Latest news with #Bacillus
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
BBAU prof facilitates in setting up biofertilizer unit in Himachal
Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University's (BBAU) environmental science professor Naveen Kumar Arora played a significant role in setting up a biofertilizer production unit and laboratory recently established in Himachal Pradesh. "I provided technical training to the staff of the Manav Vikas Sansthan, Himachal Pradesh, for the development of microbe-based biofertilizers. These biofertilizers have been successfully used over time to increase crop productivity in several villages of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in an eco-friendly manner," said Arora. He further said that, so far, the biofertilizers had been developed and supplied by BBAU to villagers in the three states under a project funded by DST-SEED, ministry of science and technology. But now, with the establishment of the new unit and laboratory at Bilaspur, in collaboration with Manav Vikas Sansthan, production has begun in Himachal Pradesh. "In the developed lab, biofertilizers involving microorganisms such as Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus, along with several other useful microbial strains, will be prepared. These important microbial strains were provided by me to the newly established biofertilizer unit," he added.
Tom's Guide
20-06-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
Monstera infested with fungus gnats? So was mine — here's how I nursed her back to health
I never thought I'd be a plant parent. I used to find houseplants very daunting, and anytime someone gifted me a plant, it would die under my care — yes, I killed the cactus my best friend gave me for my birthday. Then I met my partner. When we first got together, she had nearly 10 houseplants she doted on. And ever since we've started living together, that collection has grown to nearly 20 — I never thought I'd say this — I've become a plant mom. It's always been my dream to own and nurture a monstera deliciosa (commonly known as a Swiss Cheese Plant), so we bought one that had just one leaf from an independent plant store a year and a half ago. We named her Fudge, as we name all of our houseplants. Fudge was thriving, popping out leaves with fenestrations every so often... and then tragedy struck. I spotted a few tiny flies, which I later realized were fungus gnats, buzzing around her lush leaves and in her soil — and I panicked. I immediately texted one of my best friends who works on a gardening magazine and asked her for advice. She walked me through it, and I did some research, spending way too much time on r/monstera. Et voilà, Fudge was free of fungus gnats within a month. If your monstera is struggling with a fungus gnat infestation, let me walk you through what I did — and hopefully, your monstera will be sprouting new leaves within no time, just like Fudge. I won't lie, fungus gnats are nasty and gross. These tiny flies aren't harmful to humans or otherwise healthy plants, but if you have a baby houseplant, they can seriously damage the root system. Fungus gnats appear when the top layer of your soil stays moist for long periods, and they're attracted to the organic-rich environment of the soil. If you're overwatering your plants, chances are you'll attract a few fungus gnats. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Once they appear, they start breeding, laying eggs in the plant's soil (yep, gross), and they multiply like crazy. The larvae munch on the roots and, like I said, can severely damage your plants. So you see why I freaked out? Fudge, our monstera, is very precious to me. We grew her from scratch and I'd be damned if I let anything happen to her. Also, if you don't get rid of fungus gnats promptly, they will spread to other houseplants. Trust me, I speak from experience. To get rid of fungus gnats (again, so gross), you need to kill the problem at the root (pun not intended) — you need to destroy the foundation. Fungus gnats lay eggs in your plant's soil, and there are a couple of things you can use to kill them. The first thing you need to do is grab a bag of mosquito bits. Mosquito bits contain Bacillus thuringiensis serotype israelensis, a type of larvicide that kills the eggs laid by fungus gnats in your plant's soil. It's the first line of defence. Mosquito bits contain BTI — Bacillus thuringiensis serotype israelensis — which is an organic larvicide, and you can buy a big bag for $14 / £24 at Amazon. While you're waiting for your order, remember to isolate your infested plant. Like I said, fungus gnats spread quicker than you can imagine. After Amazon promptly delivered the bag of mosquito bits the next day, I made what's called a "tea." I don't know how many times I can say this but again, vile. I then soaked four tablespoons of bits per 4.5 litres of warm water, and kept them soaked for 30-60 minutes. Then, I used a strainer/sieve to separate the bits from the water. These bits contain corn, so if they find their way into your plant soil, they will mould. I then watered the top layer of my monstera's soil and let it soak through. I used the solution every 4-5 days until I was sure I'd killed the larvae. While the mosquito bits are working on killing the larvae, you need to get a pack of sticky fly traps. Even if you kill the larvae, the step would be moot if adult fungus gnats are still flying about because they'll just lay more eggs (this is going to make me throw up). Sticky fly traps are bright yellow, and fungus gnats are attracted to that, so adult ones will fly right at them and get stuck to the glue. Fungus gnats are attracted to bright colors, like yellow, so adult gnats will fly straight at these sticky fly traps and get stuck to the glue, which will keep them from reproducing. I'd recommend grabbing a pack of 36 sticky fly traps, available for $9 / £4 at Amazon. Yes, you're gonna need a few. After I bought mine, I stuck a couple in our monstera, Fudge-y, and two each in every other plant that was in her vicinity when this problem started. The morning after, I was disgusted to see how many adult gnats were stuck to the sticky fly traps. But hey-ho, I had actually gotten rid of most of them over the span of 30-odd days! To ensure that I had gotten rid of all the fungus gnats and to ensure our monstera had a healthy, thriving environment, I also decided to change her soil. I ordered a bag of repotting mix for just £8 at Amazon U.K. I took our monstera to our balcony, carefully pulled Fudge out of her original soil (keeping the moss pole/stake intact), and wore a pair of gloves to separate the oil from her massive, healthy roots. This is the repotting mix I bought in the U.K. but any soil you know is of good quality will do. While I was doing this, I noticed there were still a few fungus gnats crawling at the bottom of her pot and flying around in a frenzy, trying to escape. One of them flew into my mouth. Yes, that happened, and I still haven't recovered because a) gross, b) disgusting, and c) ew. I'll wear a mask next time (but hopefully there won't be a next time). Anyway, I washed our monstera's roots with warm water and then placed her in a new pot and added the repotting mix to it. I quickly and easily did this, then watered her, cleaned her leaves, and misted them. I placed her in my home office, away from the other houseplants, to control exposure and give Fudge time to recuperate. A week later, I spotted a new leaf growing on Fudge, which was a sign that she was healthy and happy and getting enough sunlight. I haven't spotted a fungus gnat around her since, but if it does happen again, at least I'll be prepared. It all paid off, and in the end, I did it all for under £40 — but I'd easily spend as much as needed to ensure our monstera's health and safety. Yes, I am a very protective plant mother. Never saw this coming, but man, does talking to my plants and looking after them fill me with unbridled joy. Have any of your houseplants ever gone through a fungus gnat infestation? How bad did it get and are there any tips and tricks you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments!
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Researchers earn patent for herbal organic hand sanitizer
Vadodara: Researchers at Parul University (PU) here have been granted an Indian patent for a herbal organic hand sanitizer, offering a safe, alcohol-free solution to protect against germs. This innovation, rooted in plant science, provides a gentler and more sustainable alternative to traditional sanitizers, which often cause dryness and skin irritation with repeated use. A PU team, which included Avani Khristi, Falguni Tandel, Vrushank Nizama and Dr Abhay Dharamsi, formulated the sanitizer using plant extracts from cinchona and aloe vera, known for their powerful antibacterial and skin-soothing properties. Designed to address the harsh effects of alcohol-based sanitizers, the herbal solution is alcohol-free, making it especially suitable for frequent use and sensitive skin. Laboratory evaluations confirmed the sanitizer's effectiveness in eliminating harmful bacteria, including E coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus species, the researchers said. This product comes in four natural and refreshing fragrances, offering users a pleasant sensory experience while maintaining high standards of hygiene. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Neuropathiepijn? Miljoenen praten over dit apparaat KneeTens Undo "This development comes at a time when public awareness around hygiene and infection prevention is at an all-time high. By offering a natural, non-toxic and sustainable hygiene solution, the product supports both individual well-being and environmental care," said PU's vice-president Dr Geetika Patel.
New York Post
02-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
How kissing can actually spread depression and anxiety: study
Baby got bac! We all know that kissing and other close contact can transmit infections like the common cold, mononucleosis and herpes. A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing, too. 3 A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing. – Depression and anxiety can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth. Spouses can transfer this bacteria while smooching — in fact, prior research found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred in just one 10-second kiss. The authors of the new study found that when one spouse had poor mental health and trouble sleeping, the healthy partner suffered similar symptoms after just six months. Bacteria were to blame. 'Specifically, in couples where one partner had [depression/anxiety], the oral microbiota of the healthy spouse mirrored that of the affected partner,' the researchers wrote in the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine journal. 3 Depression and anxiety can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth. Tinnakorn – The team followed 268 newlywed Iranian couples. One set of the honeymooners reported struggling with depression, anxiety and sleep problems while their spouses were healthy at the start of the study. Participants completed surveys about their mental health and provided saliva samples for cortisol measurement and oral bacteria swabs for DNA analysis. The researchers reported that the healthy spouses, particularly women, had significant increases in depression, anxiety and sleep difficulties after six months. These symptoms were not as intense as their partners'. Four types of bacteria — Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus and Lachnospiraceae — were relatively abundant in the samples. Some species of these bacteria may be harmful to health. 3 Prior research found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred in just one 10-second kiss. Alessandro Grandini – The researchers acknowledged several limitations to the study, including not taking into account underlying health issues and dietary factors that may influence oral bacteria. They suggest exploring whether bacteria play a role in other mental and brain-related conditions. Therapists and researchers have long recognized that a person's mental health struggles can have a 'ripple effect' on loved ones. This new study suggests that this impact is fueled in part by harmful mouth bacteria. Studies have identified other ways couples can be in sync. Their heart rates, sleep patterns and even their stress and reproductive hormones can synchronize over time.
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First Post
29-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Can kissing spread depression and anxiety?
The research, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, examined the oral microbiome of 268 newly-married couples, the levels of cortisol in their saliva and their mental health. Here's what the study found about kissing leading to depression and anxiety read more They study involved examining the oral microbiome – a diverse array of microorganisms that reside in the human mouth – of 268 newly-married couples. Image courtesy: Pixabay/Representational Can kissing spread depression and anxiety? It may sounds unbelievable, but this is what a recent study has found. Researchers did so by studying the oral microbiome of over 250 newly-wedded couples. But what do we know? What did researchers find? Let's take a closer look What do we know? The research was published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine. It was led by independent researcher Reza Rastmanesh. As per Jerusalem Post, the entire team included researchers from Italy, India, Iran, and Great Britain. They study involved examining the oral microbiome – a diverse array of microorganisms that reside in the human mouth – of 268 newly-married couples in Iran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Given that bacterial transmission can occur between spouses, this study aimed to investigate whether the transmission of oral microbiota between newlywed couples mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,' the researchers said, as per New Atlas. As per Daily Mail, the study was conducted from February 2024 to October 2024. The study said women were more likely to be impacted than men. Image courtesy: Pixabay/Representational Patients were asked not to change any of the habits during the study. At the beginning of the study, one partner was in good mental health while the other had issues such as anxiety and depression as well as insomnia. Researchers studied the oral microbiome and measured cortisol in the saliva of all the participants on the first day of the research. They also gave the couples mental health tests and used advanced DNA sequencing techniques to examine the mouth bacteria. They then did so after six months and compared the two. What did they find? As per Daily Mail, the results found that the previously healthy spouses 'exhibited significantly higher scores for depression, anxiety, and insomnia compared to their own baseline measurements'. In short, it found that the spouses who suffered from insomnia and mental health conditions 'infected' the formerly healthy spouses. According to Hindustan Times, the mouth bacteria in the formerly healthy spouse now looked more like their unhealthy partner at the beginning of the study. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The study found bacteria such as Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae became more widespread in both partners. These bacteria are linked to brain disorders, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Scientists say these bacteria impact the brain by degrading the blood-brain barrier. The study said women were more likely to be impacted than men. The study also found that levels of cortisol had increased in the formerly healthy spouses. So, what is to blame? Kissing, the researchers said. More specifically, the bacteria that was exchanged between the mouths of the spouses. 'Oral microbiota transfer between individuals in close contact, such as couples in the present study, may mediate depression and anxiety,' said the researchers, as per New Atlas. 'We found that changes in oral microbiota composition are associated with changes in the severity of insomnia, salivary cortisol levels, and depression and anxiety scores. Our findings align with previous studies on salivary cortisol levels as well as depression and anxiety scores.' At the beginning of the study, one partner was in good mental health while the other had issues such as anxiety and depression as well as insomnia. Representational image. Reuters However, the authors acknowledged several limitations with the study. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This included the fact that only Persian-peaking couples based in Iran were studied. The study also did not take into account other external factors such as major life events and dietary changes. They said more research is needed. 'Since this study is associational, further research is needed to establish whether this association is causal,' the researchers said. 'If it is determined that this association is indeed causal, it could have significant implications for contemporary research.' With inputs from agencies
