News:The sun is said to have reached into a state of ‘solar minimum’ as it has been more than 100 days since the sunspots are virtually not visible at all. Facts: Solar Minimum: It is the period of least solar activity in the 11-year solar cycle of the Sun.During this time, sunspot and solar flare… Continue reading Sun reportedly entering ‘Solar Minimum’: What does it mean?
Category: Factly: Science and Technology
This category contains all Current Affairs Factly Articles for Prelims, related to Science and Technology. You can find all relevant Science and Technology related updates on this page. This page is specifically useful for UPSC Prelims exam.
New Research: Why does age make it more difficult to fight Covid-19?
News:New research has identified the microRNAs play a key role in combating Covid-19. Facts: MicroRNA were first discovered by the scientists in the mid-1990s.They are tiny fragments of RNA genetic sequence produced within the cells. They are non-coding molecules meaning that they do not translate into protein. They are part of our line of attack… Continue reading New Research: Why does age make it more difficult to fight Covid-19?
Explained: When does a disease become endemic?
News: The World Health Organisation(WHO) has said that novel coronavirus could become endemic to the world. Facts: Endemic: It refers to the constant presence and/or usual prevalence of a disease or infectious agent in a population within a geographic area. Example:Malaria and Chickenpox are endemic diseases where there are a predictable number of cases every… Continue reading Explained: When does a disease become endemic?
Government Issues Warning Against ‘EventBot’ Malware
News: CERT-In(Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) has issued a caution against EventBot Malware. Facts: EventBot:It is a Trojan that targets mobile banking, mobile wallets and other financial services apps by masquerading as a legitimate Android app. Additional Facts: Trojan horse: It is a malware that disguises itself as a normal file or program to trick… Continue reading Government Issues Warning Against ‘EventBot’ Malware
DBT floats N-BRIC to drive PPP in innovation to fight Covid-19
News: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has established the National Biomedical Resource Indigenisation Consortium(N-BRIC) to drive indigenous innovation. Facts: N-BRIC: It is a Public Private Partnership(PPP) between DBT and Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises(ABLE) and Confederation of Indian Industry(CII). The consortium is being hosted by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms(C-CAMP). Aim: To establish… Continue reading DBT floats N-BRIC to drive PPP in innovation to fight Covid-19
Union Minister dedicates COBAS-6800 testing machine to the nation
Facts: COBAS 6800 is a fully automated machine enabled with robotics for performing RT-PCR tests for COVID-19. The machine provides high-volume quality testing and will be able to test around 1200 samples in 24 hours. It is installed at the National Centre for Disease Control(NCDC). Significance: It will help minimize the chance of contamination and… Continue reading Union Minister dedicates COBAS-6800 testing machine to the nation
More time needed for rolling out virus diagnostic test
News: The Chitra GeneLAMP-N testing kit for coronavirus may be delayed for several more weeks as it needs more confirmatory testing as well as changes in its configuration. Facts: Chitra GeneLAMP-N testing kit has been developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology,Trivandrum. The test detects two regions of the N gene… Continue reading More time needed for rolling out virus diagnostic test
Enzyme makes men vulnerable to coronavirus disease
News:According to a study, ACE-2 enzymes are responsible for why men seem to be more vulnerable to Covid-19 than women. Facts: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2(ACE2) is an enzyme molecule that connects the inside of our cells to the outside via the cell membrane. The enzyme is found in our lungs, heart, intestines, blood vessels and… Continue reading Enzyme makes men vulnerable to coronavirus disease
Explained: Can ultraviolet light help detect, kill the coronavirus?
News:Scientists are studying the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to detect the virus in public places and disinfect contaminated public spaces to stop the transmission of the virus. Facts: Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation(UVGI) replicates UV wavelengths and uses its destructive properties to target pathogens. It disinfects contaminated spaces, air and water and helps in preventing… Continue reading Explained: Can ultraviolet light help detect, kill the coronavirus?
NAL develops Ventilator ‘SwasthVayu’ for COVID-19 patients
News:National Aerospace Laboratories(NAL), a constituent of the lab of CSIR has developed a BiPAP Ventilator named ‘SwasthVayu’. Facts: SwasthVayu: It is a non-invasive (involves use of masks or similar device) ventilator for the use of non-critical non-ICU cases of Covid-19. Significance:It is simple to use without any specialized nursing and is ideal for treating Covid-19… Continue reading NAL develops Ventilator ‘SwasthVayu’ for COVID-19 patients
