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Times Top News

US to partner with India to explore semiconductor supply chain opportunities

by | Sep 9, 2024 | Science


The US will partner with India’s Semiconductor Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and IT to explore opportunities to grow and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, created by the CHIPS Act of 2022 (CHIPS Act), the US State Department said.

This partnership will help create a more resilient, secure, and sustainable global semiconductor value chain, it said in a statement Monday. The initial phase of the partnership includes a comprehensive assessment of India’s existing semiconductor ecosystem and regulatory framework, as well as workforce and infrastructure needs.

“US and India are key partners in ensuring the global semiconductor supply chain keeps pace with the global digital transformation currently underway,” the statement said. The collaboration between the US and India underscores the potential to expand India’s semiconductor industry to the benefit of both nations, it added.

Manufacturing of essential products ranging from vehicles to medical devices relies on the strength and resilience of the semiconductor supply chain. The US anticipated that key Indian stakeholders, such as State governments, educational institutions, research centres and private companies will participate in this analysis steered by the India semiconductor mission.

The insights gained from the assessment will serve as the basis for potential future joint initiatives to strengthen and grow this critical sector, the Sate Department said.

In August 2022, President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS Act, a US law that appropriated new funding to boost domestic manufacturing and research of semiconductors. The law also created the ITSI Fund, which provides the US State Department $500 million over a five-year period starting from FY2023.

The aim of the funding is to promote the development and adoption of secure and trusted telecommunications technologies, secure semiconductor supply chains, and other programmes and initiatives with US allies and partners.





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Colour-coded ammonia detection

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Science


A newly developed composite membrane made from two or more materials has showed remarkable colour change when exposed to vapours of different amines. The Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMM) could thus aide in the detection of ammonia or other amine leaks in laboratories or industrial settings.

Ammonia or other aliphatic amines are extensively used as raw material or intermediate products in many chemical, fertilizer and food industries. They are highly toxic and corrosive and become widely dispersed in the environment. They can quickly oxidize in water to produce several N-nitrosamines, which are very hazardous. Direct contact with amines can cause severe respiratory irritation and skin burns.  Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a workplace threshold limit of 50 ppm for NH3. Concentrations above this level can lead to severe and potentially fatal health issues. Thus, detecting ammonia and aliphatic amines, whether in vapour or liquid form, at both high and low concentrations is essential for effective environmental and water monitoring and are extremely important for preventing onsite gas leakage and disasters.

Recently, 2D MOF nanosheets have attracted more attention than their 3D bulk counterparts. 2D MOFs provide numerous exposed active sites, an extremely high surface-to-volume atomic ratio, and a larger specific surface area, which enhance their performance in various applications such as catalysis, gas separation and storage.

A team of researchers led by Dr Monika Singh at Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, have synthesised a highly water-stable, ultrathin Ni-btc nanosheets, with a thickness of approximately 4.15 nm, using the 2D oxide sacrifice approach (2dOSA), says a press release. These MOF nanosheets exhibited exceptional sensitivity in detecting aliphatic amines and ammonia in an aqueous medium through a unique “turn-on” fluorescence process, which is rare.

The researchers used these to fabricate a Mixed matrix membrane of MOF nanosheet that showed a naked-eye colour change in the presence of NH3 and aliphatic amines. The response of colour change differs in each case, enabling MMMs to visually distinguish different types of amine vapours. These membranes are also reusable and can be easily employed for real-time detection of amines.





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Piezoelectric pathway detects every step

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Science


Researchers from Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), in collaboration with scientists from National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune have developed a security alert system based on a newly developed piezoelectric polymer nanocomposite.

Piezoelectric materials are those that produce electricity when subjected to mechanical stress (squeezed). The scientists have developed a material that could be used in a walkway, where it could be activated or deactivated. When activated, it can detect anybody walking on it and send a signal.

This development was based on the finding that metal oxide nanomaterials, with appropriate crystal structure and surface properties, when used as fillers in a polymer composite lead to a significant enhancement in the piezoelectric response.

Mechanical energy is plentiful in the world and is easily accessible. It can be converted into electrical energy through a variety of techniques, including contact electrification/triboelectric effect and piezoelectric effect. Flexible, portable, sustainable, and wearable sensors and energy harvesting devices are critical nowadays. Polymers and nanoparticles are playing a major role in present flexible electronic systems.

The researchers prepared synthesized two zirconia-based metal organic frameworks (UiO-66 and UiO-67), which were converted to zirconia nanoparticles by controlling their crystallographic phases.

Polymer nanocomposite films were then fabricated by incorporating these nanoparticles with different crystal structures into a well-known piezoelectric polymer, poly (vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF). Then the team evaluated the influence of varying crystal structures of zirconia nanoparticles on a piezoelectric energy-generating zirconia- PVDF composite. They observed that the surface characteristics and crystal structure of the nanofillers have a significant impact in piezoelectric properties of polymer material, says a press release from the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.





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Open-source data platforms as lifelines during disasters  

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Science


The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as the recent Wayanad landslides, necessitates innovative solutions. Open-source data platforms, characterised by collaboration, transparency and rapid innovation, are becoming essential tools in disaster management.

Since open-source communities thrive on collaboration, they become invaluable resources in the high-pressure environment of disaster response. Research indicates that they are more likely to produce innovative solutions compared to proprietary models. This collaborative spirit accelerates the development of critical tools. We saw this during the rapid creation of ‘contact tracing’ apps and ventilator designs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Agility is a defining characteristic of open-source communities. And platforms like OpenStreetMap (OSM) exemplify this by providing real-time mapping data crucial for disaster response. OSM’s ability to rapidly update maps with information on affected areas, evacuation routes and critical infrastructure has proven instrumental in numerous disaster relief efforts. Studies have shown that OSM-based response initiatives significantly reduce response times compared to traditional methods.

Open-source platforms act as a melting pot for global talent, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise. This fusion of knowledge is essential for tackling the unique challenges posed by different disasters. For instance, the development of flood prediction models has benefited greatly from the contributions of experts from flood-prone regions. This has resulted in more accurate and context-specific solutions.

Transparency is a cornerstone of open-source platforms. Since anyone can access the code and algorithms in these platforms, it encourages scrutiny and continuous improvement. Surveys reveal that a significant majority of respondents trust open-source platforms more than proprietary systems due to their transparency. This open approach is especially critical in disaster management, where public trust is crucial.

The longevity and continuous evolution of open-source platforms make them sustainable solutions for disaster management as they not only provide immediate responses but also lay the foundation for long-term resilience.

Emerging Tech

Further, emerging technologies like AI, IoT and blockchain can accurately predict disasters, enabling timely activation of early warning systems. Artificial intelligence can analyse vast datasets to predict disaster risks, optimise resource allocation and identify patterns in disaster response. For example, AI-powered image analysis can quickly assess damage from aerial imagery. Internet of Things (IoT) devices can collect real-time data on environmental conditions, infrastructure and population movement and provide critical insights for disaster response and prevention. And blockchain technology can ensure the transparency and security of supply chains, prevent fraud and track the distribution of aid.

Japan has deployed sophisticated earthquake and tsunami early warning systems that utilise open-source technologies. Implementing similar systems in India, especially in earthquake-prone areas, could significantly boost disaster preparedness.

Open-source platforms are used in New Zealand for public education and real-time communication during earthquakes. India could adapt these tools to improve community resilience and ensure timely dissemination of critical information during emergencies.

To create a truly unique and effective platform, the platform should be tailored to the specific needs of different regions in the country. There should be community involvement its development and maintenance and it must be integrated with the existing government systems such as early warning systems and disaster management databases, etc. The platform should be offered in multiple local languages and designed with mobile devices in mind.

While open-source data platforms offer immense potential, they also raise ethical considerations. Issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias and the digital divide require careful attention. Developing ethical guidelines and frameworks is essential to ensure that these platforms are used responsibly and equitably.

As we continue to face an uncertain future, open-source data platforms stand as a testament to the power of collective intelligence and global cooperation.

(The writer is Chief Operating Officer and National Coordinator, I-STEM)





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Tracking India’s wild side with LTEM

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Science


From the Western Ghats to the Eastern Himalayas, ecologists have been conducting long-term ecological monitoring (LTEM) studies for decades. Now a group of nine researchers from Nature Conservation Foundation, TIFR and Indian Institute of Forest Management have conducted an investigation into how helpful these studies have been and what challenges they face.

They looked into 272 ongoing efforts to monitor India’s ecosystems. These vital projects, however, face significant challenges, from lack of funding to bureaucratic hurdles, impacting our ability to understand and protect India’s biodiversity.

LTEM has been a key component of ecological research worldwide since the mid-1800s, providing important insights into climate change impacts and raising public awareness about environmental issues and the importance of biodiversity. This awareness has contributed to the development of policies aimed at protecting ecosystems and mitigating the impacts of human activities on the environment.

For instance, the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire has some of the longest running ecological investigations. Scientists at this research site discovered the widespread presence of acid rain and its effects on soil mineral changes. Academic work led to legislative change in 1990 with the US Congress amending their 1970 Clean Air Act. Another example is the bird and butterfly monitoring efforts in the UK starting from the mid-1900s which have expanded into broader population monitoring programmes in Europe and North America. These monitoring programmes subsequently led to the early insights into biological impacts of climate 100 change, including poleward movement of populations and changes in breeding times. They also 101 continue to provide insights into long-term decline of insect and bird populations on the whole and 102 endangered and endemic species in particular.

Beyond the peaks

LTEM in India, which began in the mid-1900s, now covers 77 unique subjects, crucial for tracking trends and informing conservation. However, researchers face short-term funding cycles and uneven site distribution. The Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas are well-studied, focusing on forest vegetation and large mammals, while grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and species like macro fungi, amphibians, and reptiles are often neglected. Expanding research to include these overlooked areas and species could provide valuable insights for ecosystem management.

Despite difficulties, LTEM efforts in India has have produced valuable data. The monitoring of Asiatic lions in Gir National Park has provided important data on population dynamics, habitat use, and conservation needs of this endangered species. The project has informed habitat management strategies, identified human-wildlife conflict areas, assessed genetic diversity and guided conservation policy decisions. More than 60% of LTEM projects were involved in creating management plans and policies for state forest departments.

This study highlights the need to expand the scope of LTEM in India. The authors recommend focusing on underrepresented ecosystems, neglected species groups, and overlooked response variables. India has also not had LTEM studies that look into substrates such as water and soil, or ecological processes like decomposition and carbon efflux.

To strengthen these initiatives, the study recommends better funding timelines and streamlined permit processes. They also underline the need for a national collaborative network. This network could facilitate addressing gaps, support data sharing, and integrate with other disciplines which could result in efficient utilisation of LTEM data for conservation policies.

(The writer is based in Guwahati)





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