Publications
Metabolite Profiling of the Indian Food Spice Lichen, Pseudevernia furfuracea Combined with Optimised Extraction Methodology to obtain Bioactive Phenolic Compounds
Research Paper
| June 7, 2021
Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf (Parmeliaceae) is a well-known epiphytic lichen commonly used in Indian spice mixtures and food preparations such as curries. This study is an attempt to find the best extraction methodology with respect to extractive yield, total polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content and antioxidant activities of lichen P. furfuracea.
Role of fungi in neurodegenerative diseases
Research Paper
| June 7, 2021
Thousands of patients with dreadful diseases are treated every year with medicines obtained by fungi. In fact, the medicinal value of fungal metabolites has been known for centuries, however, there has been an unprecedented change in the pattern and the prevalence of mycotic infections in humans due to the opportunistic and pathogenic fungi during the last 15-20 years.
Fungi as a potential source of pigments: Harnessing filamentous fungi
Research Paper
| June 7, 2021
The growing concern over the harmful effects of synthetic colorants on both the consumer and the environment has raised a strong interest in natural coloring alternatives. As a result the worldwide demand for colorants of natural origin is rapidly increasing in the food, cosmetic and textile sectors. Natural colorants have the capacity to be used for a variety of industrial applications, for instance, as dyes for textile and non-textile substrates such as leather, paper, within paints and coatings, in cosmetics, and in food additives.
Endolichenic fungi: a hidden source of bioactive metabolites
Research Paper
| June 7, 2021
Lichens are synergetic organisms composed of a mycobiont in relationship with one or more photosynthetic partners (photobiont). These organisms grow on various substrates and sometimes under extreme ecological environments. A different group of non-obligate micro-fungi also resides inside the internal tissues of the lichen thalli without causing any harm to them. These microfungi are called as endolichenic fungi (ELF).
Endophytic Fungi - An Untapped Source of Potential Antioxidants
Research Paper
| June 4, 2021
Antioxidants are the substances that interact inside and outside of a biological system against the damaging effects of highly reactive free radicals produced during metabolism. Among various natural alternative sources of bioactive metabolites, endophytic fungi ave emerged as a significant reservoir of potent antioxidant compounds. These scantly explored micro-organisms are prolific producers of novel compounds and have the capability to produce metabolites that are exclusively isolated from Plantae.
Development of thematic working groups, low-carbon transition and climate finance: A glimpse into the first high-level meeting
Article
| June 3, 2021
The first high-level meeting of India-EU Track II dialogue saw discussions around possible areas of collaboration towards a low-carbon transition and a way to mobilise climate finance for enabling this transition across energy, industry and transport sectors.
We never imagined that coal will disappear one day!
Article
| May 24, 2021
The article explores the various dimensions that inform a just transition and the complexities involved in moving away from coal through a case study of Betul which has seen a spate of coal mine closures, due to mineral exhaustion
COVID-19: a wake-up call to protect planetary health
Research Paper
| May 21, 2021
Set from the perspective of planetary health, the objective of this chapter is to examine the trends set in motion by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), attempting to discuss the long-term environmental and humanitarian implications. The emergence of zoonotic diseases has underscored that risk-based interventions need to be designed from the perspective of planetary health. The pandemic response must account for its implications on humans and the planet.
Lessons from the Pandemic – Accelerating Preparedness for Climate Change in India
Article
| May 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic could be seen as a forewarning of the other under-addressed global disasters which looming on the horizon, particularly those brought on by climate change. The onset of climate change impacts along with the climate-related natural disasters are an even bigger threat to public welfare and health than the ongoing pandemic.
Refurbishing Plastic for Climate Action: Finding Value in 'Waste'
Article
| May 18, 2021
Plastic waste often possesses significant untapped value which when regenerated through circular economy principles can help minimise its environmental impact. This second article in series discusses the key objectives and actions offered by TERI's roadmap to show the environmental action value of plastics