Monthly Archives: October 2014

‘Cancer can be treated without chemotherapy’

Science & Technology, World Opinion

Oncologists from Fuda Cancer Hospital, Guangzhou, China on Monday said that a cancer treatment technique ‘Cryosurgical Ablation (CSA)’ has been effective in treatment of the disease without the need for painful chemotherapy. The surgeons said that between 2008 and 2014, they have treated close to 8,000 patients with a success rate of more than 70 per cent in China.

On Monday, while interacting with presspersons, oncologist and vice-president, Fuda Cancer Hospital, Dr. Mu Feng said that there was no need for chemotherapy and radiation under CSA. “Cancer side effects have the potential to complicate patients’ recovery process. In CSA, there is no need for chemotherapy, a huge advantage for patients,” he said.

CSA is a procedure where cryo-probes are inserted around tumours to lower temperature of the targeted area to minus 160 degree Celsius or even lower. Later, temperature is raised and brought up to 20 to 40 degree Celsius. This is repeated two to three times, resulting in the destruction of tumour cells.

“Once the tumour cells are destroyed, they start releasing antigens, stimulating immune system to react. This eventually eradicates the remaining cancer cells and reduces chances of recurrence. This is applicable for small and large tumours, single tumour or several tumours and there is less pain for patients,” the doctor said.

However, this technique is only to manage localised tumours and not for ailments like blood cancer or brain cancer, the doctors clarified.

According to the hospital officials, this year, close to 63 Indian patients underwent CSA at its facility in China. “While there is not much difference in cost of treatment, the big advantage is no side effects. The recovery process is quick. This procedure has already been adopted in US,” the doctors said. For details contact on 094221-09789.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Corrrespondent / Hyderabad – October 14th, 2014

Thankful for His Teachers

Amazing Feats, Leaders, Records, All, Science & Technology, World Opinion

A volley ball enthusiast, ever-learning photographer, avid reader of science-related articles, ardent blogger and a passionate father would be too few words to describe Syed Maqbool Ahmed, who is presently heading the Central Instrumentation Laboratory of the University of Hyderabad, where he oversees the day-to-day functionings.

Perhaps the description that instantly draws eyeballs to him would be of his association with India’s successful Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyaan. Ahmed is the person who developed a quadrupole-based mass spectrometer, CHACE (Chandra’s Altitudinal Composition Explorer), which was used in India’s mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-1, which discovered water there. An upgraded variant of CHACE, named MENCA (Mars Enospheric Neutral Composition Analyser), is aboard Mangalyaan.

The 53-year old Principal Scientific Officer is known for his passion for science. Having worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the US earlier (1994-96) and with ISRO’s Chandrayaan-1 project, Ahmed is a content and accomplished scientist who acknowledges the role of destiny and his teachers in his success.

Ahmed was the project manager of the team of scientists who, as part of the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) mission, developed an indigenous science payload called CHACE, which detected the presence of water on the Moon in November 2008.

Hailing from a middle class family in the remote village Alampur in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana, Ahmed went to Hyderabad for higher studies after completing his schooling in the Telugu medium. “My family, comprising five brothers and three sisters, wanted me to become an Engineer due to obvious reasons of poverty. I gave the EAMCET entrance test thrice and failed each time. That was a big jolt in life, but my aspirations were alive,” says Ahmed.

Back then, he had no passion for Science. After BSc Honours from New Science College in the city, the biggest turnaround happened in his life when he gave the interview for MSc Physics at University of Hyderabad in 1982. “Out of the 30 faculty members in the Physics department, 28 were US returned. In the interview, I could barely understand the questions due to the complex language,” recalls Ahmed.

“AK Kapur sir in the panel understood my difficulty and started asking me questions in Hindi and translated others’ questions too. The panel was happy and I got through. Had he not done that, I would neither have got through nor have realised my passion for Science. Such teachers of exceptionally high standards are hard to find,” says Ahmed.

Soon after his postgraduation, while his parents wanted him to go to the Gulf to earn a living, he decided to join Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad for a PhD in 1985. “I had to literally fight with my siblings to pursue my PhD and I had to choose PRL over two IITs because of a few hundred rupees extra I would receive towards fellowship,” quips the scientist.

He went on to complete his PhD in Simulation of Planetary Atmosphere or Laboratory Astrophysics in 1990 and joined the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), Gandhinagar, in 1992 and continued to work as Associate Professor, till 2004. During a sabbatical in 2001-02, he was engaged with the Swiss Federal Institute in Switzerland.

Ahmed joined ISRO’s Chandrayaan project in 2005 and developed a quadrupole-based mass spectrometer, CHACE, which worked successfully in India’s Moon mission. He left ISRO at the age of 46 when he found about a mysterious disease that had infected his daughter. The same year, he joined Central Instruments Laboratory of University of Hyderabad as Principal Scientific Officer.

For him, life has been driven by serendipity. “ISRO happened to me by chance. It was a coincidence when I met Prof R Sridharan, Director of Space Physics Lab (SPL). He took me to the Chief, Madhavan Nair, who handpicked me from Department of Atomic Energy (IPR comes under this department) to Department of Space. This was incredible,” recollects Ahmed.

Acknowledging the contributions of his teachers in his life, Ahmed, presently, apart from heading CIL, holds regular talks on Indian space programmes and also conducts training sessions for Science teachers.

“Schools have to ensure Science is taught with passion. The introduction of the subject is very important. It is very difficult to capture students’ attention for more than half an hour. I try to link the subject to day-to-day activities,” he points out.

He believes a bit of Psychology and sequencing of dosage where teachers ensure students understand the basics first before moving on to bigger things too is important in teaching.

“Students today are much aware of things around them. When they ask me well-prepared questions, I am forced to say I don’t know,” says Ahmed, who believes teachers need to be honest and prepared to bring their experiences and observations from life into the classroom.

According to him, India has failed to attract the best minds into research. “The reason US prospers in Science and research is because they have attracted the best minds and are providing incentives. Our people are doing programming at the same time,” he laughs.

On the CHACE-turned-MENCA, he offers, “It is a very sensitive instrument and I am confident that we will be the first to locate water on Mars,” says the proud scientist, who has been blogging about Mangalyaan for the past 18 months.

Rahul.v@newindianexpress.com

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Education> Edex / by Rahul V. Pisharody / Hyderabad – October 13th, 2014

Workshop on Geomagnestism Commences at NGRI

Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion
International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics president Harsh K Gupta having a word with NGRI director YJ Bhaskar Rao at the inauguration of XVI IAGA observatory workshop at NGRI in Hyderabad on Monday. | A RADHAKRISHNA
International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics president Harsh K Gupta having a word with NGRI director YJ Bhaskar Rao at the inauguration of XVI IAGA observatory workshop at NGRI in Hyderabad on Monday. | A RADHAKRISHNA

Hyderabad :

A four-day workshop on geomagnetism and aeronomy kickstarted at the National Institute of Geophysical Research (NGRI) on Monday. The workshop, which would continue till October 16, is being hosted by NGRI in association with International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy, Mumbai. Several scientists from across the globe are participating in the workshop.

The event is held once in every two years in different magnetic observatories across the globe. This year, the event was organised on a large scale at NGRI, commemorating the golden jubilee of their geomagnetic observatory that was launched in 1965.

“This is the last time we are operating the geomagnetic observatory here. We have shifted the base to Choutuppal where we have established a new set-up,” said Kusumita Arora, senior scientist, adding that geomagnetic observatory should ideally be located in a place which is away from disturbances like traffic. “Sometimes, even the use of a mobile phone can alter the signals. With the ongoing Metro construction, it has become increasingly difficult for us to record the waves accurately. Hence, we have shifted the base to Choutuppal,” she added.

Pavel Hedja, director of the Academy of Sciences, Czech Republic, who is here to participate in the workshop, said: “We have gone to the Choutuppal observatory and took the measurements of the geomagnetic signals there. In the coming days of the workshop, we will be comparing and studying the behaviour of these signals. “We have to constantly record the geomagnetic waves to constantly keep a check on the geomagnetic storms, which are not so common in India,” he added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service / October 14th, 2014

What has Asmita got to do with the Nobel Peace Prize?

Education
Asmita Satyarthi.
Asmita Satyarthi.

A student at ISB, she is the daughter of Kailash Satyarthi, this year’s recipient of the honour

This year’s Nobel Prize has a remote link to Hyderabad. Not that Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi has anything to do with the city, but his daughter, Asmita Satyarthi, does.

A student at the Indian School of Business (ISB) here, Asmita is pursuing a MBA with Strategy as her major.

Overjoyed

“I am overjoyed by the news and happy that I was part of my father’s activities since my childhood,” the 28-year-old exclaimed in a chat.

She chose ISB given its stature and quality, and is figuring out how businesses can be extremely powerful in bringing about social change. “In a way, what I am studying here is connected to what my father has been into for so many years,” Asmita said.

Her father is obviously her idol and she is deeply influenced by him. “He was involved in so many activities and as a kid it was but natural that I was influenced,” she said.

Life, however, was not all rosy. The family was attacked several times for saving children from traffickers, and this forced the family to send Asmita to the United States for her undergraduate studies. The University of Iowa accepted her with open arms understanding the circumstances she came from.

Later, she worked for Ernst and Young, a global consultancy company.

“I was desperate to do an MBA to add value to my work and interests, and chose ISB,” said Asmita. She is also a passionate Kathak dancer and has performed at many national and international platforms.

Much before her father attained international recognition, Asmita did – when she delivered a speech in the US Congress in 1996 when she was only 10.

‘Greater responsibility’
She agrees that the responsibility on her father has increased enormously now. But not only as a doting daughter, but also as an admirer of his work, she intends to follow his footsteps.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by R. Ravikanth Reddy / Hyderabad – October 12th, 2014

ASI to dig out Deccani Gardens at Naya Qila

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Hyderabad :

In a move that could shed more light on the important historical aspects of Naya Qila heritage complex, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has started excavating the site of what was once the Qutub Shahi Gardens.

Reliable sources from the Archaeological Survey of India told TOI that officials of the Hyderabad Circle of the archaeological juggernaut conducted an inspection of the heritage precinct last week. The land is currently in possession of the tourism department and its private partner, the Hyderabad Golf Association, the sources said.

“We have received orders from the director general of the ASI in New Delhi to begin work. The intention is to expose the Qutub Shahi Gardens, also known as Deccani Gardens. Further, there has been a long-pending demand from the activists for us to begin work,” said an ASI official who did not wish to be identified.

The ASI plans to drain the land parcel of the sewage water that has been accumulated over the years. Further, the vegetation and the debris on the heritage land would be also cleared as part of the plan.

“A report by eminent historian Ghulam Yazdani explains the presence of Qutub Shahi Gardens. We are hopeful that the results will be seen within a week of the excavation,” said ASI superintending archaeologist R Krishnaiah.

Rumours about the ASI unearthing a treasure chest began spreading early last week. The ASI, on the other hand, was swift enough to deny these claims.

“There is no treasure. The land was tilled by farmers until a few years ago. All these reports are baseless,” an ASI official said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Hyderabad / TNN / October 06th, 2014

Medicinal Plants Expo Goes Viral

Agriculture, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Karimnagar :

The students of Government Upper Primary School, Ramakrishna Colony, Timmapur have attracted national and international attention with a social media post about their exhibition on medicinal plants, ‘Mana Mokkalu – Mana Avushadalu’ (Our plants – our medicines).

Their post evoked good response with a number of likes and comments, said Kola Ramachandra Reddy, school headmaster.Non-resident Indians also responded, appreciating their team work as a inspiration for many. They complimented the students for their efforts.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / October 13th, 2014

C.V. Nagaraj: the man behind the ‘game’

Sports
National tennis champions J. Vishnuvardhan, Suresh Krishna, Saketh Myneni and coach C. V. Nagaraj at a training session in Hyderabad. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam / The Hindu
National tennis champions J. Vishnuvardhan, Suresh Krishna, Saketh Myneni and coach C. V. Nagaraj at a training session in Hyderabad. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam
/ The Hindu

He keeps churning out success stories in Indian men’s tennis with ease. Far from the madding crowd, the 53-year-old Canjeevaran Venkatrao Nagaraj has been training and grooming tennis talent with such diligence that he is now the rare record-holder of producing four Davis Cuppers (Susheel Narla, Punna Vishal, J. Vishnuvardhan and Saketh Myneni), Asian Games mixed doubles gold medallist (Saketh) and five senior national champions besides others.

Yet, like all those who stay away from the media glare and are more focussed on the job at hand, Nagaraj too is a victim of a typical syndrome in the State capital where the powers-that-be are immediately hooked on to the coaches of high-profile stars but fail to take a conservative look at gentlemen such as this untiring tennis coach.

The latest triumph of Vishnuvardhan as national tennis champion in Delhi last Friday is another reminder that the assembly line of champions has not dried up.

And this remarkable story of triumph over adversity has been unfolding daily at the School of Power Tennis Academy at RRC (Secunderabad).

Nagaraj insists that there is no bigger joy for him than seeing his student win a national title. “That is the biggest motivating factor. It is a different issue that I am not getting the kind of recognition that may be due to me. But again, I am too small to run around to garner support in the corridors of power,” says the coach, who quit his HAL job 23 years ago to take up tennis coaching.

All that Nagaraj got in terms of recognition was the relatively obscure Farkunda Ali Khan Award, given by the AP Lawn Tennis Association, for the best coach. The big question remains – doesn’t he deserve more especially when some coaches were given huge cash incentives by the Telangana State government?

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – October 12th, 2014

Free Wi-Fi now in Hitec City

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology
Information technology minister KT Rama Rao and Bharti Airtel (AP & TS) CEO Venkatesh Vijayraghavan at the announcement in Hyderabad on Friday on state’s first public Wi-Fi powered by Airtel | EXPRESS PHOTO
Information technology minister KT Rama Rao and Bharti Airtel (AP & TS) CEO Venkatesh Vijayraghavan at the announcement in Hyderabad on Friday on state’s first public Wi-Fi powered by Airtel | EXPRESS PHOTO

Hyderabad :

Have a valid mobile number and a Wi-Fi-enabled device? If yes, your commute in and around Hitec city has just become interesting, thanks to the free ‘Public Wi-Fi’ pilot initiative rolled out jointly by the Telangana government and telecom service provider Bharti Airtel.

Nearly 40,000 persons commuting between Cyber towers-Madhapur police station, Cyber Towers-Kothaguda junction and Cyber Towers-Raheja Mindspace circle are now entitled for free internet services of up to 750 mbps per day per user. As a part of its 3-month pilot, Airtel has set hotspots at 17 locations covering a total of 8 km around Hitec city for users to access free internet.

AccessTELANGANA11oct2014

Typically, 750 mbps data usage will allow users with Wi-Fi-enabled devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, netbooks, phablets, to send nearly 200 mails without attachments and even watch a 2-2.5 hour movie i.e., if the service provider permits. ‘’This is just a beginning. We will come to a position where the entire city will be Wi-Fi enabled in about four months. Tendering process is going on. The entire 700 sq km of Hyderabad city will be covered under Wi-Fi soon,” said IT minister KT Rama Rao.
He added that enabling public access to superior Wi-Fi technology was a part of the government’s broader agenda to promote greater digital inclusion for citizens, therefore making Hyderabad, a ‘Global Smart City.’

According to Venkatesh Vijayraghavan, CEO, Bharti Airtel, AP and Telangana, optic fiber technology has been used to provide the service. ‘’Though the speed of internet will be 40 mbps, the same will depend on number of users at that point of time,” he said adding that the company was in the process of working out tariff.

For Airtel, this is the first such free Wi-Fi rollout across the country. After the pilot, Airtel will take a call on how to extend its services. When asked, if Airtel will consider expanding this service to other states, Vijayraghavan said the company was in silent period to discuss expansion plans.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by ENS Economic Bureau / October 11th, 2014

A taste of Telangana culture

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Folk artistes performing at the 'Alai Balai' festival in Hyderabad on Sunday. Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu
Folk artistes performing at the ‘Alai Balai’ festival in Hyderabad on Sunday. Photo: G. Ramakrishna / The Hindu

Organised at Necklace Road, the Alai-Balai cultural festival showcased the region’s varied culture

It provided a window to Telangana traditions. The sprawling Jal Vihar on Necklace Road presented the typical rural ambience of Telangana as the ‘Alai-Balai’ cultural fete was organised on Sunday. On display were both the culture and cuisine of Telangana.

The picturesque spot turned cultural arena from early morning as artistes showcased a variety of tribal dances. Colourfully attired Banjara women cast a spell with their rhythmic movements. Yellow-turbaned youth belted out foot-tapping music, sweat rolling down their bodies as they played the drums. Yonder a group presented the tribal dance, sporting the head gear of wild buffalo horns.

Bare-bodied men had everyone awe-struck as they flagellated themselves with whips, even as a Muslim boy atop a camel kept waiving a green flag. Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreya, the man behind the festival, also joined the dancers and tried to match their steps. Golatalu, sannai vaidam, gondola nrityam, dhimsa were some of the typical Telangana dances which regaled everyone.

The Telangana cuisine was a lip-smacking affair: there were 40 odd varieties of dishes. Nearly 100 cooks were busy preparing Telangana dishes right from Saturday evening. About 50 huge containers and as many bowls were used to cook the fare. All those who turned up were first treated to ragi ambali served in earthen pots.

The non-vegetarian items included thala kura, natu kodi, veda mamsam, mokka jonna garalu, chapala pulusu, egg pulusu, jawar roti, sarva pindi. This apart there was the usual, sambar, white rice, dal and bagara khana.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – October 06th, 2014

Rich tribute paid to Komaram Bheem

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All
Legendary Gond rebel Komaram Bheem
Legendary Gond rebel Komaram Bheem

Warangal :

The 74th death anniversary of legendary Gond rebel Komaram Bheem was observed at Congress Bhavan at Hanamkonda on Wednesday.Speaking on the occasionm, Congress district president Naini Rajender Reddy recalled the greatness of tribal leader born in Jodeghat.

He fought against the Nizams for Jal-Jungle-Jameen (water-forest-land) and died on this day fighting for protection of tribal rights.” Ex-minister Basawaraj Saraiah recalled that the state government organised a programme in memory of Bheem last year too. He also said Bheem’s biography should be included in school curriculum.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC Correspondent / October 09th, 2014