India’s first frozen zoo

PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN ZOOLOGICAL PARK 

Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has established India’s first “Frozen Zoo”. This facility is designed to store the genetic material of various Himalayan species at extremely low temperatures. 

The “Frozen Zoo” is like a super-safe vault for preserving animal DNA at very cold temperatures. Scientists collect tiny pieces of tissue from animals (even ones that have passed away), and then they store these samples in a special lab. 

This helps save the genetic blueprints of these endangered animals. Well, lots of amazing animals, like red pandas, gorals, mishmi takins, and snow leopards, are in danger of disappearing forever. 

By freezing their DNA, we can protect their genetic variety and maybe even bring them back from the brink of extinction one day! This Frozen Zoo is a collaboration between the zoo and Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.

What is a Frozen Zoo?

A frozen zoo is a genetic cryobank that stores genetic material (like DNA, sperm, eggs, and embryos) from animals that are typically endangered and are on the verge of extinction. The genetic material is stored in liquid nitrogen tanks at extremely low temperatures (-196°C) for long-term preservation. 

Did you know?

There are very few frozen zoos in the world. The first one was set up in 1975 by Kurt Benirschke at the Institute for Conservation Research in San Diego. Today, it holds over 8,400 samples from 800 species.

The ghost bird

THE GREAT POTOO

The great potoo (Nyctibius grandis) is a fascinating and mysterious bird found in Central and South America, known for its ghostly appearance and haunting calls. 

Appearance: 

Large bird, about 48–60 cm (19–24 inches) in length.

Mottled gray, brown, and white plumage that makes it blend seamlessly with tree branches, looking almost like a broken stump.

Large, round eyes that glow in the dark when light hits them—perfect for its nocturnal lifestyle.

Behaviour:

Master of camouflage: During the day, it perches motionless on tree stumps or branches, mimicking them to avoid predators.

Nocturnal hunter: Comes alive at night to catch insects like moths and beetles mid-flight.

Emits a deep, eerie call, often described as haunting or ghost-like—part of why it's steeped in local myths.

Interesting Facts:

It doesn’t build nests. Instead, it lays a single egg directly on a branch or stump.

Despite its owl-like behavior, it’s not related to owls—it's in its own family: Nyctibiidae.

Locals in some regions associate its call with supernatural legends or omens.

Cape Town's most colourful neighbourhood

BO KAAP

Bo Kaap is a vibrant and historically rich neighbourhood located on the slopes of Signal Hill in Cape Town, South Africa. 

History: Bo-Kaap dates back to the 1760s when many of the houses were leased to freed slaves, known as the Cape Malays. These people were brought to the Cape from Southeast Asia (mostly Indonesia and Malaysia) by the Dutch.

Cultural significance: It's one of the oldest residential areas in Cape Town and has strong ties to Islamic heritage—many of the early residents were Muslim and contributed to the establishment of mosques and Islamic schools.

Architecture: The area is renowned for its cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses in a variety of bold colours.

The houses reflect Cape Dutch and Georgian architectural styles with Islamic influences, showcasing unique wooden details, ornate doors, and flat roofs.

Culture and Community: 

Bo-Kaap is a center of Cape Malay culture, known for its:

Cuisine: Dishes like bobotie, samosas, and koeksisters.

Music and dance: Traditional Ghoema music and the annual Cape Minstrel Carnival.

Religious life: Home to the Auwal Mosque, the oldest mosque in South Africa (built in 1794).

Tourism: Bo-Kaap is a popular tourist destination for walking tours, visiting the Bo-Kaap Museum, photography of its colorful homes and street scenes and experiencing Cape Malay cooking through food tours and classes.

April 23

WORLD BOOK DAY 

What is World Book Day?

World Book Day is an annual celebration of books, reading, authors, and literature, observed around the world to promote the joy of reading—especially among young people.

When is it celebrated?

The date April 23 was chosen by UNESCO because it marks the death anniversary of several major authors, including William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes (both in 1616).

Why is it important?

World Book Day promotes literacy and education, access to books for all, especially children and cultural exchange through literature. 

Many schools, libraries, and organisations host events like book readings, dress-up days as favorite book characters, book donations, and writing competitions.

Do you know

HOW DOES WATER IN EARTHEN POTS REMAIN COOL?

Earthen pots or mud containers have natural cooling properties that keep water cool. This cooling effect is primarily due to the process of evaporation and the absorbing feature of the earthen material. 

The secret to water remaining cool in earthen pots include:

1. Permeable Material: Earthen pots are produced using permeable materials, meaning they have minuscule pores. These pores permit water to seep through the walls of the pot. This helps maintain a lower temperature inside the pot.

2. Evaporation: When water seeps through the pores of the earthen pot, it comes into contact with the external surface of the pot, from where it turns into water vapour, thanks to the heat in the environment around the pot.

3. Evaporative cooling: Evaporation is a cooling process. At the point when water particles on the outer layer of the pot absorb heat from the environment and transform from fluid to vapour, it removes heat energy from the water chilling it off all the while.

4. Steady cooling cycle: This pattern of water, seeping through the pores, coming into contact with the external surface and going through evaporation makes a consistent cooling impact. As long as there is a source of water and the surrounding air isn't immersed with humidity, the pot keeps on cooling the water.

5. Natural flexibility: Earthen pots are especially successful in dry environments. The cooling impact is more evident in regions with low humidity, where evaporation happens more promptly. 

While earthen pots give regular cooling, the duration might differ as per the natural conditions around. In humid conditions, where evaporation is slower, the cooling impact might be less visible. Also the thickness and the nature of the earthen pods, as well as their design can impact, their cooling properties.

A real moth

WORLD’S FIRST COMPUTER BUG 

We often hear of bugs that slow or crash our computer and network systems. But learning about the world's first computer bug will bring a smile to your face. No, the first computer bug was not a technical fault but a real insect or bug.

On 9th September 1947, the first computer bug was reported at Harvard University. A team was working on their computer called Mark II. But the computer was throwing errors and was not working properly. When the computer experts investigated, they were shocked to see a real moth trapped inside. They had to remove the insect and quite literally 'de-bug' the system.

This 'bug' or computer error was recorded by Grace Hopper in a logbook. She wrote, “First actual case of bug being found.” 

The actual moth that was trapped inside the computer was also pasted on the logbook and is currently in the Smithsonian Institute of National Museum of American History. Interestingly, Thomas Edison also recorded the presence of 'bugs' in his telephone design. Though Grace Hopper may not have been the first to find a bug, she was the first to record it and also stick it in the logbook. It was probably a hearty joke that she wished to share with her colleagues. But over the years, scientists began using the term to indicate any kind of error or failure in the operation or functioning of a technical system.

Today, bugs are referred to as computing, coding, or any other technological errors. De-bugging, on the other hand, means correcting the error. But it's pleasantly amusing to think that it all started with a real bug!

Do you know

WHY DO FRUITS CHANGE COLOUR WHEN THEY RIPEN?

Fruits change colour when they ripen mainly due to chemical changes involving pigments. 

1. Pigment Transformation: Unripe fruits are usually green because of chlorophyll (the same pigment found in leaves). As the fruit ripens, chlorophyll breaks down

New pigments develop: Carotenoids – give yellow, orange, or red colours (like in bananas, mangoes, carrots). Anthocyanins – give red, purple, or blue colours (like in grapes, cherries, plums)

2. Purpose: Attracting Animals

The colour change is nature’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m ready!”

Bright, attractive colours signal ripeness to animals. Animals eat the fruit and help disperse the seeds, aiding the plant's reproduction.

3. Ethylene Gas: Fruits like bananas and apples produce ethylene, a natural gas that triggers ripening. Ethylene activates enzymes that break down chlorophyll and build up other pigments.

4. Softening and Sweetening along with the colour change: Starches convert into sugars (making the fruit sweeter). Enzymes break down cell walls (making it softer)

So, the colour change is both a chemical signal and an evolutionary strategy.