Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI) have created a low-cost electro-fluidic micropore device to screen for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The device measures red blood cell (RBC) stiffness with high resolution and speed, helping detect blood disorders early. This portable tool could support mass screening for SCD and may also help detect tumors or improve drug-delivery hydrogels.

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Scientists at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a new real-time test for Tuberculosis (TB) called the real-time Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (rt-LAMP) assay. The rt-LAMP assay is similar to GeneXpert and Truenat, with high sensitivity to detect even 10 TB DNA copies per microlitre. Unlike Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), which needs three temperature cycles, rt-LAMP works at a single temperature, making it simpler and faster. It uses six primers for stronger DNA detection, compared to two in RT-PCR. The use of Syto 16 fluorescent dye avoids false negatives. Results are available in just 10–20 minutes, helping in early TB diagnosis.

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NASA’s Lucy spacecraft was launched in 2021 to explore Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids. The mission is named after the famous fossilized human ancestor “Lucy” discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. Lucy is the first space mission to study the Jupiter Trojan asteroids, which are ancient remnants from the early solar system. These asteroids travel in two swarms that move ahead of and behind Jupiter in its orbit around the Sun. The total mission duration is planned for 12 years. It aims to help scientists understand the origin and evolution of our solar system.

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing the first-ever space-based quantum sensor to measure gravity with high precision. Scientists are working on a Quantum Gravity Gradiometer (QGG) to be placed onboard a satellite in low Earth orbit. The QGG can detect the smallest gravitational changes by measuring differences in acceleration as tiny as 10⁻¹⁵ meters per second squared over a distance of 1 meter. In this system, atoms are cooled to near absolute zero, turning them into wave-like states inside a vacuum. Lasers manipulate these atoms, causing a phase shift that reveals the strength of gravitational forces. This technology helps estimate the mass of large structures like the Himalayas and track the movement of water, ice, and rocks from space. The recent development marks a big step in using quantum sensing for environmental monitoring and Earth sciences.

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AI Kiran, an initiative to empower women in Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been launched. The objective of AI Kiran is to create a vibrant AI community where women can thrive as innovators and leaders. It is led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. The initiative highlights the contributions of over 250 women driving advancements in AI in sectors like education and healthcare. The KIRAN (Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing) Scheme, launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), promotes gender equality in science and technology by empowering women.

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Scientists in the USA have discovered a bacteria named Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis that can conduct electricity. It is named after the Yaqona people, indigenous to the Yaquina Bay region in the USA. This bacterium is notable for its ability to conduct electricity, a rare trait among bacteria. The conductivity helps optimize metabolic functions in sediment environments. Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis holds potential for developing bioelectronic devices in medicine, industry, and food safety. These bacteria can transfer electrons to clean up pollutants, making them useful for removing harmful substances from sediments.

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Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have found a new way to improve green hydrogen production. They created a special heterostructure using Copper Tungsten Oxide and Copper Oxide. This structure uses the Built-In Electric Field (BIEF) effect to boost the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER). The Copper Tungsten Oxide nanoparticles are grown over a Cu(OH)₂ base, forming a p-n heterojunction with an uneven electronic setup. This BIEF helps in better proton adsorption and desorption. Green hydrogen, made from water using clean energy, is a pollution-free fuel of the future.

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Kerala recently reported a new case of Nipah virus infection, highlighting the state’s renewed struggle with this rare and deadly zoonotic virus. The Nipah virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is a newly emerging zoonosis, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. The virus primarily spreads through fruit bats and contaminated food, making it a significant public health threat. Nipah virus infection progresses rapidly, and there is no specific treatment available for it. The virus is known for its high fatality rate and the potential for human-to-human transmission.

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Chinese researchers have recently developed a high-resolution ocean simulation system called LICOMK++ to better study ocean and climate patterns. LICOMK++ stands for Laboratory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Modeling (LASG)/Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) Climate Ocean Model with K++ high-performance computing upgrade. It is described as an ocean “microscope” because of its ultra-high-resolution abilities. This advanced system allows scientists to clearly observe complex ocean processes such as eddies and heat transport. It helps improve the understanding of how oceans influence climate. LICOMK++ can enhance forecasts of extreme weather events like typhoons, marine heatwaves, and floods.

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The Department of Posts recently released a commemorative stamp to mark the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO). The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was established in 1899 by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Tamil Nadu. It was set up to study the Sun and its impact on Earth’s climate, particularly on the Indian monsoon. This decision followed the Great Drought of 1875–1877, which caused a massive famine that killed nearly 50 million people globally. The Famine Commission then recommended setting up a solar observatory to explore the link between solar activity and rainfall.