Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Krishna M Ella, co-founder of Bharat Biotech, now heads the Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) for 2024-2026. He succeeds Adar C Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII). Ella aims to enhance collaboration among vaccine manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers to expedite vaccine development and bolster production. IVMA also prioritizes enabling access to affordable vaccines in developing nations. SII, under Poonawalla, pioneered the Covishield vaccine during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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China launched the Chang’e-6 probe to gather samples from the Moon’s far side, aiming to be the first nation to do so. Previously, only the USA and USSR collected lunar samples, all from the near side. China’s Chang’e 4 landed on the far side in 2019 but didn’t retrieve samples. In 2023, India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission achieved a first by landing near the Moon’s South Pole. The “dark side” of the Moon receives sunlight, contrary to its name.

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Google DeepMind unveils AlphaFold 3, an AI model co-developed with Isomorphic Labs. It accurately predicts molecular structures and interactions, including human DNA, aiding drug design and disease targeting. It models proteins, DNA, RNA, and small molecules, revealing their 3D structures and chemical modifications crucial for cellular functions. AlphaFold 3’s diffusion network assembly offers insights into biological complexities, aiding understanding of drug actions, hormone production, and DNA repair for improved medical research and treatment.

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Punjab Agricultural University introduces Trichoderma asperellum to tackle ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati rice, endorsed by Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC). The disease, caused by Fungus Fusarium verticillioides, affects seedlings and transplanted crops. Symptoms include yellowing, elongation, and eventual death of plants. Current chemical treatments like Trichoderma harzianum and Sprint 75 WS pose risks to soil and consumers due to toxicity. Carbendazim, a component of Sprint 75 WS, is banned in Punjab due to high residues.

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Researchers discovered that offspring of C. elegans worms, after consuming disease-causing bacteria, inherited the knowledge to avoid the same bacteria from birth. C. elegans, a nematode worm, matures from egg to adult in 3-5 days, offering insights into human and biological sciences. It was the first multicellular organism to have its genome sequenced and neural wiring mapped. With hermaphroditic reproduction, it can self-fertilize, aiding genetic studies.

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The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, led by NASA, targets exploration from our solar system’s outer reaches to the observable universe edge. Its focus includes dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and various infrared astrophysics and planetary science areas. Key instruments include the Wide Field and Coronagraph Instrument, utilizing microlensing for exoplanet studies. With a field of view 100 times larger than Hubble, it promises groundbreaking insights into cosmic phenomena.

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Gopi Thotakura, an Indian expatriate, became the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian in space on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission. The mission, New Shepard’s seventh human spaceflight, included six crew members, among them Gopi Thotakura. The crew also featured historical figure Ed Dwight, the first black astronaut candidate selected by President Kennedy. New Shepard has now flown 37 people into space, marking another milestone in space tourism.

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Researchers advocate for domestic clinical trials of psychedelic drugs due to increasing global trials and the low effectiveness of current mental health medications. Psychedelics alter perception, behavior, and consciousness, often intensifying sensory awareness. Categories include Classical Psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, primarily acting on serotonin receptors, and Non-Classical Psychedelics like ketamine and MDMA, interacting with various receptors. They offer potential breakthroughs in mental health treatment.

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World Preeclampsia Day, on May 22nd, raises awareness of the life-threatening pregnancy complication. Preeclampsia, occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy or postpartum, involves dangerously high blood pressure and organ issues. It stems from placental health problems. Symptoms include hypertension, protein in urine, and swelling. It poses risks to both mother and fetus, possibly leading to preterm birth or death. Treatment involves delivery, with symptoms persisting afterward.

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Over 50 billion ballpoint pens are trashed yearly, with 95% made of plastic. Saurabh H. Mehta from New Delhi created the world’s first 100% biodegradable pen. He founded bioQ, focusing on eco-friendly stationery, and launched NOTE (No Offence to Earth) to eliminate plastic in pens. The NOTE pen features a recycled paper refill, non-toxic ink, and a removable metal tip, exploring materials like paper tubes, bamboo, and metal for its exterior.