Diversity of fungal endophytes and their bioactive metabolites from endemic plants of Tirumala hills-Seshachalam biosphere reserve

This study investigates the endophytic fungal diversity of three endemic plants of Tirumala hills also their capabilities for the production of hydrolysing enzymes and secondary metabolites. Our study provides the first evidence on the diversity, enzyme and metabolite charecterisation of fungal endophytes from the untapped endemic plants of Tirumala Hills of Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, Easternghats, Andhra Pradesh, India. A total of 13 endophytic fungi isolates were obtained and grouped into seven genera based on the morphological traits, indicating endophytic fungi in Shorea thumbuggaia, Boswellia ovalifoliolata, Pterocarpus santalinus were diverse and abundant. Fusarium, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Colletotrichum were the dominant genera, whereas the remaining genera were less frequent. The 13 representative species of the distinct genera were capable of producing hydrolysing enzymes. Phytochemical analysis showed the production of various secondary metabolites that included saponins, carbohydrates, phenolics, glycosides and flavonoids. This investigation also reveals that the metabolites produced by a variety of endophytic fungi can be a potential source of novel natural therapeutic agents.Keywords: Endemic plants, fungal endophytes, hydrolyzing enzymes, secondary metabolites, Tirumala Hills.African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(27), pp. 4317-432

Importance of investing in adolescence from a developmental science perspective.

This review summarizes the case for investing in adolescence as a period of rapid growth, learning, adaptation, and formational neurobiological development. Adolescence is a dynamic maturational period during which young lives can pivot rapidly-in both negative and positive directions. Scientific progress in understanding adolescent development provides actionable insights into windows of opportunity during which policies can have a positive impact on developmental trajectories relating to health, education, and social and economic success. Given current global changes and challenges that affect adolescents, there is a compelling need to leverage these advances in developmental science to inform strategic investments in adolescent health