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. Supplementation of phytase along with raw feed or incorporating phytase into feed formulations has become a common strategy to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency, by reducing the reliance on expensive inorganic phosphate supplements.

Keywords: Animal feed application, anti-nutrient, phosphorus recycling, phytase, phytate (phytic acid), recombinant phytase.

Dr. James Watson, the co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA and co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Francis Crick, passed away on 6 November 2025. This paper presents a historical account of the contributions made by earlier researchers whose foundational work paved the way for Watson and Crick's construction of the DNA model and also highlights the individual contributions of Watson and Crick to the field of molecular genetics. Furthermore, it serves as a tribute to Dr. James Watson, one of the most brilliant biological researchers of the century.

Keywords: Central dogma, double helix DNA, Francis Crick, James Watson, genetic code, transcription, translation.

The current healthcare landscape is undergoing a transformative revolution driven by the synergistic integration of precision medicine, artificial intelligence and robotics. This convergence is fundamentally shifting the paradigm from standardized treatments to highly individualized patient care, promising unprecedented improvements in diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic efficacy, and operational efficiency. Artificial Intelligence enables the rapid analysis of massive, multimodal datasets, including genomics, proteomics, electronic health records and real-time physiological data from wearable sensors. This review highlights the current state, transformative impact, and future trajectory of combining precision medicine with AI and robotics, emphasizing its potential to deliver safer, more efficient, and truly personalized healthcare for all.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, biomarkers, biosensors, epigenomics, precision medicine, telemedicine.

Natural Killer (NK) cells, long overshadowed by other immune cell–based immunotherapies, are emerging as potent anticancer effectors with distinct advantages and therapeutic challenges. NK cells act rapidly on cancer cells without prior sensitization, and by balancing between inhibitory and activating signals, they eliminate transformed cells in circulation and participate in early metastasis control. The future immunotherapy aims to develop new immuno-therapeutic strategies to energize and boost NK cell activity in combination with widely acclaimed T cell based therapeutic methods — achieved through engineered NK cell engagers that combine tumour targeting with NK activation using cytokines and adoptive NK cell transfer.

Keywords: Anti-tumour therapy, immune defence, Natural Killer cells, NK cell adoptive transfer, NK Cell engagers, PD-1 therapy.

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. An entomological situation analysis was conducted in rural areas to determine entomological indices that could provide critical indications of the potential of VBDs outbreaks.

Keywords: Adult premise index, Aedes-borne diseases, breeding preference ratio, Breteau index, container index, house index, vector-borne diseases, vector control.

The present study investigates the impact of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract on Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were reared on food medium supplemented with varying concentrations of neem extract (1%, 5%, and 10%). Significant alterations were recorded in the levels of total proteins and amino acids, as well as in the activity of key digestive enzymes such as amylase, protease, and trehalase. Larval development was adversely affected, and severe morphological deformities were observed when the highest concentration of the extract was used. The study demonstrates that neem extract exerts dose-dependent effects on Drosophila melanogaster and may serve as a natural and eco-friendly biopesticide alternative.

Keywords: Amylase, Azadiracta indica, biopesticide, Drosophila melanogaster, protease, trehalase.

Oryctes rhinoceros larvae are voracious, nonspecific detritivores. This report describes the mouthparts of Oryctes rhinoceros larvae and the different types of sensilla present on the maxillae. The larvae possess mandibulate-type mouthparts comprising five principal parts: labrum, mandibles, maxillae, labium, and hypopharynx. SEM analysis revealed a diverse array of sensilla, including trichoid sensilla, sensilla chaetica, basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, campaniform sensilla, and placoid sensilla. This report provides a description of the morphology and probable functions of the different types of sensilla present on the maxillae.

Keywords: Basiconic sensilla, coeloconic sensilla, maxilla, mouthparts, Oryctes rhinoceros, sensilla chaetica, trichoid sensilla.

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. A total of fifteen butterfly species belonging to five families were recorded: Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae.

Keywords: Butterfly diversity, Catopsilia Pomona, Junonia iphita, Leptosia nina.

Web architecture in orb-weaving spiders reflects a complex interaction between behavioural, environmental, and evolutionary factors. This study investigates the morphometric and spatial variation in web-building behaviour of two sympatric orb-weaving spiders, Argiope pulchella and Eriovixia laglaizei, inhabiting the cultivated landscapes of Bhoothakulam Grama Panchayath, Kollam District, Kerala, India. Results revealed distinct differences in morphometric and spatial distribution within each species and between the two species. The contrasting architecture and behavioural plasticity reflect adaptive responses to ecological factors such as prey availability, environmental conditions, and predation risk.

Keywords: Argiope, behavioural ecology, Eriovixia, intraspecific variation, orb-weaving spiders, stabilimentum, web architecture.