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CiteSreekumar S. Nobel Prize awarded for the discovery of Foxp3-Directed ‘Immune Policing’ by Tregs [Editorial]. Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies 2026; 2 (1):1-3.
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 Nobel Prize awarded for the discovery of Foxp3-Directed ‘Immune Policing’ by Tregs
Author:
S. Sreekumar
Publication:
Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies
Publisher:
University College Zoology Alumni Association (UNIZOA)
Date:
Jan 01, 2026
Copyright © 2026, UNIZOA
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CiteNampoothiri KM, Gopan MN. Microbial phytase in animal nutrition: Unlocking phytate for sustainable feed utilization. Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies 2026; 2 (1):4-19.
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Microbial phytase in animal nutrition: Unlocking phytate for sustainable feed utilization
Author:
M. Nitheesh Gopan, K. Madhavan Nampoothiri
Publication:
Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies
Publisher:
University College Zoology Alumni Association (UNIZOA)
Date:
Jan 01, 2026
Copyright © 2026, UNIZOA
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CiteRajendran R, Anusree SB, Sasi MS. Entomological situation analysis for Aedes-borne diseases threat in rural Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies 2026;2(1):53-65.
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Entomological situation analysis for Aedes-borne diseases threat in rural Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Author:
R. Rajendran; S.B. Anusree; M.S. Sasi
Publication:
Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies
Publisher:
University College Zoology Alumni Association (UNIZOA)
Date:
Jan 01 2026
Copyright © 2026, UNIZOA
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CiteMeher BSA, Kumar RP. Diversity of butterflies in the Government College for Women campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies 2026; 2 (1):87-92.
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Diversity of butterflies in the Government College for Women campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Author:
B.S. Arya Meher; R. Pradeep Kumar
Publication:
Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies. 2(1):87-92, Jan-Jun 2026.
Publisher:
University College Zoology Alumni Association (UNIZOA)
Date:
Jan 01, 2026
Copyright © 2026, UNIZOA
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The evolution of the giraffe's neck is a complex process involving several anatomical, physiological, and behavioural modifications. However, the reasons behind the evolution of neck in giraffe and the associated evolutionary events remain unresolved. Various theories explaining evolution in general and giraffe’s neck evolution in particular are discussed in the context of present-day evolutionary genetics. This review also critically evaluates the scientific validation and logic of these theories.
Keywords: Bottleneck phenomenon, Darwinism, founder effect, genetic drift, Giraffa camelopardalis, Lamarckism, mutation theory, neural theory, population genetics, variations.
Humans have historically harnessed the inherent toxicity of living organisms for diverse applications, from hunting and warfare to traditional medicine. This ancient knowledge has significantly contributed to the development of numerous modern pharmaceuticals derived from natural compounds. While plants are essential for life, they also produce toxins as a defense mechanism, which can be detrimental upon ingestion. Paradoxically, these very compounds can offer therapeutic benefits when administered in controlled doses. The perceived "safety" of a plant is, therefore, not absolute; it is contingent upon individual factors such as sensitivity, genetic predisposition, health status, and hormonal balance. By integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge, we can better understand this dual nature of plant compounds, enabling us to both mitigate potential risks and leverage their benefits in medicinal and other fields. This underscores the intricate chemistry of the natural world and humanity's remarkable capacity for resilience and adaptation. This review further explores the toxic constituents found in sixteen common plants and their current therapeutic applications in modern medicine
Keywords: Abrus, Aconitum, Atropa, atropine, Cannabis, Catharanthus, Curarea, Datura, Digitalis, Gloriosa, hyoscyamine, Nicotiana, nux-vomica, odollam, oleander, opium, reserpine, Ricinus, scopolamine, Serpentine, yohimbine.
Microplastics (MPs) are extremely small plastic debris, less than 5 mm in size, present in the environment. They originate either from primary sources, such as microbeads, or form secondarily through the breakdown of larger discarded plastics, including consumer products and industrial waste. MPs have emerged as pervasive contaminants across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, and are now detected in drinking water, remote environments, and a wide range of aquatic organisms. This review consolidates current knowledge on the environmental fate, biological interactions, and detection methodologies of MPs, with a specific focus on emerging concepts such as plastisphere formation, biofilm development, the Trojan horse effect, and plastiglomerates. MPs act as substrates for microbial colonization, facilitating the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and altering microbial community dynamics. Through the Trojan horse mechanism, these serve as vectors for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, and pathogenic microorganisms, thereby enhancing ecological toxicity. Advanced detection methods including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and Py-GC-MS are discussed alongside current mitigation strategies spanning mechanical, chemical, and bioremediation techniques. Despite recent advances, challenges persist in detecting nanoplastics, standardizing methodologies, and implementing scalable remediation approaches. The review underscores the urgent need for interdisciplinary research, regulatory intervention, and public engagement to address the complex and multifaceted impacts of MPs on ecosystem and human health.
Keywords: Aquatic pollution, biofilm, microplastics, nanoplastics, plastiglomerates, plastisphere, Trojan horse effect.
Phytase enzymes have earned significant importance in recent years, due to their critical role as biocatalysts in the hydrolysis of phytic acid, thereby enhancing the bioavailability of phosphorus in plant-based diets. In plants, phosphorus is predominantly stored in the form of phytic acid, which exists mainly as mineral salts such as phytate and phytin. Phytic acid is considered an anti-nutritional factor due to its strong chelating ability, which binds essential minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc, reducing their bioavailability, especially for monogastric animals. To overcome this limitation, supplementation of the phytase enzyme along with raw feed or incorporating phytase into feed formulations has become a common strategy to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency of animal diets, by reducing the reliance on expensive inorganic phosphate supplements. In this review, we focus on the application of phytase enzyme in sustainable animal feed for monogastric animals. Numerous studies are ongoing in this field to develop advanced variants of phytase with superior catalytic performance, elevated thermal stability and broad pH activity range across various substrates, coupled with greater enzyme productivity. Moreover, recombinant phytases developed through various microbial expression systems have demonstrated superior performance in animal feed processing, to achieve maximal nutrient utilization while ensuring feed stability throughout processing. These advancements highlight the global potential of phytase in food processing, agriculture, human nutrition and health, development of transgenic plants, environmental protection, and various other industrial applications.
Keywords: Animal feed application, anti-nutrient, phosphorus recycling, phytase, phytate (phytic acid), recombinant phytase
Kerala’s diverse geo-climatic, environmental, and spatio-temporal conditions create a very congenial haven for a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms and their vectors. This fosters the epidemiological convergence of disease-causing agents and vectors, enabling them to breed, proliferate, establish perpetual habitats, and cause various vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Of these VBDs, dengue accounts for the highest number of cases and fatalities, followed by chikungunya. Notably, the Thiruvananthapuram District has reported the highest incidence of dengue fever for over a decade. Since most studies on Aedes-borne diseases (ABDs) have focused on urban areas, specifically the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation area, an entomological situation analysis was conducted in rural areas to determine entomological indices that could provide critical and sufficient indications of the potential of VBDs outbreaks. This report presents the results and key inferences derived from the study, which may be helpful in implementing timely and effective preventive interventions by public health authorities.
Keywords: Adult premise index, Aedes-borne diseases, breeding preference ratio, Breteau index, container index, house index, vector-borne diseases, vector control.
Phytochemicals remain a cornerstone of drug development due to their natural origin, cost-effectiveness, and lower toxicity. Senna alata (S. alata) and Gliricidia sepium (G. sepium), both belonging to the family Fabaceae, are recognized for their diverse bioactivities, including pharmacological and insecticidal properties. However, the limited and seasonal availability of medicinal plants like S. alata, a perennial shrub with an uneven distribution in Kerala, poses challenges for large-scale extraction of compounds with therapeutic and insecticidal value. In contrast, G. sepium is a fast-growing, widely distributed tree that can be a promising source of bioactive compounds, owing to its abundant biomass and year-round availability. The present study compares the phytochemical profiles of S. alata and G. sepium to evaluate their potential as sources of valuable bioactive compounds. In this study, sequential solvent extraction using hexane, chloroform, and ethanol was performed on dried leaves, followed by both qualitative and quantitative analyses through biochemical assays and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The findings of the present study demonstrate substantial overlap in the qualitative and quantitative profiles of major bioactive compounds. This study further signifies the need for exploration of underutilized plant species to overcome supply constraints in phytopharmaceuticals and for facilitating drug discovery and the development of related products. Further research involving advanced analytical techniques and bioactivity assays is recommended to confirm functional equivalence.
Keywords: Bioactivity, biopesticide, Gliricidia sepium, medicinal plant, phytochemicals, Senna alata, thin layer chromatography.
The present study provides an account of butterfly diversity within the campus of the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Despite its urban setting and limited area, the campus supports a variety of tall trees, herbs, and shrubs, which in turn provide habitats for several butterfly species. This study was conducted to document and understand the butterfly diversity within the campus, with an additional aim of photographing the observed species. A total of fifteen butterfly species belonging to the following five families were recorded during the study: Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae.
Keywords: Butterfly diversity, Catopsilia Pomona, Junonia iphita, Leptosia nina
This study presents a comparative analysis of the water quality and ecological status of a common eutrophic pond and a well-maintained temple pond in Kilimanoor, Kerala, India. A range of physicochemical and biological parameters were analysed to evaluate the extent of environmental stress and ecosystem health in each water body, following standard protocols. Results showed that the common pond was significantly degraded, with high turbidity and poor availability of dissolved oxygen (DO), accompanied by high biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The pond’s surface was heavily infested with Salvinia spp., and algal diversity was low, dominated by pollution-tolerant species like Oscillatoria, Chlorella, and Nitzschia. Primary productivity was minimal, and fish diversity was limited. In contrast, the temple pond exhibited healthier conditions: clean water, low salinity, relatively high DO, and reduced BOD and COD. Biological assessments revealed a diverse algal community, absence of invasive flora, and a stable fish population, including Aplocheilus lineatus and frequent sightings of predatory birds, suggesting a robust food web. The study concludes that anthropogenic activities and poor management practices severely impact water quality and biodiversity in small freshwater ecosystems. The findings underscore the urgent need for regular monitoring, pollution control, and community-based conservation efforts to restore and sustain aquatic habitats.
Keywords: Anthropogenic impact, aquatic biodiversity, aquatic pollution, community-based conservation, ecology, ecosystem, freshwater microflora, pond eutrophication.
Scientific calculators could be used effectively in data analysis in biological research. Scientists often use calculators to perform statistical calculations like mean, median, standard deviation and more complex regression analysis to analyze experimental results. This paper outlines the necessary steps for using scientific calculators, specifically in statistical calculations, in order to make the process more accessible and beneficial for students.
Keywords: Scientific calculator, standard deviation, means, median, regression analysis.
Floods are unpredictable natural disasters and there is no way to prevent them. However, in some cases, anthropogenic factors can contribute to or accelerate these events. In Kerala, seasonal flooding has become a common occurrence in recent years, particularly during the heavy monsoons as in 2018 and 2019. Flooding causes widespread damage, including soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, extensive agricultural destruction, the spread of invasive plant and animal species, and increased sedimentation and nutrient loading. It is hoped that the restoration of degraded ecosystems may be possible through projects under the "Rebuild Kerala Development Programme" of the Government.
Keywords: Floods, invasive species, biodiversity, nutrient loading, flood mitigation.