Good morning, Bengaluru!
☀️ Today’s weather: High: 36 ℃ | Low: 23 ℃ | Mainly clear sky.
🧐 Did you know? The Doddasagare Botanical Garden near Koratagere in Tumkur is spread over 228 acres.
🐞 Insect cafes in Bengaluru
Innovative insect cafes have been introduced in Bengaluru to promote biodiversity.
Garden insect cafes: In a unique initiative, the Vibhinna India Foundation, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science and corporate sponsors, has launched insect cafes in Bengaluru’s botanical gardens. These structures, designed to support insect life, are part of a broader effort to enhance urban biodiversity and educate the public about the ecological roles of insects.
- The project, led by David Kumar Anthonappa, aims to build 1,000 insect cafes globally, with several already established in Lalbagh and Doddasaagare Botanical Gardens.
- These cafes are constructed from natural materials like wood and mud and are strategically placed near water bodies or in tranquil areas of parks to attract a variety of insects.
Maintaining balance: EY Global Delivery Services has committed to funding and maintaining 25 of these structures as part of its CSR efforts. The cafes are expected to attract predator insects that will help control pest populations, thereby contributing to the ecological balance. The initiative not only aids in conservation but also serves as an educational tool, particularly for children, to learn about the importance of insects in our ecosystem.
🏺 Reviving Dhokra Art
Dhokra art gains a new audience at MAP’s latest exhibition.
Metal casting craft: The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru is hosting “Outside In,” an exhibition that showcases the intricate world of Dhokra, an ancient metal casting craft from Chhattisgarh, India. This exhibition not only displays the traditional forms of Dhokra but also introduces pieces that push the boundaries of this craft into more contemporary designs.
- The exhibition features 26 sculptures and six kantha works by Meera Mukherjee, alongside a specially commissioned piece by Jaidev Baghel.
- “Breaking the Mould,” a documentary film shown at the exhibition, details the labour-intensive process of Dhokra, enhancing visitor appreciation for this traditional craft.
Timeline: The exhibition is complemented by a publication with photographs that document the detailed process of creating Dhokra art. It runs until October 20, 2024, offering an educative platform that bridges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art forms.
🌡️ Tackling urban heat islands
Urban heat islands intensify in Bengaluru.
Urbanisation, the culprit: Bengaluru’s increasing heatwaves are exacerbated by urban heat islands, a phenomenon driven by rampant urbanisation and infrastructural decisions such as the construction of white-topped roads. Experts indicate these factors significantly contribute to the city’s rising temperatures.
- White-topped roads, which are less permeable to water, are believed to enhance the urban heat island effect more than traditional asphalt roads.
- The extensive concretisation, coupled with reduced green spaces and water bodies, limits the city’s ability to manage heat effectively.
Suggestions: Environmental specialists emphasise the importance of strategic urban planning to combat these heat islands. This includes the thoughtful selection of building materials, increasing greenery strategically, and potentially utilizing cooling paints on rooftops.
💉 Breakthrough in cancer vaccine research
A new synthetic compound could revolutionise cancer vaccines.
What’s it about? Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have created a synthetic compound that shows significant promise in the development of more effective cancer vaccines. This innovative compound is designed to enhance the body’s antibody production by targeting lymph nodes directly.
- The compound functions by attaching to a protein in the blood, transporting it to lymph nodes where it stimulates an increased antibody response against cancer cells.
- Initial tests conducted on mice have shown that even low doses of the compound can produce higher antibody levels than traditional protein carriers, with a notable increase after a second immunization.
Potential for clinical trials: The study, led by Professor N Jayaraman of the Department of Organic Chemistry and published in ‘Advanced Healthcare Materials’, indicates potential for this compound to be used in clinical trials aimed at developing vaccines for various cancers, including breast and prostate cancers.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you remove your left shoe first or your right?
- I remove my left shoe first.
- I remove my right shoe first.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
Which is your favourite number?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- BDA warns people not to invest in unauthorised layouts located in areas like Yelahanka, Anekal, Bengaluru South, and Bengaluru East taluks.
- According to a report by Myntra, Bengaluru has become a hub for Gen Z’s impact on fashion, showcasing trends like varsity jackets, and bling dresses.
- Three companies in Bengaluru are delivering top-quality organic produce right to your doorstep.
- Bengaluru is set to witness the rare ‘Zero Shadow Day’ tomorrow.
- Bengaluru has been ranked the 6th most photogenic dupe on Instagram.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have decided who I’ll be voting for this time: 78.6% 🏆
- I haven’t decided who I’ll be voting for this time: 21.4%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
Which is the coldest place you’ve ever been to?
Simon: “Kiruna, Sweden”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!