An international team led by the Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has identified genes for tolerance to drought and heat in chickpeas. The study has also mapped the origins of chickpea and its ascent in Asia and Africa. The study is a significant breakthrough as amidst rising temperatures and increasing… Continue reading Genes of climate-resistant chickpea varieties identified
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.
Jamia team develops ultrasensitive quantum thermometer
Researchers at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi has developed an ultrasensitive quantum thermometer which can measure micro Kelvin changes in temperature and has quick response time.The results of the study were published in the journal Nanoscale Advances. This ultrasensitive quantum thermometer has been developed using graphene quantum dots (GQDs).The features of the thermometer are (a)The… Continue reading Jamia team develops ultrasensitive quantum thermometer
NASA: Universe expanding faster than expected
A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters has reported that the universe is expanding faster than expected. According to scientists, this would require new physics to better understand the cosmos. New measurements from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has confirmed that the Universe is expanding about 9% faster than expected based on its trajectory… Continue reading NASA: Universe expanding faster than expected
Doctors find key to eye care in the womb
Globally, doctors have started using the placenta for treatment purposes. Among the different treatment purposes, the amniotic membrane of the placenta is used to treat eye diseases such as corneal defects, chemical burns etc. It has also been used for vaginal reconstruction surgery and treatment of non-healing tropical ulcers. When a child is in the… Continue reading Doctors find key to eye care in the womb
Genetically modified brinjal illegally cultivated in Haryana
Anti-GMO groups has alleged that Bt brinjal which is a genetically modified variety of brinjal is being cultivated illegally in Haryana. The farmer group has demanded that the government immediately ascertain the extent of illegal Bt brinjal cultivation.It should also take deterrent action against seed suppliers involved and destroy all Bt brinjal plots to prevent… Continue reading Genetically modified brinjal illegally cultivated in Haryana
Engineers at IIT Bombay develop AJIT; microprocessor ‘Made in India’
Indian Institute of Technology(Bombay) has indigenously-produced microprocessor named AJIT. A microprocessor is an integrated circuit containing a few million transistors(semiconductor-based electronic devices) fused on a semiconductor chip.It is just a few millimeters in size and is a part of almost every electronic device. AJIT will be used for systems such as robots,automation systems, appliances and… Continue reading Engineers at IIT Bombay develop AJIT; microprocessor ‘Made in India’
India develops first indigenous vaccine to treat bloody dysentery
India has indigenously developed the first ever vaccine to treat bloody dysentery known as Shigellosis.Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. The vaccine has been developed by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED). Most of those who are infected… Continue reading India develops first indigenous vaccine to treat bloody dysentery
‘Microbial toxins found in popular e-cigarettes’
A new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has reported that popular electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) products sold in the U.S. were contaminated with bacterial and fungal toxins. The study has been published online in Environmental Health Perspectives. The study had examined 75 popular e-cigarette products and found that 27% contained traces of… Continue reading ‘Microbial toxins found in popular e-cigarettes’
In a first, NASA probe detects ‘marsquake’ on the Red Planet
NASA’s robotic probe In-Sight has detected and measured a probable seismological tremor on Mars. This is the first time a likely seismological tremor has been recorded on a planet other than the Earth and its Moon. NASA has labelled the tremor a “Marsquake”. Previously also tremors have been recorded but this is the first recorded… Continue reading In a first, NASA probe detects ‘marsquake’ on the Red Planet
Interceptor vessel joins Coast Guard service
A new Coast Guard vessel named as C-441 has been commissioned at Vizhinjam harbour in Kerala under the aegis of Regional Commander Western Region. C-441 is an Indian Coast Guard interceptor Vessel.C-441 is the seventh interceptor vessel amongst the series designed and built indigenously by L&T Ltd,Surat. C-441 is a 27.8-metre-long vessel.It has a maximum… Continue reading Interceptor vessel joins Coast Guard service
