Shivangi Mathur

Plastic pollution is a universal problem, and microbial management of plastic waste represents a promising area of biotechnological research. This study investigated the ability of bacterial strains which were isolated from landfill soil to degrade Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). Strains obtained via serial dilution were screened for LDPE degradation on Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) with hexadecane. Nine isolates producing clearance zones on hexadecane-supplemented MEM were further tested for biofilm formation on LDPE sheets. High cell surface hydrophobicity isolates (>10%) were selected for detailed biodegradation studies. The C-8 bacterial isolate showed the highest LDPE weight loss (3.57%) and exhibited maximum laccase (0.0219 U/mL) and lipase activity (19 mm) among all bacterial isolates after 30 days. Weight loss was further validated by FTIR and SEM analysis. FTIR analysis revealed that in comparison to control, changes in peak were observed at 719 cm-1 (C-H bending), 875.67 cm-1 (C-C vibrations), 1307.07 cm-1 (C-O stretching), 1464.21 cm-1 (C-H bending), 2000-1650 cm-1 (C-H bending), 2849.85 cm-1 (C-H stretching) in microbial treated LDPE sheets. The treated LDPE also displayed increase in carbonyl index (upto 2.5 to 3 folds), double bond index (1 to 2-fold) and internal double bond index (2 to 2.5-fold) indicating oxidation and chain scission in the LDPE backbone. SEM analysis showed substantial micrometric surface damage on the LDPE film, with visible cracks and grooves. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the C-8, C-11, C-15 and C-19 isolate were identified as Bacillus paramycoides, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus siamensis and Lysinibacillus capsica, respectively.

Aging leads to widespread effects across biological, physiological, and cognitive systems, resulting in a gradual decline in overall function and resilience. At the cellular level, aging is marked by increased DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired proteostasis, contributing to reduced regenerative capacity. Physiologically, aging affects almost every organ system, leading to decreased cardiovascular efficiency, weakened immune responses, slower metabolism, and reduced bone density. Cognitive functions, including memory, learning, and processing speed, also tend to decline with age. These changes increase susceptibility to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Understanding the effects of aging is critical for developing strategies to enhance healthspan, maintain functional independence, and improve quality of life in older populations.

The aging process, characterized by the progressive decline of cellular and physiological functions, can be influenced by nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Recent research highlights the potential of various supplements to slow aspects of biological aging by targeting key mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genomic instability. Compounds like antioxidants (vitamins C and E), coenzyme Q10, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols (such as resveratrol), and NAD⁺ precursors have shown promise in promoting cellular health and extending healthspan. Additionally, supplements that modulate nutrient-sensing pathways, such as rapamycin analogs and metformin, are being explored for their anti-aging effects. While supplements offer a promising approach to support healthy aging, their efficacy and safety require further validation through long-term clinical studies. A deeper understanding of personalized supplementation strategies may pave the way for individualized interventions to enhance longevity and quality of life.

Lifestyle choices play a crucial role in modulating the aging process and promoting healthy longevity. Evidence suggests that regular physical activity, a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and avoidance of harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly delay physiological and cognitive decline associated with aging. Practices such as caloric restriction, mindfulness, and maintaining strong social connections have been linked to improved cellular function, reduced inflammation, enhanced metabolic health, and greater resilience against age-related diseases. Adopting a holistic and proactive lifestyle not only extends healthspan but also improves the quality of life in later years. Continued research emphasizes the power of daily habits in influencing biological aging and offers strategies for sustainable, long-term health optimization.

The aging process, though inevitable, can be slowed by a combination of pharmacological interventions and healthy lifestyle habits. Medicines such as metformin, rapamycin, and senolytics are being explored for their potential to target key biological pathways involved in aging, including cellular senescence, nutrient sensing, and mitochondrial function. Alongside these medical approaches, lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and cognitive engagement play a critical role in maintaining cellular health and delaying the onset of age-related decline. Emerging evidence suggests that an integrated approach—combining targeted medications with positive daily habits—offers the most promising strategy for extending healthspan, preventing chronic diseases, and promoting vitality in older age. On-going research continues to refine these strategies, aiming to personalize anti-aging interventions for maximum benefit.

The extensive use of plastics in daily life has led to the generation of huge amounts of plastic waste, which causes an enormous burden on the environment. More than half of the plastic waste ends up in the landfill, and about one-fifth of waste is managed by incineration. Only about one-tenth of plastic waste is recycled, and the rest, about one-fifth of mismanaged plastic waste, ends up in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. Here, we review how the deterioration of plastics leads to the formation of microplastics and nanoplastics, which are now found abundantly and are contaminating aquatic life and water bodies. It observed that increasing experimental evidence provides data about the presence of these microplastics in food items, terrestrial environment, and even the human body. The harmful effects of microplastics on human health still need to be substantiated with more precise experimental studies. However, measures can be taken to reduce the production of microplastics by improving the methods used for plastic degradation. This review focuses on the use of genetic engineering, genome editing, synthetic biology, and system biology approaches to increase the potential of microorganisms to degrade plastics.

Keeping quality is an important parameter for evaluation of cut flower quality, for both in export and domestic markets. Holding solution should contain chemical preservatives to prolong the vase-life

Stevioside obtained from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert) is regarded as a valuable natural sweetening agent because of its relatively good taste and chemical stability. But Seed germination of the

Commiphoramukul found in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Guggul gum resin has been used to treat various diseases including cancer, atherosclerosis, rheumatism and obesity. The crude extracts obtained