Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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New research reveals that genetic mutations in Huntington’s Disease (HD) can have delayed effects, impacting disease progression over time. Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a genetic condition causing gradual loss of brain cell function, leading to their death. It affects brain regions regulating voluntary movement, memory, and decision-making, primarily the basal ganglia and brain cortex. HD is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which produces huntingtin protein crucial for neuron function. Mutated huntingtin proteins have abnormal shapes, damaging and killing neurons. HD is inherited; each child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of developing the disease. It affects 3 to 7 out of 100,000 people, primarily of European ancestry.

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Taiwan will deploy advanced National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) in North Taiwan to protect Taipei. NASAMS is a medium-range, ground-based air defense system developed by Raytheon (USA) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway). The system defends against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, UAVs, and air-to-surface threats. It protects high-value assets and population centers and has been part of the US capital’s air defense since 2005. NASAMS is the first networked short- and medium-range system, integrating with other defense equipment.

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The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Qartemi, a second “living drug,” which is a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy designed to treat blood cancer. “Living drugs” involve modifying a patient’s cells and reintroducing them into the body. CAR T-cell therapy is an innovative immunotherapy where T-cells are genetically engineered to target cancer cells. T-cells are extracted from the patient’s blood, modified in the lab by adding a gene for a man-made receptor (CAR), which helps T-cells recognize cancer cells. Modified CAR-T cells are then reintroduced to kill cancer cells.

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The U.S. military has relocated Typhon missile launchers within the Philippines to improve mobility and survivability amid tensions with China and Russia. Typhon, or the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), is a mobile, surface-to-surface missile system developed by Lockheed Martin, United States. It features a modular design and can fire multiple missile types, including the SM-6 (500 km range) and Tomahawk cruise missiles (2,500 km range). The SM-6 strikes air and surface targets, while the Tomahawk is effective for land-attack and anti-ship missions. A full Typhon system includes four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles on trailers.

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WHO announced that Guinea has eliminated the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), or sleeping sickness, as a public health problem. This is the first neglected tropical disease eliminated in Guinea. HAT is caused by tsetse fly bites and can lead to fatal neurological issues if untreated. Guinea’s HAT cases resurfaced in the 1990s, prompting the launch of a national control program in 2002. Key strategies included mass screenings, vector control, and insecticide-impregnated mini-screens from 2012.

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Shri. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Chip Design at Noida. It aims to enhance India’s semiconductor design and VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) capabilities. The Centre will provide research, innovation, and training to develop a skilled workforce. Facilities include a Project Lab for chip design and a Smart Classroom for immersive learning. A VLSI-based Intellectual Property (IP) demonstration showcased its commitment to semiconductor advancement.

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IIT Guwahati researchers have developed a water-repellent, conductive textile that converts electricity and sunlight into heat to keep wearers warm in extreme cold. It helps prevent blood clotting, breathing issues, and weak immunity caused by prolonged cold exposure. The textile is made by spraying ultra-thin silver nanowires onto cotton fabric, making it lightweight, flexible, and durable. A lotus leaf-inspired coating makes it waterproof, stain-resistant, and oxidation-proof, ensuring long-lasting performance. It maintains 40°C-60°C for 10+ hours using a battery or solar energy.

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Jharkhand health department issued a bird flu (H5N1) alert after detection at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi. Bird flu (Avian Influenza) is caused by Influenza A viruses and can spread from birds to humans. H5N1, H7N9, H5N6, and H9N2 are key virus strains, with H5N1 known for high fatality. Transmission occurs through infected birds, airborne particles, contaminated surfaces, and animal products.

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John McFall has become the first person with a physical disability to be medically certified for a long-duration mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The European Space Agency (ESA) approved his selection, marking a historic milestone in inclusive space exploration. McFall, a former Paralympian, lost his right leg at 19 in a motorcycle accident. He won bronze in the 100m sprint at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

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Scientists have developed a new gene therapy for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder. MSUD is caused by a deficiency of the enzyme complex needed to break down branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, requiring both parents to pass on the gene mutation. The disorder prevents proper amino acid metabolism, leading to neurological symptoms and life-threatening brain damage.