Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, have developed a new optical sensing platform for detecting cholesterol. This platform can detect cholesterol even in trace amounts, below the normal preferred range, making it useful for early disease detection. It is designed to help in regular and efficient monitoring of cholesterol levels in the human body. Cholesterol is an essential lipid produced by the liver and is vital for the functioning of animal tissues, blood, and nerve cells. In mammals, it is transported through the bloodstream to perform various biological functions.

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Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem), Bengaluru has successfully conducted India’s first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia in collaboration with CMC Vellore. Gene therapy is a biomedical technique that modifies or replaces faulty genes to treat or prevent diseases. The aim is to introduce a functional gene to replace a mutated or disease-causing gene. Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder due to mutations in genes on the X chromosome, affecting 1 in 10,000 people, especially males. BRIC-inStem is part of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC). It integrates 14 autonomous research institutions across India under one national umbrella.

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China has officially launched the world’s first commercial 10 Gigabit per second (10G) broadband network, setting a new global standard for high-speed wired internet. This new 10G broadband offers speeds over 10 times faster than current fiber-optic networks used around the world. It allows ultra-fast downloads and uploads, very low latency, and high bandwidth capacity. It supports advanced applications like 8K video streaming, cloud gaming, smart cities powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), and virtual reality.

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The world’s only research centre on mycetoma, a neglected tropical disease, has been destroyed in Sudan’s two-year war. Mycetoma is a chronic, progressively destructive infectious disease of the subcutaneous tissues, affecting the skin, deep tissues, and bones. It was first reported in Madurai, India, in the mid-19th century and was initially called Madura foot. Mycetoma is caused by a variety of microorganisms, either fungal or bacterial. It commonly affects young males aged 15 to 30 years in developing countries. The disease is found in tropical and subtropical regions with short rainy seasons and prolonged dry periods. Mycetoma is endemic in the “Mycetoma belt,” including countries like Sudan, Chad, and India.

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Amazon has launched the first 27 satellites under its Project Kuiper to build an internet-from-space network. Project Kuiper is Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative using Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is up to 2,000 kilometers above Earth. It includes around 3,232 satellites, ground stations, and customer terminals to provide the service. The goal is to deliver high-speed, low-latency, and affordable internet to remote and underserved regions globally. The project is named after the Kuiper Belt, a distant region of the solar system beyond the eight planets. It is Amazon’s answer to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system.

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A new non-contact wearable device developed by researchers from the United States and South Korea can monitor health by measuring skin flux without touching the skin. The device is about the size of a smartphone and tracks molecular movements like vapour leaving the body and chemicals entering through the skin. It was developed under the leadership of Professor John A. Rogers at Northwestern University, USA. It creates a small sealed microclimate next to the skin and uses wireless electronics and tiny sensors to detect water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A remote-controlled valve adjusts the chamber’s openness for accurate comparisons.

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In a major step toward digital transformation, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister laid the foundation for India’s first Artificial Intelligence-based Data Center Park in Raipur. The facility will start with a five megawatt capacity and aims to grow to 150 megawatts. A 2.7-hectare area is being developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) services. The project will see an investment of Rs 2,000 crore as it expands. The center will support green, energy-efficient technologies for sustainable operations. It will serve sectors like AI, Financial Technology (FinTech), Health Technology (HealthTech), defense, and data analytics. The infrastructure will use Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based systems for real-time data processing, streaming, and analytics.

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A new mosquito species called the “Pwani molecular form” has been found in coastal areas of Tanzania and Kenya, drawing global attention to malaria control. It belongs to the Anopheles gambiae complex, which includes some of the world’s most dangerous malaria-spreading mosquitoes. This mosquito shows strong genetic differences from other species in the same group, suggesting unique behaviour or environmental adaptation. Genetic studies confirm it is only found along the coastal regions of East Africa, mainly in Tanzania and Kenya. It does not carry the usual genes for insecticide resistance found in other malaria vectors. This may mean it has a different resistance method or is more sensitive to current insecticides.

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A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a weekly dose of semaglutide shows strong results in treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). Semaglutide is a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, first developed to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is the main ingredient in medicines like Ozempic, used for diabetes, and Wegovy, used for weight loss. MASH is a severe type of fatty liver disease caused by metabolic problems and not by alcohol. It involves fat buildup, inflammation, and liver scarring, and is linked to obesity, diabetes, and overnutrition. If not treated, MASH can lead to cirrhosis or liver failure.

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A groundbreaking study has recently offered new hope for treating Lafora Disease, a rare and deadly genetic disorder. Lafora Disease seriously affects the brain and nervous system, leading to severe health issues. It is part of a group of disorders called autosomal recessive progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME), which causes seizures, mental decline, and loss of motor skills. It is more common in areas where marriages between close relatives, called consanguineous marriages, are practiced. It is mainly seen in Mediterranean countries, Northern Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Southern India.