JN.1 COVID sub-variant cases on rise: All you need to know as WHO issues alert Subject: Science and tech Section: Health Context: A new JN.1 COVID sub-variant is on the rise. Details: Respiratory diseases are increasing around the world due to a number of pathogens including COVID19, flu, rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia & others. […]
Customised mRNA is the next frontier in personalised medicine Subject: Science and tech Section: Biotechnology Context mRNA (messenger RNA) technology has emerged as a groundbreaking platform in the realm of personalized medicine, showcasing the ability to be easily customized for effective and tailored therapies with minimal side effects. Basics of mRNA: At its […]
Cyberthreats: Centre sets up secure email network for staff of critical departments Subject :Science and Tech Section: Awareness in IT Context: In response to rising cyberattacks, the Centre has established a secure e-mail system for 10,000 users across critical ministries and departments. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has designed this system, incorporating Zero […]
The era of CRISPR therapeutics is here – what can we expect? Subject :Science and Tech Section: Biotechnology Context: The medical world is witnessing a significant breakthrough with the approval of CRISPR-based therapies for sickle-cell disease and β-thalassemia in the U.K. and the US. These advancements hold the potential to transform the lives […]
Kraft process, a paper maker’s craft Subject :Science and Tech Section: MSC It is a technique that accepts wood chips as input to produce cellulose fibres, which are then used to make paper and other materials used in everyday objects. Paper is most commonly produced by the kraft process today. Process: The process […]
Kakrapar-4 nuclear reactor attains criticality Subject :Science and Tech Section: Nuclear technology Context: The fourth unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-4) in Gujarat, with 700 MWe capacity, started a controlled fission chain reaction and thus became critical. Kakrapar is situated about 80 km from Surat. Details: NPCIL, part of India’s Department […]
Significance of an influenza A (H1N2)v case in the U.K. Subject : Science and Tech Section: Health Context: The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported the first known human case of influenza A (H1N2)v in the UK, a variant of the influenza virus previously not known to cause infections in humans. More […]
NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn’s moon Enceladus Subject :Science and Tech Section: Space technology Context: NASA has found evidence of a key ingredient for life (hydrogen cyanide) and a supercharged energy source to fuel it, at Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Researchers also uncovered evidence that an ocean, which is hiding below […]