Cosmic zoom
CosmicZoom is a virtual exhibition organized by ICTS. This exhibition takes the visitors through the different length scales of the Cosmos, from the smallest scales of subatomic particles to the largest scales of the observable universe. Several online events were organized in April 2021 as part of the CosmicZoom, which are archived here.
Past Lectures
Fundamental Building Blocks of Matter : Developing the Standard Model
Sreerup Raychaudhuri (Particle Physicist, TIFR)
07 April 2021, 19:00 to 20:30
Online
Abstract: The Standard Model of strong and electroweak interactions is the reigning theory of the interactions of elementary particles. This talk will trace the development of the Standard Model, starting from the discovery of the electron in 1897 to the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012. The...more
Have You Ever Heard a Whale Sing? (POSTPONED)
Divya Panicker (Ecologist, University of Washington )
06 April 2021, 10:30 to 12:00
Online
This event has been postponed to a later date due to some unavoidable circumstances. Abstract : There will be a reading of the book titled ‘Have you heard a whale sing’ by the author, Divya Panicker, following which the author will share some field anecdotes on studying whales and dolphins and an...more
A day in the lab: Indian Astronomical Observatory
Ramya Sethuram and Dorje Angchuk (Indian Astronomical Observatory)
05 April 2021, 18:00 to 19:30
Online
Abstract: Indian Astronomical Observatory’s 2m-Himalayan Chandra Telescope (2m-HCT) is situated at Hanle, Ladakh and remotely controlled from CREST campus of IIA, located at Hosakote, near Bengaluru. Hanle serves as an excellent observing site in the country providing a large number of clear nights...more
From micro to macro: How do we use DNA to study large animals like tigers
Uma Ramakrishnan (NCBS)
04 April 2021, 16:00 to 17:30
Online
Abstract: Like all other mammals, tigers have a single copy of their genome in every one of their cells. This DNA sequence uniquely characterises an individual. Over the last 15 years, researchers have used genetic information to study tigers. In this talk, Prof. Uma will discuss how DNA helps us...more
On Quantum Voyages
Smitha Vishveshwara (Condensed matter physicist, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign )
03 April 2021, 10:00 to 11:30
Online
Abstract : In Quantum Voyages, two voyagers, Terra and Akash, guided by the spirit of wisdom, Sapienza, enter the microscopic realm of atomic landscapes and quantum conundrums to discover a magnificent and baffling world foreign to everyday human experience. The piece weaves together dramatic...more
Learning with Toys: Hands-on Science Activities for Children
Procheta Mallik (Scientist & Educationist, ThinkTac) and Lakshmi Jois (Educationist, ThinkTac)
02 April 2021, 10:30 to 12:00
Online
Abstract : ThinkTac is a Bangalore-based social enterprise, founded in 2017, whose mission is to empower every child to engage, enjoy and innovate with science as they learn. Over the years, ThinkTac has curated and created hundreds of hands-on science activities (called "TACtivities") that are...more
Project Dhvani: Forest soundscapes from the Western Ghats
Vijay Ramesh (Ecologist, Columbia University)
01 April 2021, 19:00 to 20:30
Online
Abstract : The Western Ghats of southern India boasts exceptional biological diversity, ranging from the charismatic Bengal tiger to the critically endangered Nilgiri shortwing. However, deforestation and degradation of forests are threatening the natural biological heritage of this tropical...more
In Conversation: Organisms and Size - Why Size Matters
Amitabh Joshi and TNC Vidya (Evolutionary Biologists, JNCASR)
31 March 2021, 19:00 to 20:30
Online
Abstract : For living organisms, size affects all kinds of characteristics including their internal structures and behaviours. This is because large differences in size affect the manner in which organisms interact with and respond to different components of their physical environment. Small...more
The Story of Helium and the Birth of Astrophysics
Biman Nath (Astrophysicist & Author, Raman Research Institute)
29 March 2021, 19:00 to 20:30
Online
Abstract: A new element, helium, was added to the periodic table 150 years ago. It was the first element to have been discovered by astronomers, to be discovered much later on Earth by chemists. The story of the discovery of helium is a fascinating one, with major confusions about who were involved...more
What’s in a diet?
Anura Kurpad (Professor, St John’s Medical College)
28 March 2021, 16:00 to 17:30
Online
Abstract: Have you ever wondered how pundits come up with what a good diet is? How do they ‘know’ how much of a nutrient you should eat? Do we all require the same amount of food and nutrients? So, what questions should you be asking back? We will explore how this exercise was carried out for...more

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