Factly: Science and Technology Archives

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon successfully returns NASA astronauts back to Earth

News: SpaceX and NASA have successfully completed the final phase of their Demo-2 mission for the Crew Dragon spacecraft after two NASA astronauts returned to Earth safely. Facts: Crew Dragon Demo-2: It is the first crewed test flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.It is a part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Demo-1 mission… Continue reading SpaceX’s Crew Dragon successfully returns NASA astronauts back to Earth

Yellow fever burden to shift to central and east Africa by 2050: Study

News: According to a study by the World Health Organization(WHO), the burden of yellow fever is projected to shift to Central and East Africa from West Africa by 2050. Facts: Yellow Fever: It is an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes.The yellow in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients.… Continue reading Yellow fever burden to shift to central and east Africa by 2050: Study

NASA launches Mars rover Perseverance to look for signs of ancient life

News: National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) has launched Mars 2020 rover ‘Perseverance.’ Facts: Mars Perseverance rover mission: It is a part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the Red Planet. Objectives: Explore a geologically diverse landing site Assess ancient habitability Seek signs of ancient life, particularly in special rocks… Continue reading NASA launches Mars rover Perseverance to look for signs of ancient life

Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?

News: Scientists have said that COVID-19 could be a latent virus as a Delhi policeman tested positive from Covid-19 within one and a half months of having recovered. Facts: What is Latent Viral Infection? It is an infection that is inactive or dormant and does not replicate within the host.However,it possesses the capacity to be… Continue reading Is SARS-CoV-2 a latent virus which can recur?

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER)

News: The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER) has entered its years-long assembly phase. Facts: What is ITER? It is a major International scientific experiment intended to prove the viability of fusion as an energy source. Where is it being constructed? An experimental tokamak nuclear fusion reactor is currently under construction in the south of France. Funding:… Continue reading International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor(ITER)

BelYo, India’s first Covid-19 blockchain platform goes live

Facts: BelYo: It is the country’s first COVID-19 blockchain platform that converts COVID-19 related clinical and vaccination data of citizens from physical form into digital assets which can be retrieved by contact tracing apps like Aarogya Setu. Developed by: BelfricsBT, a global blockchain start-up along with IlIT Bangalore. Additional Facts: Blockchain Technology: It is a… Continue reading BelYo, India’s first Covid-19 blockchain platform goes live

Explained: What is spyware and stalkerware?

News: According to a report,there was a 51% increase in the use of spyware and stalkerware during the lockdown period from March to June. Facts: Spyware and Stalkerware: These are apps like viruses and malware that infect devices that are connected to the internet. However, unlike viruses and malware that can be detected by anti-virus… Continue reading Explained: What is spyware and stalkerware?

Sun like stars hold key for Li increase in the Universe

News: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics(IIA) have provided evidence for the first time that Lithium(Li) production is common among low mass Sun-like stars during their Helium (He) core burning phase. Facts: About the Study: Scientists performed a large-scale systematic investigation of the ‘He-flash’ (on-set of He-ignition at the star’s core via violent eruption)… Continue reading Sun like stars hold key for Li increase in the Universe

NASA to launch ASTHROS Mission to stratosphere

News: NASA has announced the launch of ASTHROS mission from Antarctica in 2023. Facts: ASTHROS stands for Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths. Aim: To send a telescope into the stratosphere to observe wavelengths of light invisible from the Earth. Significance: The mission will help in trying to find answers about… Continue reading NASA to launch ASTHROS Mission to stratosphere

Explained: What exactly is herd immunity

News: A recent serological survey in Delhi found the presence of coronavirus specific antibodies in about 23% of the samples tested.The results of the survey are being interpreted to suggest that Delhi could be approaching Herd immunity. However, scientists have cautioned against such conclusions. Facts: What is Herd immunity? It is a stage of an… Continue reading Explained: What exactly is herd immunity

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