science and tech

Nafithromycin: India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic

Context: Despite the launch of Nafithromycin, experts suggest that tackling AMR requires a multifaceted approach with a shared sense of responsibility. The greatest challenge of the modern healthcare era is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). India has made a tremendous step in...

Gene Editing Treatment: World’s First Personalised Gene Therapy Treatment

Context: In the US, a baby suffering from carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency was healed with the world’s first personalised CRISPR-based gene editing treatment. What is Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 (CPS1) Deficiency? CPS1 deficiency is a rare genetic metabolic...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Context: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a massive testing and research effort to identify the “environmental toxins” that were behind the growing “epidemic” of autism in the U.S. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition...

Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs): Working Mechanism, Application and Advantages

Context: A research team at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery (SIB). What are Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs)? Sodium-ion batteries...

BrahMos Missile, Features, Capabilities, Variants and Significance

Context: The development of the new Brahmos-NG is in the advanced stage. The BrahMos missile, a symbol of India’s defence prowess, is one of the most advanced and fastest cruise missiles in the world. Developed jointly by India and Russia,...

Gene Editing of Rice Varieties, Implications and Challenges

Context: Two varieties of rice - 'DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)' and 'Pusa DST Rice 1', developed by ICAR and its institutes - are the world's first genome-edited varieties, and promise to be a game-changer in sustainable agriculture. What Makes Gene...

Solid State Batteries (SSBs): Working, Advantages and Significance

Context: Scientists have reported in Science that addressing solid-state battery (SSB) failures might depend on applying well-established mechanical principles. Pesky Failure in Solid-State Batteries (SSBs) The failure was due to lithium dendrites forming on the anode and piercing the solid...

Rising Hypertension Among Young Generation

Context: Contrary to past assumptions, high blood pressure is no longer restricted to older adults — it's increasingly affecting children and adolescents in India. What is Meant By Hypertension? Blood pressure refers to the force with which blood pushes against...

Pangenome of Asian Rice: Development Process and Significance

Context: Scientists have created a ‘pangenome’ by stitching together key parts of genomes from 144 varieties of wild and cultivated varieties of rice from Asia. What is a Pangenome? Pangenome is a complete collection of all the genes found in different...

Shingles Vaccine Reduces Dementia Risk by 20%

Context: A recent study from Wales, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, found that the shingles vaccine is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. What is Dementia🧠? Dementia is a group of conditions characterised by impairment of...