Saugat Bolakhe

An extra membrane that once had digestive functions let marine microbes boost their yield from photosynthesis. Today, they’re responsible for locking carbon in the ocean and putting oxygen in the air.

Researchers are carrying out environmental surveys and genomic sequencing to try to learn more about SHAPU, a severe eye condition that mainly affects children — but funding is still scarce.

Conventional theory holds that evolution is a slow and gradual process. But, there are worms that alter their behavior in mere days. Scientists are harnessing the power of epigenetics to fundamentally reconceptualize the mechanisms of evolution. This exploration delves into the cutting-edge of evolutionary biology with a healthy dose of wit and whimsy.

The technology could transform how growers protect their harvests, by detecting plant diseases very early on. But the challenge is to develop tools that are as affordable as they are effective. In this Q&A, I talk with Karen Garrett, a prominent plant pathologist from the University of Florida on the use of AI to tackle emerging plant diseases amidst a changing climate.

Cilia are cool. In our body, they remove inhaled pathogens from the respiratory tract, carry cerebrospinal fluid across brain cavities, and importantly transport eggs from the ovary to the uterus. But now, researchers are taking inspiration from these microscopic marvels to design cutting-edge medical tools that harness their remarkable capabilities. Join me as I delve into the fascinating world of cilia-inspired technology and discover how these tiny structures are making a big impact on the world of medicine

Foods high in sugar and salt can be unhealthy, but these additives are too delicious for many of us to give up or reduce in a big way. What if we could somehow enjoy their taste without actually eating them? I explore the possibilities for Scientific American.

New research into how honeybees incorporate different cell sizes into a flawless-looking grid—and seamlessly merge combs built from multiple directions at once—reveals remarkable adaptability. Saugat Bolakhe writes.

In this in-depth story for the Third pole, I delve into the impact of new genomic techniques on conservation efforts in the Himalayas.