EXPLAINED: CYTOKINE STORMS — OR WHEN THE BODY’S OWN IMMUNE SYSTEM LEADS TO COVID-19 DEATHS
Why in news? Evidence is emerging that a subset of the infected patients develop severe COVID-19 because of an overreaction of their immune systems, which triggers what is known as a “cytokine storm syndrome” (CSS). Who are vulnerable? Various studies have shown that the disease has more severe consequences for those above the age of […]
EXPLAINED: WHAT IS BEING SPRAYED ON MIGRANTS, AND IS IT SAFE?
In several places including Barreili of UP and Delhi, migrant workers travelling to their home states, or their belongings, were sprayed with a disinfectant, apparently to sanitise them. The chemical in the spray was a sodium hypochlorite solution. Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as a bleaching agent, and also to sanitise swimming pools. Is the […]
DISINFECTANT TUNNELS CAN CAUSE HARM
Why in news? The use of a “disinfectant tunnel”, in which sodium hypochlorite is sprayed to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), may give a false sense of security and cause harmful side effects, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has said. The Punjab Health Department had, on April 13, issued […]
VIRUS INFECTIONS HAVE ‘CERTAINLY’ NOT PEAKED YET, WARNS WHO
Why in news? WHO told, 90% of cases of the overall outbreak, are from Europe and the U.S.A. So, we are certainly not seeing the peak yet. World Health Organization (WHO) The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. […]
ICMR SUGGESTS TESTING OF POOLED SAMPLES
Why in news? Stating that the number of COVID-19 cases in India is registering a rise, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now advising the feasibility of using pooled samples for molecular testing of COVID-19. ICMR has said that, for India, it is critical to increase the numbers of tests conducted by laboratories. […]
INTEGRATED GEOSPATIAL PLATFORM
Why in news? The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has created an Integrated Geospatial Platform out of available geospatial datasets, standards-based services, and analytic tools to help decision making during the current COVID-19 outbreak and aid devising area-specific strategies to handle the socio-economic impact in the recovery phase. The platform is […]
STUDY TO IDENTIFY BIOMARKERS TO PREDICT PROGRESSION
Why in news? The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), will support exploration of metabolomics alteration in COVID-19 infected patients conducted by IIT Bombay in collaboration with some hospitals in Mumbai. The Board was set up for promoting basic research in science and engineering […]
COVID-19: INITIATIVES BY SMART CITIES
Initiatives by Smart Cities Vadodara The Vadodara district administration has installed a helium balloon attached with two cameras for surveillance on lockdown violators. Bengaluru Model COVID-19 War Room at Bengaluru – Covid-19 data dashboard of Karnataka has been inaugurated which will be the single source of all COVID-related data. Kalyan Dombivali To create awareness and keep […]
IUSSTF BOOSTS INDO-US VIRTUAL NETWORKS TO ADDRESS COVID 19 CHALLENGES
Why in news? The Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), has invited Proposals for ‘COVID-19 Indo-U.S. Virtual Networks’ that would allow Indian and U.S. scientists and engineers currently engaged in COVID-related research to carry out joint research activities through a virtual mechanism, leveraging existing infrastructure and funding. Proposals that convincingly demonstrate the benefits and value […]
‘MODERATE HUMIDITY MAY DETER CORONAVIRUS’
Why in news? Coronaviruses are sensitive to humidity and are less likely to thrive at moderate levels of humidity, a series of experimental studies over the years have shown. It is important to note that these studies didn’t study actual coronaviruses but a bacteriophage Phi6, which is considered a safer surrogate. Key Highlights Earlier in […]