Asian Journal of Research in Biosciences

The Role of Genetically Modified Crops in Eradicating Hunger and Their Acceptance in Indian Society

Bhawna Srivastava — 2026-04-17

Aim: This study evaluate the multifaceted role of Genetically Modified (GM) crops in addressing dual challenges of food security and hidden hunger in India. This paper examines the dual potential of GM technology to stabilize crop yields against escalating climate volatility and to address malnutrition through biofortification, specifically focusing on indigenous developments like GM Mustard (DMH-11) and Vitamin A-enriched Golden Rice.

Study Design and Methodology: The approach demands a thorough analysis of current developments, such as recent trade discussions between the US and India and court rulings relating to agricultural patents. The study classifies barriers to adoption as economic (corporate monopolies), cultural (natural vs. manufactured food), and administrative (regulatory transparency). The impact of these elements on small-scale farmers and consumer autonomy is the main importance of this "middle-out" investigative method.

Results and Discussion: The results show that although GM technology has great potential to increase caloric and nutritional production, prevalent distrust prevents its integration. Because corporate monopolies are seen as a threat to seed sovereignty, "Indian perception" is still cautious in 2026 (Beej Swaraj). The findings show that traditional food systems continue to be preferred by society over "engineered" substitutes. The report also finds a serious lack of faith in regulatory transparency, which is made worse by unclear, essential labeling and doubts about the supremacy of multinational patents over advances in the public sector.

Conclusions: Strong socioeconomic safeguards must be linked with biotechnology innovation to end hunger. A "middle-out" approach that puts public-sector research and domestic innovations ahead of international patents is necessary to incorporate GM crops. In the end, protective consumer rights through strict labeling and decentralized laws, safeguarding the rights of small-scale farmers, and closing the trust gap through regulatory transparency are all necessary to ensure national food security.

Mangrove Ecosystem for Climate Resilience and Coastal Protection

A. S. Anusuya — 2026-05-20

The most productive and valuable coastal ecosystems derive their ecological services from mangrove ecosystems which deliver carbon sequestration, coastal protection, nutrient cycling and biodiversity conservation. The ecosystems serve as vital transition zones which link land areas with marine zones while providing assistance to fishing activities and sustaining the economic activities of nearby coastal populations. The blue carbon storage capacity of mangroves enables them to store large quantities of carbon through their biomass and sediment deposits which also protects against the effects of rising sea levels and coastal erosion and extreme weather events. Human activities which include deforestation, aquaculture expansion, urbanization and pollution along with climate change effects have emerged as major threats to these ecosystems. These ecosystems require effective conservation and restoration strategies for their sustainable preservation. Key approaches encompass the protection of existing mangrove forests through the restoration of degraded areas which requires correct site selection for hydrological rehabilitation while creating conditions for natural regeneration which will lead to active community engagement. The ecosystem resilience and sustainable management of mangroves and their ecosystem services will improve through the combination of scientific management methods with policy making and financial support from initiatives like blue carbon programs.

Environmental Drivers and Spatiotemporal Variability of Bioaerosols and Their Health Impacts

Binal Rajeshbhai Khalasi — 2026-05-25

Bioaerosols are airborne particles of biological origin, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, pollen, and their fragments, which play an important role in atmospheric processes and human health. These are released into the atmosphere from a combination of natural and human-made sources. Their distribution varies significantly across space and time, influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind patterns, land use, and human activities. This study provides an overview of bioaerosol sources, characteristics, and key atmospheric processes, including emission, transport, dispersion, and transformation. Bioaerosols originate from both natural sources, such as soil, vegetation, and water bodies, and anthropogenic activities, including agriculture, industrial operations, and waste treatment. Their size, typically ranging from 0.02 µm to 100 µm, determines their atmospheric behavior and deposition within the respiratory system. Environmental conditions, particularly ultraviolet radiation and humidity, affect their survival and transformation during atmospheric transport. Human exposure occurs mainly through inhalation, along with direct contact and deposition in the respiratory tract. Fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing the risk of health effects. Bioaerosols are associated with respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and tuberculosis, and allergic and inflammatory responses. Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk. Understanding the interactions between environmental drivers and bioaerosol dynamics is essential for effective monitoring, risk assessment, and the development of mitigation strategies to protect public health. This review provides a foundation for future studies by identifying key knowledge gaps in bioaerosol sources, behavior, and health effects.