Humans have witnessed epidemics and pandemics periodically throughout history. Often, such infectious outbreaks have resulted in entire civilisations struggling against possible extinction. Despite recent clinical advancements and technological developments, issues of neglected sustainability and lax health hygiene practices, among others, have provided a context for the emergence of the COVID19 pandemic. Against such a backdrop, scientific communication using diversified tools could play a significant role in efforts towards preparedness and control, as well as the initiation of immediate remedial measures in the fight against epidemics and pandemics. These tools could help to increase understanding of the scientific solutions to minimise the outbreaks of infectious diseases, thereby strengthening societal immunity. This paper considers the history of epidemics/pandemics to draw attention to their occurrence, effects and potential impacts on human societies. In addition, it defines the major factors underpinning the various infectious outbreaks over the last three decades. Constructive preparation and preventative stages for authorities, scientists and researchers to check and diminish the impact of epidemics and pandemics during and post-outbreak are suggested while focusing on the need for science communication in the healthcare system. The paper also reviews recent empirical studies and WHO guidelines. Communication through appropriate communicators may help cut through the noise, share facts and boost confidence in science and governance. The impact of science communication on the interplay between government–expert–public or society could help promote positive behavioural change as well as overcome linguistic barriers.

Ganga River water is very much stressed with the rapidly increasing population, climate change and water pollution that increase domestic, agricultural and industrial needs. This study assesses the surface water quality of the River Ganga in India, using NSFWQI, OIP and multivariate techniques. During the current study, water samples from Ganga River were collected for the assessment of 19 physico-chemical determinants from 20 sampling locations. Water quality indices (WQIs) is used to classify the overall impact of different variables of water. Multivariate techniques were utilized to assess the water conditions for productive management of fresh water quality. The WQI results showed that surface water quality varied at the selected sampling sites among medium and good categories. The PCA generates the 6 principle components which highly contributes (80.3%) in influencing the hydro-chemistry of river water. Agricultural waste runoff, untreated effluents and many other anthropogenic activities were identified as main contributor in decreasing the water quality of the River Ganga. To maintain and protect this fresh water resources against contamination, the usage of stringent policies and rules are expected to preserve fresh water resources for people in the future.

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Native species of Sardinian brown trout (Salmo trutta) have declined drastically because of the introduction of non-native salmonids, overharvesting, and habitat degradation. One approach to conservation of declining species is to establish new populations through repopulation with genetically certified fish. In this study, samples of brown trout from seven rivers in Sardinia were analysed to look for the presence of pure individuals of the endemic Sardinian trout. Analyses of the mitochondrial DNA control region and the LDH-C1* gene revealed the presence of non-endemic and hybrid individuals in four of the seven rivers analysed. In addition, we reared a stock of native Sardinian trout at the experimental fish farm of Sadali and had them reproduce artificially. This experiment provided more knowledge about the incubation phase, hatching, reabsorption of the vitelline sac and the initial phases of growth, which can be used to develop more optimal management of this resource.

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