Know your Garden Microbes : Nostoc As gardeners, we often focus on the macro aspects of our garden such as the plants, trees, and shrubs. But, what about the tiny microbes that play a vital role in the health of our gardens? Today, we are going to focus on a particular type of bacteria that is often overlooked: Nostoc. What is Nostoc? N ostoc is a jelly-like microorganism commonly found growing on soggy lawns. While the discovery of the creature might be frightening for some gardeners, it poses no threat to plants or animals in the environment. Because the Nostoc grows in places where grass does not, it is likely to fill in any gaps left by the grass. Evidence of an imbalance in the ratio of fungus to bacteria can be easily identified. Figure 1: Nostoc Growing in the Garden. It was once believed that these strange-looking masses of matter came from the dust of shooting stars, which gave rise to the nicknames star jelly, star shot, and star slime beca...
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a spectacle that captivates millions of viewers with its thrilling matches and star-studded teams. However, there's a less glamorous side to this sporting extravaganza that often goes unnoticed: the pervasive advertising of products that are detrimental to our health. Watching just one IPL match can expose you to a barrage of advertisements promoting what can be termed as 'sin products'. These are products that, while legal, can have harmful effects on our health and well-being. Here are a few examples: 1. The Glamorization of Betting | Gaming : The IPL has seen a surge in advertisements promoting betting platforms. A slew of startups in this field has emerged, with many prominent players and celebrities endorsing them on screen. These advertisements often portray betting as a thrilling and lucrative activity, subtly encouraging viewers to partake in it. Example : Consider the advertisements featuring famous cricketers endorsing onli...