NOVEL CORONAVIRUS CIRCULATED UNNOTICED IN BATS
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been circulating unnoticed in bats for decades. Bats have been the “primary reservoirs” for novel coronavirus. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is likely to have diverged from closely related bat viruses called the sarbecovirus, 40-70 years ago, according to a recent study. Details […]
GENE VARIANTS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO SCHIZOPHRENIA
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? Recently, a pilot study on a south Indian group of people with schizophrenia was carried out by Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) and Jeevan Stem Cell Foundation. The paper shows an association between Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) variations and schizophrenia. Details Earlier studies indicate that different variants of […]
eVIN: ELECTRONIC VACCINE INTELLIGENCE NETWORK
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? The Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) is being implemented to ensure essential immunization services during the COVID pandemic. eVIN- Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network eVIN is an innovative technological solution aimed at strengthening immunization supply chain systems across the country. It is being implemented under National Health Mission […]
ADAPTIVE MODEL FOR CRITICAL RESOURCES IN PANDEMIC
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology, Disaster Management Why in news? Scientists have developed a model to address this problem using an adaptive strategy and the early phase of COVID-19 as an example. Introduction Healthcare in a country faces a catch-22 situation in the early stages of an epidemic – specific and accurate tests are required […]
ECONOMICAL NONSURGICAL PREVENTION OF CATARACT
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? A team of scientists has developed nanorods from the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) Aspirin, a popular medication used to reduce pain, fever, or inflammation and found it to be an effective non–invasive small molecule-based nanotherapeutics against cataract. Details They have used the anti-aggregation ability of self-build aspirin […]
SMART INDIA HACKATHON 2020
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? Indian Prime Minister will address the Grand Finale of Smart India Hackathon 2020. Smart India Hackathon 2020 Smart India Hackathon is a nationwide initiative to provide students with a platform to solve some of the pressing problems we face in our daily lives, and thus inculcate a […]
TOCILIZUMAB FAILS ADDRESSING COVID-19 PNEUMONIA
Focus: Prelims, GS-III Science and technology Why in news? Tocilizumab, a drug that was recommended by the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) for emergency use in coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, has been found to be ineffective in reducing the associated pneumonia. Details Though unproven, a rise in cases and mortality translated into a global scamper […]
PERSEVERANCE: NASA’S MISSION EXPLAINED
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Introduction NASA’s incredible journey of driving on Mars started about 23 years ago, in 1997: when the Mars Pathfinder Mission with the Sojourner rover egressed on the Martian soil. NASA went on to send the twin rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, to Mars in 2003, followed by Curiosity in 2012, followed […]
A QUEST FOR ORDER AMID CYBER INSECURITY
Focus: GS-III Science and Technology Why in news? In one week reportedly, there were over 18 million daily malware and phishing emails related to COVID-19 monitored by a single email provider, in addition to more than 240 million COVID-19-related daily spam messages. State Role There is rising concern about concern about the role of states […]
NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES (NTDS)
Focus: GS-III Science and technology Introduction Disease outbreaks usually result in single-minded efforts to stem the tide, distracting from other public health issues in the process. For example, the 2016 Ebola outbreak resulted in the loss of an additional 10,600 West African lives due to HIV, TB and malaria. Now, as health services, resources and […]