Indian Journal of Biology

The preservation of marble heritage artifacts is increasingly challenged by microbial-induced chemical deterioration. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and lichens secrete metabolic byproducts that chemically interact with marble’s calcium carbonate matrix, leading to structural and aesthetic degradation. This paper reviews the mechanisms of microbial-induced chemical deterioration, discusses the impacts on marble artifacts, and evaluates current conservation strategies. Marble, a widely used material in cultural heritage monuments, is highly susceptible to biodeterioration caused by microbial colonization. This study investigates the chemical deterioration of marble heritage artifacts induced by microbial activity, focusing on the metabolic byproducts of bacteria, fungi, and lichens. Field sampling and laboratory analysis revealed that microbial communities secrete organic acids (oxalic, citric, and gluconic acids) and sulfur compounds, which react with calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ), leading to the formation of calcium oxalates and gypsum. These reactions significantly increased surface porosity, discoloration, and micro-cracking. Results demonstrated that oxalic acid–producing fungi were the most aggressive agents of marble degradation, with calcium oxalate crystals reducing the structural density of samples by up to 28% compared to unaffected controls. Biofilm formation was also observed, enhancing moisture retention and pollutant deposition, thereby accelerating deterioration. Conservation treatments with natural biocides (essential oil extracts) showed a reduction of microbial colonization by 65%, while protective hydrophobic coatings decreased surface porosity and acid infiltration. This research highlights the urgent need for eco-friendly conservation strategies tailored to microbial-induced damage, ensuring the long-term preservation of marble heritage artifacts.

Introduction: Forensic investigations involving skeletal remains often encounter challenges related to the quality and quantity of extracted DNA. These challenges are influenced by factors such as the postmortem interval, environmental conditions, and the rate of DNA degradation. As the demand for accurate identification in forensic cases grows, researchers and forensic scientists are working to improve the efficiency of DNA extraction methods from skeletal remains to address cases involving unidentified bodies. The goal of this systematic review was to explore and evaluate DNA extraction techniques that are most effective for forensic DNA profiling from hard tissue samples. Method: The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines for its search strategy, which was implemented using the ScienceDirect database. Initially, 5,526 research articles were identified, and 20 duplicates were removed using CADIMA software. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria and screening titles and abstracts, 5,397 articles were excluded. Ultimately, 24 articles were included in the full-text analysis. Conclusion: This review provides a comprehensive comparison of DNA extraction methods, valuable insights into selecting the most suitable technique for specific forensic applications. It also highlights the importance of standardizing protocols to ensure consistent, reproducible, and high-quality results across different scientific fields

local people in and around Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan, focusing on uses in daily life, health and traditional medicine. Fieldwork was carried out using semi-structured interviews, guided walks, participant observation and voucher specimen collection. We document 38 species (wild and cultivated) commonly used by households, traditional healers (vaidyas/gurujis), and artisans for food, fodder, fuel, construction, personal hygiene, materia medica and ritual purposes. For each species we provide botanical identity, local name, parts used, major uses, method of preparation/application and conservation notes. The survey highlights continued reliance on a small set of multipurpose arid-adapted species (e.g., Azadirachta indica, Withania somnifera, Aegle marmelos, Capparis decidua, Salvadora persica, Ziziphus mauritiana) for both household and medicinal needs. We discuss implications for community health, sustainable use and conservation priorities, and suggest directions for phytochemical and pharmacological follow up. This work serves as a baseline ethnobotanical record for the Nawalgarh region and a resource for local conservation and community health initiatives.

Background: Cry genes of Bacillus thuruginensis were widely used for development of biopesticide, transgenic crops in order to control insect pest, nematode and fungi. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess heterogeneous expression of tagged Cry 2Ax gene in E.coli and toxicity. Methods: Bt (4Q7 strain) harboring Cry 2Ax gene was amplified with gene specific primers with and without tags. Restriction digestions were performed for amplified products in three ways viz., one with gene, second tagged gene and third pET 28(a) vector. Two sets of ligations and transformations were performed with E.coli strains (DH5 α) followed by BL 21(E.coli). Positive transformants were induced with IPTG based protein expression. The SDS page and bioassay were carried out. Results: The colony PCR, plasmid PCR and restriction digestion conformed the vector band size (5.3 Kb) and insert band size (1.9 Kb). SDS page was confirmed with 65KDa band of cry 2Ax. Bioassay with heterogenous protein of cry 2Ax protein showed 100% mortality and the protein with tags showed 70% mortality towards Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. Conclusion: The study found that heterogenous expression of tagged gene in E. coli faced the problem of protein folding, transfer, and tRNA conversion. This disruption leads to increased protein accumulation instead of efficient chaperone –mediated transfer and solubility, consequently, the cry 2Ax protein with tags shows 30% reduction in toxicity.

Arsenic (As) contamination in soil poses a serious threat to ecosystem and human health. Different physical and chemical methods are employed to mitigate this problem, but they have several inherent drawbacks including high cost, energy intensive and eco-invasive nature. Whereas phytoremediation is an eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable strategy for remediation of soil As contamination. Pteridophytes have evolutionary advantages that allow them to accumulate contaminants from soil, thus acting as natural scavenger of soil contaminants. Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata L.) is credited with the distinction of being ‘first’ arsenic hyperaccumulator exhibiting remarkable potential for arsenic removal from contaminated soils up to 22,630 mg kg-1 As in its dry mass. In this review starting with a brief outline of the taxonomy of phytoremediation, the molecular mechanisms of accumulation, translocation, and detoxification of As in pteridophytes have been highlighted with special reference to P. vittata. Further, the means and measures of maneuvering phytoremediation have been discussed with an objective of enhancement of its performance and success in environmental remediation.