International Indian Scientist Awards

In biochemistry, lipids are not merely passive structural components or simple energy depots; they are multifaceted organic compounds that orchestrate a vast array of cellular and physiological processes. While they are famously characterized by their hydrophobicity—their inability to dissolve in water—this very property allows them to serve as the fundamental architects of biological compartments and the primary drivers of long-term energy storage. The roles of lipids can be broadly categorized into four major biological pillars: structural architecture, energy management, cellular signaling, and specialized physiological protection. 1. Structural Architecture and Membrane Integrity The most universal role of lipids is the formation of the cell membrane, the selective barrier that defines the cell's boundaries and organizes its internal environment. The Phospholipid Bilayer: Phospholipids are amphipathic, meaning they possess a "water-loving" (hydrophilic) head and a ...

Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was a visionary physicist and institution builder widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Nuclear Programme . His scientific journey was defined by a commitment to self-reliance and the belief that atomic energy was essential for the industrialization of a newly independent India. Founding of Major Institutions Bhabha’s primary legacy lies in establishing the infrastructure for modern scientific research in India: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR): Founded in 1945 with the support of the Dorabji Tata Trust, it served as the cradle for India’s nuclear program.  Atomic Energy Commission (AEC): Established in 1948, with Bhabha as its first chairman, to formulate and implement national nuclear policies.  Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET): Founded in 1954 for multidisciplinary nuclear research; it was renamed the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1967 following his death. The Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme ...

Protein-based hydrogels (PBHs) are three-dimensional, water-swollen networks derived from natural or recombinant proteins. They have emerged as high-performance biomaterials due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), offering high biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therapeutic Applications (Opportunities) PBHs are utilized across diverse biomedical fields as of 2026: Drug & Cell Delivery:Controlled Release: PBHs provide sustained and localized delivery of small molecules, proteins, and genes. Stimuli-Responsiveness: "Smart" PBHs respond to environmental cues like pH, temperature, or enzymes to trigger cargo release at specific pathological sites (e.g., acidic tumor microenvironments). Protection: They shield labile biologics (e.g., insulin, growth factors) from premature degradation in harsh physiological conditions. Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine:Scaffolds: PBHs provide structural support for cell adhesion, proliferation, and diffe...

Scientific studies updated in 2025 and 2026 reinforce that COVID-19 and diabetes have a complex, "bidirectional" relationship. Not only does pre-existing diabetes significantly worsen COVID-19 outcomes, but the virus itself is now confirmed to increase the risk of new-onset diabetes. 1. Impact of Pre-existing Diabetes on COVID-19Higher Mortality & Severity:  Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face a 3.6-fold higher likelihood of hospitalization and are approximately 2.3 times more at risk of death than those without the condition. Increased Complications: Diabetes is one of the strongest predictors for severe illness, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the need for mechanical ventilation, and multi-organ failure. Immune Dysfunction: Chronic hyperglycemia impairs the body's innate immune response, slowing viral clearance and making patients more susceptible to a "cytokine storm"—a life-threatening overreaction of the immune system. 2. COV...

Ion irradiation, specifically Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) irradiation, serves as a powerful technique for tailoring the physical properties of zinc stannate ( Zn−Sn−Ocap Z n minus cap S n minus cap O𝑍𝑛−𝑆𝑛−𝑂) thin films for applications such as transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) and sensors. By bombarding the film with energetic ions, researchers can induce structural transformations that directly impact its optical transparency and electrical conductivity. 1. Structural and Morphological Modifications Crystalline-to-Amorphous Transformation: Pristine zinc stannate films typically exhibit a polycrystalline nature with phases like Zn2SnO4cap Z n sub 2 cap S n cap O sub 4𝑍𝑛2𝑆𝑛𝑂4 and SnO2cap S n cap O sub 2𝑆𝑛𝑂2. High-energy irradiation (e.g., 120 MeV Ag ions) often leads to amorphization, as the intense energy deposition along ion tracks causes significant lattice disordering. Surface Roughness: Irradiation generally increases the surface roughness of the films. For instance, ro...

In the complex landscape of autoimmune endocrinology, GADA (Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies) serves as one of the most critical "secret signals" or biomarkers for the early detection and precise classification of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). While Type 1 Diabetes is often characterized by the sudden onset of physical symptoms like extreme thirst and rapid weight loss, the underlying autoimmune process typically begins months or even years before these clinical signs appear. GADA acts as an early warning system, revealing that the body’s immune system has begun a mistaken attack on the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. What is GADA? GADA stands for Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase Autoantibodies. In a healthy body, GAD (specifically the GAD65 isoform) is an enzyme found in the pancreatic beta cells that plays a role in neurotransmitter production. In individuals developing Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system incorrectly identifies this enzyme as a "foreign in...