Latest Publications

Nottusvara: A Pedagogical Tool

Submitted by super admin (not verified) on Fri, 03/21/2025 - 16:38

Nōṭṭusvara are a novel compositional form in Carnatic classical music that emerged in the colonial period in south India, where vernacular lyrics were set to the popular Celtic/Baroque melodies. Muttuswāmi Dīkṣitar is attributed for the creation of the genre of Nōṭṭusvara. The present study questions the very intent of the conception of these specific compositions by Dīkṣitar, and explores beyond the conventional idea of him composing these pieces due to his exposure to the band music in Madras.

Unfolding of hen egg-white lysozyme – is there a unique starting point?

Submitted by super admin (not verified) on Tue, 03/11/2025 - 15:41

Folding and unfolding of proteins is a biologically important topic as many neurological diseases involve misfolding of proteins. Here we have used the technique of X-ray crystallography to characterise the early stages of unfolding of the protein lysozyme purified from hen egg-white. The results when compared with our earlier studies reveal, for the first-time, the possibility of protein unfolding to start from a unique point. If true, this would enable engineering of proteins and drugs to prevent neurological disorders.