INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL DATABASES

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGICAL DATABASES

Gautam Singh Rathore   November 03, 2018

As biology has increasingly turned into a data-rich science, the need for storing and communicating large datasets has grown rapidly.  The  examples are the nucleotide sequences, the protein sequences, and the 3D structural data produced by X-ray crystallography and macromolecular NMR. 

Bioinformatics is the application of Information technology to store, organize and analyze the vast amount of biological data which is available in the form of sequences and structures of proteins (the building blocks of organisms) and nucleic acids (the information carrier). The biological information of nucleic acids is available  as sequences while  the data of proteins is available as sequences and structures. Sequences are represented in single dimension where as the structure contains the three dimensional data of sequences.

There are two main functions of biological databases:

• Make biological data available to scientists.              As much as possible of a particular type of information should be available in one single place (book, site, and database). Published data may be difficult to find or access and collecting it from the literature is very time- consuming. And not all data is actually published explicitly in an article (genome sequences!).
• To make biological data available in computer-readable form.

Since analysis of biological data almost always involves computers, having the data in computer-readable form (rather than printed on paper) is a necessary first step.

Types of data generated by  research:

• Nucleotide sequences (DNA and mRNA)
• Protein sequences
• 3-D protein structures
• Complete genomes and maps

Based on this information and further research also we have 

• Gene Expression data
• Polymorphism 

Historical Aspects behind the Databases 

The first idea about creating a database was came in existence when Sanger first discovered the method to sequence proteins.

The first database was created within a short period after the Insulin protein sequence was made available in 1956. Incidentally, Insulin is the first protein to be sequenced. The sequence of Insulin consisted of just 51 residues (analogous to alphabets in a sentence) which characterize the sequence. Around mid nineteen sixties, the first nucleic acid sequence of Yeast tRNA with 77 bases (individual units of nucleic acids) was found out. During this period, 3D structures of proteins were studied and the well known Protein Data Bank was developed as the first protein structure database with only 10 entries in 1972.  This has now grown in to a large database with over 10,000 entries. While the initial databases of protein sequences were maintained at the individual laboratories, the development of a consolidated formal database known as SWISS-PROT protein sequence database was initiated in 1986 which now has about 70,000 protein sequences from more than 5000 model organisms, a small fraction of all known organisms. These huge varieties of divergent data resources are now available for study and research by both academic institutions and industries. These are made available as public domain information in the larger interest of research community through Internet  and CDROMs. These databases are constantly updated with additional entries.

Biological Databases 

Biological databases can be broadly classified into sequence and structure databases. Sequence databases are applicable to both nucleic acid sequences and protein sequences, whereas structure database is applicable to only Proteins. 

Databases in general can be classified in to

1. Primary Database 
2. Secondary Database 
3. Composite Databases 
4. Structure Databases

A primary database contains information of the sequence or structure alone. Examples of these include Swiss-Prot and PIR for protein sequences, GenBank and  DDBJ for Genome sequences and the Protein Databank for protein structures. In this database the data is originally obtained and maintained for further studies.

Primary Nucleotide Sequence Repository – GenBank, EMBL, DDBJ

Primary Protein Sequence Repositories--PIR-PSD or protein information resource – protein sequence database, at the NBRF (National Biomedical Research Foundation, USA), and SWISS-PROT at the SBI (Swiss Biotechnology Institute, Switzerland 

A secondary database contains derived information from the primary database. A secondary sequence database contains information like the conserved sequence, signature sequence and active site residues of the protein families arrived by multiple sequence alignment of a set of related proteins. A secondary structure database contains entries of  the PDB in an organized way. These contain entries that are classified according to their structure like all alpha proteins, all beta proteins, etc. These also contain information on conserved secondary structure motifs of a particular protein. Some of the secondary database created and hosted by various researchers at their individual laboratories includes SCOP, developed at Cambridge University; CATH developed at University College of London, PROSITE of Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, eMOTIF at Stanford.

Composite database contains a variety of different primary database sources, which obviates the need to search multiple resources. Different composite database use different primary database and different criteria in their search algorithm. Various options for search have also been incorporated in the composite database. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) which hosts these nucleotide and protein databases in their large high available redundant array of computer servers, provides free access to the various persons involved in research. This also has link to OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) which contains information about the proteins involved in genetic diseases.

Structure Databases  like sequence databases comes in two varieties, primary and secondary. Strictly speaking there is only one database that stores primary structural data  of biological molecules, namely the PDB. In the context of this database, term macromolecule stretches to cover three orders of magnitude of molecular weight from 1000 Daltons to 1000 kilo Daltons Small biological and organic molecules have their structures stored in another primary structure database the CSD, which is also widely used in biological studies. This contains the three dimensional structure of drugs, inhibitors and fragments or monomers of the macromolecule.

Application of the Biological Databases 

Sequence Analysis 

Every new searched sequence is first matched with the sequences present in the databases to identify its functionality and uniqueness.  If the sequence is already present in the databases further studies becomes easier if not then every minute information is collected about it and stored for future reference in databases.

Prediction of Protein Structure 

It is easy to determine the primary structure of proteins in the form of amino acids which are present on the DNA molecule but it is difficult to determine the secondary, tertiary or quaternary structures of proteins. For this purpose either the method of crystallography is used or tools of bioinformatics can also be used to determine the complex protein structures. By comparing the new data with existing data the bioinformatic tools can predict function and structures. 

Genome Annotation 

In genome annotation, genomes are marked to know the regulatory sequences and protein coding. It is a very important part of the human genome project as it determines the regulatory sequences.

Comparative Genomics

Comparative genomics is the branch of bioinformatics which determines the genomic structure and function relation between different biological species. For this purpose, intergenomic maps are constructed which enable the scientists to trace the processes of evolution that occur in genomes of different species. These maps contain the information about the point mutations as well as the information about the duplication of large chromosomal segments, which are extracted from the databases.

Health and Drug discovery

The tools of bioinformatics are also helpful in drug discovery, diagnosis and disease management. Complete sequencing of human genes has enabled the scientists to make medicines and drugs which can target more than 500 genes. Different computational tools and drug targets has made the drug delivery easy and specific because now only those cells can be targeted which are diseased or mutated. It is also easy to know the molecular basis of a disease, stored in the databases.

Conclusion 

The present test is to deal with a huge volume of information, for example, the ones created by the human genome venture, to enhance database configuration, create programming for database access and control, and gadget information passage strategies to make up for the fluctuated PC techniques and frameworks utilized in various research facilities. There is most likely that Bioinformatics apparatuses for proficient research will have huge effect in organic sciences and advancement of human lives.

MELAMINE : A MILK POISSON

MELAMINE : A MILK POISSON

Gautam Singh Rathore   November 01, 2018

Melamine is a chemical compound which have greater Nitrogen content. The chemical compound is used to make plastics,  glassware and Floor tiles.  This is a hard plastic substance which is very harmfull for human and animals also. 

Milk Adulteration : Differences in pure and impure 

Adulterated Milk

The adulteration can be done in many ways in milk, like mixing water adding extra natural fat or protein  which is proven to be fit for health, but adulteration of chemicals which are not fruitful is quiet dangerous and injurious to health.
Since Melamine is white powder like compound thus  it is  easier to mix it with protein and infant milk formula. Generally the food products are first quality checked and assured by the FOOD SAFETY AND  STANDARD AUTHORITY OF INDIA. 

It can't easily detected in the laboratory tests and the companies sold them without any fear. 

But the chemical compound can't be easily detected in initial tests. Because the assesments are done to identify the amount of protein on the basis of Nitrogen content and luckily this compound is rich in Nitrogen.  When further tests are done to identify the type of protein then it was found that the Nitrogen is present due to Melamine!

Country's Who Banned it 

In 2008, about 3 lacs children of China fall sick due to milk adulteration initially the government didn't  recognize it after  lot of test they found Melamine a main reason and banned its adulteration in milk and in any other food. 

In USA and many other countries also it is banned.  

But in India  the milk factories are using it in small amounts but it also a great threat to children. 

This adulterated milk is also used to make sweets in India. The chemical compound gives hardness to the sweets which is not naturally present in sweets when compared. 

Health effects of Melamine 

• Cancer: The compound reacts with organic molecules of the body and activate carcinogenic cells 
• Kidney Stone: Since the compound is used to make tiles,  plastics thus accumulation in kidneys cause stones. 

So what are your opinions on this,  do you feel that the milk you are consuming is pure and do not have any harmful compound... There are much which will be in next articles if you know any one tell us............ 

Cosmic Radiations : will we survive or not!

Cosmic Radiations : will we survive or not!

Gautam Singh Rathore   October 19, 2018

Have you ever wondered why there is no life on other planets or humans can't go outside earth without space suit if they are provided with oxygen supply only.  The space suit protect them from cosmic radiations. Here it is..... 

Earth's Magnetic Field 

On earth there is a strong magnetic field which repels the electromagnetic radiations coming from the sun or any object. The Earth's magnetic field is due to the liquid metals present in the core in molten state. 

Advantage for us! 

If human body or any living system is exposed in high electromagnetic radiation they get mutated, even in low field over long time. Earth's magnetic poles repels those fields and don't allow them to expose in our environment. 

What If Earth have no Magnetic field 

According to the astro-science it is believed that if some how the core of any planet is cooled down or destroyed the planet is no more habitable.  And in the case of Earth if it's magnetic field is absent or partially present then we will no longer on Earth. Our DNA is not enough strong to repair it as the rate of mutations start occuring in the presence of electromagnetic radiation. 

Solar Storm 

It is the term used to indicate the electromagnetic radiation coming from sun,  if these radiations coming at higher rates or any eruption occurs at the surface of sun then Solar Storms occur.  Our strong magnetic field repels it at a limited extent depends on the distance. In future if the Resources are not stored then may be these radiations tends to bombard on earth. 

Magnetic eruption from sun to our solar system
Credit: NASA

Radioactive Pollution

Radioactive Pollution

Shivani Kumari   October 13, 2018

According to the physics Radiation the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles which cause ionization. The radiation is not very much fruitful for animals and humans, however modern technology used it in several medical applications. Yes, It is harmful but in higher amount or frequency below a limit it is useful. Here I must say about the electromagnetic waves coming from sun which is reflected back in the universe by earth's magnetic field.

Radiation as a Pollution 

It is highly dangerous when it occurs. It can occur due to nuclear plant malfunctions, improper nuclear waste disposal, accidents, etc. It can cause cancer, infertility, blindness, defects at the time of birth; can sterile soil and affect air and water. Radioactivity is radioactive decay or emission of particles (neuron, proton or heavier particles) from an atom or nucleus. Recently radioactive elements are also used in research and medicine. These pollutants are directly linked to nuclear energy. It contamination also call radiological contamination, is the deposition off or presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids or gases. The most dangerous long-lived radio nuclides are those emitted by nuclear reactors. It’s most popular use in the past has been in wars where it destroyed entire cities in one go; however, today it is widely used as an energy source to fuel electricity. It may be due to electromagnetic radiation, nuclear radiation, or cosmic radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation occurs through X-rays, gamma rays, UV rays visible light, infrared rays and radio waves.

Nuclear radiation pollution occurs when radioactive atoms like uranium, thorium etc. release radiation in the form of alpha and beta particles. Nuclear radiation also occurs when radioactive elements are produced artificially in nuclear reactors and particle accelerators.

Cosmic radiation takes place due to high energy particles invading the earth and its atmosphere from outer space and the sun. Cosmic rays consist of electrons, protons, helium nuclei, hydrogen nuclei, and the nuclei belonging to heavier elements like carbon and oxygen.

      Sources

• Nuclear power plant accidents or leakage
• Improper nuclear waste disposal
• Uranium mining operations

     Effect

• Cancer
• Sterilization
• Birth defect
• Mutations which have greater impact on our physique 

     Remedies

• The protective garments must be worn
• The natural radiation must be at the permissible limits

Thermal Pollution

Thermal Pollution

Shivani Kumari   October 08, 2018

Basically heat is not a contamination you guys are thinking what I am saying Heat as pollution,  well heat is required for everyone living on Earth  because  it is the only mode of transfer of energy, but what if this is increased and make changes to our abiotic components (e.g: Water). 

This over heating is not only caused by Sun, The human activities are involved in the Thermal pollution mostly. 

Heat As Pollution    

Thermal pollution is the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature. Thermal pollution is usually associated with increases of water temperature in a stream, lake or ocean due to the discharge of heated water from industrial processes, such as the generation of electricity. Increase in ambient water temperature also occur in streams where shading vegetation along the banks is removed or where sediments have made the water more turbid. It is due to excess heat in the environment creating unwanted changes over long time periods; due to huge number of industrial plants, deforestation and air pollution. It increases the earth’s, temperature, causing drastic climatic changes and extinction of wildlife.

There are four major causes of thermal pollution: The use of water as a cooling agent, deforestation of shorelines, soil erosion and burning of fossil fuels. The foremost cause being the use of water as cooling agent in nuclear power plants and other industrial facilities. In an aquatic system temperature is an important factor which affects physio-chemical parameters of water quality as well as plant, animal and microbial life considerably. Aquatic life is usually well adjusted to seasonal changes inn temperatures which occur naturally. However, man-made changes in temperature of water often cause adverse changes which damage its utility and productivity.

      Sources

• Urban sprawl
• Power plants
• Air pollution particulates that trap heat
• Deforestation

      Effect

• Decrease in dissolved oxygen levels
• Increase in toxins
• Loss of biodiversity
• Ecological impact
• Affects reproductive systems
• Increases metabolic rate
• Migration

       Remedies

• Plants as many trees as possible
• Cool the water before they put it back in the ocean
• Burn less coal, oil or gas
• Reduce mechanical friction

Effects on Living ones

The aquatic ecosystem is commonly disturbed due to the thermal pollution because when the hot water enters the aquatic ecosystem the oxygen dissolving capacity is reduced and the pH of that system also disturbed. These abiotic conditions are most prominently required to run an ecosystem. 

If this Heated water is transferred on soil the eco-friendly microbes die due to change in environment and soil becomes less fertile.
So comment what type of water in your area!! 

Light Pollution

Light Pollution

Shivani Kumari   October 05, 2018

Sun light is the major source of light on earth, although sunlight also not good for us if it comes to us without passing by ozone. What I am saying is that the sun light contains UV, Infrared and other Magnetic Rays which are harmful to us they are filtered by Ozone layer and our environment to protect us.  But are you sure we are not contaminating our visible light inside our environment,  yes we are! 

Here I am not talking about the harmful light coming from sun, I am discussing about the light which is present on earth and how we are making it uncomfortable for living organisms. 

Pollution of Light 

It occurs due to prominent excess illumination of an area. It is largely visible in big cities, on bill boards, in sports or entertainment events at the night. In residential areas the lives of the inhabitants are greatly affected by this. It also affects the astronomical observations and activities by making the stars almost invisible. Bright lightning in the function, big cities, etc. causes light pollution. Light pollution is also known as photo-pollution, it is the presence of anthropogenic light in the night environment. Light pollution occurs at night and is obtrusive, inappropriate or excessive artificial light. Component of light pollution are: Urban sky glow which is the brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas; Light trespass, when light falls where it is not intended or not to fall, visual discomfort caused by excessive brightness and high levels can decrease visibility; light sources which are bright and excessive. These light sources can be found in  urban areas.

It is the brightening of the night sky and it diminishes the view of stars and planets.

      Sources

• Large cities
• Billboards and advertising
• Night time sporting events and other night time entertainment

     Effects

• Degrade the quality of life
• Discomfort in the eyes

    Remedies

• Work with your neighbours and local government to keep the light on the ground and the skies natural
• Use light emitting diodes (LED)
• Use only the light you need to get the job done

Health Effects of Unwanted light 💡 

Generally the visible light do not have an enormous effects on human health, but when its intensity increases it corrodes the retina of the eye.  Some people feel eye dryness due to using modern smart phones as their eyes are more exposed to the high intensity light over long time. Unfortunately there is no permanent cure for dry eyes.  

The other lights like UV, Infrared, Gama etc.  have negative impact on body and can be seen easily. 

Comment what are you thinking about it.. ..! 

Virus v/s Bacteria | who is more powerful !

Virus v/s Bacteria | who is more powerful !

Gautam Singh Rathore   September 29, 2018

Virus and Bacteria both are the biotic components of our ecosystem and they are biologically very important as like any other component in our environment. 

Before starting the answer One fact I must clear that Bacteria's are most abundant than viruses. Not all bacteria are dangerous for us but all viruses are dangerous for us.

As far as we all know that bacteria have a complete cell and perform all it's metabolic activities and do much more by itself but viruses can't do itself. Viruses need a host to complete their life cycle. 

Viruses are much more chronic to us because they have only a set of DNA/RNA as their genetic material which they insert in host's genome to complete their life cycle. Once the viral genome inserted in host's genome then it becomes difficult to eradicate the effects of virus and it's gene, but thanks to modern genetic engineering we can control, knock out,  and decrease the effects of particular genes at some extent. 

When we talk about bacteria's they are most harmfull but depends on their population and antigenic secretions. When they present in small amount their antigens are also in less and are controlled by antibiotics but in larger amount they are hard to control. 

Bacterial infection is also chronic, some bacteria's have impact on our primary immune defences some have impact on our nerve system. When its impact is more on our body we are unable to respond against it and it becomes dangerous for us.  Certain studies found that bacteria become antibiotic resistance if exposed over long time e.g: Salmonellae,  Helicobector pylori, Enterobacteriacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus etc.

While in case of viruses they gain control on our genes and every time translation occurs it affects. Newly discovered Retro viruses are very dangerous and almost impossible to cure because they do reverse transcription to form their DNA inside the host and after that weakens the host immune system, due to which other diseases arise and person dies. In the case of HIV. 

We can see in our history viruses have larger effects on eradicating a huge population e.g: Plague,  Enterovirus, Rabbies,  Ebola etc. 

Conclusion 

At last i concluded that viruses are more dangerous than any bacteria if they entered in host's cell and inserted their genomes, here i exclude some viruses that are very much poor in pathogenecity like influenza virus.  But bacteria are too dangerous although we have antibiotics against them but they ate limited due to their adaptation to antibiotic resistance ability.  

For full reference and details visit this page Better Health,Australia

For any query 🔤 feel free to ask us...... ..........we are here to explain..........!! Comment your views Viruses or Bacteria what do you think?

Noise Pollution

Noise Pollution

Gautam Singh Rathore   September 19, 2018

  
  The normal range of hearing is 20Hz to 20KHz.  When we talk in decibel unit it is 60db for average speech. The maximum sound of 140db can be hearable by a young man how ever long period of time may harm.  For the children it is 120db beyond that several health effects seen. "Experiments have shown that a healthy young person hears all sound frequencies from approximately 20 to 20,000 hertz." "The maximum range of human hearing includes sound frequencies from about 15 to about 18,000 waves, or cycles, per second." "The general range of hearing for young people is 20 Hz to 20 kHz."

Pollution of Sound                                           

It means unwanted sound that can have deleterious effects on human health and environmental quality. It is commonly generated inside many industrial facilities and some other workplaces, but it also comes from highway, railway, and airplane traffic and from outdoor construction activities. It has become a serious problem for human health. The noisy atmosphere in which we are living is an obstacle in securing good health. Noise pollution and environmental noise are hurting human and other organisms. Noise beyond a limit produces many diseases, such as hypertension, stress, making people vulnerable to forgetfulness, depression and many other serious ailments. Noise is also very dangerous for nature as a whole because it disturbs the tranquillity of all creatures and increases mortality rate in them. Noise pollution is dependent on the loudness and frequency of the sound. In facts, when the sound exceeds its limit, it become fatal for human and other organisms.

The sources of noise pollutions are divided into two categories:

Natural sources

The natural environment is filled with various sounds- thunderstorm, lightning, tornado, cyclone, volcanic eruption, earthquakes, landslides, sounds produced by animals, and rapidly falling water.

Human sources

Rapid industrialization, urbanisation, use of modern means of transport, population growth, and increasing scale of human activities are some of the human factors responsible for noise pollution, Both types of noise pollution, affect sleep, listening ability, physical and mental health.

Vehicular noise: The modern means of traffic including vehicles such as buses, trucks, scooters, cars etc. pollute the atmosphere. Sound of other automated vehicles and horn, excessive use of loudspeakers for religious purposes also generate jarring noise.

Industrial noise: Industry- businesses, factories and commercial establishments produced a variety of harsh sounds that bump into our ears and disturb our mind. Noise pollution is an integral part of the industrial environment with heavy machines used in the industries; it is on the rise with the increase in industrial urbanisation.

Fireworks: It is another source of pollution. Uncontrolled fireworks in festivals, fairs, or crackers, after victory in matches and elections produce unbearable noise.

Some reasons are also for that inside and outside the house includes car alarms, emergency service siren, machine tools, compressed air horn, equipment, electrical equipment, megaphone etc.

Effect  

• Physical effects: The physical manifestation of noise pollution is the effect on hearing ability. Repeated exposure to noise may result in temporary or permanent shifting of the hearing threshold of a person depending upon the level and duration of exposure.
• Physiological effects: Headache bye dilating blood vessels of the brain.
• Increase in the rate of heart beat.
• Narrowing of arteries.
• Pain in the heart.
• Migration patterns of birds are disturbed, due to which their population is decreasing.

Remedies

• Automobile servicing 
• Tree plantation
• Soundproof homes
• Factory location

No matter what is it but the noise pollution doesn't have greater impact on ecosystem but it is harmful for humans because humans have limit of hearing 20KHz beyond it harms.
So what is the sound frequency in your near by......... Do you know what to do to prevent yourself from this situation. ... ..................! !!

Are DNA/RNA living?

Are DNA/RNA living?

Gautam Singh Rathore   September 15, 2018

First thing I clear that living organisms are made up of several biochemically active components which together makes it ‘living', but technically we can't say them living individually because together they make a functional biological system which is living.

Here you are considering DNA as a living, its okay but you are referring it also as an organism which is not appropriate or technically correct.

Second thing Nucleus is comprised of DNA and RNA (95% and 5% respectively). So being an nucleus is not likely to be an living organism. If it is then every atom on earth is living organism.

Soil Pollution

Soil Pollution

Shivani Kumari   September 12, 2018

There is about 28% land available for farming on earth rest of the 72% is covered with water. In that 28% we have to live, grow plants and trees and the current situation is leading to the pollution in soil which makes it unfertile.  Means to say that the land available for habitat but not for plants.  In this way no farming is possible,  slowly plants disappear from land and the plants present in oceans not sufficient for us. So humans can't survive without plants, and plants without soil.       

Pollution in Soil

It occurs due to incorporation of unwanted chemicals in the soil due to human activities. Use of insecticides and pesticides absorbs the nitrogen compounds from the soil making it unfit for plants to drive nutrition from. Soil pollution refers to the mixing of human made chemicals like industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals, and other harmful disposal of wastes from houses, factories, etc. into the natural soil which causes land degradation and makes it unfit for the cropping. Soil is the natural resources on the earth which directly supports the life of plants and indirectly of animals since the origin of life on the earth. It is very important complex substance available everywhere on the earth. Increasing human population and advancement of the human lives is causing soil pollution to a great extent. Main causes of soil pollution are excessive soil erosion, forest fires, use of chemical fertilizers to improve crop production, pesticides (insecticides and herbicides), to get control over insects, urban and industrial wastes, drought untreated industrial water irrigation, deforestation etc. It is increasing day by day at a faster rate in the rural and urban areas of the country due to increasing density of the people.

All the soil contaminants get mixed to the fertile land and causes variety of health disorder directly such as respiratory illness, bronchitis, asthma, cancer, etc. Kids are more prone to the polluted soil than the adults as they into it and gets attacked by many diseases especially respiratory disorders. Increasing human population need more grains thus in order to fulfil this requirement people use highly concentrated fertilizers to improve the crop production which ultimately affects health through the food chain. Soil pollution is the gradual process of soil poisoning of the toxic soil contaminants. Soil pollution has become a major challenge to the whole human fraternity in modern time. Soil is the most important natural resources highly requires to maintain the healthy life here.  

        Sources 

• Mining and smelting
• Overcrowded landfills
• Biological agents like fungi, virus, bacteria and protozoan
• Urban wastes
• Overuse of chemical fertilisers 
• Untreated water when comes under the contact of soil. The untreated water have lot of toxic and heavy metals. You may say water pollution is also a reason for soil pollution.

       Effects

• Urban wastes harmful for human health
• Mining and smelting makes the soil fertile
• Biological agents are harm the development and existence of flora and fauna

      Remedies

• Do not litter
• Use dustbin
• Reduce use of plastic
• Spraying of pesticides must be reduced
• Sewage treatment before dumping wastes

Health effects of Soil Pollution 

Plants are the largest and only producers present on earth. They depend on the soil, because all their required nutrients and water comes from soil, if it is polluted the pollutants move in plants and the effect will be seen on the consumers who consume directly or their products. The heavy metals and toxic elements enter in the animal and human body which may lead them in several disabilities and diseases. 

So what you have seen in unusual in soil.... .. Tell us... 

Can Humans Survive Without Plants?

Can Humans Survive Without Plants?

Gautam Singh Rathore   September 08, 2018

Plants are autotrophic and animals are heterotrophic. Thus plants are the primary source of food for animals. One way or another, all animals are getting their food from plants. Besides food, autotrophs liberate oxygen — very important to all eukaryotic life.

Plants directly or indirectly responsible for our environment regulation. Plants helps to clean air, prevent soil erosion and its pollution at some extent. 

Why we are dependent on plants? Because

1. They provide our daily and basic needs, e.g: fuels, cloth, food etc
2. They maintain our environment purifies air,  produces oxygen which is crucial for us. 
3. Maintain temperature by reducing the effects of global warming. 

So if autotrophs were not on Earth, the heterotrophs would die, not be able to survive.

So here I concluded that Humans will not be able to survive even there are lesser number of plants available on earth.  

If we don't stop harming our environment then may be these situations arise that one day we have not enough resources to survive!

Water Pollution

Water Pollution

Shivani Kumari   September 08, 2018

                    

Water is the basic requirement of every living organisms, and it is daily consumed. Many diseases spread through water. There are several reasons which contaminate the water, like toxic chemicals from industries, garbage,  and sewage. 

Pollution in Water                                                                   

Fresh water is the most important sources of life on the earth. Any living thing may survive without food for days however it is impossible to imagine life without water and oxygen. The ever-increasing human population enhances the demand of water for purpose like drinking, washing, performing industrial processes, irrigation crops, arranging swimming pools and others water-sports centre. Water pollution is done by the people of all over the world because of increasing demand and competition of luxuries life. Waste product from the people activities are spoiling the whole water and decreasing the amount of oxygen available in the water. When we drink the polluted water, harmful chemicals and other pollutants goes inside our body and deteriorates all the body organs functioning and puts our lives in danger. Such harmful chemicals also disturb the lives of animals and plants greatly. When plants absorb dirty water through their roots, the stop growing and die.

Such pollutants are altering the physical, chemical, thermal and biological characteristics of the water and adversely affecting the lives inside as well as outside the water.  It is the main issue affecting human lives in many ways. It is the most dangerous and worst form of pollution putting lives in danger. The water we drink daily looks very clear however contained verities of microscopic pollutants floating inn it. Our earth is covered with water almost 70% of total so a little change in it could affect lives worldwide. Water pollution is the big environmental and social issue all across the world. It has reached to the critical point now. All the pollutants are very harmful to the environment.

      Sources

• Agricultural pollution
• River dumping
• Marine dumping
• Oil pollution
• Nuclear Reactor's Hot water/ Hot water released by industries (Thermal Pollution in Water) 

      Effects

• Ground water contamination from pesticides causes reproductive damage within wildlife in ecosystems
• Swimming in and drinking contaminated water causes skin rashes and health problem like cancer, reproductive problem, typhoid fever and stomach sickness in human
• Human-produces litter of items such as plastic bag can get aquatic animals caught and killed from suffocation
• Water pollution causes flooding due to the accumulation of the solid waste in the streams and rivers

      Remedies

• Do not throw industrial, farm or other waste material o sewage into the river
• City water should be treated properly
• Oil spill should be prevented
• Dead bodies should not throw in water bodies
• Boil water before drinking

Health effects of Water Pollution 

Consumption or use of contaminated water may cause severe diseases: 

Contaminated water is unhealthy and unfit for the health, it creates gastrointestinal problems which may be severe if contaminant is virus or bacteria. Sometimes viral infections are also spread through the water e. g Ebola infection. 

Children who consume unhealthy water have poor growth and development. 

So, Always consume clean water, 

Comment what are you doing for preventing water pollution? 

Air Pollution

Air Pollution

Gautam Singh Rathore   September 05, 2018

Air is the outer covering and an essential part of our environment. Air provide oxygen and carbondioxide to animals and plants. Air is the only source of them, that's why we breathe.

Pollution in Air

It refers to the contamination of atmospheric air due to presence of some substance and gases which have poisonous effect. 

Day by day the fresh air of our environment is getting polluted due to mixing of biological molecules and some other harmful material. Such polluted air is causing health problems. It is most important environmental issues which requires to be notices and solved by the efforts of all of us. It is the most serious problem of the current time all over the world mostly in the large cities because of the huge level of industrialisation. The release of such air pollutants in heavy concentrations such as smog, solid materials, harmful gases, particles, paint, batteries contain lead, cigarettes release carbon monoxide, transport means releases carbon dioxide and other toxic substances to the atmosphere etc are getting settled over the city, causing air pollution and health hazards to the people. It is continuously damaging the whole ecological system and affecting the lives of plants and animal as well. Lots of dirty waste produced by people on daily basis especially in the big cities polluting the whole atmospheric air to a great extent. The release of gaseous pollutants from burning fuel of motors vehicles, industrial processes, burning of garbage, etc are contributing to the air pollution. Some natural pollutants like pollen, dust, soil particles, natural gas, etc are also the sources of air pollution. They are also called air pollutants.

   

      Sources

• Mobile sources- such as car, trucks, trains, and buses
• Stationary sources- such as power plant, oil refineries, industrial facilities, and factories
• Area sources- such as agricultural areas, cities, and wood burning fireplaces

       Effects 

• Acid rain
• Ozone layer depletion
• Green house effect and global warming

       Remedies 

• Avoid smoking indoors
• Use craft supplies in well-ventilated areas
• Make sure gas stove is well ventilated
• Remove carpeting if possible
• Filters must be used in chimneys of industries

Health Effects of Air pollution 

Every living species requires oxygen except plants they require Carbondioxide for their metabolism and other body requirements. If along with oxygen other particles and molecules enter in body have adverse effects on health:-

• Alveolar Damage/Shrinkage
• Metabolic disability 
• Toxcity in body
• Asthma 
• Head ache
• Poor growth 
• Low life span

So, what do you think about what are some other ways to prevent air pollution and our earth. comment..!!.. ............... 

Pollution | A Threat to Environment

Pollution | A Threat to Environment

Gautam Singh Rathore   September 03, 2018

                                                                               Environment and Pollution 

No doubt humans are eradicating and disturbing the equilibrium of the environment. Our environment have all the necessary things which a living organism required, but what we are doing we are exhausting and making unavailable for others if not then for our future generations. Pollution is the main reason behind this because more over the pollution lesser is the growth of environment ( here I say 'Ecosystem').

Environmental Pollution
Relationships between the pollution with each other

Pollution 

Pollution means presence of anything in the system which is not naturally found in that or presence in unproportionate manner. It is the process of making the environment land water and air dirty by adding harmful substance to it which causes imbalance in the environment.

Environmental pollution is a serious problem of the industrialized societies. The industrial development & the green revolution have adversely affected the environment. Day by day pollution has been increasing & imbalance has threatened the very survival of all forms of life. It is threat to the whole world. People have converted the life supporting system of the entire living world into their own resources and have vastly disturbed the natural ecological balance. It is defined as the unfavourable alteration of our surroundings. In India allay the source of water lie rivers lakes ponds and wells have been polluted and are unfit for drinking. As a result of the increased use of fertilizers, the rivers seas and oceans have become contaminated with harmful pollutants. Pollution is a product of people activities which directly or indirectly  responsible for the changes in environment. All changes in the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of land, air, or water than harm human life and other living things. Population explosion, rapid industrialisation deforestation unplanned urbanization scientific and technological advancement. 

Pollution occurs in different forms like air, water, soil, radioactive, noise, heat, light. All forms of pollution have two sources of matter like point and non-point sources. The point sources are easy to find while the non-point sources are hard to find and hard to control. 

 TYPES OF POLLUTION 

Different types of pollutions occur and effect on people and the environment as a whole.

1) Air pollution

It refers to the contamination of atmospheric air due to presence of some substance and gases which have poisonous effect. Day by day the fresh air of our environment is getting polluted due to mixing of biological molecules and some other harmful material. Such polluted air is causing health problems.

2) Water pollution

Fresh water is the most important sources of life on the earth. Any living thing may survive without food for days however it is impossible to imagine life without water and oxygen. The ever-increasing human population enhances the demand of water for purpose like drinking, washing, performing industrial processes, irrigation crops, arranging swimming pools and others water-sports centre. Water pollution is done by the people of all over the world because of increasing demand and competition of luxuries life. 

3) Soil pollution

It occurs due to incorporation of unwanted chemicals in the soil due to human activities. Use of insecticides and pesticides absorbs the nitrogen compounds from the soil making it unfit for plants to drive nutrition from. Soil pollution refers to the mixing of human made chemicals like industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals, and other harmful disposal of wastes from houses, factories, etc. into the natural soil which causes land degradation and makes it unfit for the cropping.

4) Radioactive pollution

It is highly dangerous when it occurs. It can occur dur to nuclear plant malfunctions, improper nuclear waste disposal, accidents, etc. It can cause cancer, infertility, blindness, defects at the time of birth; can sterile soil and affect air and water. Radioactivity is radioactive decay or emission of particles (neuron, proton or heavier particles) from an atom or nucleus. Recently radioactive elements are also used in research and medicine. These pollutants are directly linked to nuclear energy.

5) Noise pollution

The unwanted sound that can have deleterious effects on human health and environmental quality. It is commonly generated inside many industrial facilities and some other workplaces, but it also comes from highway, railway, and airplane traffic and from outdoor construction activities. It has become a serious problem for human health. The noisy atmosphere in which we are living is an obstacle in securing good health. 

6) Thermal pollution

Thermal pollution is the degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature. Thermal pollution is usually associated with increases of water temperature in a stream, lake or ocean due to the discharge of heated water from industrial processes, such as the generation of electricity. Increase in ambient water temperature also occur in streams where shading vegetation along the banks is removed or where sediments have made the water more turbid. It is due to excess heat in the environment creating unwanted changes over long time periods; due to huge number of industrial plants, deforestation and air pollution.

7) Light pollution    

It occurs due to prominent excess illumination of an area. It is largely visible in big cities, on bill boards, in sports or entertainment events at the night. In residential areas the lives of the inhabitants are greatly affected by this. It also affects the astronomical observations and activities by making the stars almost invisible. Bright lightning in the function, big cities, etc. causes light pollution. Light pollution is also known as photopollution, it is the presence of anthropogenic light in the night environment. Light pollution occurs at night and is obtrusive, inappropriate or excessive artificial light.

Biotic v/s Abiotic

Biotic v/s Abiotic

Gautam Singh Rathore   September 01, 2018

Have you heard these two terms yet, in environmental science these two words plays vital role and they have unique meaning. Whenever we talk about ecosystem we must include Biotic and Abiotic.  Why? How? Read carefully! !

Biotic 

The living biomass/component of ecosystem is commonly referred as Biotic.  The biotic components interact directly with other living organisms in the ecosystem. Mostly our ecosystem is balanced by the biotic components. If the living organisms are replaced by non-living than the ecosystem have no meaning.

Biotic comprises of : fungi,  bacteria,  plants, and all other living species. 

Effects of Biotic factors:-

They affect directly or indirectly to living species within an environment. The biotic factors include disease, parasitism and predation. The smaller organisms spread disease by finding higher species as host some become parasite and some harmful.  While the higher species kill the smaller ones and feeds on them.  All these interaction you will find in food chain of ecosystem.

Abiotic 

The non living matter present in the ecosystem is all Abiotic components. They don't play any role in biomass but they influence them most. They act like environmental factors on the biotic components. However Biotic and Abiotic are interdependet on each other.  

Abiotic comprises of : water,  soil,  pH,  temperature, sun light,  and air etc. 

Effects of Abiotic factors:-

Abiotic factors affects the ability of the species to survive and reproduce  in the environment. Some times these factors are favorable and some time not. Abiotic factors limit the growth of weak organisms, those who have ability to pass in harsh environmental conditions can survive this limits and controls thier population within the environment.

Interaction between Biotic and Abiotic

The significance of Biotic and Abiotic factors comes with their interactions with each other. For an healthy ecosystem all the interactions need to be in a place. 

A common example of abiotic interaction in plants. Water, sunlight and carbon dioxide are necessary for plants to grow. The biotic interaction is that plants use water, sunlight and carbon dioxide to create their own nourishment through a process called photosynthesis. On a larger scale, abiotic interactions refer to patterns such as climate and seasonality. Factors such as temperature, humidity and the presence or absence of seasons affect the ecosystem. For instance, some ecosystems experience cold winters with a lot of snow. An animal such as a fox within this ecosystem adapts to these abiotic factors by growing a thick, white-colored coat in the winter. Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi are examples of biotic interactions on such a scale. Decomposers function by breaking down dead organisms. This process returns the basic components of the organisms to the soil, allowing them to be reused within that ecosystem.

Thus the interactions of the biotic and abiotic factors makes a healthy and growing ecosystem.

GODS and GHOSTS !

GODS and GHOSTS !

Gautam Singh Rathore   August 26, 2018

Before starting I must clear that this article is not intend to hurt any religion or caste these are the personal experience and theory given by me.

Since my childhood I only think about evils,  gods and ghosts that what possibility that they exist?  even my grandparents tells stories of them which are pretty much interesting and have a lot of moral and ethical values. As I grow up, My interest takes me towards science which completely denies their existence. So I recall the stories and the moral values in them and tried to find my answers. I found that many years ago when the humans are developing they are living and behaving same like animals, some of them evolved themselves better and used their constructive mind to make humans better,  we call them ''Rishi-Muni'' or ''Sadhu''. In the Indian history you will find these Rishi's have a wide and important role in society.  Actually they are the Doctors, Scientists and Engineers at that time,  you may find all that in Vedas,  and Indian epic stories.

How the concept of GOD came in existence! 

According to historical aspects  when humans behaved ruthless and become unkind, everywhere is crime and people don't think of their personal life then the Rishi or Sadhu came to an point that If they have some kind of fear and hope then they might become good person and get busy in their own work. Keeping this fact in mind they created a word GOD, and said that he is our leader we should follow him worship him and we all are child of god they created us. And then they introduced lot of stories about GOD which are being used to tell stories to next generation for giving moral and ethical values.

How the concept of GHOST came in existence! 

Even when the most of people starting believing in GOD and his existence some might have doubt or start going against him. They do their crimes and evil deeds at night (mostly night). Then the Rishi's have some problems to face them so they Created a concept of Ghost and signifies them that they are the bad souls of living ones who are killed by someone and they are very dangerous. They take revenge of their death. By this they almost controlled the situation and for making believe strongly they created lot of stories. 

How the personal and social problems controlled by Rishi's? 

When every one is living their life they do their daily works and uses the natural resources well. They cut trees and plants without any boundaries. Then Rishi's realised that our environment is on threat if it is going like this than soon there are no plants and trees.  Then they tried to teach them the importance of trees and plants along with uses and their application. But they failed because people didn't understand well. Then the Rishi's got an idea that why shouldn't we relate them with their GODs. But relating all plants with religion creates a doubt in people's mind so they related important plants and trees with God and large, big and woody with Ghosts. They thought by this people learn their usefulness, but it has an opposite reaction they start worshipping them planted in their gardens and at their homes. The big trees remains part of forests and remain undisturbed long years. But the protection of environment is successful. 

Every time they have problems they find suitable solution which is scientific but related with religion applicable for everyone.So what are your opinions about this.! 

Comment If you have experienced any thing like this......... ....!!!!!