Factly: Science and Technology Archives

CCMB conducts tests on COVID-19; only centre to pool samples in the country

News:Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology is the only centre in India to conduct pooled testing. Facts: It is a fundamental life science research establishment located in Hyderabad It operates under the aegis of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Additional Facts: Pooled Testing: Pooled testing, also known as group testing, is a… Continue reading CCMB conducts tests on COVID-19; only centre to pool samples in the country

Explained: What is silent hypoxia

News:Many COVID-19 patients have reported a condition called ‘silent’ or ‘happy’ hypoxia. Facts: Silent or Happy hypoxia: It is a condition in which the patients have extremely low levels of oxygen concentration, yet they do not show signs of breathlessness. How can it be detected? Medical experts have said that a medical device called a… Continue reading Explained: What is silent hypoxia

DRDO develops UV Disinfection Tower

News: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection Tower. Facts: It is a UV based area sanitiser designed and developed by Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC), the Delhi based premier laboratory of DRDO Objective: rapid and chemical free disinfection of high infection prone areas. It is useful for… Continue reading DRDO develops UV Disinfection Tower

What Is ‘Covid Toe’?

News: A study led by Spanish doctors has found five kinds of rashes, including Covid-toe, affecting covid-19 patients. Facts: Covid-toe: Asymmetrical, chilblain-like lesions around the hands and feet Outbreaks of small blisters, often itchy, found on the trunk and limbs Pink or white raised areas of skin that look like nettle rash. Maculopapules – small,… Continue reading What Is ‘Covid Toe’?

SERB approves funding for studying Mathematical and computational aspects

News: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) has approved funding for 11 projects under the MATRICS scheme for studying Mathematical modeling and computational aspects to tackle the COVID 19 pandemic. Facts: Mathematical Research Impact Centric Support (MATRICS) Scheme: Launched Year:2017 Nodal Agency: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) Aim:To provide fixed grant support to active… Continue reading SERB approves funding for studying Mathematical and computational aspects

Coronavirus: What is a pulse oximeter, and why is it now sought after?

News:Experts have advocated the use of a medical device called the ‘pulse oximeter’ for testing those who have the COVID19 or those suspected of having it. Facts: Pulse oximeters:These are medical devices that monitor the level of oxygen in a patient’s blood and alert the health-care worker if oxygen levels drop below safe levels allowing… Continue reading Coronavirus: What is a pulse oximeter, and why is it now sought after?

DIAT comes up with cost-effective solution to disintegrate coronavirus

Facts: Defence Institute of Advanced Technology(DIAT) has developed a microwave steriliser named as ‘Atulya’ to disintegrate Covid-19 virus by differential heating in the range of 56 to 60 Degree Celsius temperatures. Additional Facts: Sterilisation:It refers to any process that eliminates, removes, kills or deactivates all forms of life in particular referring to microorganisms such as… Continue reading DIAT comes up with cost-effective solution to disintegrate coronavirus

NIAB develops portable coronavirus detection kit

News:Researchers from the National Institute of Animal Biotechnology(NIAB), Hyderabad have developed a coronavirus detection kit named “eCovSens”. Facts: eCovSens is a biosensor that can detect the presence of novel coronavirus antigens in human saliva within 30 seconds. It consists of a carbon electrode coated with the antibody of Covid-19. When a saliva sample from an… Continue reading NIAB develops portable coronavirus detection kit

India’s R&D expenditure & scientific publications on the rise

News: R&D Statistics and Indicators 2019-20 was released. It is based on national S&T survey 2018 conducted by National Science and Technology Management Information (NSTMIS), Department of Science and Technology (DST) Facts: India’s per capita R&D expenditure has increased to PPP $ 47.2 in 2017-18 from PPP $ 29.2 in 2007-08. India’s gross expenditure in… Continue reading India’s R&D expenditure & scientific publications on the rise

New simulation code helps study electric field structure in Earth’s Magnetosphere

News: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) developed a generalized one-dimensional fluid simulation code capable of studying a wide spectrum of coherent electric field structures of earth’s magnetosphere. Facts: Earth’s magnetosphere is that area around Earth that is controlled by the planet’s magnetic field. Formation: Sun forces plasma towards the earth in the… Continue reading New simulation code helps study electric field structure in Earth’s Magnetosphere

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