For instance, some students from Adarsh Vidyalaya in Chembur have created mosquito traps and are studying the prevalence of the Aedes mosquito (that causes Dengue).
A phenomenon is building up in the science fraternity that goes by the name of CUBE — Collaborative Undergraduate Biology Education. The brainchild of two scientists, Dr Nagarjuna G and Dr MC Arunan, it is headquartered at Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) and supported by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Started in 2012, the project makes use of the GNU project, started 30 years ago by Richard Stallman. Its premise is that knowledge and software should be freely accessible. Based on this a network of students is gradually building up on the internet, sharing information on research, not only at the undergraduate (Bachelors) but also at the school level.
For instance, some students from Adarsh Vidyalaya in Chembur have created mosquito traps and are studying the prevalence of the Aedes mosquito (that causes Dengue). Fida Fatima, a 14-year-old, who is part of the project said: "We started studying this as we noticed fall in attendance of students in our school. We learnt from our teachers that this was due to dengue and malaria. We have also learnt that these are vector-borne diseases that spread because of mosquitoes. This inspired us to find out which areas the Aedes mosquitoes are prevalent in."
Reading out a quote pasted at the CUBE laboratory at HBCSE, Dr Arunan shares the source of his own inspiration: "Brewer and Smith said, 'The Biology we teach should authentically reflect the Biology we do in the 21st century'. Students do experiments like studying the heart beat of Daphnia (a Crustacean found in water) at the college level. But, we take them a step further and help them ask crucial questions." He added, "As a teacher I learn from students' research too. For instance, some of my students found that Daphnia can also produce Haemoglobin. I did not know that and I had to shed my ego to facilitate their research. They are now cultivating the organism in their labs and we are studying this phenomenon."
To create a scientific temperament, the students design projects that are original. While studying sewage water for instance a student found that there are Catfish present in drains. The fish were cultivated and the information shared across the CUBE network. Now, the research revolves around these fish found in drains. CUBE has 46 hubs across the country in colleges with 750 students enrolled. There are hubs (laboratories) in Mumbai, Jaipur, New Delhi, Patna, Goa, Kudal, Trissur, Chautala and Warkala. "We only want to expand. Knowledge is free for these students. We want to inspire these students. Any lab is good for science. Here students often make their own equipment for research and get inspired to experiment," said Nagarjuna.
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