Annual Report 1999-2000

Scientific Research

Opportunities for Young Scientists

With a view to motivate and encourage Young Scientists to take R&D as career and retain them in science, the Department has continued to play a catalytic role in attracting young scientists towards science and technology by implementing a number of programmes. The Young Scientists programme of DST has the following specific objectives:

• To provide opportunities to Young Scientists for pursuing exciting and innovative research ideas.
  
• To provide opportunities for interaction and exchange of ideas with the scientific community both at the national and international levels.
  
• To involve Young Scientists in national S&T development process.
  
• To encourage S&T institutions, professional bodies and other agencies including State S&T Councils to develop S&T programmes involving Young Scientists.

Some of the major activities and programmes under this scheme involve supporting R&D projects, international BOYSCAST Fellowships, Contact programmes, fellowships through S&T Councils and Young Scientists' sessions at the annual session of Indian Science Congress.

R&D Projects:

Two meetings of the Management Advisory Committee and one Group Monitoring Workshop (GMW) were held. MAC recommended 20 projects for support. 41 young scientists for the award of BOYSCAST Fellowship and 6 Contact Programs for Young Scientists were also identified for support. The ongoing projects were reviewed by the mechanism of Group Monitoring Workshop (GMW) and peer review system and mid course corrections suggested wherever necessary. Some of the major achievements in ongoing projects during the year are as follows:

• The studies carried out under a project ‘Immunochemical diagnosis of myocardial infarction' has led in achieving significant success in developing new technology for immunochemical detection of serum LDH1 - an indigenous method for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). As compared to the duration of other tests, the time taken to complete the diagnosis is less than 10 Ministry under present trial system on a strip. The cost of the test may also be many fold lesser than the cost of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) measurement. An attempt is being made to develop an indigenous Strip-ELISA for the detection of LDH1 that may substitute for time and cost-effective diagnosis of myocardial infarction at the patient's bedside. These findings are useful in developing Strip-ELISA kit for diagnosis of myocardial infarction in emergency rooms of Coronary Care Units, particularly in Indian conditions where patients are presented late in hospitals. It will also be useful in smaller hospitals/dispensaries having limited facilities.
  
• In an attempt to identify the water potential using remote sensing and GIS overlaying techniques and to develop a computer data base for water resources under a project entitled "Water resources monitoring, exploration, and management for the development of the rural areas in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh using remote sensing and GIS techniques", a number of villages in eight mandals viz. Veeraghattam, Seethampeta, Bhamini, Kotturu, Hiramandalam, Patapatnam, Saravakota and Melipaputti were demarcated from the Survey of India toposheets and Srikakulam district hand books. Thematic maps like rainfall, land use/land cover, hydrogeomorphology, soils, slope, and drainage, were prepared by visual interpretation of IRS 1C LISS III data in the 1:50,000 scale. Locations for drilling bore wells, tube wells and openwells were identified and recommended. The socioeconomic data from various government organizations has been collected and source and use pattern of water for irrigation, drinking and livestock studied.
  
• Critical study in two key sectors of Attur Shear Zone (ASZ) and Cauvery Shear Zone (CSZ) respectively under a project to study ‘Tectonic evolution of the Palghat- Cauvery Shear Zones in southern India and its implication for east Gondwana Reassembly' insight very interesting results. Both the areas experience ductile shearing deformation with both vertical and horizontal movements. Kinematic analysis in these areas indicates dextral shearing for ASZ and sinistral shearing for CSZ. The occurrence of augen gneiss along the CSZ and their significance provides a new idea for the tectonic interpretation. To corroborate the transpersonal tectonics in the area needs detailed investigation in few more key sectors. More significantly, the new results can be applied for geodynamic evolution of South India and in correlation with other Proterozoic shear zones of East Gondwanaland.
  
• In another project involving computer image processing for microcirculation hemodynamics, studies were carried out to measure changes in cerebral/mesentric microhemodynamic parameters e.g. blood transfusion level, microvessel diameter change etc. in rat mesentry microvascular network, in hypotension, induced by acute hemorrhagic shock and to image microcirculatory network and associated topological parameters. A very potent mechanism demonstrating the close interrelation between rheological behavior and microvascular hemodynamics has been identified. The molecular mechanisms involved in white cell sticking to the endothelial cell wall and its rolling is receiving global attention.
  
• In yet another project involving studies on transition metal catalyzed reactions of alpha – Diazoketone, it has been shown that the cyclization and cycloaddition reaction of diazo ketones 4,10,14 and 16 in tandem or cascade fashion. The rhodium (II) metal catalyzed step is particularly attractive as the formation of two C-C bond formations and on C-O bond formation in a single step operation. Further, the intermolecular trapping of carbonyl ylide dipoles has proven to be an effective method for synthesizing complex polycyclic framework.
  
• Studies have been carried out on the effect of dbcA.MP on gap junctional channels mediated communication in C6 cells, a rat glioma cell line. Quantitative assessment of coupled cells under microscope after microinjection of a fluorescent dye was taken as measure of junctional permeability. This confirmed the spatial distribution of gap junctional protein(s) in the processes and also showed an increase in the density of the protein at the intercellular spaces in dbcAMP induced differentiated C6 glioma cells.
  
• The course of assimilate movement in panicle branches and individual spikelets were studied by using phloem specific fluorochrome 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF) in rice. The dye movement study indicate that the transport of assimilates in to rice caryopsis may be through two overlapping pathway. During the early phase, i.e. 1-5 days after flowering, the nucellus below the pigment strand may be the major route of transport to the developing endosperm. As the nucellar tissue is crushed, the nucellar epidermis may be the major, and at later stages, the only route of transport. The pattern of transport in rice is also comparable with the known patterns of transport in wheat and corn.
  
• Under yet another project related to ‘Characterisation of testes specific epitopes on testicular Yb2 GST and its cDNA cloning for further characterisation’ Rat GSTs from testicular source have been isolated. On comparison of NH2- terminal sequencing of the various isoforms with GSTs from somatic sources four isoforms were detected with similarity to rat GST M1,M2,M3 and alpha. Further studies with other GST isoforms M2, M3, and alpha revealed the absence of binding to these steroids. Studies with apoptogenic agents show that GSTs in the STF can be used as marker for damage caused to germ cells by reproductive toxins. Identification of Yb2 GST or GSTM2 gene by PCR has been standardized. The germ cells express GSTM2. This fragment has also been isolated.

Swarnajayanti Fellowships programme was launched on the ocassion of the 50th anniversary of our independence. The objective is to encourage young scientists to undertake basic research in frontier areas of science and technology and achieve standards of excellence, which are comparable to the best in the world. Outstanding young scientists in the age group of 30-40 years with a proven track record are eligible for these fellowships. The selcted candidates are given an attractive fellowship amount of Rs. 25,000/- per month and support to research programme in the frontier areas of science, engineering or medicine for a maximum period of five years. The support under the project covers grants for equipment, manpower, contingencies, consumables, travel including international travel and administrative and infrastructural support.

The programme has been widely disseminated to a large number of scientists within the country and abroad. A stringent procedure for screening the applications has been adopted. This includes Expert Committees in six subject disciplines viz. Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, a National Core Committee and an Empowered Committee of Secretaries.

Every year felowships are advertised. The process established for screening the applications received is followed. During the current year, 285 applications were received in all the areas. After due process of screening, six young scientists were selected for award of Swarnajayanti Fellowships (1998-99). Hon’ble Minister for Science and Technology made a statement in both the Houses of Parliament on October 26, 1999, announcing the awards. These awards were given away by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on January 6, 2000 to the following young scientists :

1. Dr. Debajyoti Choudhury, Mehta Research Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Physics, Allahabad.
2. Dr. D.Prasad, Mehta Research Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Physics, Allahabad.
   
3. Dr. V.V.Ranade, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune.
   
4. Dr. N.Kumar Sivarajan, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
   
5. Dr. S.Umapathy, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
   
6. Dr. R.Vardarajan, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
   

The scheme provides opportunities of young scientists for visiting international institutions in order to help them participate and contribute in front line chosen areas of Science and Technology. The duration of the fellowship is 3-12 months. Young Scientists and Technologists up to the age of 35 years are eligible for the fellowships and once trained in the chosen areas are able to generate and spread expertise at the national S&T laboratories. During the current year, 41 brilliant young scientists have been chosen for the BOYSCAST fellowships in various disciplines of science such as Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Paleaoclimatology, Organometallics , Supramolecular Chemistry, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, Plant Microbe Interactions , Plant Genetic Resources, Agricultural Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Transplant Biology, Industrial Microbiology, Semiconductor Physics, Mathematical Sciences, Electronic Materials and processing, etc. Reports of foreign guides of fellows who have now returned have graded them very highly and their work at foreign laboratories was considered of a very high standard.

The Department during the seventh five-year plan introduced the scheme ‘Utilisation of the Scientific Expertise of Retired Scientists (USERS)’. The main objective of the scheme is to utilise expertise and potential of large number of eminent scientists in the country who remain active and deeply motivated to participate in S&T development activities even after their retirement. The scheme has continued to play a significant role in involving a large number of retired scientists in S&T developmental activities. The main activity under the programme is preparation of books/monographs/state-of-the-art reports. During the year, 17 new projects were identified for support. Final reports on a few projects were also received.

In order to strengthen research in high priority areas, a new initiative called "Intensification of Research in High Priority Areas (IRHPA)", was launched during the beginning of 6th Five Year Plan. This programme has made a real impact at national and international scientific scene in terms of quality and quantity of work in important fields such as Neurobiology, Solid State Chemistry, Nano-materials, Materials Science, Surface Science, Plasma Physics, Macromolecular Crystallography, Ultrafast Process etc.

During the year, the focus of the programme was to generate more national facilities in frontline and emerging fields of Science & Engineering. Some of the new programmes sanctioned are as follows:

• International Collaboration for the study of Quark-Gluon Plasma at the Large Hadron Collider (Indian participation of ALICE experiment) (Jammu, Aligarh, Punjab, Rajasthan University).
  
• Fabrication of large area multi-junction Amorphous Silicon Solar Modules (IACS, Calcutta).
  
• Unit on Social Insect Biology (IISc., Bangalore)
  
• National Facility for Photolabelling & Peptide Sequencing in Biomolecular System (Phase II) (IIT, Mumbai)
  
• National Facility on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (NGRI, Hyderabad)
  
• R&D using Variable Energy Microtron : Establishment of National Facility (Mangalore University)
  
• 300 MHz High Resolution NMR Spectrophotometer (Kurukshetra University)
  

Some of the new initiatives are as follows:

• Research support facility for Ferromagnetic Fluids (Ferro-Fluids) -- Bhavnagar University
  
• National Facility for Geotechnical Centrifuge Studies (IIT, Mumbai)
  
• National Facility for Structural Biology (IISc., Bangalore)
  
• Confocal Microscope Facility (BHU, Varanasi)
  
• High Resolution X-ray Powder Diffractometer (IIT, Delhi)
  
• National Facility for Isotope Discrimination Studies for Water Use Efficiency ( University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore)
  
• National Centre for Experimental & Theoretical Studies in Non-accelerator Particle Physics, Atomic Physics and Cavity QED (IIA, Bangalore)

In addition, the progress of the ongoing programmes was also reviewed by the respective Management Advisory Committees.

The Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana programme made its beginning this year. This programme aims to encourage young students after Class X, XII and II year of B. Tech. and MBBS to take up a research career. They are offered attractive fellowships, contingencies grant and opportunities for academic consultation, summer training etc. with the help of leading research institutions in the country.

‘Science Stream’ selections are being handled by IISc, Bangalore whereas the ‘Engineering’ and ‘Medicine Stream’ selections are being handled by IIT, Bombay and ICMR, New Delhi (with the active participation of PGIMER, Chandigarh and AIIMS, New Delhi) respectively. After rigorous screening and interviews, about 75 students received these fellowships this year.

IISc, Bangalore will be coordinating this programme on behalf of DST.

DST joined hands with the DAE and MHRD to start national olympiads in Biology and Chemistry also and subsequent participation of Indian teams in the corresponding International Olympiads. We now have a National Science Olympiad Programme covering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology with the active support of DST, DAE and MHRD.

The Chemistry Olympiad team participated for the first time in 1999 in the International Chemistry Olympiad at Bangkok, Thailand and won 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. It was quite heartening to see each of the four participants receiving a medal in this maiden attempt.

The Biology team will participate for the first time in the International Biology Olympiad next year. This year, as per International Olympiad rules, India sent an Observer to the event.