From becoming the first country to reach the south pole of the Moon, to rolling out a national quantum mission, 2023 was a landmark year in science for India.
The country also lost the architect of its green revolution and experienced several avoidable natural disasters, such as the Sikkim glacial lake outburst, a stark reminder of the necessity of synergistic scientific advice.
Nature India's top 10 most-read articles in 2023 mirror these trends.
1. Low current around roots boosts plant growth
This highlight, linking science to sustainable agriculture, was our most read article in 2023.
Soil microbes interact with plant roots to generate low voltage. Bioengineers at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology in Hyderabad used this current to accelerate growth of mung bean and chickpea plants. Electrodes planted in the soil converted this natural energy into a growth-boosting current, speeding up photosynthesis and increasing stress tolerance.
2. Quantum-based technologies can solve India's sustainability challenges
Scientists and entrepreneurs say quantum technologies must be harnessed to find solutions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). But there's a pressing need for standardization and self-sufficiency of quantum technology in India. This feature describes the need to deploy futuristic technologies to find solutions to India's most pressing problems.
3. Metal-based foamy material absorbs harmful electromagnetic radiation
A team at the CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute in Bhopal created a composite material which when coated on devices such as smartphones, tablets and microwave ovens, sponges off potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation. The scientists synthesized the material by depositing nickel oxide and carbon nanofibre on a foamy aluminium structure. Adding the metal oxide and nanofibre to the aluminium enhanced its resistance and reduced its conductivity, allowing it to absorb radiation.
4. Sinking Himalayan town leaves thousands of homes at risk
Joshimath, an important Hindu pilgrim centre in the Central Himalayan state of Uttarakhand, rapidly sank in January 2023, displacing thousands. Scientists had consistently warned about the city showing signs of distress due to increasing human activity. The city's foundation lies in ancient landslide deposits of sand and stone instead of rock, making it vulnerable to hazards such as changing weather patterns, abnormal rainfall, and development activity. This investigation looked at the reasons behind the failure of policy-makers to listen to repeated science-based warnings.
5. Chandrayaan-3 lands on the Moon's south pole
On 23 August 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 made history as it touched down near the Moon's rock- and crater-dotted south pole. The spacecraft carried out a string of experiments that will continue to reveal properties of lunar soil and rocks. Watched by millions, the feat made global headlines.
6. Non-toxic quantum dots might help image human cells
Nanoparticles were in the spotlight with the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizing the discovery and development of quantum dots. These core-shell dots, developed by a team at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Pune, emit a pure blue light in a solid state and solution and can be used to safely image live cells and in solid-state displays.
7. Architect of India's green revolution M. S. Swaminathan passes away
India mourned the passing away of the architect of its green revolution Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan on 28 September 2023. His groundbreaking work in agricultural research, high-yielding crop varieties, and dedication to sustainable farming made India self-sufficient in food production. This obituary paid tribute to Swaminathan's work in science, policy and community engagement to tackle the pressing challenges posed by climate change and food insecurity.
8. Assam lemon shows wide genetic diversity
A chance seedling in a government research farm in Assam, 67 years ago sprouted a unique aromatic lemon variety, now vital to Assamese diets. Gauhati University researchers genetically analyzed lemon samples from 97 locations in the state. Results showed significant genetic diversity, indicating the need for conservation efforts to maintain the cultivar's qualities and assist farmers in breeding programs. This story highlights the social benefits of plant genetics for India's biodiverse northeast region.
9. Organic dye lights up an essential protein in living cells
Sambalpur University researchers created a non-toxic organic dye that binds to the cellular protein actin. The dye glows bright red under ultraviolet light, facilitating imaging and monitoring of actin's role in cell shape, adhesion, and mobility. The dye's effectiveness in fruit fly gut, testes, and eyes and its potential use in anticancer drug development make it a potential bioimaging tool.
10. Our mobile world: Tackling e-waste
In 2023, Nature India has been running the Our Mobile World podcast, discussing how smartphones are changing India's science-society dynamics and the way researchers work. Across 10 episodes, we are exploring the role of these pocket-sized devices in transforming how science is done. In Episode 6 of the series, we delved into research and processes that go into handling India's huge e-waste stocks.
