Mosquito skin image unveiled

Mosquito skin image unveiled
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Highlights

Curiosity is the mother of invention,” says Durga Prasad Muvva, who has bagged first prize in 2015 FEI Image contest. His image of mosquito skin has bagged the award in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging category and will be featuring in the major infotainment channels.

UoH researcher wins 2015 FEI Image Contest

Mosquito skin

Hyderabad: “Curiosity is the mother of invention,” says Durga Prasad Muvva, who has bagged first prize in 2015 FEI Image contest. His image of mosquito skin has bagged the award in Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging category and will be featuring in the major infotainment channels.

“I have been trying really hard from the last three years for this award and I feel very happy for finally bagging it,” he adds. Along with the award Durga Prasad was also presented with a cheque for US$ 400.

Durga Prasad is a technical project associate in the UGC Networking Resource Centre, School of Chemistry at the University of Hyderabad (UoH).

His responsibilities at UoH include management of microscope facility in the School of Chemistry and helping research scholars in imaging varieties of samples on Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and Confocal Raman Microscopy.

He is also helping in operation and maintenance of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) located in the Centre for Nanotechnology. He studied M. Sc, (Biochemistry) and has more than seven years of experience in imaging, handling, maintenance and troubleshooting of Electron Microscope.

When asked what inspired him to take the picture of mosquito, he said, “Mosquitoes are the biggest menace in both urban and rural areas. They are not only just store houses of deadly diseases like malaria, typhoid, dengue but a nuisance in peaceful home atmosphere. You cannot concentrate on anything when they are buzzing and biting.”

“By unveiling the skin structure of mosquito it will be easy for many commercial pesticide companies to manufacture the bug sprays which directly work to kill mosquitoes,” he adds.

Durga Prasad feels optimistic of a bright career with this win as he thinks that this will act as a catalyst in that direction.

Every year, FEI instrument owners are invited to submit their best images for a chance to showcase their skill, research and creativity. Images from the contest will be featured on numerous news outlets including NBC News, Huffington Post, National Geographic and many more.

By:Vaishnavi Girish

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