A team of researchers from Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) has identified a new biomarker in the body called as glutamate dehydrogenase of malaria parasite. This promises to help develop a more sensitive diagnostic test for the malaria disease. Currently,tests used for diagnosing malaria are based on a gene,Histidine-rich Protein 2(HRP2) replete with amino acid… Continue reading ICMR scientists identify new biomarker for malaria
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.
ILS develops antibodies against Chikungunya infection
The Institute of Life Sciences(ILS) has successfully developed antibodies against the Chikungunya virus(CHIKV) infection. The antibodies were developed following decade-long research on the CHIKV infection at the ILS laboratory. With no prior antibodies reported against CHIKV,the group was the first to develop antibodies against the non-structural proteins – nsP1,nsP3 and nsP4 of CHIKV. This development… Continue reading ILS develops antibodies against Chikungunya infection
Plants may be spreading superbugs to humans
According to a new study by University of Southern California (USC), antibiotic-resistant bacteria could be transmitted to humans through consumption of plant foods. The study has noted that plant foods serve as vehicles for spreading antibiotic resistance to the gut microbiome. In an experiment conducted on mice, researchers observed that superbugs (antibiotic resistant bacteria) hid… Continue reading Plants may be spreading superbugs to humans
Scientists decode genome of miracle plant
Scientists from the University of Kerala have decoded the genetic make-up of Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus). Arogyapacha is a subspecies of Trichopus zeylanicus. It is a small medicinal plant with slender stems and thick leaves. In India, it is found in the Agasthya hills, Western Ghats The plant has high therapeutical qualities. It is known for… Continue reading Scientists decode genome of miracle plant
Three in four people with epilepsy in low-income countries may die early: WHO
According to the first global report on epilepsy by the World Health Organization(WHO),more than 75% of people with epilepsy in low-income countries are at risk of premature death due to lack of access to anti seizure medicines. Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal causing seizures or periods… Continue reading Three in four people with epilepsy in low-income countries may die early: WHO
A medicated nail enamel to help fight infection developed
Researchers from the Delhi have developed a novel translucent nail lacquer fortified with an antifungal drug to treat onychomycosis.The drug-infused,quick-drying polymer can be easily applied like nail polish. Onychomycosis is an infection which is caused due to the fungus, named Trichophyton rubrum.It causes painful infection of toe and fingernails. The infection is prevalent in coastal… Continue reading A medicated nail enamel to help fight infection developed
Cancer cell detection ‘dots’ developed from coal in Assam
Scientists from CSIR-NEIST Assam have developed chemical process that turns dirty coal into biomedical carbon quantum dots(CQDs) to help detect cancer cells. Carbon Quantum Dots(CQDs) are carbon-based nanomaterials whose size is less than 10 nm or nanometre.These carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were produced from cheap,abundant, low-quality and high sulphur coals. The CQDs emits a bluish… Continue reading Cancer cell detection ‘dots’ developed from coal in Assam
Indian scientists develop more potent Anthrax vaccine
Recently,a group of Indian scientists have developed a new vaccine against anthrax. The vaccine is claimed to be superior over existing vaccines as it can generate an immune response to anthrax toxin as well as its spores rather than the toxin alone. Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis.The bacteria live… Continue reading Indian scientists develop more potent Anthrax vaccine
Sri Lanka successfully launches its first satellite ‘Ravana-1” into orbit
Sri Lanka’s first satellite, ‘Ravana-1’, was successfully launched into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS). The satellite has been developed by two Sri Lankan engineers. The satellite is a low orbit cube research satellite. It measures around 11.3 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm, and weighing around 1.05 kg. The lifespan of the… Continue reading Sri Lanka successfully launches its first satellite ‘Ravana-1” into orbit
WHO launches tool for safer use of antibiotics, curb resistance
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global campaign that urges countries to adopt its new online tool known as ‘AWaRe’. The tool is aimed at guiding policy-makers and health workers to use antibiotics safely and more effectively.It’s another objective is to limit drugs that are at risk of resistance. The tool ‘AWaRe’ classifies… Continue reading WHO launches tool for safer use of antibiotics, curb resistance
