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INTRODUCTION“Science is simply to imagine, invent andJunior College promotes the students toThe students are embarked on aopportunities, and interesting scientificYoung Minds [Science Debate], Mind-ChowContest were organized. These competitionsskill but also enriched them with experienceconducting an event. COSMOS V6.0,achievement of the Forum as it is the benchmarkForum now releases ISKRA 2016, the prestigiousarticles from different branches of Science

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTThe constant encouragement, support andRev. Fr. Sebastian Mathai and Vice Principal,motivated throughout our efforts. We aremotivated throughout our efforts. We areJunior College for their support. This magazineworked relentlessly on sharing their knowledgeeffort by both staff and students ensuredbe a success.

MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Preethi Immaculate Mary

Anandi Mathur

Ashritha R

Rumana Khatija

Harshitha B S

Harshith Kumar B A

Neelesh Chandra

and to inspire”. The Science Forum at Christto explore the various fields of Science.journey of varied experiences, newfacts. Various competitions like Clash of

Chow [Science Quiz], and Science Lecturecompetitions not only sharpen their scientific

experience in terms of organizing anda project based learning is another

benchmark of this year. To cap it all, theprestigious annual magazine, publishing

Science.

and motivation rendered by our Principal,Principal, Rev. Fr. Biju K Chacko have kept us

are also indebted to the faculty of Christare also indebted to the faculty of Christmagazine is a contribution of students who

knowledge and thoughts. The concertedensured that the Science Forum Continues to

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGEScience and day to day activities life areScience and technology has not only helpedquality of life but also has added curiosityinvariably made its importance felt in everymankind. United Nation has declared 2016highlight the awareness of the nutritional valuesustainable and more reliable food.

Science is much more than just a mere bodyof thinking. The Science Forum at Christ Juniorthis idea and gives oceans of opportunitiescreativity and sharpen their scientific skill. Thereevenly throughout the year. The lecture contestexhibiting their lecturing ability on a conceptselected students took part in Bangalore ScienceCollege. To take a step forward into developingother events such as : The Science Quiz- Mindof Young Minds, were conducted. These activitiesexperience in not only participation but alsoexperience in not only participation but alsoThrough these intra collegiate competitionstook part in numerous events conducted by

Field trip to the Indian Institute of Astrophysicsenriching this year. COSMOS V6.0, a projectJunior College was the bench mark of the year,number of 126 projects from various disciplinesSocial Science, Languages and English highlightingapplication of their learning, bringing intoinstitution. To add on, these efforts bore fruitand two projects for INSEF National Fair conducted

Last but not the least, the success of the2016-17 would have not been possible if teachersnot contributed.

Principal.

inseparable. Science is a way to life.helped us to understand and appreciate

curiosity to explore the unexplored. It hasfield and has enabled the wellbeing ofas The International Year of Pulses to

value of pulses, of their contribution to

body of knowledge; it also embodies a wayJunior College propagates and promotes

opportunities for students to showcase theirThere were numerous activities planned

contest had participation from all classesconcept with the help of teaching aids. The

Science Forum, organized by National PUdeveloping scientific enquiry and reasoning,

Mind Chow and the Science Debate-Clashactivities helped students gain first-handalso in organising and managing events.also in organising and managing events.

competitions students developed confidence andother colleges.

Astrophysics was the most enlightening andproject based learning, organised by Christ

year, as it witnessed an array of totaldisciplines including Science, Commerce,

highlighting the students’ skills andlight, the educational strength of the

fruit when a project was selected for IRISconducted by the Science Society of India.

Science forum for the academic yearteachers and you Christites would have

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CO-ORDINATOR’S REPORT

Science influences our day today life. Scienceour recent achievements. It has made ourIndeed, there are far too many to be counted

The United Nation has declared 2016 as Internationalheighten public awareness on the nutritionalsustainable food production. The Sciencein providing platform and opportunities tofor which it conducted a myriad of IntraLecture Contest, Science Quiz- Mind Chow,Minds.

The Lecture Contest conducted on varioustheir inner teaching abilities which madeScience. Winners of the Lecture Contest into showcase their talent through their participationScience Forum. The Science Quiz-mind chowvarious fields of Science through quizzingthinking, reasoning and answering in studentsMinds was the event that allowed studentsMinds was the event that allowed studentson topics by listing the pros and cons.

Another major event which took place thisIntra-collegiate Science fair. Cosmos is thewitnessed an array of 126 projects as itscientific temper to showcase their passionexperiments. The event helped studentscap, as our projects were selected for IRISproject exhibitions. We can certainly say thatacquire immense knowledge and application

The Science Forum at Christ Junior Collegeapproach towards gaining knowledge anddots of information into a vast network known

Preethi Immaculate MaryCo-ordinator, Science Forum

Science has made fantasy into reality withour life relatively easier than imagined.

counted.

International Year of Pulses as it aims tonutritional benefits of pulses as a part of

Science Forum of Christ Junior College believesto illuminate the importance of Science

Intra-collegiate competitions such as theChow, and Science debate-Clash of Young

various subjects helped students to bring outthem discover the broader prospects of

in each subject are given an opportunityparticipation in the prestigious Bangalore

chow enabled the students to explorequizzing. The quiz conducted sparked quick

students. Science debate- Clash of Youngstudents to express their opinions and viewsstudents to express their opinions and views

this year was Cosmos V6.0, the biannualthe bench mark of the Science Forum and

it gives every student to rekindle theirpassion for various subjects through their

students to add on yet another feather to theIRIS and INSEF which are National-levelthat events like these enable students to

application abilities.

College aims at improving every student’sand not just learns, that is connecting theknown as knowledge.

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A REPORT ON INAUGURATION

The inauguration ceremony of The Science14th June, 2016. The chief guest for the dayhis speech, he said, “My forté is to developteams, build effective leadership, to de-stress,leadership skills, and to enhance personal creativityundoubtedly the investiture, where leadershonored with a sash and scroll with a magnificentGuest, Faculty, Support Staff and fellow studentsone.

Science forum comes from its students andsummed up from teachers, core membersForum. The success of Science Forum isWorking for and under the expanse ofexperience. The energy of the team isfunctioning of it.

Science Forum has contributed in several waysand to those who believe that science is notlook at life. Science Forum has helped studentsfacts that constitute knowledge and lets students

Anandi MathurII PCMB G

INAUGURATION OF SCIENCE FORUM

Forum for the year 2016-2017 was held onday was Mr. Rajesh P I [Director/Actor]. During

develop theatre based training modules to developstress, to develop better communication andcreativity.” The highlight of the ceremony was

leaders of various Clubs and Associations weremagnificent flair. Our deep gratitude to the Chief

students who made the occasion a memorable

and teacher co-coordinators. Contributionsand volunteers, is what makes the Science

dependent on the team that comprises it.it has been a privilege and an invaluableunparalleled and is directed towards the

ways to students who are science enthusiastsnot just a subject, instead, logic and a method tostudents to connect bundles of information andstudents explore the vastness of Science.

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THE ENIGMATIC Rh NEGATIVEThe RHD gene is located on the short arm of theprotein which is a transmembrane ion channelWorldwide 85% of the people are Rh+ whiledescended from a primate ancestor.

Rh negative is associated with:o Extra lumbar vertebra – L6o Higher than average IQo Possessing psychic powerso Higher sensitivity to heat and sunlighto Low body temperature

Basque peopleThe inhabitants of the rocky coast of Bay ofBasques. They have no nation of their own. Thegroup and 21-36% of Rh negative blood group.1%]. Basques have long straight nose, thick eyemight be the descendants of the Neanderthalsyears ago. According to scientists the RHD geneyears ago.

Neanderthals Mountains of Basque Country

Royalty and blue bloodAlmost all European Royal Family members areThe Rh- blood seems to contain high levelsCopper gives blue colour in the veins. The royaltyusing silver cutlery extensively. Leaching of silverwhen it came into contact with the acids andfood. Silver is an excellent antibacterial agent,levels of silver can cause ‘argyria’ which pronouncesblue veins.The royalty were not exposed to directTheir skin was not tanned; it was almost translucentveins appeared bluish through the translucent skin

Queen Elizabeth I; the temple and hands are blueBecause of the above reasons, ‘blue blood’came to be associated.

the chromosome number 1. This gene produces achannel in the cell. Its physiological role is not certain.

only 15% is Rh-. This shows that human have

of Biscay and the Pyrenees Mountains are theThe Basque seem to have around 55% of ‘O’ blood

. [Europeans have around 16% and Asian aroundeye brows, strong chin and long ear lobes. They

Neanderthals. Neanderthals became extinct around 40,000gene mutated to form Rh negative around 35, 000

Mountains of Basque Country Basque peasants ploughing

are O negative.levels of copper.

royalty has beensilver occurred

and alkali in theagent, but highpronounces thedirect sun light.

translucent. Theskin.

blueblood’ and royalty

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NephilimScientists believe that the Rh- arose out of a mutationblood to mutate to such an extent, to have adifficult to understand. Rh- blood cannot bethinking about the Rh- blood. According to thisfloods and Noah’s Ark] Watcher Angels camewomen [because they were very fair] andNephilim blood was Rh-; it was not Rh+ as seenthe Book of Genesis Ch. 6 and Book of Numbersexample. He was born of Holy Spirit to Mary.of the Titans] castrated his father, Uranus tofell on the earth and from there sprang the

humans.

Nephilims can be seen in many religious mythologies. Hindu• Dhristadyumna and Draupathi, son and daughter of God of Fire and • Drona, son of Brihaspathi and Apsara Ghritachi• Hanuman son of Vayu• Karna, son of Surya• Lakshmana, son of Serpent God Anantha• Nakula, son of Aswini• Yudhishthira, son of Yama

Greek• Epaphus, son of Zeus• Helen of Troy, daughter of Zeus• Hercules, son of Zeus• Otrera, daughter of east wind, Eurus• Myrtilus, son of Hermes• Memnon, son of EosIs there any connection among the Basques, Royalty, It is enigmatic.

Eden Joseph Department of Biology

mutation. But many geneticists believe that aa new immune system to evolve will be tooduplicated or cloned. There is an alternate

this view, during the pre flood era [Biblicalcame from heavens and interbred with earthly

and produced giants known as ‘nephilims’.seen in the primates. Nephilim is mentioned in

Numbers Ch. 13 of the Bible. Jesus is another. According to Greek mythology Cronos [one

to control Greek Pantheon. Blood of Uranusthe giants called ‘earth born’. They were not

can be seen in many religious mythologies.

, son and daughter of God of Fire and PrashatiGhritachi.

Is there any connection among the Basques, Royalty, Nephilims, Gods and the Rh-?

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COLLOIDS AROUND USSubstances around us can be classified into mixturesclassified into solution, suspension and colloid.the particles present in the mixture. Colloid isproperties. Colloid is a heterogeneous systemphase] as very fine particles in another substancewas derived from a Greek word ‘Kolla’ for glue,solutions were glues. The following propertiessuspension. Size of colloidal particles [1 to 1000suspension. Colloidal particles can scatter light,Colloidal particles do not settle out rapidly andClassification of colloids is based on the followingPhysical state of dispersed phase and dispersionNature of interaction between dispersed phaseType of particles of the dispersed phase.Physical state of dispersion medium and dispersed

only eight types of colloidal systems are possiblein a homogeneous mixture, not a colloidal system

Types of colloid based on physical state

of dispersed phase and dispersion mediumSOLID

DIS

PE

RS

ED

PH

AS

E

SOLIDSolid sol

Gem stones

LIQUIDGel

Butter

DIS

PE

RS

ED

PH

AS

E

Butter

GASSolid Foam

Pumice stone

Tyndall Effect

mixtures and compounds. Mixtures are further. This classification is mainly based on the size ofan important class of mixtures exhibiting varied

system in which one substance is dispersed [dispersedsubstance called dispersion medium. The word colloid

glue, as some of the original organic colloidalproperties distinguish colloids from solution and

1000 nm] is in between that of solution andlight, the phenomenon being called Tyndall effect.

are not readily filtered.following criteria;

dispersion medium.phase and dispersion medium.

dispersed phase can be solid, liquid or gas. However;possible because a gas mixed with another gas results

system.

DISPERSION MEDIUM

LIQUID GAS

Sol

Gold sol

Aerosol

Smoke

Emulsion

Milk

Liquid Aerosol

CloudMilk Cloud

Foam

Soap lather

Not a colloid as this is a

homogeneous system

Leather Tanning

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Application of colloidsPurification of exhaust gas from factories: Smoke is a colloidal solution of solid particles such as carbon, arsenic compounds, dust, etc., in air. The smoke, before it comes out from the chimney, is led through Cottrell precipitator which precipitates solid particles by coagulation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kauc7OmmLQ

Leather Tanning: Animal hides are colloidal in nature thus treating them with tannin, results in hardened leather. Chromium salts are also used in place of tannin.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyCaonpEd70

Cleansing action of soaps and detergents:Through the formation of micelle, soap helps in emulsification and washing away of dirt in the form of oils and fats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxkjn-XhgE0

An Activity on Colloids

Find words associated with colloid

C A D G K

O L A E R

L D O O L

L D V U F

O S H G D

I F G X D

D I S P E

S W N O I

Courtesy:•www.ncert.nic.in•www.wikipedia.org•www.slideshare.net•Dinesh, Companion chemistryRimmy AugustineDepartment of Chemistry

Smoke is a colloidal solution of solid particles such as carbon, arsenic compounds, dust, etc., in air. The smoke, before it comes out from the chimney, is led through Cottrell precipitator which precipitates solid particles by coagulation.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kauc7OmmLQ

Animal hides are colloidal in nature thus treating them with tannin, results in hardened leather. Chromium salts are also used in place of tannin.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyCaonpEd70

Through the formation of micelle, soap helps in emulsification and washing away of dirt in

XhgE0

F Z S S B

O S O L S

A S H G L

M O C E O

S L G D C

S S Q W D

R S I O N

S L U M E

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IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING

“Social Networking is an online platform throughindividuals takes place and on some occasions,connections occur.” The effect of social networkinggeneration is encapsulated by gadgets and thegadgets have made social networking an irreplaceableindeed transformed our thoughts, mannerismstheir parents, socialize with peers and relativesthe usage of technology by the present youngerthinking and organising power is dwindlingnetworking most of our time. So here are its pros

Positive Effects:Hastens communicationSharing ideas, perspectives and participating inIt is a bridge over barriers of countries, regionsBoundary free interactions, thus world as a platformSocial networks act as invaluable tools for youthSocial networks may be used for networking professionally

Ill effects:Cyber bullying: a sort of bullying that is perpetratedIdentity theft: young minds run the risk of inadvertentlyIdentity theft: young minds run the risk of inadvertentlymost occasions; they are negligent towardsthemselves to being exploited. This is of maximumcases of cyber crimes like theft of identity. Studiesimpact people towards charity or expenditurepages. Such near subliminal advertising cancertain merchandise.

Addiction: spending most of the time on socialcapability and social responsibilities of the youth

Selfie syndrome: Photographs taken by oneselfSocial networking is inevitable and has engravedtechnology grows, people are under pressureassists young people to become socially approachableindolent and incompetent too. Thus, it is essentialwhen dealing with such situations.

Santhosh Kumar ADepartment Of Electronics

NETWORKING ON YOUTH

through which interaction between groups oroccasions, idea exchange over the internet and virtual

networking on youth is momentous. The youngerthe interactive social networks existing. These

irreplaceable aspect of life. Social networking hasmannerisms and etiquette, by which youth interact with

relatives. This is also a measure to relate almost, toyounger generation. We know that our critical

dwindling when we are addicted and succumb topros and cons for us to reflect upon ourselves.

in virtual symposiums is a lot easierregions and religions

platformyouth in various ways

professionally.

perpetrated using technology.inadvertently revealing their personal info as oninadvertently revealing their personal info as on

towards reading the privacy policies. Thus exposingmaximum importance in light of the increasingStudies reveal that social media has the ability to

expenditure though running advertisements on usercan undoubtedly lead an individual to purchase

social networking, degrades academic, interactiveyouth.

oneself and shared via social media.engraved a place for itself in the lives of people. Aspressure to accept distinct lifestyles. Social media

approachable as well as dynamic, but render themessential to exercise caution ,control and restraint

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CARCINOGEN CATASTROPHE

Polycarbonate plastics have played a majorPlastics according to the modern technology,coated or added with certain additives. Theseof food. Containers contain coatings and additivestransparency. Most of these additives are carcinogenshuman life and also ecological systems aroundare Bisphenol-A [BPA] and 2,3,4,7-tetrachlorobenzo

Bisphenol A mimics oestrogen and 2,3,carcinogen Exposure to Bisphenol A may causepuberty, infertility in men and women, multipleis also present as a pollutant in most of thelife to a great extent: reduction of hormones,production, decreased hatchability of larvae,delayed or absence of ovulation are some ofp-dioxin is a chemical that causes atherosclerosis,damage etc.

In the modern busy world we tend to ignorehazards they can elicit to the human healthhazards they can elicit to the human healthof these chemical compounds can be modifiedhuman body as well as such that they retainremains open to modern research in science

Vikas RoyanDepartment of Chemistry

major role in our lives for more than a century.technology, for making it more attractive and durable is

These additives help in maintaining the freshnessadditives to enhance the sturdiness as well ascarcinogens and others, neurotoxins; threat to

around us. The main toxic ingredients in the plastictetrachlorobenzo-p-dioxin.

,4,7-tetrachloro benzo-p-dioxin is a potentcause serious diseases like breast cancer, early

multiple brain alterations, obesity etc. Bisphenol Awater bodies and can adversely affect aquatic

hormones, inhibition of spermatogenesis and egglarvae, decreased sperm density and motility,

of the reported cases 2,3,4,7-tetrachlorobenzo-atherosclerosis, vascular ocular changes, nervous system

ignore the ill effects of potent carcinogens and theand disturb ecological systems. The structuresand disturb ecological systems. The structures

modified so as to prevent any interaction with theretain their original properties. This challenge still

science.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES BASED ON ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF Acalypha Indica AND

Ayurveda is a vast science that has a glorious historyits roots penetrated deep into the culture andmany medicinal plants, medicinal properties ofprocumbens which are often suggested and usedThese plants are found growing as a weed in India

Acalypha indica

Since their properties are well described in feware still unknown. But this study is an attemptproperties. We were privileged for such anUniversity Bio-Tech Lab under the guidance ofour project incharge teacher Mr. George Vergheseexplore for secondary metabolites and isolatethrough solvent extraction method involvingThe presence of secondary metabolites wereterpenoids, alkaloids etc, The extracts takengangrene patient, which showed positive resultsas well.

A survey of related literature of these plants alsotreating diarrhoea, asthma, and their usageastringents.

George Verghese PDepartment of Biology

Gagana.M and Yashwanth.BII PCMB D

PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES BASED ON ANTI MICROBIAL AND Tridax Procumbens

history in the field of Medicine. This system hastraditional practices among Indians. Among so

of two such plants: Acalypha indica and Tridaxused by elderly for various ailments, are studied.India.

Tridax procumbens

few Ayurvedic books, some of its propertiesattempt to find and present these unrevealed

an opportunity to experiment in the Christof Dr.Biljo V Joseph and Dr Vasantha V L, and

Verghese P. The objective of this project was toisolate the leaf extracts using Soxlet apparatus

involving organic solvents like acetone and butanol.were seen such as flavinoids, tannins, phenols,

from these plants were then tried out on aresults to prove it had anti-gangrene properties

also tells about the efficacy of these plants inusage as anti-inflammatory medicine and as

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QuaternionsMovement, if not one, is the most fundamentalwheels of a vehicle carrying its impatient passengersrunning carelessly in the mud or a bird takingmovements seem to be second-natured to usinto solving the mystery of motion in order tobetter way to explain to another than the usecalled it mathematics and its speakers calledtool to explain and understand movement alongor motion in one dimension]; along vast stretchesmovement of birds to a pin-pointed-accuracy.herself, was never satisfactorily explained by the

Then came along another speaker, by the namestory seems, got an answer to this grave problemwhich is now a place of pilgrimage to otherseeing this problem, and he called itQuaternionnumbers, only four times as complex, because,numbers, or they are also popular by the namereal component and three imaginary componentsfollow a disciplinary rule to simplify things, andQuaternions were successful in explaining the rotationalunderstand how to rotate objects in space. It helpedunderstand how to rotate objects in space. It helpedus after a tiring day, to create characters of a videoto play in other fields of science, and also in theoretical

As much as we have understood it so far, thereThe first among them is that a product of a quaternionmeans that the order in which they are multipliedis a minute complexity. The product can also bea little easier. It is also the origin of the cross-productthe other way around. Quaternion multiplicationpart, the real component is a scalar; the threethe cross-products. Quaternions have helped usnothing more than a few simple commands,rotation of objects. It has helped us to put satellitesfurther in solving all the mysteries that lie uponminds.

Kaushik MahadevanII PCMB C

fundamental aspect of animal or human life. Be it thepassengers to their destination; a child laughing and

a majestic and magnificent flight. And all theseus and, without saying it, men have contributed

to explain it to the common men. There is nouse of a language. They made use of a language;

themselves mathematicians. They used it as aalong a road [mathematicians called it linear motionstretches of lands [two dimensions] and also the

But, the rotation of a top, and of Mother Earththe speakers of mathematics.

name of William Hamilton, and as magical as theproblem when he was on a mindless stroll on a bridge

mathematicians. He introduced a new way ofitQuaternion is a number system, much like the realbecause, quaternions are an ordered quadruple of real

name of four-dimensioned-numbers. They involve acomponents [‘i’, ‘j’ and ‘k’]. And the imaginary parts

the rule is thus: i2 = j2 = k2 = ijk = -1rotational motion of objects in space. It made us

helped us create convincing graphics to entertainhelped us create convincing graphics to entertainvideo game, and it also has a very important role

theoretical mathematics.

there are a few important and interesting properties.quaternion with another is not commutative. That

multiplied plays a great role in the end product, whichbe expressed using matrices, which makes thingsproduct and dot-product, popular in physics, and

multiplication yields both scalars and vectors, for, the firstimaginary components are vectors, which yield

us rotate graphic images in virtual screens usingcommands, have helped us understand and predict the

satellites into space and has helped us take one stepupon the surface of the Earth, and even within our

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Bioluminescence: Living Lights, Lights

I have always imagined that the early humansmoon and stars. The place where I come from putnight and made me think again. These firefliesmighty fan of Enid Blyton novels, I concluded thatphenomenon of bioluminescence, also, inConnecticut was first observed from space in the

Bioluminescence is the process of production andBioluminescence can be seen in all groups ofchemical reactions in an organism. Bioluminescenceother species. Many deep sea fishes such asaggressive mimicry to attract prey. Bioluminescenceprey. The bacteria use bioluminescence reactionsgene expression in response to bacterial cell density

With the help of technology and modern Sciencefield of molecular basis and its applications suchinterest, for medical purposes: to detect Alzheimer'sdetermine the risk of dental decay, in warfareexamining drug-resistant pathogens, in the developmentocean ecology by measuring the distributionocean ecology by measuring the distributiontoxicity and in developing screening assays.

In conclusion, bioluminescence is a biologicalmarine organisms. It allows marine species todepths of the ocean. But I still wish to believe thatbeings. Who knows? They might just be the magic

“Magic is essentially the higher understanding of

Aleena ElizabethII PCMB C

Lights for Living.

humans found their way at night with the light of theput forth these marvelous glowing creatures at

fireflies had the power to ignite my imagination. As athat these were fairies. As I grew up, I learnt the

2005, a glowing area roughly the size ofthe Indian Ocean.

and emission of light by a living organism. Theorganisms. The light energy is the product of

Bioluminescence is used by a variety of animals to mimicas the anglerfish and dragon fish make use of

Bioluminescence in fireflies is used to attract mates orreactions for quorum sensing - ability to regulate

density.

Science the use of Bioluminescence is used in thesuch as used in genetic research, to tag genes ofAlzheimer's disease or cancer, in dentistry: to

warfare: to detect and track vessels in water, indevelopment of nonmaterial’s, to understand

of bioluminescent organisms, for evaluatingof bioluminescent organisms, for evaluating

biological phenomenon having large significance into communicate, attract prey and mate at thethat these light emitting organisms are magical

magic!

of nature.”- Anonymous.

14

Thus Spoke The CadaverHandle me with love and careAs I had missed it in my life affair Was too poor for cremation or burialThat is why I lie dissection hall.

You dissect me, cut me, section meBut learning your anatomy should be precise.Worry not, you would not be taken to courtAs I am happy to be with the bright lot.

Couldn’t dream of a fridge for cold waterNow my body parts are kept in refrigerator.Young students sit around me with friends

A few dissect, rest talk about food, family and movies.How I enjoy the dissection hoursDon’t you? Unless you are interrogated by a teacher.

When my parts are buried post -dissection Bones are taken out for the skeletonSkeleton is the crown glory of the museumSkeleton is the crown glory of the museumNow I am being looked up by great enthusiasm.

If not skeletons as loose bonesI am in their bags and in their hostel rooms.At times, I am on their beds as wellOh, what a promotion to heaven from hell

I won’t leave you, even if you pass anatomyWould follow you in forensic medicine and pathologyWould be with you even in clinical teachingMedicine line is one where dead teach the living.

MANDARA NII PCMB E

But learning your anatomy should be precise.Worry not, you would not be taken to court

Couldn’t dream of a fridge for cold waterNow my body parts are kept in refrigerator.Young students sit around me with friends

A few dissect, rest talk about food, family and movies.

Don’t you? Unless you are interrogated by a teacher.

dissection

Skeleton is the crown glory of the museumSkeleton is the crown glory of the museumNow I am being looked up by great enthusiasm.

I am in their bags and in their hostel rooms.

Oh, what a promotion to heaven from hell

I won’t leave you, even if you pass anatomyWould follow you in forensic medicine and pathologyWould be with you even in clinical teachingMedicine line is one where dead teach the living.

15

Heading Towards Stars for Colonization

Stephen Hawking has already listed overpopulationhumankind. To this Stephen Hawking has proposed

“We must continue to go into space for theTuesday speech at the Oxford University Union1,000 years without escaping beyond our fragile

The well known theoretical physicist offeredlikelihood of disaster compounds over time,window to develop technology such that whendevastating.

“Although the chance of a disaster to planet Earthup over time, and becomes a near certainty insaid Hawking. “By that time we should have spreaddisaster on Earth would not mean the end of the

Still, Stephen Hawking said, his prediction, assumingclimate change, the ravages of artificial intelligenceduring the next century. He later addressedresources will only hasten the arrival of a cataclysmic

To avoid the nearly realistic predictions of thebest hope for survival lies in the stars and spaceagree. For instance, SpaceX CEO and foundermission to Mars within six years. Likewise,planets since 2009, and has discovered more2,300 or so confirmed planets with the potential

“The first exoplanet orbiting another star likeresearch claims. “Exoplanets, especially smallscience fiction just 21 years ago. Thereafter,are on the cusp of finding something people have

Hawking ended on a positive note, saying thatimmense, it is a “glorious time to be alive andphysics. Our picture of the universe has changedhappy that I have made a small contribution.”

AshwithaII PCMB A

Colonization

overpopulation as one of the biggest threats toproposed a time-sensitive solution.

future of humanity,” Hawking said during aUnion. “I do not think we will survive another

fragile planet.”

offered a thousand-year deadline as he claims thetime, and provides humankind a wide enough

when the “big one” comes, it won’t be utterly

Earth in a given year may be quite low, it addsin the next thousand or ten thousand years,”spread out into space, and to other stars, so athe human race.”

assuming humanity will survive the effects ofintelligence and the rise of nuclear terrorism

the audience that those who devour Earth’scataclysmic end.

the future, Hawking concluded that our species’space agencies and entrepreneurs who tend to

founder Elon Musk hope to conduct a mannedNASA has been on the hunt for Earth-like

more than 4,600 “candidate” planets and anotherpotential for human colonization.

like our sun was discovered in 1995,” NASAsmall Earth-size worlds, belonged to the realm of

thousands of discoveries later, astronomershave dreamt about for thousands of years.”

that even though the challenges ahead areand doing research on the aspects of theoretical

changed a great deal in the last 50 years, and I am”

16

Superstring Theory

Superstring theory -- what is it? Well,question: what are the basic, fundamental,everything in the world around us, by attemptingPhysics: quantum theory and general theorydeals with the space-time warp, quantumparticle Physics. This theory aims at provingand the existence of many more dimensions

Earth being three dimensional and us beingmicroscopically so diminutive that it couldconscious about it; at a level where no equipmentliving and experiencing tiny curled up dimensionsmuch a part of the very larger dimension inof the observable universe. The earth in suchsmall, an insignificant part of cosmos whichwas with dimensions.

What’s with strings? According to Standardthat protons and neutrons are made upquarks and leptons, classified under fermionsleptons, responsible for matter while thereleptons, responsible for matter while thereThere are five Bosons: graviton, photon, gluonselementary particles of force and matter asvibrate differently, in terms of frequency,different quarks and leptons, which in turn

Considering gravity, how is it that gravitytogether, rather in the whole of cosmos? HowBy gravitons which have Strings deep inside[according to String Theory] and through the

Considering matter, they too have strings [accordingthem in an infinitely small dimensions.

So matter and the forces of nature all arestrings. So here was the unification of force

it's a theory that tries to answer thefundamental, indivisible, constituents making up

attempting to unify two distinct theories intheory of relativity. While General Relativity

quantum theory deals with the Standard Model ofproving that there are ‘strings’ inside of particles,

dimensions in whole of cosmos.

being conscious about it, consider an organismcould see at a level much smaller than ours,

equipment sees. That organism would bedimensions which are infinitely small but very

in which we live. Imagine Earth in the wholesuch a situation can be a point size, infinitely

which is in dimensions of cosmical size. So that

Standard model of particle physics, it describesup of the truly elementary particles called

fermions. There are six types of quarks andthere are force carrier particles called Bosons.there are force carrier particles called Bosons.

gluons and W and Z bosons. In each of theseas suggested, have strings that oscillate or

frequency, energy and pattern, hence leading toform neutrons, protons and electrons.

is keeping everything in the solar systemHow does gravity really act, through what?

inside them in an infinitely small dimensionsthe space-time warp.

[according to String Theory] deep inside of

put together under the rubric of vibratingforce and matter.

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Left is one among other illustrations of Strings thatmay [possibly] be inside of everything.How potential is String theory? That cananswered when the experiments conducted atLHC provide sufficient and large scale data thatbe used to prove String Theory and the existenceextra dimensions. The Large Hadron Collider isworld’s largest particle accelerator.

How will it prove String Theory and the existenceextra dimensions? The fact that the LHCaccelerate-graviton, protons etc. nearly at the speedof light, it will accelerate the particle in oppositedirections so as to bring about a head-on collisionwith the help of the magnets and their magneticfields in the LHC itself. The collision if, has enoughenergy, it may eject some of the debris fromcollision from our dimensions, forcing it to enter intothe other dimensions. How would we knowMeasuring the amount of energy after the collision,compare it to the amount of energy before, andthere's less energy after the collision than before,this will be evidence that the energy has driftedaway. And if it drifts away in the right pattern thataway. And if it drifts away in the right pattern thatwe can calculate, this will be evidence that the extradimensions are there. By proving extra dimensions[extremely small] itself, we prove String TheoryHence String Theory proves that gravity, quantummechanics, electromagnetism, are unified dueStrings, but only if the universe has more dimensionsthan the ones that we see!Anandi MathurII PCMB G

that

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India's Mangalyaan Satellite Successfully In Orbit Around Mars

All hands on deck: ISRO mission control for the MarsIndia is the first nation to successfully placeattempt, launched by the Indian Space Researchthe Mangalyaan [Mars craft] and has been orbitingmission is one of the cheapest interplanetary spacepar with the US, Russia and the European SpaceMars.

Powering into orbit"The odds were stacked against us. Of 51 missionssucceeded. We have prevailed," said the IndianISOR Telemetry, Tracking and Command NetworkThe craft's main engine – a 440 Newton Liquidstandby mode for most of its 300 day journey,standby mode for most of its 300 day journey,Monday to tweak the spacecraft's trajectory byorbit. The satellite used the LAM as well as eightcircling Mars in an orbit whose nearest point to76,993.6 km, such that it will take Mangalyaan aboutOrbiter Mission was launched from the SatishPradesh. After travelling 670 million kilometres,features, morphology, mineralogy and Martiangeology, origin, evolution and sustainability ofmission will help answer one of the big questionsbiosphere or even an environment in which lifeMaven mission – launched 13 days after Mangalyaancost a hefty $671m. Indeed, as the Indian Primeorbiter cost less than the blockbuster $100m Hollywoodwill put Mangalyaan through its paces, thoroughlyobservation of the planet. The 1350 kg craft carriesspectral camera and spectrometers, as well as ain the Martian atmosphere is of "biological orLyman-Alpha Photometer will measure the relativeLyman-alpha emissions in the upper atmosphere,of water loss to outer space. The methane sensorin the atmosphere and map its sources, if any are

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Satellite Successfully In Orbit Around Mars

Mars Orbiter Missiona satellite into orbit around Mars on its first

Research Organisation [ISRO] on 5th November, 2013,orbiting Mars from 24th of September 2014. Thespace missions ever launched, and puts India on a

Space Agency, which have also sent spacecraft to

missions attempted in the world, only 21 havePrime Minister Narendra Modi, who was at the

Network in Bangalore, 24th September.Liquid Apogee Motor [LAM] – which has been in

journey, was awoken and tested for four minutes onjourney, was awoken and tested for four minutes on2.18 m/s and set it on course to its pre-planned

eight smaller engines to put itself into orbit. It is nowto Mars is at 421.7 km and farthest point is atabout 73 hours to complete one orbit. The Mars

Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhrakilometres, Mangalyaan is now set to study the surface

atmosphere to better understand the climate,of life on the planet. The team hopes that the

questions about Mars: did the planet ever have alife could have evolved? In comparison, NASA's

Mangalyaan and due to arrive at Mars on Monday –Prime Minister pointed out in a speech, the ISROHollywood film Gravity. In the coming weeks, ISRO

thoroughly testing it and then beginning its systematiccarries five scientific payloads, including a multi-a highly sensitive methane sensor to assess if gas

geological origin". For example, Mangalyaan'srelative abundance of deuterium and hydrogen from

atmosphere, allowing researchers to estimate the amountsensor on board will look for traces of the methane

are found.

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Science FactsThere is enough DNA in an average person’sback – 17 times.

DNA is fine, spirally coiled thread in the nucleusso the cells ‘know’ what they are supposed toThe human genome, the genetic code in eachcontaining from 500 thousand to 2.5 millionare 1.7 to 8.5cm long when uncoiled, or aboutcells in our body, so if DNA is stretched out fromover 744 million miles. The Pluto is just 2,50,000to stretch from Sun to Pluto almost 17 times.

Polar Bears are nearly undetectable by infraredPolar Bears live on ice and snow, and are whiteaccurate count [census]. Scientist can go outlook for bears-shaped heat signatures in thethe infrared vision. The polar bears later ofbelow their skin, leaving the outer layer to bearound them. Only the bears face and breathwarm due to thick layer of blubber under theThermal cameras detect the heat lost by a subjectThermal cameras detect the heat lost by a subjectat conserving heat.

Snake charmers use spectacled cobra playingmovement of the pipe. The fangs of thesespitting cobra can squirt the venom into itsmeters. The venom is not deadly but it blinds

A viper’s venom kills the victim by making theirtreat haemophilia. This is the disease due to whichis also used to stop excessive bleeding after major

Fathima Mehraj and Vidyashree B MII PCMB C and II PCMB F

person’s body to stretch from the Sun to Pluto and

nucleus of every living cell serves as a guidebookto do.

each human cell, contains 23 DNA molecules eachnucleotide pairs. DNA molecules of this size

about com on average. There are about 10 trillionfrom all the cells, end to end, they do stretch000 miles away, so our DNA would be enough

infrared cameras!white. They blend in, making it hard to get an

out at night, armed with infrared cameras, andarea. But polar bears are entirely invisible in

of fur and blubber trap their body heat wellbe roughly the same temperature as the snow

breath can be seen in infrared. Polar Bears keepskin.

subject as infrared, but polar bears are expertssubject as infrared, but polar bears are experts

playing to it so that it moves along with thecobras are removed to make them safe. Aattacker’s eyes from a distance of about 2

the attacker and can be very painful.

their blood clot. Viper venom has been used towhich the person’s blood does not clot well. It

major surgery or trauma.

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The Universe Is 10 Times Vaster ThanAstronomers from Nottingham University conducteduniverse and thus concluded that previous estimates10. Gleaning data from The Hubble telescope alongnew mathematical model, it was estimated thatworld.

Beyond the realms of Earth through Time and SpaceIn order to comprehend how the researchers succeeded,by the term ‘observable universe’. Theoretically,light, other signals that have had time to reachThis universe is spherically centered on the observers,universe as an entity. As the speed of light is constant,universe as an entity. As the speed of light is constant,the universe looks at this instant of time. As weback in retrospect. Through discovering the numberwe know now, the Nottingham analysts have deducedout if our instruments were good. This seems likeobserve the extensiveness of the universe.

Why can’t we observe them?The galaxy census provides an answer to the ageparadox. It states that an infinitely old universestars dispersed. Considering the nearly unprecedentednight sky should be sparkling in light.The answer,distinguish us from all the major galaxies. As thea phenomenon: ‘redshift’. Bearing similarities withmove away, their wavelengths appear to dissipatebelow the level detectable by human eye, andwith the interstellar spaces are filled with particleslight. The particles include gases in their ionic, atomicdust and cosmic rays. A portion of this radiationthat appears to have no origin. The rest, however,

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Than We Thoughtconducted a survey of the galaxy population of theestimates deceive the census by a factor of around

along with others across the world, including athere are around 200 billion galaxies across the

Spacesucceeded, we need to first get what they imply

Theoretically, this universe can be seen from the Earth, i.ereach Earth since the initiation of cosmic expansion.

observers, irrespective of the trajectory of theconstant, we cannot ever get a true image of whatconstant, we cannot ever get a true image of whatwe look further away, we must consider looking

number of galaxies that exist in the universe thatdeduced the number of galaxies we would figurelike a big warning, albeit it’s the only way one can

age-old mystery which goes by the name of Olbers’universe which is static and has incredible number of

unprecedented number of stars as well as galaxies, theanswer, however, lies in the fact in the distances that

the universe expands, light reaching us undergoeswith Doppler Effect, as distant heavenly objects

dissipate. At a certain distance, the light will redshiftand subsequently telescopes. Also, galaxies along

particles of dust that tend to absorb and filter outatomic as well as molecular form, in addition tois seen as a background light, faint glow of light

however, disappears even before it reaches us.

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Antibody against Human ImmunoAIDS a curable disease.

Why is AIDS an incurable disease?This is because AIDS is caused by a retrovirus HIV,10kb that mutates very fast. Each nucleotide mutatesgenome into the host’s genome for replication,neutralize HIV, which is impossible. HIV also undergoesoften, this makes antibodies of our immune systemevery now and then.Hence it is impossible toproduced work for only a short duration, untilNovember 2016.This a typical question and thebyMr. Mark Connor sat the laboratories of NIAIDbyMr. Mark Connor sat the laboratories of NIAIDtreatments now science has reached to near curenamed 'N6'which can neutralize about 98%ofantibody interaction: Antibodies are naturally producedThey get attached to the virus at a particular siteattach itself to the host cell. Thus inhibiting lifeseen between the antibodies produced by ourregions which are hyper variable they are termedrecognize their binding sites everytime it undergoesantibody N6 , its function is not based on theregions on the envelope which are similar to all strains

VRCO1This antibody was isolated in the year 2010, thislike other antibodies targeted the V5 region andrecognize the virus and has lost its potency and[CD4 - T cells], enabling its own genome replicationKey feature for the success of N6 is the antibodypatient; it has evolved a unique mode of bindingHIV envelope (V5 region). Instead, its primaryfrequently among HIV strains. As a result, N6 canthe binding of sugars in the V5 area. Attachmentmechanism that contributes to the resistanceincluding VRC01. In fact, N6 proved to be ten timesof HIV strains. N6 was tested on 181 different strainsincluding 16 out of 20 strains immune to other antibodies

Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) makes

HIV, it has a very small genome (RNA) having onlymutates at least once in a day. It also attaches its

replication, thus one has to kill all the infected cells toundergoes alterations in its glycoprotein coat verysystem fail to recognise and neutralize the virus,

to cure AIDS once acquired, and the vaccines sountil the retrovirus mutates its genome again.

the answer refuted by the efforts of scientists ledNIAID and NIH. After 20to 30years of unsuccessfulNIAID and NIH. After 20to 30years of unsuccessful

cure of AIDS, that is by developing an antibodythe known antibody resistant HIV strains .HIV -

produced in our body to fight against pathogens.site on the cell envelope, where the virus would

life cycle of the virus.This kind of interaction is notour bodies and HIV because its envelope hasmany

termed v1, v2, v3...v 5. As a result antibodies fail toundergoes alterations. This is not the case of the new

variable region V5 but looks for the conservedstrains of HIV.

this could neutralize almost 90% of HIV strains, justand then due to alterations in this region failed to

and hence HIV took its course and got into the cellsreplication in large numbers, eventually killing T-cells.

antibody which was recently isolated from an HIV positivebinding that isn’t overly dependent on a variable area ofprimary focus is on the regions which do not change

can tolerate the HIV envelope alterations includingAttachment of sugars in this region poses as the underlyingresistance of HIV to other antibodies of the same class

times more potent than VRCO1 which blocked 90%strains of HIV and destroyed 98% of the samples,antibodies of its class.

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Hence N6 can recognize HIV despite its changespreventing it from targeting the rest of immuneeven after infection of HIV and therefore this can

While there are some mutations of HIV that aresuggests that the virus doesn’t have as much timetreatments scientists are exploring.Advantages of N6:

N6 may offer stronger and more durable preventionmay be able to administer it subcutaneouslyintravenously [into veins]. Scientists are very sureare currently available for AIDS.

Never lose hope:Those who consider AIDS as a death sentence canScience has once again proved that nothing is impossibleOf course, these results have so far only been demonstratedsee the same level of success in human trials; we

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changes in structure, as a result, binding to it andimmune cells. This can help our immunity cells survive

can definitely save lives of populations together.

are resistant to N6, they rarely developed. Thistime to react to the antibody as it has with other

prevention and treatment benefits and researcherssubcutaneously (into the fat under the skin) rather than

sure that it can replace all the treatments that

can now hope for a cure.impossible. That is the essence of Science.demonstrated in the lab, hopes are that we may

we need to remain cautiously optimistic.

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