65 research outputs found
A review of Basic Research on Homoeopathy from a physicist′s point of view
No full textHomoeopathic medicine has been one of the world′s most widely practiced alternative therapies. However, that the potency of a homoeopathic medicine increases with dilution followed by succussion (together termed as potentization) has thrown challenges to the scientific community at large. A recent hypothesis, advanced by us and others, is that due to the process of potentization, the size of the constituent particles decreases and eventually reaches nanodimension. This decrease in size with increase in potency has been verified by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering studies. The increase in potency is manifested in its increased effect on membrane fluidity. The change in potency also leaves its signature on Ultraviolet-Visible spectra, Fourier transform infrared radiation spectra and Raman spectra. We have taken one step further to carry this nano-dimensional property of homoeopathic medicine and put it into several technical applications. And in so doing, we have connected the important, old, un-quantifiable effects with the latest quantifiable technology and opened up an era of applications with more possibilities
Role of planar lipid structure in transmembrane charge conduction
No full text143-154Using
planar lipid membrane as the model for
biological membranes, we have studied the role of lipid medium in the mechanism
of transmembrane charge transport. <span style="font-size:14.0pt;
font-family:HiddenHorzOCR;mso-bidi-font-family:HiddenHorzOCR">Here we present a
review of our results which indicate that (a) both electrons and
ions are charge carriers across these membranes, (b) hydrophilic pores are formed
in the planar lipid membrane ", providing the required
ionic pathways, (c) membrane I-V characteristics are nonlinear and are
monitored by the presence of external agents in the bathing solution,
temperature and frequency of the applied electric field. We show
that these observations can be explained in the light of semiconducting nature
of lipid molecules, double electrode behaviour of the membrane and the theory
of charge conduction in binary, inhomogeneous, disordered systems.
</span
Active principle in potentised medicines: Nanoparticle versus quantum domain – An overview
No full textBackground: The fact that homoeopathic medicines act even at very high dilutions has created a confusion amongst scientists. This led to different models such as formation of nanoparticles and memory of water. The basic question \u27what is responsible for physiological activity of homoeopathic medicines\u27 is yet to be answered conclusively. Objective: The objective of this overview was to find out if formation of nanoparticles or creation of quantum domain in the medium is responsible for the physiological activity of homoeopathic medicines. Methods: This overview is based on the experiments done between 2004 and 2019. Results: The succussion of the medicine has the following effects: i. At high potency, due to the mechanical energy transferred to the system, the size of the substrate reduces to nanodimension increasing membrane permeability. Furthermore, they affect several electrical properties of an electroactive polymer and enhance thermovoltage generation. ii. In the presence of an ambient electromagnetic field, domains composed of the vehicular polar molecules are formed, which bear the signature of the dissolved solute. The domains are sources of quasi-free electrons which are manifested in voltage generation separating two different polar media. The structured water also explains the ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectra. Conclusion: In high potency, formation of nanoparticles explains the effect of homoeopathic medicines on properties such as permeability, electrical properties of polymers and thermovoltage generation, whereas formation of domains in the vehicle medium explains properties such as voltage generation separating two different polar media and UV-Vis spectra
Size, shape, and dose — three crucial determinants for applying nanoparticles in sustainable plant biology
No full textNanoparticles (NPs) are easily accessed in biological systems due to their widespread distribution, and they may have neutral, promoting, or inhibiting effects. The positive impact on plants is shown in better plant growth, increased biomass production, enhanced enzyme actions, and improved crop productivity. In contrast, negative effects include germination retardation, growth inhibition, cell impairment, deterioration, and eventually death. Different outcomes depend on factors such as plant species, the physicochemical nature of the NP, NP size, shape, and concentration, and the type of medium. More research is needed on many fronts regarding the interaction of NPs with plants, including the absorption capacity of diverse plant species, methods of uptake and translocation, and interactions between the NPs and plant tissues at cellular and genetic levels. However, the effects of these tiny particles after entering the plant body will be influenced directly or indirectly by the three most critical factors: the shape, size, and dose of NPs used during applications. Therefore, analyzing the outcomes of these three factors of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) on plant systems will enhance our understanding of the benefits and risks of these tiny particles on the ecosystem balance. It will also provide appropriate guidelines for farmers to handle NPs in cropland with the utmost care and accuracy
Bioinformatic analysis of envelope gene of the dengue type 3 prevalent in India from 2005 onwards and comparison with dengue type 1
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