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
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.
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
Virtual biopsy device can non-invasively detect skin tumours
Recently,researchers from the United States have developed a ‘virtual biopsy’ device. The virtual biopsy device can quickly and non-invasively determine whether a skin tumour is cancerous and needs to be removed surgically. Currently,doctors who perform surgical biopsies often do not know the extent of a tumour and whether it will be necessary to refer the… Continue reading Virtual biopsy device can non-invasively detect skin tumours
Facebook to unveil new cryptocurrency
Facebook has decided to launch a cryptocurrency called Libra. The currency is designed not to be a speculative asset, like Bitcoin, but a form of digital money backed by a reserve of assets. Facebook has also formed the non-profit Libra Association with 27 other partners to oversee Libra and its development. The partnership includes venture… Continue reading Facebook to unveil new cryptocurrency
ISRO for 1st time opens its laboratories for Indian school students
The Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) has opened its laboratories for Indian school students to undergo training this year. The training module has been devised as part of its new Young Scientists Programme or Yuva Vigyanik Karyakram(YUVIKA). The Young Scientist Program is primarily aimed at imparting basic knowledge on Space Technology,Space Science and Space Applications to… Continue reading ISRO for 1st time opens its laboratories for Indian school students
