Biological control is an environmentally safe method used in integrated pest management. It involves suppression of pest population using two groups of living organisms referred to as Entomophaga and Entomopathogens. Entomophaga comprise natural predators and parasites of the pest. Entomopathogens are generally microorganisms that include virus, bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa. This review gives an account of various biological control methods including ecological engineering and push-pull strategy with examples and discusses the advantages as well as challenges associated with them.

Keywords: Biological control, Entomophaga, Entomopathogen, Ecological engineering, Push-Pull strategy.

Genetic studies employing Y-chromosome and mitochondrial genome analysis have provided significant information on genealogy, origin and migratory routes of various human populations in India. The genealogy of the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is particularly interesting as these tribal populations continue to remain almost isolated from the rest of the world. The present paper is an attempt to interpret the origin, genetic affinities and demography of these tribes. Andaman Islands are home to four major groups of tribes namely Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and Sentinelese. Nicobar Islands are inhabited by two mongoloid tribes namely Shompen and Nicobarese tribes.

Keywords: Human genealogy, Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and Sentinelese, Shompen, Nicobarese.

Mass spectrometry has become an essential analytical tool in biological research, enabling the characterization of a wide range of biomolecules, including proteins, sugars, and oligonucleotides. The technique involves the ionization of molecules, followed by their separation based on the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and subsequent detection. The integration of MS with advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography allows for high-resolution analysis of complex biological samples. This paper discusses the components, processes and applications of mass spectrometry in biological studies.

Keywords: Mass spectrometry, mass/charge ratio, liquid chromatography, ionization, MALDI.

The availability of fresh water is steadily decreasing in many parts of the world due to climate change and anthropogenic factors. At the same time, the occurrence of inland saline water is increasing at an alarming rate. Agriculture of commercially important marine and brackish-water fish species are practiced in many regions of the world. This study discusses the suitability of inland saline water, with and without potassium supplementation, for the survival and growth of various culturable finfish and shellfish species, including tiger shrimp.

Keywords: Inland-saline water, ground water, Penaeus monodon, Fenneropenaeus merguiensis.

The largest radioactive power plant accident happened in Chernobyl. The residents were evacuated from the area 24 hours after the accident and the area was declared prohibited for inhabitation. The radioactive material from the accident contaminated the land and water in and around the Chernobyl area. From the contaminated land and water bodies the radioactive materials entered the plants and other living organisms through the food chain. The radioactive contaminants have adversely affected the survival of plants, caused an increase in mortality of animals and created genetic abnormalities.

Keywords: Radioactive, Chernobyl, genetic abnormalities, biodiversity.

The older larvae of the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus construct cocoons made from the discarded chewed fibres of the tender parts of the coconut palm for pupation. The larvae stop feeding prior to pupation and wander around the medium to find a suitable place for cocoon construction. They start constructing cocoons by picking up fibres by the mandibles and these are then packed into a cylindrical structure with both ends open. The mechanism of closing the open ends of the cylinder is demonstrated here in this study.

Keywords: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, coconut pest, cocoon construction, pupation.

The larvae of Oryctes rhinoceros possess a well-developed stomatogastric nervous system. It consists of a median frontal ganglion placed in front of the brain on the dorsal side of the oesophagus and is connected to the brain by a pair of frontal connectives. It also gives out a single recurrent nerve to the hypocerebral ganglion. The nerves associated with the stomatogastric nervous system innervates the mouth parts, oesophagus and the anterior part of the pharyngeal musculature.

Keywords: Oryctes rhinoceros, stomatogastric nervous system, frontal ganglion, ingluvial ganglion, hypocerebral ganglion.

Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, pose significant clinical and economic burdens, affecting millions of people worldwide. With over 7,000 known rare diseases globally, 80% of which have genetic origins, the symptoms vary not only from disease to disease but also from patient to patient. Most of these diseases are degenerative and progressive in nature. In India, over 70 million people are affected by rare diseases. Delays in early diagnosis due to lack of relevant genomic information and scientific knowledge are some of the common challenges faced.

Keywords: Orphan disease, NCATS, RARE List™, ICMR, IGIB.

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. 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.

Keywords: Floods, invasive species, biodiversity, nutrient loading, flood mitigation.