Applied Scientist Awards

 Soil is often referred to as the “living skin” of the Earth, hosting a vast community of microorganisms that drive nutrient cycling, improve fertility, and support healthy plant growth. However, new forms of pollution are silently reshaping this delicate ecosystem. Among them, tyre wear particles (TWPs)—tiny fragments released from vehicle tyres during road use—are emerging as a hidden but significant threat to agricultural soils. Tyre Wear Particles and Soil Microbes When TWPs accumulate in soils, they introduce synthetic polymers, heavy metals, and other chemical residues. These particles not only persist for long periods but also interact directly with soil microbes. Microbial communities are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances, and TWPs can alter their diversity and functions. Such disruptions may weaken essential processes like organic matter decomposition, nitrogen cycling, and pathogen suppression. Impacts on Crop Performance Vegetable crops, being directly d...

Orbit 🚀 Mission Overview NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 has returned from an extraordinary mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and now the astronauts are preparing to share their stories, science, and discoveries in a live news conference on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 4:15 p.m. EDT . The briefing will be held at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and streamed live on NASA TV and YouTube, offering the public a chance to hear directly from the crew about their nearly five-month journey. 👩‍🚀 Meet the Crew Anne McClain (NASA) – Commander, a U.S. Army Colonel and test pilot with extensive spaceflight experience. She led the mission with precision and brought strong expertise in robotics and extravehicular operations. Nichole Ayers (NASA) – Pilot, making her first long-duration spaceflight. A former Air Force fighter pilot, Ayers helped operate the spacecraft and supported major science activities. Takuya Onishi (JAXA) – Mission Specialist, representing th...

  A Rare Celestial Spectacle This August, skywatchers will be treated to a breathtaking sight as six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—align in a grand planetary parade across the early morning sky. These rare alignments, though predictable, don’t happen often, making 2025 a special year for astronomy lovers. What to Expect Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will shine brightly enough to be visible to the naked eye. Uranus and Neptune, though much fainter, can be spotted with binoculars or a small telescope. On certain mornings, the Moon will also join the alignment, adding extra beauty to the cosmic scene. Best Viewing Dates The alignment will start forming around August 10, with notable events peaking mid-month. August 12 will feature a striking conjunction of Venus and Jupiter, appearing close together in the sky. On August 18, observers can enjoy a near-perfect line of Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon. The spectacle will continue into late ...

  1. Understanding the Neuroplasticity Hypothesis in Depression Depression has long been associated with imbalances in brain chemistry, but emerging research shifts the spotlight to neuroplasticity —the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural connections. In people with depression, neuroplasticity is often impaired, particularly in regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. This disruption contributes to persistent negative thinking, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive decline. Treatments that restore or enhance neuroplasticity, such as certain antidepressants or brain stimulation therapies, have shown promising outcomes. But what if similar benefits could be achieved through natural, traditional remedies? 2. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Brain Health Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views mental health through the lens of holistic balance—of energy (Qi), blood, and organ systems. Specific Chinese herbs have been used for centuries ...

  How Optical Gas Sensors Revolutionize Pond Oxygen Testing! In aquatic ecosystems, dissolved oxygen (DO) is one of the most critical indicators of water quality. It directly affects the health and survival of fish, plants, and microorganisms. Traditionally, measuring DO has relied on electrochemical sensors , such as polarographic or galvanic probes. However, these conventional tools come with challenges: frequent calibration, short lifespans, sensor fouling, and inconsistent accuracy over time. With the emergence of optical gas sensor technology , pond oxygen monitoring has entered a new era. What Are Optical Gas Sensors? Optical gas sensors use luminescence-based detection to measure the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. A sensor tip coated with a special dye is exposed to light, and the intensity or lifetime of the emitted fluorescence changes depending on the oxygen concentration. This method is highly accurate, stable, and not affected by water flow or electrical inte...

 In 2027, the world will witness one of the most breathtaking astronomical events of the century—a total solar eclipse that will plunge parts of the Earth into darkness for an extraordinary six minutes . Scheduled for August 2, 2027 , this eclipse is not just another celestial event; it will be the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century . During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely covering the Sun's disk and casting a shadow over Earth. For a few minutes, day will turn into night, stars may appear, and the Sun’s corona—the outermost part of its atmosphere—becomes visible to the naked eye, creating an awe-inspiring halo. The path of totality for this eclipse will stretch across parts of North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East , with prime viewing spots including Egypt, Saudi Arabia , and parts of Spain . Skywatchers in these regions will experience up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds of darkness—an unusually l...