Non-communicable diseases as a major contributor to deaths in 12 tribal districts in India.

Background & Objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in India. Although studies have reported a high prevalence of NCD in tribal populations, there are limited data pertaining mortality due to NCDs. Therefore, in this study we estimated the proportion of deaths due to NCDs among 15 yr and older age group in tribal districts in India.

Sleep patterns, daytime predation, and the evolution of diurnal sleep site selection in lorisiforms.

Objectives: Synthesize information on sleep patterns, sleep site use, and daytime predation at sleep sites in lorisiforms of Asia and Africa (10 genera, 36 species), and infer patterns of evolution of sleep site selection.

Materials And Methods: We conducted fieldwork in 12 African and six Asian countries, collecting data on sleep sites, timing of sleep and predation during daytime. We obtained additional information from literature and through correspondence.

Progress in the development of gelling agents for improved culturability of microorganisms.

Gelling agents are required for formulating both solid and semisolid media, vital for the isolation of microorganisms. Gelatin was the first gelling agent to be discovered but it soon paved the way for agar, which has far superior material qualities. Source depletion, issues with polymerase-chain-reaction and inability to sustain extermophiles etc.

Chemosensory apparatus of Drosophila larvae.

Many insects, including Drosophila melanogaster, have a rich repertoire of olfactory behavior. Combination of robust behavioral assays, physiological and molecular tools render D. melanogaster as highly suitable system for olfactory studies.

Evolution of bacterial and fungal growth media.

Microbial media has undergone several changes since its inception but some key challenges remain. In recent years, there has been exploration of several alternative nutrient sources, both to cater to the specificity in requirement of growth of "fussy microorganisms" and also to reduce costs for large-scale fermentation that is required for biotechnology. Our mini-review explores these developments and also points at lacunas in the present areas of exploration, such as a lack of concerted effort in pH and osmolarity regulation.

MicroRNA Targets - How to predict?

A number of web tools are available for the prediction and identification of target microRNAs (miRNAs). The choice, availability, validity and selection of an optimal yet appropriate tool are a challenge for the design of high throughput assays with promising miRNA targets. The current trends and challenges for target microRNAs (miRNAs) prediction, identification and selection is described in this review.