Tobacco smoke contains potent cancer-causing chemicals, NNN and NNK, known to damage DNA. In this landmark study, researchers defined for the first time a genome-wide mutational signature specific to tobacco-linked DNA damage across close to 6,670 human cancer genomes, identifying distinct mutational fingerprints in roughly 350 tumors including cancers of the blood, kidney, prostate, pancreas, and breast.

Swathi T Mahendran presented her work on a mangrove-derived bacterium promoting pearl millet growth under stress at the International Conference on Environment, Agriculture, Horticulture & Life Sciences (ICEAHLS 2026). The study screened C. aquatile TM1 through physiological testing, 16S rRNA identification, and whole-genome sequencing, demonstrating its promise for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

A research team led by Dr. Dileep Francis with K. Ajith Kumar and Niranjana Rajesh screened 9,716 approved drug compounds against the NS3 helicase of Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV). Employing a novel dual-site computational strategy, they discovered that Taribavirin stably binds two distinct pockets simultaneously to inhibit viral replication—marking the first computational evidence for dual-site KFDV helicase inhibition.

A student-led study by Nia Joshy, mentored by Dr. Bijin Philip, surveyed 412 university students across India using structural equation modelling. The findings show that students with higher AI competence achieved greater academic productivity and cognitive engagement, proving that AI serves as a powerful learning enhancer rather than a replacement when combined with reflective learning practices.