MOXIE Subject: Science & tech Context: Recently, NASA has announced that a device aboard the rover under Perseverance Mission was able to produce oxygen from the thin Martian atmosphere for the first time. Concept: Production of oxygen by Perseverance Mission The Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment (MOXIE) produced 5 grams of oxygen […]
EMERGENCY USE APPROVAL FOR VIRAFIN Subject : Science & tech Context: Zydus Cadila on Friday announced that it has received restricted emergency use approval from the Indian drug regulator, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), for the use of ‘Virafin’, Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b (PegIFN) in treating moderate coronavirus infection in adults. Concept : […]
BREAKTHROUGH INFECTIONS Subject: Science & tech Context: Vaccine Breakthrough Infections with SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Concept : Breakthrough infection ICMR said that a small fraction of those vaccinated with either Covaxin or Covishield have tested positive (i.e. breakthrough” infections). However, these instances do not undermine the efficacy of the vaccines. The immune response begins to […]
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) PROGRAMME Subject : Science & tech Context : Russia’s space agency said it hoped to launch its own orbital station in 2025 as Moscow considers withdrawing from the International Space Station programme to go it alone. Concept : Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin said work had begun on the first […]
RESPOND PROGRAMME Subject : Science & tech Context : Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi said that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it will support eight joint research projects mooted by the Space Technology Cell (STC), IIT-Delhi. Concept : The ISRO will support eight joint research projects mooted by the […]
OXYGEN THERAPY Subject: Science & tech Context: A small proportion of Covid-19 patients need oxygen support, when shortness of breath progresses to a more acute condition. Concept: Oxygen therapy, also known as supplemental oxygen, is the use of oxygen as a medical treatment. This can include for low blood oxygen, carbon monoxide toxicity, […]
TRIPLE MUTANT & GENOME SEQUENCING Subject : Science & tech Context : Double Virus Strain First Detected in Oct, But its Gene Study was Stalled; A Triple Mutant Appears: Report. Concept : The report said that a third mutation in the B.1.167 has been identified now and experts are hoping that this time […]
INGENUITY Subject : Science & tech Context : NASA announced that Ingenuity had performed its first flight. “…the first flight of a powered aircraft on another planet!” Concept : Ingenuity, the first helicopter to fly on Mars was carried by NASA’s rover called Perseverance that was launched in July last year and will […]
EFFECTS OF CORONA VIRUS ON BRAIN Subject: Science & tech Context: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, likely does not directly infect the brain but can still inflict significant neurological damage, a new study suggests. Concept: When it comes to the brain and nerves, the virus appears to have four main sets of […]