Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Improved testing by the Mumbai AIDS Control Society (MDACS) has identified over 6,000 syphilis cases between 2018-19 and 2022-23. Syphilis, caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium, is a sexually transmitted infection that can remain symptomless for years but may reactivate. It spreads through sexual contact and can affect unborn babies. Symptoms include painless sores and skin rashes. Treatable with antibiotics, penicillin is the most common medication, especially effective in early stages.

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Brazil recently reported the world’s first death due to the Oropouche virus. This virus, a segmented single-stranded RNA virus, circulates in Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the Culicoides paraensis midge or Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, found in forested areas and near water bodies. Symptoms are similar to dengue, including fever, headache, joint stiffness, pain, and nausea. There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus. Currently, no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine exists for Oropouche virus disease.

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World Lung Cancer Day, observed on August 1st, raises awareness about lung cancer, highlighting its impact and educating the public on risks, symptoms, and treatments. The day advocates for early detection, better treatment options, and more research funding. This year’s theme, “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care,” emphasizes the need for equitable healthcare access for all cancer patients.

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Genetic screening, now popular among athletes, identifies individuals at higher risk for certain disorders by analyzing changes in genetic material. It helps in determining traits and risk factors, allowing for preventive measures and early treatment. Initially used for detecting diseases, genetic tests entered sports in the late 1990s, revealing how genes influence performance traits like endurance and flexibility. About 66% of athletic differences are due to genetics, with the rest shaped by environmental factors.

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Lyme disease, affecting about 476,000 people annually in the US, is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and spread through bites from infected black-legged ticks. It cannot be transmitted between humans or through other insects. Symptoms appear 3 to 30 days after a tick bite, including fever, headache, fatigue, and a “bull’s-eye” rash. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications, but early-stage cases are effectively treated with antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) recently held an emergency meeting to address a surge in monkeypox (Mpox) cases, particularly in Congo. Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease related to smallpox, was first identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. t spreads through direct contact with infected animals or people, and symptoms include skin rashes, fever, and muscle aches. There is no specific treatment; supportive care is crucial.

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An MoU was signed between India’s Ministry of External Affairs and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to launch Nepal’s Munal satellite. The agreement was witnessed during the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister to Nepal. Munal Satellite is an indigenous Nepali project, developed by Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) with help from Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN), focusing on creating a vegetation density database of Earth’s surface. The satellite will be launched soon using NSIL’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

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A study identified a protein called importin-7 (IPO7) that transports flavivirus core protein into the nucleus. Flaviviruses belong to the Flaviviridae family, with spherical virions measuring 40-60 nanometers. These viruses have a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome. Flaviviruses can cause serious diseases, including neuro-infections, which may lead to severe health issues or death.

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Dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus are major health and economic issues in India. Traditional control methods have had limited success, highlighting the need for new strategies. Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes offer a promising alternative; Wolbachia is a common bacterium found in many insects but not in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti spreads viruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Introducing Aedes mosquitoes with Wolbachia could help reduce the population of these virus-spreading mosquitoes. These Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes are not genetically modified.

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“Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” is a mock drill conducted under the National One Health Mission (NOHM) to prepare for pandemic situations. NOHM focuses on the “One Health” approach, integrating disease control across human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors. The exercise aimed to assess the readiness and response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT). A simulated scenario of a zoonotic disease outbreak was created to mimic a real-world situation. The drill involved multiple national and state agencies, including ICMR, AIIMS Jodhpur BSL-3 Lab, and state administrations.