Factly: Science and Technology Archives

Africa declared free of wild polio

News: Africa Regional Certification Commission, an independent body has declared Africa free from wild polio. Facts: Polio: It is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus.It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours. Transmission: The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or… Continue reading Africa declared free of wild polio

Take Steps to prevent Glanders Disease in animals: Delhi HC

News: The Delhi High Court has asked municipal bodies to take steps to prevent spread of glanders disease in animals. Facts: Glanders: It is an infectious disease that is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei.It is primarily a disease affecting horses, but it also affects donkeys, mules, goats, dogs and cats. Symptoms: Fever with chills… Continue reading Take Steps to prevent Glanders Disease in animals: Delhi HC

Explained: What are super apps?

News: Tata Group is planning to launch an all-in-one super app by the end of this year or early next year. Facts: Super apps: It is a platform developed by a company offering various services under one umbrella. Examples: China’s WeChat which started out as a messaging app expanded into payments, cabs, shopping, food ordering,… Continue reading Explained: What are super apps?

Indian satellite AstroSat makes rare discovery

News: Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics(IUCAA) has said that AstroSat has detected an extreme ultraviolet(UV) light from a galaxy called AUDFs01 which is 9.3 billion light-years away from Earth. Facts: AstroSat: It is India’s first dedicated multi wavelength space observatory launched on a PSLV-XL in 2015. Aim: The mission aims for a detailed understanding… Continue reading Indian satellite AstroSat makes rare discovery

Magnetic hyperthermia-mediated cancer therapy(MHCT)

News: Scientists from Institute of Nano Science & Technology(INST) are making efforts to make magnetic hyperthermia-mediated cancer therapy(MHCT) as desired therapy for inoperable tumours. Facts: Magnetic hyperthermia-mediated cancer therapy (MHCT): It is a non-invasive cancer treatment. Technique: It involves the delivery and localisation of magnetic materials within the targeted tumour site followed by subsequent application… Continue reading Magnetic hyperthermia-mediated cancer therapy(MHCT)

Explained: What is RLF-100 or Aviptadil, the 1970 drug being explored for Covid-19 treatment

News: An old drug formulation RLF-100 or Aviptadil is being probed to treat Covid-19 patients after initial studies have shown that the drug is able to halt SARS-CoV-2 virus replication in lungs. Facts: RLF-100 or Aviptadil: It is an old proprietary drug formulation of synthetic human Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide(VIP). Additional Facts: Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP):… Continue reading Explained: What is RLF-100 or Aviptadil, the 1970 drug being explored for Covid-19 treatment

Private firms employ more women in R&D: Study

News: The Science and Technology Indicators (STI), 2018 has been released. Facts: STI: It is prepared by National Science and Technology Management Information System, a division of the Department of Science Technology, The report is based on data provided by a range of scientific establishments across the country. Key Takeaways: India’s private sector research companies… Continue reading Private firms employ more women in R&D: Study

Union Minister launches “Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge”

News: Union Minister of Communications and Electronics & Information Technology has launched “Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge- Innovate Solutions for #Atma Nirbhar Bharat”. Facts: Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge: It aims to invite innovators, startups and students to use microprocessors to develop various technology products. Features: IIT Madras and Center for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) have developed two… Continue reading Union Minister launches “Swadeshi Microprocessor Challenge”

Malaysia Detects New Coronavirus Strain ‘D614G’

News: Malaysia has detected a new strain of the novel coronavirus called ‘D614G’, which is considered to be ten times more infectious. Facts: D614G: It is the official name given to the new mutated strain of COVID-19. It was first detected in Europe.However, it is now being seen in different parts of the world and… Continue reading Malaysia Detects New Coronavirus Strain ‘D614G’

FDA approves rapid, inexpensive saliva test for novel coronavirus

News: United States Food and Drug Administration(FDA) has approved SalivaDirect test for Covid19. Facts: Who developed the test? The SalivaDirect test has been developed by researchers from Yale School of Public Health in partnership with the National Basketball Association(NBA). How is the test different? SalivaDirect test uses saliva samples as opposed to the more invasive… Continue reading FDA approves rapid, inexpensive saliva test for novel coronavirus

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS