International Academic Excellence Awards

  After the formation of the Solar System , it took a maximum of three million years for the chemical composition of the Earth's precursor to be completed. This is shown by a new study by the Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of Bern. At this time, however, there were hardly any elements necessary for life such as water or carbon compounds on the young planet. Only a later planetary collision probably brought water to Earth, paving the way for life. Earth is so far the only known planet on which life exists -- with liquid water and a stable atmosphere. However, the conditions were not conducive to life when it formed. The gas-dust cloud from which all the planets in the Solar System formed was rich in volatile elements essential for life, such as hydrogen, carbon and sulphur. However, in the inner Solar System -- the part closest to the Sun, where the four rocky planets Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars and the asteroid belt are located today -- these volatile element...

  New research shows that fat buildup in brain cells may be fueling Alzheimer’s. These fat-choked cells lose their ability to protect the brain, making it harder to fight off damage. Scientists discovered that breaking down this fat restores the brain’s defenses. The findings could point to a fresh path for future treatments. Credit: Shutterstock It was long thought that fat in the brain played no role in neurodegenerative diseases, but Purdue University researchers are challenging that assumption. The research findings, published in Immunity, show that excess fat in the brain's resident immune cells, called microglia, impairs their ability to combat disease. This insight opens a path to lipid biology-based neuroimmune therapies that could treat diseases like Alzheimer's by enhancing microglial function and neuronal health. This work was led by Gaurav Chopra, the James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Professor of Chemistry and (by courtesy) of Computer Science at Purdue. While mo...

  The United States has witnessed a sharp increase in infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria, particularly those carrying the New Delhi metallo- β-lactamase (NDM) gene. Between 2019 and 2023, cases surged by nearly 70 percent, raising public health concerns. This trend is part of a broader global challenge involving antimicrobial resistance. Current Situation in the United States Data from 29 states reveal 4,341 carbapenem-resistant bacterial infections in 2023. Of these, 1,831 cases involved bacteria with the NDM gene. These bacteria severely limit treatment options as they can resist carbapenems, the last line of defence antibiotics. The rise in NDM cases alone increased by 460 percent from 2019 to 2023. Many carriers remain undetected, increasing the risk of community spread. Mechanism of Drug Resistance Bacteria develop resistance by evolving mechanisms to neutralise antibiotics. Misuse of antibiotics, such as incomplete treatment courses or unnecessary prescriptions, ac...

  Traditional medicine remains vital worldwide in 2025. The World Health Organization reports that 88% of member states practise it. For billions, especially in low- and middle-income countries, it is the main health-care option due to cost and access. Beyond treatment, traditional medicine supports biodiversity, nutrition, and livelihoods. The global market is booming, expected to reach $583 billion with growth rates between 10% and 20% annually. China, Australia, and India lead major sectors, reflecting a shift towards preventive health care. Global Traditional Medicine Landscape Traditional medicine is practised in 170 out of 194 WHO member countries. Its appeal lies in affordability and cultural familiarity. The market size reflects growing trust and demand. China’s traditional Chinese medicine sector is worth $122.4 billion. Australia’s herbal medicine industry reaches $3.97 billion. India’s AYUSH sector is valued at $43.4 billion. This growth signals a move from reactive tr...

  Recent discoveries have revealed a new class of cosmic events far more powerful than gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Known as extreme nuclear transients (ENTs), these phenomena occur when massive stars are torn apart by supermassive black holes at the centres of galaxies. ENTs emit energy up to ten times greater than GRBs, making them the brightest explosions observed since the Big Bang. This breakthrough offers fresh vital information about black hole behaviour and the violent processes shaping the universe. What Are Extreme Nuclear Transients? ENTs are luminous bursts caused by the destruction of stars at least three times heavier than the sun. When such a star approaches a supermassive black hole, tidal forces stretch and compress it, creating a stream of debris. This debris emits vast amounts of electromagnetic energy visible across immense distances. Unlike ordinary transient events, ENTs shine for years in radio wavelengths, allowing detailed study. How Are ENTs Different from Ot...

  Recent advances have brought ion chromatography out of expensive laboratories and into the field. Scientists at the University of Tasmania have developed a portable ion chromatograph named Aquamonitrix. This device enables real-time analysis of soil pore water, making environmental monitoring and chemistry education more accessible and practical. Portable Ion Chromatography Technology Ion chromatography separates ions in a sample by passing it through a column. Traditional systems are costly and require complex equipment. Aquamonitrix simplifies this by using a short column and low-pressure pump. It operates on a sodium chloride solution, which is environmentally friendly. The device uses a UV light absorbance detector to identify nitrate and nitrite ions, which absorb UV light distinctly, allowing clear detection without interference from other ions. Field Application and Procedure Students collect soil pore water using a portable vacuum pump. The water is filtered on-site and ...

  The discovery of a new deep-sea coral species named Iridogorgia chewbacca has captured the attention of both scientists and popular culture enthusiasts. Found in the tropical western Pacific Ocean, this coral’s unique appearance inspired its name after the iconic Star Wars character Chewbacca, known for his tall and furry look. The species was first spotted in 2006 but only recently confirmed as a distinct species through detailed research and genetic analysis. Discovery and Identification The coral was initially observed over a decade ago but remained unclassified. Recent studies involving genetic testing and examination of physical traits confirmed it as a new species. Les Watling, professor emeritus at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa’s School of Life Sciences, played a key role in recognising the coral’s uniqueness while reviewing research from China. Having encountered similar corals in Hawaiian waters and worked with NOAA, Watling identified it as previously undocumented. Ph...

  The Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 reveals a dynamic shift in global innovation patterns. While advances in AI and quantum computing accelerate, overall R&D growth has slowed sharply. India’s innovation ranking has improved , reflecting its evolving research and technology landscape. Global Innovation Trends in 2025 Global R&D growth declined to 2.9% in 2024 and is expected to drop further to 2.3% in 2025. This slowdown marks the lowest rate since the 2010 financial crisis. Despite this, innovation hubs in Europe, North America, and Asia continue to lead. Europe dominates with 15 countries in the top 25, including six in the top 10. Switzerland holds the top position, followed by Sweden and the United States. Emerging economies in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania also gain prominence. Top Innovative Countries Globally The top 10 countries in the GII 2025 are Switzerland, Sweden, the USA, South Korea, Singapore, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Chi...

  Skoltech researchers have developed a mathematical model to study how memory works. Their analysis led to unexpected insights that may advance the design of robots, artificial intelligence , and our understanding of human memory. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests there could be an ideal number of senses. If that is true, then humans with five senses might actually benefit from having a few more. “Our conclusion is, of course, highly speculative in application to human senses, although you never know: It could be that humans of the future would evolve a sense of radiation or magnetic field. But in any case, our findings may be of practical importance for robotics and the theory of artificial intelligence,” said study co-author Professor Nikolay Brilliantov of Skoltech AI. “It appears that when each concept retained in memory is characterized in terms of seven features — as opposed to, say, five or eight — the number of distinct objects held in memory is maximize...

  Scientists have used a neat chemistry trick to tackle a major challenge facing future batteries. Their breakthrough paves the way for next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries capable of powering 500-mile (800 kilometers) journeys on a single, 12-minute charge. Lithium-metal batteries differ from standard lithium-ion batteries in that the graphite anode is replaced with lithium metal. These designs offer much higher energy density, the researchers said in a statement. For EV drivers, this means batteries that charge faster and go farther. But scientists have been unable to build effective lithium-metal batteries due to "dendrites" a branching, crystalline substance that grows on the anode during charging, eroding battery performance over time. This worsens during rapid charging and increases the risk of the battery short-circuiting. But in a new study, published Sept. 3 in the journal Nature Energy, scientists have found a way to suspend dendrite growth. The secret li...

  Sarcoidosis remains a complex inflammatory disease affecting multiple organs. Recent research marks its variable course and the critical role of early diagnosis. This knowledge base page summarises key facts and insights for better understanding of sarcoidosis. What Is Sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is an immune disorder where clusters of inflammatory cells called granulomas form in organs. The lungs are most commonly affected. The exact cause is unknown but involves genetic factors, immune overactivity, and environmental triggers. Granulomas disrupt normal organ function and may lead to complications. Common Symptoms of Sarcoidosis Symptoms depend on the organs involved. Lung sarcoidosis causes cough, breathlessness, and chest discomfort. Skin symptoms include rashes and nodules. Eye involvement can lead to redness and blurred vision. Some patients show no symptoms and are diagnosed incidentally. Fatigue and weight loss are also common signs. Organ-Specific Effects Lung involvement m...

  A groundbreaking new study has found that the extreme conditions of space travel can accelerate ageing in human stem cells, raising crucial questions about astronaut health and long-term space exploration. The research that has been published in Cell Stem Cell was conducted by a team from the University of California, San Diego, and led by biochemist Jessica Pham. The research focused on haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), the cells responsible for producing and maintaining our blood supply. These cells were sent to low-Earth orbit aboard SpaceX resupply missions and remained on the International Space Station for up to 45 days. The results were startling: in microgravity, the stem cells showed clear signs of stress, including DNA damage, decreased regenerative capacity, increased inflammation, and significant telomere shortening, an established hallmark of cellular ageing. "Space is the ultimate stress test for the human body," said Dr Catriona Jamieson, a c...