University of Calicut

Introduction: The continued exploration of natural resources holds great potential for identifying novel and effective anticancer compounds. In this study, we aim to analyze the anticancer potential of the methanol extract from the rhizome of the ethnomedicinal plant Corallocarpus epigaeus against skin cancer. Methods: A methanol extract of the rhizome (CME) was prepared by successive solvent extraction of the dried powder using a polarity gradient. Anticancer potential of CME was assessed by MTT (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) - cell viability assay. Antiproliferative activity of CME against skin cancer cells was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy and in vitro scratch assay. The cell death mechanism exhibited by CME was analysed by FACS (Fluorescence- Activated Cell Sorting) and Western blot analysis. Results: The MTT assay revealed a significant cytotoxic effect of CME against skin cancer cells, especially the melanoma skin cancer cell line (IC50 0.15 μg/mL), and its non-toxicity towards normal fibroblast cells. In vitro scratch assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining confirmed the cytotoxic effect against the melanoma cell line, A375. FACS analysis of CME-treated A375 cells stained with FITC-Annexin V/PI revealed that the cytotoxic effect was mediated through apoptotic cell death. Additionally, immunoblot analysis revealed the activation of p53 and upregulation of the Bax protein, indicating the involvement of the p53-mediated apoptotic pathway. Discussion: The present study highlights the potent anticancer efficacy of a bioactive extract (CME) from Corallocarpus epigaeus against both melanoma and NMSC skin cancer cells, with preliminary evidence of apoptosis induction in melanoma. Ongoing work in our lab aims to isolate the active compound(s), characterize the phytochemicals, elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity, and explore the potential of CME as a topical chemotherapeutic agent for treating melanoma. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence for the potential of CME against skin cancer cells, particularly melanoma, and warrants further exploration of its chemotherapeutic efficacy against melanoma.

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A new species of Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae)is identified and described from the Vagamon hills of Kerala, Western Ghats, India. The new species is similar to Ophiorrhiza eriantha Wight and Ophiorrhiza meenachilarensis Robi and Balan, but differs in having densely hirsute hairs on young stem, petiole and peduncle; patent hirsute hairs on, above and beneath the leaf; 14.0–15.0 mm long flower; linear to falcate bracts and bracteoles; sparsely hirsute cupuliform hypanthium; triangular calyx lobes; 9.5–12.0 mm long corolla tube; stamens inserted at the middle of the corolla tube; and oblong and papillate stigma. A detailed description, colour photographs, comparison, phenology, distribution, conservation status and key to the allied taxa of the new species are provided.

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease in India that causesfatal hemorrhagic fever in humans. Despite its complex network of hosts and vectors,the interspecific interactions shaping its disease ecology remain underexplored. Weaimed to identify these interactions and pathways aiding disease spread withinconnected landscapes and across geographic barriers. Through a systematic reviewand meta-analysis, we mapped KFD locations, vectors' feeding niches, and diseasehosts. We found 53 KFD associated species from Western Ghats (active diseaselocation) and 27 potentially associated species from Andaman and Nicobar Islands(KFD seroprevalence location). Each tick's host ranges revealed unique interactionsand potential transmission patterns among host animals. We challenge the currentnotion of KFD as an endemic primate disease, since primates are absent in themajority of the islands of Andaman and Nicobar with seroprevalence. Here, smallmammals could be local hosts, while birds may act as potential dispersers across geographic barriers.

Abstract Traditionally, morphological characterization has served as the primary method for species identification; however, it often fails to distinguish cryptic species or organisms with overlapping phenotypic traits. Modern techniques, though available, are frequently expensive and time‐consuming. In this context, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has emerged as a promising alternative. This technique is cost‐effective, provides rapid results and requires minimal sample preparation. Each organism exhibits a unique vibrational spectral fingerprint, enabling reliable classification when coupled with multivariate analysis. This review explores the application of FTIR spectroscopy in the taxonomic identification of macro‐organisms. We highlight its ability to generate distinct vibrational spectral fingerprints, and when coupled with multivariate statistical tools, such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), can effectively differentiate taxa at the family, genus and species levels. The analysis also evaluates common software platforms for spectral processing, assessing their suitability for biological classification. The reproducibility and discriminative capacity of spectral data demonstrate its value in resolving taxonomic relationships and contributing to spectral library development. These insights underscore the broader potential of FTIR spectroscopy in supporting global biodiversity conservation, ecological research and environmental assessment initiatives.

Abstract This article presents an experimental setup designed to automate the measurement of the thermal sensitivity of diodes using the ExpEYES-17 computer-interfaced test and measurement system, with the motivation of developing a modern pedagogical tool for physics laboratories. The experiment focuses on the temperature dependence of the knee voltage in P–N junction diodes, a critical phenomenon in semiconductor physics. A key feature is the integration of a PT-100 temperature sensor with Python-based automation, allowing continuous, high-resolution data logging of the forward I – V characteristics as the diode cools down after being heated to a predefined temperature. The results obtained from the experiment are in close agreement with established theoretical values, validating the effectiveness of this method. Numerical analysis techniques, specifically the use of linear extrapolation and linear regression, are employed to extract the thermal sensitivity coefficient precisely. This approach introduces students to modern techniques of data acquisition and analysis while reinforcing fundamental concepts in semiconductor physics, making it an ideal, scalable experiment for a physics practical course in an undergraduate or postgraduate physics curriculum.