A thorough exploration for the rare, endemic and threatened species in the sacred groves of Kanyakumari District in Southern Western Ghats is lacking. The tropical climate and soil conditions coupled with the religious and social beliefs enabled these groves to harbour a large number of RET species, which are on the verge of extinction. (Sep 2007)

In 2004, with the market crashing around them, vanilla farmers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu came together with the help of the Spices Board of India to form a cooperative called Vanilla India

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in developing countries. We assessed the effect of screening using visual inspection with 4% acetic acid (VIA) on cervical cancer incidence and mortality in a cluster randomised controlled trial in India.

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in developing countries. We assessed the effect of screening using visual inspection with 4% acetic acid (VIA) on cervical cancer incidence and mortality in a cluster randomised controlled trial in India.

Rainfed agriculture productivity has constrained even in watershed areas after the termination of the watershed development activities in most places in India due to lack of exit mechanism and social regulation on use of groundwater. Under high risk, low productivity and fragile rainfed farming situation, 'water bodies' are found to be the way out after watersheds.

Microbial load in the groundwater and the physico-chemical characteristics of the water samples in and around the dumpsite of Dindigul town, Tamil Nadu, was studied. A microbial analysis of the leachate of the municipal solid waste, the ground water collected from the dumping yard and the ground water collected from a distance of 100 feet away from the dumping yard was also carried out to find out the effect of the municipal solid waste on the ground water quality.

Scientists of Annamali University, Tamil Nadu, have developed flyash based herbal pesticide with turmeric, neem, eucalyptus, pepper and chilli dust and found them effective against several pests of rice and vegetables. (Courtesy : Down to Earth) July-Sep 2007