plants.

9. Peel oil can be used to polish furniture.

Lemon has a wide range of therapeutic

uses. These are :

1. Sweetened lemon juice along with salt

and water is administered to check loose

motion and to prevent dehydration of the

body.

2. Sweetened lemon juice can prevent

summer dehydration and sun stroke.

3. It prevents vomiting during journey in

public vehicles.

4. It is believed that lemon juice, honey and

luke warm water reduces appetite and

prevents fat deposit.

Lemon juice has anti bacterial propertiesand can be used-

1. With honey for cold remedy.

2. Withsweetener for preventing gingivitis.

3. With caustic soda and salt for whitening

and strengthening the teeth.

4. For stomatitis, inflammation of tongue

etc.

5. With salt and ginger, prevents indigestion.

Everyone must have used lemon for one

or other purpose.

In addition to the culinary and non-culinary uses of lemon, the nutritional valuecannot be over looked.

Theaverage lemon contains about 3 tablespoons of juice. Nutritional value of 100g oflemon is given in the table below.

NUTRITIONTABLE

Lemon, raw, without peelNutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 121 kJ (29 kcal)

Carbohydrates 9.32 g

- Sugars 2.50 g

- Dietary fiber 2.8 g

Fat 0.30 g

Protein 1.10 g

Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.040 mg (3%)

Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.020 mg (1%)

Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.100 mg (1%)

Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.190 mg (4%)

Vitamin B6 0.080 mg (6%)

Folate (Vit. B9) 11 g (3%)

Vitamin C 53.0 mg (88%)

Calcium 26 mg (3%)

Iron 0.60 mg (5%)

Magnesium 8 mg (2%)

Phosphorus 16 mg (2%)

Potassium 138 mg (3%)

Zinc 0.06 mg (1%)

The economic and useful lemon plantssuffer from a number of fungal, bacterial and

viral diseases .The common diseases are -scab

JANUARY, 2012

7ScienceHorizon

disease of fruits, leaves and twigs, damping

off, leaf spot, root rot, green, blue and pink

mold etc. (fungal diseases), wood rot (bacterial

disease), canker diseases (viral disease). In

addition to these diseases sometimes white

ants, some insects and larvae consume the

leaves and tender twigs. Control of these

diseases through bio materials, bio agents and

biocides (integrated method of control and

management of diseases) may be useful to

protect the plant.

Considering all these uses of lemon

everybody should grow lemon plant in housegardens to meet the day to day requirements.

BITTERGOURD : SWEET PROMISES

FROM THE BITTER

Bitter gourd is indigenous to Asia but is

cultivated widely in different parts of the

world and especially in Asia and Africa. The

plant vine grows prostrate or twins over a

support by developing tendrils and attains a

length of 3-5metres. The leaf is simple,

alternate and lobed. Though the plant is

monoecious it bears separate yellow male

and female flowers. Fruits are in different

shapes and sizes but most often oblong in

shape with warty and rough exterior. It can be

cultivated throughout the year and is an

important plant in kitchen gardens. Its

cultivation earns good income. Scientific

name of bitter gourd is Momordica charanta

and it belongs to family Cucurbitaceae.

Though the name bitter gourd signifies

"betterness", it promises sweet due to its wide

range of uses. It is commonly usedfor culinary

purposes and the non culinary medicinal use is

not insignificant. It is enriched with dietary

fiber, carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins and

minerals and the detail nutrient value is given

in the table below.

Bitter gourd (boiled, drained, no salt)

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)

Energy 79 kJ (19 kcal)

Carbohydrates 4.32 g

- Sugars 1.95 g

- Dietary fiber 2.0 g

Fat 0.18 g

- saturated 0.014 g

- monounsaturated 0.033 g

- polyunsaturated 0.078 g

Protein 0.84 g

Water 93.95 g

VitaminAequiv. 6 g (1%)

Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.051 mg (4%)

Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.053 mg (4%)

Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.280 mg (2%)

Vitamin B6 0.041 mg (3%)

Folate (Vit. B9) 51 g (13%)

Vitamin B12 0 g (0%)

Vitamin C 33.0 mg (55%)

ScienceHorizon8

JANUARY, 2012

Vitamin E 0.14 mg (1%)

Vitamin K 4.8 g (5%)Calcium 9 mg (1%)

Iron 0.38 mg (3%)Magnesium 16 mg (4%)

Phosphorus 36 mg (5%)Potassium 319 mg (7%)

Sodium 6 mg (0%)Zinc 0.77 mg (8%)

Percentages are relative toUSrecommendations

Bitter gourd is consumed cooked inmostly green stage. It is fried as a whole or inpieces, fried with other vegetables, cookedwith spices and vegetables etc. The youngshoots and leaves may also be eaten as greens.It adds significant bulk in modern cooking.

Bitter gourd contains several biologicalactivecompoundslikemomordicin,cucurbitacin,cytotoxic proteins like momorcharin andmomordin. Therefore, it has been used invarious traditional medicine systems for along time. These uses include -

- Stimulates digestion and thus helps treatdyspepsia and constipation.

- Used for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

- Juice extracts of fruit is used againstnematodes and round worms.

- Juice extract of root, fruit and otherplant parts is used for prevention andtreatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetesand is considered as natures answer to

diabetes.

- It contains quinine (Its bitterness comes

from quinine). So it is useful for

prevention and treatment of malaria.

- Juice extract of leaf is used as traditional

medicine for colic, fever, painful

menstruation, birth control and help

child birth.

- It is considered valuable in piles and

urinary disorders. The juice extract of

fresh leaves mixed with milk may be

taken every morning for a month. Paste

of root and other plant parts may be

applied over the piles for better results.

- It has antimicrobial property and can

heal infected wounds.

- Bitter gourd capsules can be used against

excessive thirst due to diarrhoea, it

purifies blood, reduces fat, activate liver

and spleen.

Bitter gourd has little adverse effect.

Its seed contains vicine that can trigger favism

in susceptible persons. Sweet promising bitter

gourd suffers from a number of diseases like

powdery mildew, downy mildew, yellowing

from the base of the plants (fungal ), mosaic

disease (vi ral) et c. Hence a proper

management of the crop can provide more

yield with sweet returns.

Lecturer in Botany, Charampa Mahavidyalaya,Bhadrak, Odisha

JANUARY, 2012

9ScienceHorizon

From ancient Indian and Greek history,

it is known that physicians of those era were

using hot objects and heat energy for healing

diseases. For example to relieve pain, hot

compression and hot vapours were applied

locally. In India hot metallic bars and in Greece

hot stones were applied to stop bleeding. In

the present day Radio Frequency Ablation

(RFA) technique is being used as a method of

treatment , where thermal energy is used for

destroying tumours. In this case, the source of

heat energy is radio frequency. Radio waves

are electro magnetic radiations having wave

length 3x1013 CM, frequency = 105 Sec-1 and

energy = 3.99x 10-8KJ/Mole.Most mammalian

cells can not withstand a temperature more

than 420C. Death begins to occur within 4-6

minutes at 500C. It becomes instantaneous at

a temp. above 600C. At 1000C, the cell

membrane melts, infra cellular water

evaporatesand thetissues get charred. Tumours

are abnormal outgrowths which arise due to

unusual enhancement of cell division. These

may be benign or malignant. In case of

cancerous tissues, the tumours may also be

due to metastasis. Such abnormal growths are

also observed in some delicate internal organs

like liver, pancreas, heart, lungs, kidney, breast

adrenal bones etc. The primary option before

RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION THERAPYPrem Chand Mohanty

such patients is surgical removal of the tumour.

But, for those patients who are not surgical

candidates or who have failed in conventional

therapies, RFA is an attractive option. It has a

potential to replace the surgical reaction as a

curative treatment for tumours, particularly in

old and deb il it at ed pat ient s. Recen t

developments have made ablation of larger

volume of tissues, rendering RFA as more

effective and a safer method for the local

control of tumours, than ever before.

Instruments used for this technique

Since this technique involves the burning

of cells or tissues with thermal energy, it is

also called cooking of tumours with needles.

Here, special type of needles (which are

actually the electrodes) are used. They are

connected to a radio frequency generator

which produces electrical pulses in the range

of radio frequency waves. The patient's back

partor thigh is attached to grounding pads. The

needles are of 2 types i) Simple straight

needles 2) A hollow needle that contains

several retractable electrodes which can be

extended to different shapes as & when

required.

Other instruments essential for this

procedure are ComputedTomographic Scanner,

ScienceHorizon10

JANUARY, 2012

MRI or Ultrasound machines which help in

guiding the needle electrodes into the proper

site. A computer station that processes the

imaging information is located in a separate

room, where the radiologist sits. Other

equipments that may be used during the

procedure includes an intravenous line and an

instrument to moniter the patient's heart beat

and blood pressure.

Mechanism

When radiowaves are passed between

the needle electrodes and the grounding pads

placed on the patient's skin, the heat energy

spreads into the surrounding needles forming

a thermal sphere. When this enery is stimulated

to fall on cancerous tissues for a certain time

range, the temp prevailing on the probe start

breaking the cells apart from the tissues and

die. Heat is also generated from frictional

movement of ions within the tissues near the

tip of the needle. This heat spreads out to

destroy the tumour and surroundingsmall rim

of normal tissues. The dead tumour cells are

gradually replaced by scar tissues that shriks

over time. The success rate of this procedure

significantly depends upon 1) The organ

involved 2) Tumour size 3) It's location 4) It's

nature. Unlike chemotherapy RFA does not

address the (3) microscopic disease or

macroscopic tumour mass other than the one

that is treated. It can treat only localized tumour

mass of both primary and metastatic types.

Procedure

It can be performed in 3 different ways

1) Percutaneously 2) Laparoscopically

3) Operatively (open method). Out of these

the percutaneous method is most common, as

it is less invasive and can be repeated. But the

other two methods can be used if the first

method is not accessible.

During the procedure the patient is

instructed to lie on the operation table being

connected to moniters that track the heart

rate, blood pressure and pulse rate. The

pa ramedica l st af f in se rt a sedat ive

intravenously. The area of the prick of needle

is sterilized and covered with a surgical drape.

After providing proper anaesthesia, the

physician inserts the needle electrode through

the skin and advances it to the site fo the

tumour. This operationa is being guided and

moni te red by MRI, CT scan or by

Ultrasonography. Once the needle reaches the

proper site, radiofrequency is given for a

specific time. If the tumour is large, multiple

ablations may be needed by keepingthe needle

in different positions. At last the electrodes

are removed and pressure is applied to stop

JANUARY, 2012

11ScienceHorizon

bleeding and the opening of the skin is covered

with a dressing. Each RFA operation takes

about 10 to 30 minutes. If multiple ablations

are required, it may consume additional time.

The deposition of RF energy into the

body may be painful. So it is usually performed

undergeneral anaesthesia. This painmay persist

from about 12 hours after the procedure to

one week. Depending upon the size of the

lesion, the patient may have to stay for one or

two days. If all goes well the patient can go

home in the same evening or next morning .

What are the risks ?

1) Any procedure involving a rupture of

skin is susceptible to infection. In this

case, the chance of infection requiring

antibiotics treatment is rare.

2) In some cases shoulde r pa in ,

inflammation of the gallbladder can

occur. But it is not long lasting.

3) In some cases (25%) a post ablation

syndrome with flu like symptoms may

appear, which usually last for about 5

days. Fever can be controlled by

Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.

4) In some patients bleeding may occur, but

it generally stops on its own. If bleeding

is severe, an additional surgery may be

needed to stop it.

5) If ablation is not carried out with

suf fi ci en t al er tness, then the

neighbouring delicate organs may

succumb to injury.

6) Less than 1% of patients may develop a

localised infection at the site of ablation,

3-4 weeks after the treatment. This can

be handled with proper antibioties.

7) Women patients should well inform their

physician about their status, that is

whether they are pregnant or allergic to

radiations like X-rays etc.

8) In exceptional cases radiation risks may

be found, however it is not so harmful.

9) Sometimes a collapsed lung symptom

may be observed under the diaphragm.

To remove this a small tube may be

placed between the lung and the chest

wall to reinflate the lung.

10) Experience has shown that all of these

complications are uncommon, occurring

in 5% or less cases.

Follow-up programme

A follow up CT Scan, one month after

the procedure is advised, because this will

decide the rateof successand about the healing

process. If the lesion is large, several sessions

of ablation may be necessary to completely

remove it.

ScienceHorizon12

JANUARY, 2012

Benefits of RFA

i) It is a cost effective treatment option for

delicate organs which are unsuitable for

surgical resection.

ii) Here the recurrent rate is negligible.

iii) Treatment related complications are less

and discomfort is minimal.

iv) The same treatment can be repeated time

and again to remove recurring tumours.

v) It is a rapid procedure, so time of

recovery is less.

vi) Here no surgical incision is required.

Only a small nick in the skin is made

which does not have to be stitched.

Other applications

1) Besides treatingcancerous tumours, now

a days RFA technique is being used to

treatanomaliesof lungs,kidney, pancreas,

breast, bone and liver. Mainly in

hepatocellular carcinoma, the low level

heat created by RFAcauses heat sensitive

liposomes to release concentrated levels

of chemotherapy around the ablated

tissue.

2) In Cardiology : This technique can be

used to destroy unusual electrical

pathways in heart tissue. It can also be

used in recurrent atrial flutter, atrial

fibrillation, super ventricular tachy cardia

and some types of ventriculararrhythmia.

In atrial flutter, the abnormal electro

physiology can alsobe correctedby RFA

technique.

3) In Pain Management : In those persons

suffering fromchronic lumbar pain, RFA

can be used to produce heat on

specifically selected nerves, surrounding

the facet joints on either side of lumbar

spine. As a result of this, the ability of

the spinal cord to transmit pain signals

to the brain is destroyed. So the person

gets relief from pain. Of course this pain

relief lasts only for 6-24 months.

4) Thi s technique is also used in

radiofrequency lesioning, somnoplasty

and for vein closure in areas whose

intrusive surgery results in trauma.

5) This process has also been used to trap

sequence in multiple gestation

pregnancies.

6) To control bleedingdue to hemostasis in

liver resection this technique is being

used.

7) For treatment of Uterine fibroids, a

system has been developed by Hatt

Medical Institute, where RF energy is

being used to ablate the fibroid tissues.Head, Department of Chemistry,NAC College, Burla, Sambalpur

JANUARY, 2012

13ScienceHorizon

The Biodiversities of Odisha are

depleting very fast for various reasons

including developmental activities for last few

decades. The Biological diversities of the State

are the Biological Resources which govern

the prevailing general climate of the state

itself and the south-eastern region of the

country as well. This region includes part of

Eastern-Ghats; which is the lifeline of

Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Moreover, Eastern-Ghat of India sustains the

precious minerals mines throughout its range

covering Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh and

Chhatisgarh, which is the main reason for the

exploitation of Biological Resources of the

State and the Region. If such exploitation goes

on unprevented, the whole tract coming under

climate-whip and discipline of Eastern-Ghat

will crumble and the people, rather the whole

civilization of this region will suffer and for

which there is no remedial measures.

Grossly, the Biodiversities of Odisha

based on Ecological systems, are distinct from

Ecological complexes in other parts of the

country. The first and the most important

ecological complex of the state is Eastern-

Ghat region. The biological diversity is clearly

PREVENTIVE, PROTECTIVE AND CURATIVEMEASURES FOR BIODIVERSITIES OF ODISHA

Nadiya Chand Kanungo

demarcated in this complex among dividing

organizations within the species and between

the species of the Eco-system. While Sal

(Shore Robusta) is the climatic climax species

in plant kingdom, the Tiger is the peak animal

of the animal kingdom. When the whole

ecological complex of Eastern-Ghat consists

of Ever Green, Semi-evergreen and Deciduous

forest covers, the varieties of Carnivores and

Herbivores are present within this complex

includingvarious types of reptiles amphibians,

lizards and birds. The whole river systems' of

Odisha is the creation of Eastern-Ghat. The

Whole Soil profile of Eastern-Ghat and the

plains, including the sea-coast of Odisha, is

influenced by the rivers of Odisha. So also the

biological resources of Odisha are also

monitored by the said river systems. When

Biological resources means plants, animals

and micro-organisms or parts there of, their

genetic materials and by-products with actual

or potential use or value, thse should be duly

protected for the common of the State and our

Union.

The second major Biological complex,

excluding the edaphicbase biocomplexes in

coastal plains extend up to foothills of Eastern-

ScienceHorizon14

JANUARY, 2012

Ghat. The Biodiversities of this complex

altogether varies from Eastern-Ghat regions.

The flora and fauna of this plain are mostly

evergreen species and sub-species of

carnivores and Herbivores including rodents

and Binds. As the forest covers of this region

are exploited for extension of urbanizations

and Industrial activities, the sub-soil water

table is lowering-down very fast and becoming

depleted for meeting the usual requirement

of water of the growing human population

and also of the animals. The rivers of this

region are gradually losing the perennial

character of water flow depriving the man

and animal to depend upon themfor sustaining

and supporting the lives. As the water table of

the ground below and the river bed is sinking

very fast the conflict between the man and

animal is rising very fast and every week one

or two animals are being either killed by man

or severely wounded.

The third Biotic-complex in Odisha is

marine-build complex, where 75 to 80% of

biodiversity of coastal body is noticed. Here

is also scarcity of fresh water to support and

sustain the biodiversity of the Estuarine

Creation. The mangrove fauna and flora are

the main criteria of this unique complex. The

main higher fauna of this complex are

herbivores as compared to Sundarvan of

Bangladesh and West-Bengal in India, except

Royal-Bengal-Tiger, is absent in Odisha

Estuary-Eco-system. Previously, many decades

back, the royal tigers were also seen in this

Coastal Eco-region but due to adverse

conditions, made due to severe interference

of man within the Eco-system, the tiger habitat

is no longer conducive for Tigers but the

subspecies of tigers are now noticed in this

Eco-complex. In the sandy shores, the

species, generally found having symbiotic

relationship with lower plants for getting

nitrogen for their sustenance through nitrogen

fixing bacteria. The life-style of coastal plants

other than that of estuaries is quite different

from any common plant of the coastal plain.

Considering all these facts and factors,

how best preventive, protective and curative

measures can be taken to protect the

Biodiversities of Odisha state should be

checked out to save the unparallel heritages of

this state without further deterioration.

Prevention is better than any curative

measures. So all the catchment areasof Rivers,

small and big, springs, streams, water Holes,

Reservoirs,Water bodies, small andbig, should

be duly protected. These are to be declared as

prohibited areas. These areas should be duly

surveyed and demarcated.

JANUARY, 2012

15ScienceHorizon

(2) All the rivers, rivulets, water bodies,

springs and reservoirs should be free from any

kinds of pollution.

(3) The habitats of residential animals and

birds should be protected from any kind of

interference, these areas to be enriched with

edible species of herbivorous animals and

birds.

(4) Game Tanks should be made within

reasonable proximity to avoid conflict between

animal and their predators. The previously

worked out tanks should be renovated.

(5) Rigid fire protection measures should

be taken to check highly destructive fire

incidences.

Protective Measures:

Adequate field staff should be deployed

to protect the natural as well as the artificial

infrastructures made to monitor the preventive

measures.

(2) The loca l youths and the non-

governmental organizations should be given

the responsibilities to cooperate in the process.

Adequate funds should be provided for the

process.

(3) The grass-root level should be

strengthened to collect intelligence against

poachers and criminals.

(4) Proper monitoring of the whole process

should be done through control-room devices

to get first hand information and by the

authorities at higher levels.

(5) Functioning of water towers should be

built to check fire incidences.

Curative Measures

If all these efforts fail and the poaching

and other crimes are committed anywhere

within any Eco-complex (to maintain the

Ecological balance right from seashore to

Eastern-Ghat regions, the law should be

enforced to punish the offender). The Dutch

people of Ne ther lands have recent ly

formulated law on animal rights; and separate

police force is deployed to enforce the said

law to book the culprits. We should formulate

such type of separate Act on Animal Rights to

avoid the crisis.

Retired Forestor, Govt. of Odisha,Sailashree Vihar, GA Plot - 479, Bhubaneswar - 751 021

Mobile: 9937460649

ScienceHorizon16

JANUARY, 2012

FERTIGATIONJagadish Chandra Paul and

Jayanarayan Mishra

Fig. 1 : Drip irrigation with fertigation unit

The application of fertilizers through

irrigation system is known as 'Fertigation' and

has become a common practice in modern

irrigated agriculture. Increased yields,

improvement in quality of product, enhanced

irrigation and fertilizer use efficiencies and

protection of the soil environment are some

of the main characteristics of this method,

which has made it very popular throughout the

world. In some countries fertigation is regarded

as second green revolution. This method of

fertilizer application can be used with any of

the pressurized irrigation methods, such as

sprinklers, micro-sprinklers and drip irrigation

systems. From experiments it has been found

that, fertigation is more effective when applied

through drip irrigation system.

Fertigation offers a potential alternative

to reduce the fertilizer wastage and increase

fertilizer application efficiency. Typical

efficiencies of conventional use of fertilizer

are 50 % for Nitrogen, 10 - 30 % for

Phosphorous and 50 % for Potassium

fertilizers (Table 1). Fertilizers are not fully

utilized by plants when applied by traditional

methods in basal dose or top dressing. Rather,

a significant amount is lost due to leaching,

volatilization, nitrification, denitrification and

fixation in the soil. The main reason of this

low fertilizer use efficiency is the traditional

water application methods. Approximately,

two-third amount of fertilizer is used only in

irrigated area, in our country. The traditional

irrigation methods followed are flooding,

JANUARY, 2012

17ScienceHorizon

border strip, furrow and check basin methods.

Due to these methods, applied fertilizers are

leached downwards below the root-zone depth

of the plants and the plants use only a little of

it. Therefore, for better crop production an

alternative irrigation and fertilizer application

method is required. Drip irrigation along with

fertigation provides a viable alternative.

Table 1 Comparison of fertilizer use

efficiency in fertigation vrs conventional

application

Types of Conventional Fertilizers

fertilizers fertilizer applied

application through

fertigation

Nitrogen 50 - 60 % 90 %

Phosphorous 10 - 30 % More than 80 %

Potassium 50 - 60 % 80 - 90 %

Most of the conventional fertilizers are

not suitable for applying the drip fertigation as

they are not fully water soluble and leave

precipitation which eventually create problems

of clogging at discharge and reduces system

life. In order to avoid the above complications,

new classes of completely water soluble

fertilizers have come up. The commercially

available water soluble fertilizers are given in

Table 2.As these are completely water soluble

the efficiency of these fertilizers are higher

than traditional fertilizers. In drip fertigation

nutrients can be applied to plants in the correct

dosage and at the appropriate time depending

upon the stage of thecrop. Whenplants receive

conventional fertilizers as basal and two top

dressings, they get a larger dosage of fertilizer

than they require at the time it is applied and

between twosuccessive applications there may

be a deficiency of fertilizer. On the other

hand, in fertigation, nutrients are 'spoon fed'

to plants, that is, small doses, more frequently,

eliminating the feast and famine cycles usually

found with traditional applicat ion. In

fertigation, plants receive small amounts of

fertilizer early in the crop's season, when

plants are at vegetative stage. The dosage is

increased as fruit load and nutrient demands

grow and then decreased as plants approach

the end of crop's cycle. This gives plants the

needed amounts of fertilizer throughout the

growth cycle, rather than a few large doses. In

drip irrigation, only the active crop root zone

is wetted. Therefore, an adequate supply could

be achieved by synchronizing the supply of

water and nutrients. Irrigation water is an ideal

carrier of nutrients into crop root zone. These

are the reasons for higher fertilizer use

efficiency and increase in yield in fertigation.

Also, it was found from an experiment, a

saving of 50 man-hours in fertigation using

granular fertilizeras compared to broadcasting

in an area of 2 hectares.

ScienceHorizon18

JANUARY, 2012

Table 2 Commercially available water

soluble fertilizers

Product N: P: K

NPK Triple 19+MN 19 : 19 : 19

NPK Triple 20 20 : 20 : 20

NPK 13-40-13+MN 13 : 40 : 13

Potassium Nitrate 13 : 0 : 45

Mono Ammonium Phosphate 12 : 61 : 0

Mono Ammonium Phosphate 0 : 52 : 34

Sulphate of Potash 0 : 0 : 50

Calcium Nitrate 15:0:0:18.8Ca

*MN - Micro Nutrient

Advantages of fertigation Uniform application of fertilizer Placement in root zone

Quick and convenient method Saving in fertilizer

Possibility of frequent application

Possibility of application in differentgrades to suit the stage of crop

Micronutrient application along withNPK

Saving in time, labour and energy

Reduce groundwater pollution

The three components generally used infertigation are venturi injector, fertilizer tank

and fertigation pump. In India it is slowly

gaining momentum. The farmers are slowlyaccepting the drip irrigation and mostly use in

fruits and vegetable crops. The results of theexperiments conducted on fertigation for

various crops are presented in Table 3.

Table 3 Effect of fertigationon various crops

Sl. Crop Saving in IncreaseNo. fertilizer (%) in yield (%)1 Okra 40 182 Onion 40 163 Potato 40 304 Tomato 40 335 Broccoli 40 106 Litchi 20 167 Banana 20 118 Sugarcane 50 409 Castor 60 3210 Cotton 30 20

Precautions needed to be taken forsuccessful fertigation are : Proper design and maintenance of drip

irrigation system. Selection of suitable fertilizer according

to crop and soil. Proper working of fertilizer injecting

equipment and uniform application offertilizer with water.

Acidic and alkaline fertilizers should notbe applied at the same time.

Therefore, it can be concluded that, ifmore area can be covered with drip andfertigation, this will ensure proper utilizationof fertilizer and water, consequently increasethe yield along with quality of the produce.This way the production cost can be loweredand the soiland water pollution dueto fertilizercan be reduced.

College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, OUAT,

Bhubaneswar-751003.Email: jagadishc_paul@rediffmail.com.

JANUARY, 2012

19ScienceHorizon

The issue "pollution control" "vis-à-vis

go for clean and green environment" is being

discussed for the last several years. This has

become a global issue due to various factors

like rapid indust ri al izat ion, ruthl es s

exploitation of natural resources, global

warming, deforestation etc. Further, population

explosion and consequent urbanization, setting

up of small & big industries etc are regarded

as the main factors behind such concern. If

one looks at the history of pollution awareness

among countries of the world, it was the

environmental calamities during 1950s &

1960s that generated a wide spread awareness

about the dangers of environmental pollution.

Recurrence of the killer smog in New York

and London which claimed more than 5000

lives in a single year i.e. in 1952, Mercury

poisoningfrom contaminate sea food in Japan,

disappearance of several spices of birds due

to the use of pesticides like DDT & etc. are

some of the examples. The global concern

engineered by these incidents led to holding

of the 1st UN conference on Human

Environment from June 5 to July 10, 1972 at

Stockholm which set up the on going United

Nations Environment & Programme (UNEP).

The Uni ted Na tions Conference on

PROTECT LAND TO AVOID POLLUTIONS.M.Behera

Environment & Development (UNCED) or

Earth submit at Rio-de-Janeiro, the capital of

Brazil from June 3 to June 14, 1992 marked

the 20th anniversary of the Stockholm

conference and the founding of UNEP.

From that year onwards till the present

day, many remedial measures on air pollution,

water pollution, soil pollution, radioactive

pollution, thermal pollution, noise pollution,

conservation of forests, conservation of wild

life & issues relating to other factors have

been undertaken & stringent laws have been

framed for the erring large scale industries,

small scale industries etc. throughout the

world. Even as a token of appreciation and

recognition, National and State awards have

been instituted for the prevention of pollution.

Further, National awards for clean technology,

naming it as Rajib Gandhi Environment award

have also been instituted. The basic objective

is to make everybody in the society aware of

the hazards of air, water & soil pollution and

everybody should join hands to curb such

hazards to make the environment clean for a

healthy society for sustainable development.

In spite of all such efforts, if one looks

at the success statistics, pollution control

ScienceHorizon20

JANUARY, 2012

vis-à-vis environment protection measures are

still quite unsatisfactory. Time has come now

to understand that our earth is very precious as

it creates favourable conditions for the

existence anddevelopment of livingorganisms.

But now we use our renewable resources of

air, water soil and vegetation to sustain

economic developments. Overexploitation of

natural resources is visible in soil erosion,

deforestation, siltation, floods and floral

destruction.

The depletion of these resources tend to

be irreversible. Since human beings depend on

these natural gifts to meet their basic needs.

I.e. fuel, fodder and food, it has meant a

critical deterioration in their living standards.

Therefore, protection of our land, which is the

wide storehouse of all living organisms, is not

a luxury but an extreme necessity. On critical

analysis, the following four major problems

rather main worries, have to be sorted out in

order to overcome such burning hurdles, well

thought of measures are to be taken.

i. Stop conversion of agricultural land to

other non-agricultural uses.

ii. Stop soil erosion.

iii. Stop increasing salinity of soil and

iv. Reduce water supplies and diversions to

non-agricultural uses.

Possible Measures

Conversion of agricultural land to non-

agricultural purposes like setting up of medium

& small industries, steel plant, thermal power

plant etc are to be planned properly keeping in

view to the issues like soil infertility, soil

erosion, desertification, degradation of

watersheds, and catchments etc. Hence the

following steps could be beneficial.

(a) Preparation of accurate land use data

through remote sensing.

(b) Nation wide survey programme to enact

a set of land use policy.

(c) Educate people by identifying land use

classes

(d) Controlling population growth

(e) Review of the existing legislation and

subsequent amendments

Similarly soil erosion which is regarded

as a comprehensive natural process of

detachment and removal of loosened material

by exogenetic process. It can be controlled by

growing vegetation, crop rotation, strip

cropping, dryland framing, gully control by

constructing dams, drains or diversion

afforestation etc.

JANUARY, 2012

21ScienceHorizon

Moreover, measures should be taken for

reducing the effect of the salinity of soil

which affects the plant growth and obviate the

difficulty in reclamation of such soil for

agricultural proposes, use of chemical

fertilizers containing macronutrients like

nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium,

magnesium, sulphur and iron are to be

properly monitored. With regard to reducing

water supply and diversion to non-agricultural

uses, proper planning has to be chalked out

before such faciilities are provided to

industries.

Hence to avoid pollution,it is necessary

to maintain proper balance between the biotic

& abiotic components present in the earth's

environment. The life supporting systems

namely soil, air and water are to be carefully

handled by giving special emphasis on land

protection.

Head, Department of Chemistry & Dean, Student Affairs,Trident Academy of Technology, Bhubaneswar

Mobile : 09437696140

Definition of Disaster

The term disaster is derived from two

Latin terms namely, that is, dis means away

and 'astrum' means star (Gr. aster - star). This

is defined as an adverse or unfortunate event

or a great or sudden unexpected incident or

more simply a calamity affecting a good

number of life on earth. Disasters are broadly

divided into two categories such as (i) natural

disasters and (ii) man made (artificial)

disasters. Long back people believed that

disasters may be explained in terms of CDEF

which speak of C-CYCLONE, D - DRAUGHT,

E-EARTHQUAKE AND F-FLOOD. Recently

this number, which was restricted to four, has

been increased to ten. The additions are

(Cyclone, Draught, Earthquake, Flood). Fire,

Heat wave, Lightning, Thunder, Tsunami and

Volcanic eruption. Because of all these natural

disasters, many people suffer and lose their

lives each year.

Apart from natural disaster, artificial

disaster has been a matter of serious concern.

This artificial disaster is mostly human made.

This is, therefore, known as the anthropogenic

disasterwhich directlyorindirectlyaffects human

life and other life support system on earth. The

CHEMICAL DISASTERAND HUMAN FUTURE

PrafullaKumarMohanty

ScienceHorizon22

JANUARY, 2012

spectacular artificialdisaster ischemicaldisaster

which has been observed to occur in various

ecosystems like air, water, soil etc.

Chemical Disaster and Human Life

Life or organisms develop from

chemicals. But excessive use, abuse or misuse

of chemical substances has brought out the

problems not only in the environment but also

in health system. Chemical disaster may be

grouped into two types such as (i) chemicals

released to atmosphere and (ii) chemicals

from different sources to animal body

including huma n beings directly or

indirectly. The simple example of chemical

disaster is the chemicals released from

Union Carbide. The gas produced from this

was Methyl Iso Cyan ate (MIC), which killed

so many human beings some years back. In

fact , there are several ways of these

chemicals spreading to animals, some of

which are enlisted below.

1. Pollutants like heavy metals namely

cadmium, read, mercury etc. from

various industries in the form of

industrial effluents and from immersed

idols in water.

2. Production of toxic gases from chimneys

of factories and various industries

namely ceramics, glass, asbestos,

fertilizers etc.

3. Various chemica ls or synthe ti c

pesticides, insecticides, miticides,

weedicides, rodenticides, larvicides used

in soil or agricultural fields to increase

agricultural production in various forms,

gardens and orchards.

4. Ce rt ai n che micals li ke Di ch lo ro

Diphenyl Trichloroethane (DDT) and

gammexane used in houses for

protection against ants, white ants and

cockroaches etc.

5. Certain chemicals used in various edible

items. Food preservatives, fixatives,

retention agents, colouring agents,

stabilizers and flavour enhancers are

profusely used either for attraction or

for flavour.

6. Use of chemicals in houses like toilet

cleaners, mothballs, window or glass

cleaners, insect sprays, spray perfumes,

mosquito repellants etc.

Food Items and Chemicals

Chemicals play a major role in our

everyday life. But many chemicals are

hazardous or toxic and can be harmful to

humans, animals as well as the environment.

Apart from the use of chemicals to clean,

control disease causing organisms, insects,

weeds or various other pests, many types of

chemicals are now used in food items. In

modern civilized era, fast life, busy schedule,

JANUARY, 2012

23ScienceHorizon

people feel that they do not have time to cook

or prepare their food.Accordingly, they depend

on the food varieties available in markets and

fast food centers. Let us enlist few products in

which additives are added.

1. We can start from common salt especially

iodised salts which are of 'free flow' in

nature. Free flow salts contain some

chemicals which make them free flow.

2. Pesticides in vegetables and fruits are

also very common. The chemicals are

mostly applied or sprayed on cucumber,

brinjal, bitter gourd, cabbage and

cauliflower. We directly consume

cauliflowers which are completely

sprayed with chemical substances.

3. Various colour additives are observed to

have been added in certain soft drinks,

junkfood or convenience food especially

in Chinese food items, sweets, namkeens,

pastries, cakes, biscuits, pizza etc.

4. Flavour enhancers are mixed in ice

creams, puddings, soups, sweets soft

drinks, artificial fruit juices and many

other foods including ready made foods.

5. Some chemicals are also added in

chocolates, toffees to increase its self

life and maintain their texture and

structure appropriately.

6. Profuse use of medicines by human

beings ever in minor ailments where it is

undesirable and even without physicians'

recommendation and prescription.

Chemicals and Health Hazard

Continuou s use of chemicals or

chemical-added products or prolonged

exposure to chemicals are, no doubt harmful

for the body, health and mind.Although some

chemicalsand medicines are banned, but those

are still available in the market. Farmers,

venders, manufacturers and sellers keep on

adding various spurious substances to attract

the attention of customers especially the

young's. Recently, it is observed that children

do suffer from "3I Syndrome". This 3IS is I-

Impatience, I-Instability and I-Irritability. This

particular syndrome is caused due to habitual

intake of fast food or junk food.

The other problems owing to easy fast

foods are gastritis, allergy, obesity, diabetes,

high blood pressure, revel failure, cardiac

disorder, dental disorder, optic problems,

burning sensation and even tumor. Health is

wealth as a proverb is believed to be the best

proverb in the world. But now people have

forgotten this dictum, instead discuss about

good health. Recently, the problem with our

children and parents is the food. Neither the

parents nor the children are carefulor cautious

as to the food and are attracted towards the

ready made food in the market.

ScienceHorizon24

JANUARY, 2012

Life-style has been observed have

changed significantly which has started with

modern or synthetic food. Therefore, this has

led to various health disorders. Secondly, the

family members are more interested for

nonvegetarian food instead of vegetarian diet.

It is very important to record that vegetables

are essential for a balanced diet. Not only do

these help keep the body fit and fighting,

vegetables also prevent the occurrence of

several diseases. Food-based approaches are

emphasized as the only sustainable method to

improve the nutritional status andhealth profile

of the individual, family, society and the nation

as a whole.

Solution for Pollution

The causative agents of health hazard or

pollution arecertainly established.The solution

of this problem lies specifically in "green

chemistry". It is an approach to design the safe

chemicals and chemical processes without

causing harm to the environment and human

life. The term green chemistry was introduced

in 1991 by an American chemist, Dr. Paul

Anastas who is regarded as the "Father of

Green Chemistry". Green Chemistry should

not be confused with that of "environmental

chemistry". The former is related to the design

of chemical products and processes in a

hazardless or less hazardous manner, while the

latter deals with the study of various chemical

reactions taking place in atmosphere.

Green chemistry has been acclaimed to

be a practice for sustainable health and society.

It is an approach encouragingthe design of the

products and processes that eliminates the use

and generation of harmful and hazardous

chemicals. This concept took momentum in

1990s as a mission in developed countries

like USA, UK, Germany and Japan to make

chemical reactions safe and hazardless up to

the maximum extent. It is believed that this

endeavour would certainly push us towards a

better future instead of a disaster.

References:

1. Chawoli, R.P. (2011) Green Chemistry: an

approach to clean, safe and sustainable future.

Everyman's Science, 45(5): 296-300.

2. Kulshrestha,K.(2011) wondersofa veggiediet.

Science Reporter, 48(10): 45-48 and 52.

3. Mohanty, P.K. (2000) Illustrated Dictionary

of Biology, KalyaniPublishers, Ludhiana, PP

1-384.

4. Mohanty, P.K. (2009)Festivaland Pollution

Bigyan Madhupa, 6(2): 5-8.

5. Mohanty P.K. (2011) Biodiversity and

sustainable future. Science Horizon, 01(01):

34-37.

Professor and Head, Post Graduate Department ofZoology,

Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751004,Telephone : 0674-2581483 (Res.)

E-mail : prafulla.mohanty3@gmail.com

JANUARY, 2012

25ScienceHorizon

When we are asked to name the living

organisms that present around us, we cite the

examples of the plants, insects, birds, reptiles

and other such organisms which we come

across in our day-to-day life. But, in reality,

there also, exist a large number of invisible

living forms in our surrounding. These minute

living entities are called microorganisms are

complete living beings since they carry out all

the functions that signify life. They are

generally unicellular and can be seen only

under the microscopes. Our healthy unaided

eye can see objects up to one tenth of an mm,

i.e. about 100 microns. So, the microorganisms

have dimension below that unit and are hence,

measured in microns.

These unique organisms are present

everywhere in nature, in the soil, water and air.

They are also, present in and on the bodies of

THE WORLD OF MICROBESBasanta Kumar Choudhury

the plants and animals. Microorganisms differ

widely in size and shape. Variations in shape,

cell structure, physiology and many other

biochemical characteristics actually form the

criteria for their classification. Roughly, they

are categorized in 5 groups : Protozoa, Algae,

Fungi,Bacteria andViruses.Asper Whittaker's

5 kingdom system of cl as si fi ca tion ,

microorganisms, on the basis of their energy

yielding system and cell anatomy, distributed

among thekingdoms of Monera, Protista, Fungi

and a part of plants. Woese et al (1990) noted

that the bacteria are distant from plants and

animals. On the otherhand, plants and animals

are not far from each other. Therefore, they

established a new superior concept of domains

over the kingdoms andproposedthree domains,

Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya in 1991.

Fig 1 : Friendly Microbes Fig 2 : Harmful Microbes

ScienceHorizon26

JANUARY, 2012

In a modern sense,bacteria, cyanobacteria,

actionmycetes etc. are distributed in the

domains of Bacteria. Similarly, methanogens,

extremely thermophilic organisms, extremely

halophilic organisms etc. are in the domains

of Archaea and the moulds , yeas ts ,

basidiomycetes, algae and protozoa etc. are

placed in the domains of Eukarya. Hence,

microorganisms were regarded as collections

of organisms at different evolutionary level.

Protozoans are the smallest type of

animal life, being made up of a single cell.

They have, at least, one well defined nucleus.

Generally, these organisms are oval or

cylindrical in shape and found in the stagnant

water or mud. They are capable of locomotion

by pseudopodia.

Algae are simple, photosynthetic plants

that grow in water or in damp places.They may

be unicellular or multicellular and exist in

variety of shapes. Some algae like giant kelps

or seaweeds are, however, gigantic in their

dimension. Hence, they cannot be called

microbes.

Fungi are nucleated, spore bearing,

achlorophyllose organisms with cell walls of

cellulose or chitin or of both. These are,

usually filamentous, branched structures,

reproducing sexually or asexually by means of

spores. Fungi are cosmopolitan, in nature and

are found growing luxuriantly in any

conceivable organic media. A piece of bread,

cooked food, even raw vegetables when left

unattended in moist air can support the growth

of fungi.

Bacter ia like fungi grow freely

everywhere in nature. The bacteria cells are

smaller than the algal or fungal cells.Fig 3 : Influenza Virus

Fig 4 : Avian Flu Virus

JANUARY, 2012

27ScienceHorizon

Structurally, the bacterial cells contain

cytoplasm and the nuclear matter in diffused

state. These microorganisms do nto have wlel

defined nucleus.

Viruses are the smallest entities among

the microorganisms and the visible only under

the electron microscope. Viruses have no

cellular structure. These are composed of

nucleic acid core which are surrounded by a

coat of proteins . These ar e ob ligate

parasites, i.e. can thrive and grow in the

living cells only. Outside the living cells,

the organisms are inert. When the viruses

come in contact with their specific host

cell, they transfer their genetic material

into the host cytoplasm. In a very short span

of time, viruses control the host cell

machinery and produce their progenies by

diverting the host's replication process.

Viruses have either DNA or RNA never both

as their genetic material in sharp contrast to

all other living beings of the world.

It is established that the microorganisms

are the man's best friends as well as the worst

enemies. There are microbes that cause

diseases in plants and animals as well as they

cause spoilage of food. Infections by protozoa,

bacteria and viruses cause havoc in the living

world. Tuberculosis, cholera, leprosy, plague

are only a few examples, that cause mass

destruction of the humans. Malaria and

amoebiasis (dysentery) are prevalent among

us due to infections of protozoa. Common

cold, small pox, chicken pox, various flue,

dengue, chickenguinea, jaundice etc. are the

manifestations of viral ailments. Fungal

diseases are restricted, by and large, to our

skin. They cause predominatly diseases to our

crop plants and thereby, causing widespread

damage to the crop production.

On the other hand, life would not have

been possible in the absence of the

microorganisms. Most of them are beneficial

to us. They cause decay and disintegration of

complex organic substances so that it can be

made available to the plants as their nutrients.

Microbes exclusively help in biogeochemical

cycle in an ecosystem. Besides, they give us

food, medicines to combat diseases and useful

chemicals. Industrial fermentation can only

be possible by these invisible microorganisms.

Application of microorganisms in the field of

biotechnology has a great potential. Therefore,

microorganisms have contributed in a variety

of ways to make our life healthy, comfortable

and our food tastier. We strive to know them

properly and handle them carefully.

SIDHI, 24/732, Shree Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751024

Email : choudhurybasanta@yahoo.com

ScienceHorizon28

JANUARY, 2012

Recently, we witnessed the rise in the

price of petroleum products: - i.e. petrol,

diesel , etc. As they have become an

unavoidable part of us, we can not dream of

staying apart fromthem. Some estimates show

that they would be out of common use within

a few decades. So, rise in the cost of these

fuels is not an unexpected matter. Here arises

the question, "what is the solution to it?"

Scientists all over the world are engaged

to find out a solution to it. Some non-

conventional energy sources have been

discovered, but they are not efficient up to the

mark. Still we have no choice rather than to

use them. It is almost clear that we can no

longer, depend on them. Here comes the

question: - what about using 'biofuel'?

'Biofuel' refers to a fuel that is obtained

from the biosphere. But, biofuel may harm the

ecosystem adversely. For example obtaining

biodiesel from jatropha would involve

destruction of the trees. If it is cultivated we

would have to replace the crops. So, at present

we have no absolute solution to it. So, rather

than showing agitation, going on strikes, rallies,

etc. we should take some measures so that at

least we can cope-up with that. Here comes an

excellent idea of obtaining biofuel, from waste

products.

BIOFUEL: A NEED OF TOMORROWAdwesh Behera

How to obtain Biofuel from Waste

Products:

Rice is an indispensable part of our diet.

Boiling ricein water takes much of carbohydrate

with it. Generally, this water is given to cows

in rural areas but most of us use to throw it.

This waste is produced in all of our houses and

can be used as an energy source. Here are the

steps for producing it efficiently and cheaply

in house without being dependent on industries.

(i) Collect the rice water in a container.

One can add other carbohydrate

containing waste food into it. One can

add some other wastes also.

(ii) Let it cool. When it cools, add yeast to

it. Please be careful that you keep the

container airtight. Keep the container in

a cold and dry place away from sunlight.

(Under normal conditions). It would be

better to put the rice water produced

next time to keep in another container.

Otherwise, it would hamper cent percent

output production.

(iii) Allow it to ferment completely. The time

taken to ferment completely would

depend on the amount of carbohydrate

present and the amount of yeast added.

JANUARY, 2012

29ScienceHorizon

The chemical reaction going on is

Carbohydrate/Glucose In absence of oxygen(in Yeast)

Ethanol + CO2 + E (Used by Yeast)

(C2H

5OH)

(iv) It would give a solution of Ethanol and

water. If a strong alcoholic odour comes

when the sealed container is opened, it

can be confirmed that ethanol has been

produced by fermentation.

(v) Ethanol hasa boiling point of 780C where

as water has of 1000C. So, we can

separate ethanol by the process of

distillation. You can also add little of the

solution in newly prepared rise water. It

would trigger fermentation in it.

(vi) It is better to use, solar energy for

distillation. Ethanol is a volatile liquid

and can be collected easily. We can alsouse other sources of heat but it would

mean that : to get heat we are applying

heat; Itwould makeits net energy negativewhich is never desirable

(vii) Be careful that the system you make is

airtight. Otherwise, it would close much

of the much needed output.

Other Inputs with Rice Water: -

Sugarcane pulp

This ethanol produced can be used as a

fuel, mixing it with other petroleum products.

Ethanol burns with a transparent flame

liberating a large amount of heat, as it is a

saturated hydro-carbon Ethanol can be mixed

with petrol or diesel and can be used as fuel in

automobiles. Ethanol does not produce any

harmful gases like carbon monoxide and

sulphur dioxide. This type of fuel is known as

power alcohol or simply power, petrol. It

would also increase the efficiency of the

automobile.

C2H5OH+O2 CO2 +H2O +HeadEnergy

(Ethanol)

Brazil produces automobile fuel in this

way. In a state like Odisha, where large amount

of such waste is produced, this is really a

reliable option. We can also set up small

industries that would do so. But, after all,

domestic one would be costless. Main point is

that, sufficient amount of ethanol can be

produced, which would really be beneficial to

a common man. Although, this is not a

permanent option, it would help us till we find

a new way and reduce dependence on it.

Student Class - XAum Valley Educational Institution,

Titilagarh - 767033

ScienceHorizon30

JANUARY, 2012

What are Triglycerides ?

There are different types of fat in our

body. They are HDL (High Density Lipids-

good cholesterol), LDL (Low Density Lipids

- Bad Cholesterol) and TGS (Triglycerides).

Among them Triglycerides are common types

of fat which circulates in the body and stored

in the fat cells. It is a major source of energy.

When we eat, our body gets the calories and

uses this for a quick source of energy. The

extra calories are converted to fat and

triglycerides which are stored in fat cells of

the body for future use. Thus the extra calories

which we get from our fat (fat, carbohydrates

or protein) are converted to triglycerides by

the liver and stored as fat. This can be well

tolerated occasionally. But if it continues and

we take extra calories on a routine basis (more

than we can use it or burn it), we will have high

serum triglycerides.

Fat infood Triglycerides Storedfatinbody

Normally the level of triglycerides is

150mg/dl to 199mg/dl of blood. Generally,

the level of triglyceride in blood is important

for our good health. When it is elevated, then

there is an increased risk of heart disease. But

it is not clear whether this high level directly

increases the risk of heart disease or not. It is

because we observe that some people have a

SOMETHINGTO KNOWABOUT TRIGLYCERIDESKalyanee Dash

combination of (a) High Blood Pressure

(b) High blood Sugar (c) Too much fat around

the waist (d) Low HDL (High density Lipid -

good Cholest erol ) and (e ) Increased

Triglyceride level - which is known as

metabolic syndrome. People in this group

(i.e. metabolic syndrome) usually have an

increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and

stroke. When we estimate the lipid profile of

our blood, the level of triglycerides is

measured. Under normal conditions it should

be less than150mg/dl of blood andany amount

>200 mg or more/dl of blood is high.

In normal conditions, the level of

different fat elements in our blood is -

a) Total cholesterol 200mg/dl.

b) HDL (good cholesterol) -

(i) Male 65 mg/dl

(ii) Female 75 mg/dl

c) HDL/Total cholesterol 0.30 or more.

d) Triglycerides 150 mg/dl - 199mg/dl

e) Triglyceride/HDL 2 or less

f) LDL (Bad cholesterol) 100mg/dl-

129mg/dl

g) LDL (in heart patients) should be so

mg or less/dl

JANUARY, 2012

31ScienceHorizon

Why the Serum Triglyceride levelincreases ?

For our good health, the level of serum

Triglyceride in our body should be <150mg/

dl. The conditionswhichcausehigh triglyceride

level of blood are - (a ) Obes ity

(b) Hypothyroidism (c) Uncontrolled Diabetes

(d) Kidney disease (e) Regular consumption

of calories more than we can burn (f) Regularly

drinking more of alcohol.

There are some medic ines like

Tamoxiphen, Steroids , Beta blockers ,

Diuretics, Estrogen, Birth Control pills which

can increase the level of Triglyceride in blood.

Sometimes both Cholesterol and Triglyceride

level increase in some rare genetic conditions.

Effect of increased Triglyceride level:-

When the triglyceride level increases,

fat plaque are deposited inside the coronary

arteries (which supply blood oxygen to heart

muscles) and their lumen is narrowed. As a

result, the blood supply and oxygen supply to

the heart muscles is reduced and it leads to

death of cardiac muscles Heart Attack or

Myocardial Infarction.

Symptoms of increased Triglyceridelevel in Blood:-

Usually it is a silent condition and shows

no symptom. In rare genetic conditions these

are visible as fatty deposits under the skin

known as Xanthomas. In some rare cases,

patients with very high triglyceride level may

have inf lammat ion of Pancreas, i.e.

Pancreatitis with symptoms of fever, sudden

and severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite,

nausea and vomiting. In this condition we

should immediately consult qualified doctors

and continue treatment.

How to reduce elevated SerumTriglyceride level ?

(1) If we are over weight in respect to our

age and height try to reduce the body

weight there will be lowering of

serum triglyceride level.

(2) Reduce the calorie intake and reduce the

quantity of both carbohydrate and fat in

food. It is better to have "Right fat diet"

instead of "Low fat diet".

(3) Reduce or totally stop intake of alcohol.

(4) Change the life style and change the

food habit.

(5) Regular exercise of walking.

If the triglyceride remains high in spite

of the above procedures, we should consult

qualified medical practitioner and take

medicine.

The commonly used drug to lower the

LDL is "stations". But Nicotinic acid (Niacin)

and "fib rates" are better for lowering

ScienceHorizon32

JANUARY, 2012

triglycerides. So by increasing fibers in food

is also helpful.

If both triglyceride and LDL are high

with low HDL, more thanone typeof medicine

are helpful in addition to increased physical

exercise and physical exercise, along with

change in diet.

"Lovaza" is a naturally produced item

which is rich in "Omega-3 fish oil "which

helps to reduce the enhanced serum

triglycerides. It should be tried.

Conclus ion : Increased se rum

triglyceride level gives rise to hardness of

blood vessels, narrowing of their lumen, poor

blood supply to different important organs.

Finally it leads to Heart attack (Myocardial

Infarction), Brain Stroke, Pancreatitis etc.

To prevent all these serious and fatal

conditions we should have well balanced diet,

less sugar and fat in our diet, more of fiber

food, regular physical exercise and adopt

changed life style. By this we can surely avoid

high serum triglyceride and its complications;

thus leading a healthy and long life. But in

spite of these if we have some rare genetic

reasons, we should get the serum lipid profile

tested and consult a qualified medical

practitioner for treatment.

D-46 - Green Garden, Kalinga Vihar, Patrapada,Bhubaneswar - 751 019

Man has always tried to conquer time

and space. To realize this goal, he has strived

to develop faster and cheaper modes of

transport. Magnetic levitation or Maglev

trains in short, are a step forward in this

direction. Research into this totally new

form of transportation system commenced

in Japan in 1962 and running tests in the

Yamanashi test line began in 1967. Many

areas of the system have been gradually

tested with positive results. The first

levitation running test was conducted on

30th May, 1997. A speed of 581 km per

hour was achieved on 2nd October, 2003.

This speed was recognized by Guinness

World Records in February, 2004 as the

world's highest speed ever realized. In a

subsequent running test carried out on 7th

November, 2003 the railcar traveled a total

distance of 2876 kilometers. The interim

report submitted in March, 2005 by the

Min ist ry of Land In fra structure and

Transport's Maglev Technologi cal

Practicality Evaluation Committee was

extremely optimistic confirming that a viable

technology for the Maglev railway has been

achieved. Thus the next generation

transportation system is about to be unveiled!

LEVITATIONTRAIN:A TRANSPORT FOR

THE FUTURENikunjaBihariSahu

JANUARY, 2012

33ScienceHorizon

the opposite poles and repulsive force of the

like poles between the ground and the

superconducting magnets placed inside the

vehicle.

Superconductivity

When temperature of certain metals,

alloys, oxides falls below a certain level, the

electrical resistance almost vanishes. This

phenomenon is known as 'superconductivity'.

When the electrical current is applied to a coil

in a superconductive state (superconducting

coils) this current continues toflow permanently

resulting in the creation of very large magnetic

field. Niobium-Titanium alloy has been used in

the superconducting Maglev to increase

superconductive stability and a superconductive

state is achieved by cooling liquid helium to a

temperature of - 269 degrees Celsius.

Education Officer, Regional Science Centre,Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Bhubaneswar - 751013

Mobile:- 9938974485

Levitation

Both the train and the track carrysuperconducting coils cooled to near absolutezero temperature by using liquid Helium. Aselectric current passes through these coils, it

produces powerful magnetic fields that arestrong enough to push the train above themetal track by a height of nearly 10centimeters. This drastically reduces the trackfriction enabling it to achieve astonishing

speeds. As the electric current meets noresistance, it does not need to be renewed andthe electromagnets need no fuel except liquidHelium. This greatly increases the 'efficiency'of the train.

Propulsion

Propulsion coils are laid on the ground.Electric current passing through these coilsproduce a series of magnetic poles (i.e. North

and South poles) on the track. Thus the train is

propelled forward by the attractive force of

Levitation Train

ScienceHorizon34

JANUARY, 2012

Water is more than the key to the origin

of life. Water on mars raises intriguing

questions. Can people build settlements on

mars ? Is it suitable for colonisation ? Can we

learn more about our planet by studying the

martian climate ? Did Mars go through the

same geological processes as Earth ? Water

plays a major role in answering these questions

or to be more precise, the possibility of a

water cycle on Mars.

The first photos obtained from the

Martian Orbit registered guides any canyons,

which could have been formed several million

years ago by the displacement of large water

masses. Scientists believe taht Mars may hold

enormous reserves of ice and whole seas of

water. Several years ago, they developed a new

strategy of martian research, whcih was called

"Following the water."

X-FACTOR : IS THERE LIFE ON MARS ?Gopal Krishna Das

Gamma-ray and neutron spectrocopy is

the most effective way of finding water on

Mars. Thisplanet has a very "fine" atmosphere

without a strong magnetic field, making it

easy for scape rays to reach its surface. At a

depth of one meter to three meters, they

generate fast neutrons. The nucleuses of the

ground's chemical elements react with them

and generate Gamma radiation. Since each

nucleus has a unique spectrum of radiation, it

is possible to establish the relative number of

nucleuses for this or other elements in the

martian ground. This also applies to hydrogen,

whcih is water's pr imary component.

Correlation of radiation streams indicates the

presence of ice or water in the study area.

In order to study the composition of the

martian ground and find ice, scientists from

the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of

Space research developed a high energy

neutron-detector (HEND) at the direction of

Rososmos (Russian Federal SpaceAgency). It

has been operating on board the American

Mars Odyssey Spacecraft in a near martian

orbit for more than seven years now. It has

detected huge water reserves immediately

under the planet's surface and registered the

dynamics of seasonal carbon dioxide deposits

on its surface.

FR-71/8, Ph-II, S.S. Vihar, Bhubaneswar-751021

Chemicalanalysis ofMartian soilhasshownthatit contains all elements required to sustain life

JANUARY, 2012

35ScienceHorizon

A. Scientific Breakthrough :

Dr. Ian Smith, British scientist created

the first clone of an adult animal - a lamb

named Dolly (named after singer Dolly Parton)

produced from a sheep. Like this fact of

science Louise, the test tube embryo was

created by Dr. Robert Edwards & Patrick

Steptoe. Both cases have arisen out of

manipulation of nature. Louise was the

outcome of test-tube fertilization which let

nature takeher own course (sperm from father,

egg from mother); whereas cloningis asexual,

it is single parent reproduction. Instead of

single mixture of genes from two parents

clone is a genetic copy of its single parent.

Clone is from klon (which means twig or slip).

Crocodile embryos have a set of sex

determining genes. Genes incubated at 31.5

degree centigrade hatch into males whereas

those kept at 29.5 become females. The

switching off and on of genes depend on

environmental factors. Entwicklungsmechanik,

a German school of developmental biology,

postulates that a small preformed counterpart

of an organism exists in its reproductive

cells in is counterpart can be called a

'designer gene' !

FUTURE IN OUR HANDS : HUMAN CLONESSashibhusan Rath

Human being is the result of 50% nature

and 50% nurture and both make the individual.

In case of human beings, the number of

environmental factors which activate or

deactivate genes are not only more, their

interactions are too complex to be determined

or plotted on pattern graph. Making a human

clone is not easy as one has to know the entire

human genetic make up i.e. 3 billion base

pairs; 1,00,000 genes and then add on the

positive genes selectively. Adding genes is

very dangerous; any mistake in adding genes is

ok for animals but not human beings. One just

can't play with human lives in laboratory.

Dr. Jarnes Dewey Watson, co-discoverer

of DNA has stated in a recent interview that heis not interested in human clones, as till date

only 2 % of the genetic material functioning

is known, 98% remains a mystery. Humangenetic research is primarily driven by the

families of people who suffer and do not want

unhealthy children. Most of them belong tothe affluent levels of society.

Alvin Toffler, in The Future Shock

(1970) wrote, "Cloningwould make it possible

for people to see themselves anew, to fill the

world with twins of themselves". Some

however say that we should not permit a

cottage industry in the God's business.

ScienceHorizon36

JANUARY, 2012

The Fruits :

Dr. Wilmut says the human being can be

created by fusing an adult human cell with a

human egg to create an embryo; key cells can

be extracted from the embryo and can be used

to treat human diseases. During this medical

exercise theembryo would die but the mankind

may have a remedy in lieu there of. This

method can treat life threatening conditions.

For example, for a man having bone marrow

problem, a cell from him can be extracted

from his body, then fused into an egg which

would then be fertilised. Fresh bone marrow

cells could be extracted from the resulting

embryo and put back into his body, where

healthy bone marrow would grow.

Many behavioural disorders are related

to genes. Violent behaviours are related to

mutant genes. Those who are violent do not

have adequate quantity of particular enzyme

that breaks down neurotransmitters, leading to

the persistence of destructive thoughts and

consequent aggression.

Another way of looking at things is : we

have been altering our gene pool for millennia

through wars, selective mating, better diet and

evolution of medicine. Therefore changing

our biologicalblue-prints in pursuit of a longer,

healthier life is welcome. But genetic scourge,

blueprint ofbad anddeviletc.are tobecontrolled.

The Fallout :

Nobel laureate physicist Joseph Rotblat

warned that this creation of clone represents

"science out of control" and such sensitive

genetic engineering could result in a "means

of mass destruction". As such there will be

confrontation between biologists and those

who deal with ethics.

Politicians and scientists raise doubts

on the ethics of this work. Dr.Roblat has

suggested for an Internat ional Ethics

Committee (IEC) to be constituted to monitor

the developments in area of human clones.

Producing a cloned baby from a live adult is

morally repugnant and illegal. However certain

di seases like cancer, cystic fibrosi s,

emphysema etc can be prevented.

Roman catholic church has expressed

its opposition to any form of reproduction

divorced from the sexual act and safeguarding

those values that constitute the human being

and his existence. German newspaper

commented : "the cloning would have fitted

well to the world view of Adolf Hitler and

there is no doubt that he would have used the

technology intensively if it were available at

that time. Thank God it wasn't !" It further

asked "How long will it take from now until a

new Einstein, Lollobrigida, Monroe or even

Hitler to populate the brave new world ?"

JANUARY, 2012

37ScienceHorizon

Genetic engineeringmay take away many

privileges of human beings. There will be

invasion of genetic privacy like:

* People will look at other's DNA and spot

defects in genes

* Genetic discrimination. A job or a life

insurance policy may be denied for

undesirable genetic makeup. Marriage

methods may change

* Genetic manipulation. State will decide

the quality of off-springs. People may

manipulate genes to protect their

interest.

Human clones, in fact, strike at the very

root of raison d'etre of mankind. Genes and

politics have alsobeen intricately linked. Stalin

banned genetic research as it makes people

unequal. Hitler discriminated those having

inferior genes.

Epilogue :

Harnessing nuclear power was confined

to nations but Human Genome Project (HGP),

if confined to a nation or a race, it would be

wrong rather it should be of the world's people.

It is precisely for the reason that such scientific

experimentation may be disatrous to mankind

as a whole.

Six million dollars have been granted to

HGP for studying ethical implications only.

And it is in the right direction. Science cannot

progressifweworry undulyabout consequences

of knowledge whatsoever.

Scientists can provide the knowledge;

but to have a Hitler like aspect or not shall lie

solely with the individual people and there

shall be ethical dilemma in the conscience of

the scientist, in spite of the work which shall

go on. Finding the molecular basis of a disease

and developing an effective strategyto prevent

or to cure is a great challenge.

Genetics, per se, is not evil. Its use or

misuse brings in morality. Gene basically is

the source of information about life and can

help progress of species. It is wise to face the

ethical conundrum than not to use it for fear

of misuse.

Genet ic lit eracy is of cruc ia l

significance. Let people decide about its use.

Although breast cancer genes were isolated,

50% of women carrying such genes prefer

uncertainty and do not want to be tested. In

antenatal diagnosis women are to be allowed

to decide to have an unhealthy child or abort

the foetus. A child when grown up may sue

his/her parents for not undergoing the test

as a result thwarted his competitiveness in

the world !

B-174, Sector-18, Rourkela-769003, Mobile : 09437220892

ScienceHorizon38

JANUARY, 2012

Introduction

Avian Influenza orBird flu isan infectious

disease of birds, ranging from a mild to a

severe form of illness, which is spreading like

wild fire from Cambodia to Croatia and

Romania to Russia, including India since 2006,

engulfing more than seventeen countries. The

genetics of the H5N1 virus plays an important

role in the virulence and the impending threat

of the influenza pandemic for which more

than 150 million chickens have died or culled

in Hong Kong only. Recent deaths in migrating

birds also have been reported from China,

Russia and Mongolia including 70 deaths in

human beings. Report of Bird flu epidemic on

chickens from West Bengal during the current

year (2011) is alarming.

Incidence

The first epidemic of avian influenza

was reported from Italy more than 100 years

ago. But in recent years there has been regular

outbreak of influenza which was first detected

in 1996 in a domestic goose from the

Guangdong province of China. Avian flu first

jumped the species barrier from birds to

AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU): A THREATENING EVOLUTIONG. C. Sahoo and

Nidhi Mathew

humans in 1997 and caused an outbreak in

Hongkong. There have been regular outbreaks

during 1996 to 2006 in Indonesia, Thailand,

Vietnam, Turkey, Laos, Malaysia, Ukraine, Iraq,

Egypt, Nigeria, India and European countries

etc. The largest number of cases has occurred

in Vietnam.

The first great influenza pandemic of

last century in 1918-19 affected more than

25% of the total population, world wide, with

an estimated 40-50 million death within a

single year without any warning and causing

unprecedented illness with maximum of death

in the young and healthy persons in the age

groupof15to35years.Thesubsequentpandemics

in1957and1968, includingSpanishflu,spreading

rapidly also killed millions of people.

Virus and Vector

Out of the three types of influenza virus

(A,B,C) the avian influenzavirus is the subtype

of Type A influenza virus. The morphology of

influenza A (H5N1) is basically that of an

orthomyxovirus as it is a subtype of the typeA

influenzavirus. The typical virion is enveloped,

spherical (100 nm), with a nucleocapsid of

helical symmetry surrounding a single stranded

JANUARY, 2012

39ScienceHorizon

8 segmented RNA. The envelope is internally

lined by a matrix protein (M) and externally

with glycoprotein peplomers-rod shaped

haemagglutinin (HA) and mushroom shaped

neuraminidase (NA).

There are 16 known HA subtypes and 9

knownNA subtypes of influenza viruses which

can recombine in permutationand combination

to create novel combination of influenza. The

eight separate gene segment composing the

influenza A virus has the capacity of re-

assortment of these gene segments to develop

a novel virus leading to pandemics due to the

lack of immunity. This major antigenic change

is known as antigenic shift, in contrast to

the typical seasona l inf luenza virus

exhibiting frequent point mutation, leading

to more gradual shifts in their genome,

which is known as antigenic drift, the reason

for which new influenza vaccines must be

prepared every year.

Transmission

The disease is transmitted to humans by

direct or indirect contact with infected wild

ducks and chickens through infected aerosols,

discharges and surfaces. The influenza viruses

are highly resilient, which can survive in

contaminated manure for at least three months

and one gram of H5N1 manure can contain

enough viral particles to infect one million

birds. The virus can survive potentially for

indefinite period in frozen materials.

The main role of transmission of avian

influenza on humans is via inhalation of

respiratory droplets from coughing and

sneezing. As the humans are very rarely

exposed to avian influenza virus, so there is

very minimal immunity in the general

population which could become an epidemic

or pandemic very rapidly. The three pre-

requisites to start an influenza pandemic are

(a) Emergence of novel susceptible virus.

(b) Ability of the new virus to replicate an d

cause disease in humans and

(c) New virus transmitting efficiently from

human to human.

The first two of the above prerequisites

have already been met by the current H5N1

outbreaks in Asian birds. All the conditions

for a pandemic will be fulfilled if the last

criteria of human to human transmission is

met by the H5N1 virus, the potential candidate

for the next pandemic. Other than the morbidity

and mortality, the direct economic loss in the

current H5N1 outbreaks to the affected

countries were to the tune of 8 to 10 billion

US dollars. A modest pandemic lasting over

ScienceHorizon40

JANUARY, 2012

one year may result in a loss of 150 to 200

billion dollars on GDP which is equivalent to

3% of GDP of Asia.

Signs and Symptoms

They areverysimilar to that of the disease

caused by other influenza viruses. Fever,

malaise, myalgia, sore throat and cough are

found in most of the patients while

conjunctivitis is seen in some. Persistent

high fever is an useful sign.

Life threatening complications like

vira l pneumonia , re sp iratory dis tress

syndrome and multi organ failure may result

in the death of the patient. Individuals at

high risk of deve loping influenza

complications like primary viral pneumonia,

multi organ failure etc., are usually children,

old people, pregnant women, immuno

compromised patients etc.

Diagnosis

Specimens like nasopharyngeal aspirate,

endotracheal aspirate, sputum and serum from

clinically suspected cases are subjected to

labora to ry inves tigations fo r fu rthe r

confirmation. Rapid antigen detection by

immunoflurescence assay andenzyme immuno

assay, virus isolation by culture in HeP-2, RD

cells or MDCK cell lines and indentification

by immunofluorescence assay using specific

monoclonal antibody and haemagglutination

inhibition assay have been used for diagnosis.

X-ray of the chest is useful in detecting early

viral pneumonia.

Treatment

The drugs which can be used both for the

prophylaxis and therapeutic are Zanomivir

(Relanza)and Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Belonging

to a group of medicines called Neuraminidase

inhibitors. Although approved doses of

oseltamivir (75 mg twice daily for five days in

adults) are reasonable for treating early, mild

cases of influenza A. Higher doses (150 mg

twice daily in adults) and treatment for 7 to 10

days are considerations in treating severe

infections. Corticosteroids have been used

frequently in treatingpatients with influenzaA

(H5N1), with uncertain effects.

Prevention : Immunization

At present there is no specific vaccine

to prevent avian influenza in human beings,

although clinical trials have started. One such

inactivated vaccine with the use of a human

H5N1 isolate from 2004 has been reported to

be immunogenic at high hemagglutinin doses.

Live attenuated, cold-adapted intranasal

vaccines are also under development.

JANUARY, 2012

41ScienceHorizon

Important measures for the pandemic

preparation as per the guide lines of the center

for disease control and prevention are based

on surveillance for avian influenza infection

control of the poultry and animals including

healthy poultry and infection control on

medical settings.

WHO is planning to stock pile 1 to 3

million courses of anti avian influenza drugs

which could be used as a preemptive measures

anywhere in the world for the impending

pandemic. There is global concern about the

spread of avian influenza and the possibility of

pandemic for which international organizations

like WHO,FAO and international organization

for animal health are exchanging information,

advising national governments and assisting in

resource mobilization. The formulation of a

nationalpandemic preparedness is fundamental

to harness the national resources and activate

the systems in health and veterinary sectors to

respond rapidly to the threat of pandemic. The

concern of environmentalist about the want on

killing of birds and animals, though normally

justified, butpast experience showsthat prompt

culling of birds is the only effective way to

control the epidemic before it is pandemic.

The role of WHO is very significant to avoid

an avian influenza pandemic if the guide lines

are followed strictly. WHO can play a major

role on averting a pandemic by providing

technical support develop guidelines, assist

outbreak investigation, provide diagnostic

reagents, stock pile anti-virals, develop vaccine

strain and support research.

Conclusion

The present scenario in India is very

vulnerable and precarious in the event of a

pandemic as the number of

immunocompromised people are growing due

to HIV/AIDS. With a growing number of

immunocompromised people in addition to

diabetes, malnourishment, geriatric and

pediatric age group, an infectious disease like

avian influenza will have devastating effect

and growing chance of achieving its

pandeminion vision is very much possible.

The lack of ready and repea table

transmissibility of the avian influenza between

humans is one of the only factors preventing a

potential H5N1 pandemic in human beings.

However, there is a high possibility of further

mutation in the H5N1 virus and/or intermixing

with human influenza virus, which may remove

this last hurdle of crossing the species barrier,

thereby fulfilling all the condition for a H5N1

virus, the potential candidate for the next

pandemic.

ScienceHorizon42

JANUARY, 2012

Although no one can predict with

certainty the timing of pandemic, there is a

concern that it is imminent and there is a great

possibility that it would occur sooner than

later beginning from Asia.

References

1. World Health Organization; H5N1 avian

influenza, http://www.who.mt/Qntity/csr/

disease/avian_influenza/timeline_3_03 .pdf.

2. Centre for disease control and prevention.

Avian mttmemam current situation, http://

www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/current.html

3. U.S.Department of labor occupational safety

and Health Administration. Guidance for

protecting workers against avian flu. http://

www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/avian_flu.html.

4. Bio-security for the Birds, Avian influenza

(AI). http://www.usda.gov/agency/oc/design/

test/bird biosecurity/hpai. html

5. Centre for Disease control and prevention.

Keyfactsabout avian influenza (Bird Flu) and

Avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. http://

www.cde.gov/flu/avian/gen_info/facts.html

6. Centre for Disease control and prevention.

Transmission of influenza A virusesbetween

animals and people, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

avian/gen_info/ transmission.html.

7. Centres for Diseasescontroland prevention.

Prevention and control of influenza:

Recommendations of the Advisory

Committee on Immunization Practices

(ACIP). MMWR 2005; 54:(RR-8).

8. Avian influenza a (H5N1): A preliminary

review. Indian Journal of Medical

Microbiology. 2004; 22 (3): 143-146.

9. Avian Influenza A (H5N1) infection in

Humans. N Engl J Med. 2005; 353: 1374-

1385.

*Professor & H.O.D (E.N.T.), ** Junior Resident,Rajah Muthiah Medical College,

Annamalai University, Chidambaram

JANUARY, 2012

43ScienceHorizon

QUIZ : ELEMENTSSmt.ArchanaPanigrahi

1. A Russian chemist gave theperiodic table

in a complete form. He even predicted the

properties and existence of the elements which

were not discovered then. He was

a. John Dalton b. Mosley

c. Mandeleef d. Robert Boyle

2. Which is the heaviest, non-radioactive

element with fixed nucleus ?

a. Bismuth (Bi) b. Indium (In)

c. Sodium (Na) d. Gallium (Ga)

3. Which of the following elements is a

metalloid ?

a. Indium (In) b. Xenon (Xe)

c. Platinum (Pt) d. Germanium (Ge)

4. Which of the following elements is a

metal ?

a. Boron (B) b. Mercury (Hg)

c. Silicon (Si) d. Silver (Ag)

5. Which of the following elements has

maximum number of isotopes ?

a. Xenon (Xe) b. Tungsten(W)

c. Antimony(Sb) d. Silver (Ag)

6. Which is an inert gas ?

a. Oxygen(O) b. Nitrogen(N)

c. Hydrogen(H) d. Argon(Ar)

7. Which is the most electro negative

element ?

a. Cadmium (Cd) b. Fluorine (F)

c. Lead (Pb) d. Polonium (Po)

8. Which is the least electronegative element ?

a. Barium (Ba) b. Hafnium (Hf)

c. Tantalum(Ta) d. Cesium (Cs)

9. Which element has the highest value of

melting point among metals ?

a. Almunium (Al) b. Tungsten (W)

c. Gold (Au) d. Cesium(Cs)

10. Which element has the highest density

among solids ?

a. Iridium (Ir) b. Sulphur(S)

c. Carbon(C) d. Phosphorus(P)

11. Which is the most poisonous element ?

a. Dubnium (Db) b. Bohrium(Bh)

c. Osmium(Os) d. Plutonium(Pu)

12. Which element has the lowest melting

point ?

a. Chromium(Cr) b. Titanium(Ti)

c. Osmimum(Os) d. Zinc(Zn)

13. Which is the first man made element ?

a. Niobium (Nb) b. Technetium(Tc)

c. Osmimum(Os) d. Zinc (Zn)

14. Which element has the highest atomic

volume ?

a. Francium (Fr) b. Iodine (I)

c. Neon(Ne) d. Lead(Pb)

ScienceHorizon44

JANUARY, 2012

15. Which element has the lowest atomic

volume ?

a. Beryllium (Be) b. Bromine(Br)

c. Boron(B) d. Tin(Sb)

16. Which is the lightest element ?

a. Hydrogen(H) b. Helium(He)

c. Oxygen(O) d. Lithium(Li)

17. The elements are arranged in the periodic

table in order of their

a. atomic mass b. atomic number

c. neutron number d. atomic volume

18. Which element has the highest value of

melting point among non-metals ?

a. Carbon© b. Sulphur(S)

c. Oxygen(O) d. Chlorine(Cl)

19. Which is the most ductile metal ?

a. Copper(Cu) b. Silver(Ag)

c. Gold (Au) d. Iron(Fe)

20. Which is the most harmful radioactive

element ?

a. Uranium (U) b. Thorium(Th)

c. Actinium(Ac) d. Radium(Ra)

ANSWERS

1. (c), 2. (a), 3. (d), 4. (b), 5. (a), 6. (d),

7. (b), 8. (d), 9. (b), 10. (a), 11. (d), 12. (c),

13. (b), 14. (a), 15. (c), 16. (d) 17. (b),

18. (a), 19. (c), 20. (d)

Teacher, C/o: Kalpana Mishra,At-Bhugudakata (Near Akhandalamani Mandira)

PO - Bhanjapur, Baripada, Dist - Mayurbhanj - 757002.Mobile : 9861144690

Does crying help ? If so, how ?

A professor once admitted that when he

felt severe stress and frustration, he put

everything aside and went to see a sentimental

movie and bawl like a baby.

A mother of three children says, "when

my budget can not be stretched to support my

children, I close the door and weep. In half an

hour I feel fit to face my wretched fate again".

Crying is, no doubt, a harmless and

effective way of getting rid of feelings that

might otherwise be damaging.

Crying at times appears to be a very

disgusting but strange trait. There are people,

especially women, who have no control over

their tears. Any trifle induces them to weep.

One may wonder, therefore, whether tears

have minds of their own or people pour their

minds through tears?

It appears that women cry more often

than men. When men choose to tighten their

lips and hold on their tears in the most

demanding environment, tears well up in the

eyes of our womenfolk in response to a very

trivial issue.

5W'S + H :(Why, Who, What, When, Where and How)

CRYINGAWAY EMOTIONSNityananda Swain

JANUARY, 2012

45ScienceHorizon

All of you know that lachrymation is a

physiological phenomenon. It keeps thesurface

of the eyes moist and optically smooth. Tear

contains mucoid materials which enable the

tear to spread uniformly over. The C=cornea,

Oily outer layer of the tear film on the eye

surface retards evaporation of the tear. Tear

also contains lysozyme which destroy bacteria.

Hence, weeping serves as an antiseptic wash

of both the eyes and the nasal passages.

It is generally accepted that only the

human beings shed tears in happiness as well

as in sorrow. In some, tear automatically rolls

down while watching a tragic movie, during

exchange of a lot of heated words, witnessing

a wedding ritual or standing at the bed side of

any dead dear and near ones. No other animal

species is capable of weeping, it is supposed.

So, we are the only crying animals

inhabiting the earth. But we have not yet been

successful in exploring as to why we do cry?

Is it just to moisten the eyes and wash away the

wastes from its surface or it has a more

mysterious meaning?

If waste-disposal is its primary objective,

why is that the chemical composition of tear

varies in accordance with the variation in

stimuli to cause its shedding? Why do most

people feel better after crying? Those who are

in the habit of crying more often, why are they

less vulnerable to stress-related diseases like

peptic ulcer, colitis, heart diseases and

hypertension?

Man is probably the only thinking animal

in this habitat. Does he, therefore, cry shed

tears in response to emotional stress? Is

emotional tear chemically different from that

of the tear flowing through as a result of eye

irritation while peeling onions or due to

exposure to toxic fumes?

Tears are no doubt, the products of an

excretory process like urinatingand sweating.

But what does it eliminate? Does it expel the

emotional stress out?

It is suggested that when people become

sad or depressed, there occurs a biochemical

change resulting in a chemical imbalance in

the body. That might have been partially

corrected by the release of certain chemical

substances in tears.

It is found that tears shed in response to

watching tear-inducing movies contain more

manganese than its concentration in serum.

Does driving away manganese through tears

in any way responsible for easing out

emotions?

In an experiment it was observed that

women had an average of 5.3 episodes of

ScienceHorizon46

JANUARY, 2012

crying in response to emotional stress as

against an average of 1.4 episodes in men

during the experimental period of 30 days.

Out of 331 volunteers aged 18 to 75 forming

the study group, only 6 percent of he healthy

women and 45 percent of the healthy men did

not cry during those 30 days period. It was

more significant to note that 85 percent of

the women and 73 percent of the men reported

a sense of more relaxed feeling after each

crying episode.

Crying was found to generate new hope

for living and to hold optimistic outlook for

future. Although sadness, happiness and anger

were various causes of initiating emotional

tears, when virtually all of the women gave

tears as one of their responses to anger,

virtually none of the men did.

Further, it has been found that women,

who cry an average of six times a month are

less prone to suffer from ulcers than men who

cried less than once a month. A higher

incidence of stress-related diseases in men

has possibly been attributed to their inability

to cry. When situations are favourable for

crying, the responses from the women are

usually more positive. But men prefer to

distance themselves from such situations and

try to swallow their emotions in silence and

not through public weeping. That might have

been the reason perhaps, that men avoid to be

around women who are crying.

Quite a lot of people agree that it is

healthy to cry and crying is good for the soul,

but they feel ashamed to exhibit their tears in

public.

The concentration of the hormone

prolactin is more in tears of women than in

age -matched men. Does prolactin induce

crying in women? Because of the high levels

of this hormone, pregnant women seem to be

more weepy.

If people would really break down and

cry, they would enjoy immense relief from

heart attack, hypertension, tension headache,

asthma and sleep disturbances etc.

Evidence for tear research indicates that

crying is a natural physiological response to

various emotional stimuli. Hence one should

not feel ashamed of the act of crying. Having

a good bawl can, therefore, enrich, lengthen

and even save lives. Crying de-pressurizes us

emotionally and thus lessens our stress.

ABHIPSA, Sector - 6, Plot No. - 1131, Abhinab Bidanasi,Cuttack - 753 014

GUIDELINES FOR CONTRIBUTING ARTICLESFOR THE MAGAZINE

1. "SCIENCE HORIZON" aims at developing the scientific outlook of students as well as the generalpeopleand seeks togivetheminformationonscientific developments. It is publishedas a monthlymagazine.

2. The authors desirous ofwriting and contributing articles to the magazine should first assimilate the ideasof the themeand present it in simple language and popular style.

3. The authors are requested to write clearly on one side ofA/4 size paper. The relevant pictures in 4cm X6 cm size are welcome. Photocopies of manuscripts are not accepted for consideration.

4. Each article will be ordinarilyof two to three printed pages inA/4 size papers.

5. The article shall be profusely illustrated with pictures.

6. At the end of the article the author should give the references and suggestions for further reading.

7. The reference of books, journals, sources, ideas and essential points collected by the writer should bementioned in the bibliography. This will enhance the qualityand fidelityof the writing and give the readeran opportunity for making further studies.

8. Matter translated from other languages and illustrations should indicate the original sources otherwisethosewould not be accepted. The articles which are not selected are not returned to the authors. However,if the author wants, such articles may be collected from our office.

9. As far as practicable the articles should be based on contemporary science and must be easilycomprehensible to students at the secondary level.

10. The writers should presentdifficult concepts of science throughstories of everydaylife, heart-renderingsongs, pictures, satirical cartoons or attractive dramas.

11. Allunits in the articles should be given in the metric system.

12. The title of the article should be briefand attractive. Moreover, subtitles maybe given in long articles.Thewritings should be coherent and cohesive.

13. There should notbe repetition of specific words. While ensuring the contemporaryspirit of the writing, itshould reflect some valuable lesson for the society. It is also necessary to avoid mistakes in spelling,language use and factual details.

14. The Editor & the Editorial Board of "Science Horizon", Secretary of the Academy or Orissa BigyanAcademyshall not be responsible for the views of the authors.

Address for sending the articles

The Secretary,Orissa BigyanAcademyQr. No.- 25/4R (Flat)Unit - IX, Bhubaneswar - 751 022Telephone - 0674-2543468Fax - 0674-2547256E-Mail - secretaryoba@yahoo.com

Price : Rs 10.00(Website : www.orissabigyanacademy.nic.in)

Carbon Nanotube