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Under-investigation red rain declared harmless but not indigenous
View(s):Yellow rain adds to the mystery as experts research samples while Kerala still grapples with the issue 10-years on
By Usman Iqtidar
Wanduramba in Galle, Seelapura in Dimbulagala, Kirinda Puhulwella in Matara are some of the areas experiencing a mysterious red rain.
Riding on a comet, these miniscule creatures came crashing onto earth. The micro-organisms ventured out of their UFOs and intermingled with the alien atmosphere, but it was not until the middle of last month they announced their arrival with the red rain.
Speaking in layman’s terms, this is the conclusion Professor Chandra Wickremasinghe has reached after viewing the latest test results of the samples of rainwater.Prof Wickremasinghe, Director- Buckingham Centre for Astrobiology, UK, said that the micro-organisms present in the rain-content are not indigenous.
It was on November 14 and 15 that rare showers of red rain were reported from the southeastern parts of the island—Sevenagala and Indikolapelessa of Moneragala district, among other areas. And, according to the astrobiologist, who is visiting his native country to help investigate the downpour, the research on the issue could have far-reaching impacts in the field of science.
Dr Wickremasinghe has also been closely studying a similar occurrence that took place in Kerala some 11 years ago.
Almost half-a-decade into investigating the Kerala incident, the researchers are yet to identify the living cell found in the water. “My assessment says that this episode is another indication of life beyond the planet,” he said.
Explaining the extra-terrestrial dimension of the subject, the professor said comets that serve as carriers of living organisms, collide with the earth when they fall into the planet’s path. “From earth-centred to a cosmic one, there is a paradigm shift in science. With such events, we know why,” he said.
Meanwhile, likelihood of acid, sand particles, environmental degradation or any other “earthly factor” having a role to play in the rain was also brushed aside by the professor. “We have been insulting our planet a great deal, but I don’t think that has anything to do with this,” he stated.
Similarly, Prof Wickremasinghe said that the rains do not pose any threat to people or their property. “The Kerala experience and now this one show that there are no visible risks to life and property, but breakout of epidemics can sometimes be a possibility,” he added.
The probe is underway
Following the red rain, the Ministry of Health directed the Medical Research Institute (MRI) to investigate the matter. Since then, MRI Director Dr Anil Samaranayake, has been actively carrying out initial tests on the water samples.
“The micro-biological samples indicate that it’s a unicellular algae known as Trachelomona that caused the redness of the rain,” Dr Samanayake said.
As it is a micro-organism that has not been reported before, the institute cannot conduct sample comparisons. “We had been concentrating on morphological comparisons,” he added.
On the recommendation of Prof Wickremasinghe, the MRI is now trying to carry out a DNA-RNA test. “In the case of Kerala, the wait of five years and delay in extracting the DNA made it difficult to conduct these tests, but here the samples are fresh, and it should be easier for the team at MRI,” Prof Wickremasinghe said.
The MRI Director agreed with the UK-based scientist, saying that he was optimistic of obtaining the DNA.
To date, the MRI has been concentrating on electron microscopy to study the samples. “Nanotechnology has been the mainstay of this research, we are now hoping to delve into the molecular aspects of it,” he added.
For now, Dr Samaranayake, unlike Prof Wickeramasinghe, is noncommittal about any possible conclusions on the research.
“The scientists in Kerala are yet to reach a conclusion after five years of research, don’t you think we are better off,” he said. “We are working with an open mind, lets see where it takes us,” he added.
Meanwhile, there are news reports of yellow rain too from Walallawita. But Dr Samaranayake said the MRI has not received any samples on it. Some white substance too has been reported from Bulathsinhala, which looked like from a nests of frogs.
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