Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Recent studies indicate that the Rocahepevirus ratti strain, commonly known as “rat HEV,” primarily resides in rats and has been found to infect humans. Since its first human case in 2018, at least 20 cases have been reported, often linked to the consumption of raw pork. Researchers discovered that rat HEV could infect pigs and spread among them, highlighting concerns for the pork industry as a potential pathway for human infection. Hepatitis E remains a significant global health issue, particularly in developing regions.

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NASA cancelled the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission due to delays and high costs. VIPER was fully assembled and partially tested before cancellation. It was a NASA mission to explore the Moon’s south pole for water ice and other resources. VIPER was part of the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, involving India. India missed an opportunity by approving Chandrayaan-4’s sample-return mission after VIPER’s cancellation.

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Scientists found carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Pluto’s largest moon, Charon. Charon is half the size of Pluto, measuring 1,214 km across, discovered in 1978. It’s named after the ferryman of dead souls in Greek mythology. Charon’s mass is over one-tenth of Pluto’s, and the two form a double dwarf planet system. The distance between Pluto and Charon is 19,640 km. Both bodies are tidally locked, always facing each other in same side. Charon completes one orbit of Pluto in 6.4 Earth days.

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A recent clinical trial indicates that a diet high in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contributes to India being the world’s diabetic capital. AGEs, also known as glycotoxins, are harmful molecules created by glycation and oxidation of lipids and proteins. Glycation combines molecules with sugars, while oxidation combines them with oxygen. While AGEs are produced by the body’s metabolism, most come from food, particularly through high-temperature cooking methods like grilling and frying. Tobacco use also adds to AGE levels, and production increases with age.

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The Marburg virus, part of the filovirus family, is one of the deadliest pathogens, with case fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88%. The recent outbreak in Rwanda has already resulted in 12 deaths among 46 infections, predominantly affecting medical workers. Marburg spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and contaminated materials. Initial symptoms include high fever and severe headache, progressing to hemorrhagic symptoms. Currently, there are no approved vaccines, but experimental treatments are being sought, highlighting the urgent need for effective healthcare responses in affected regions.

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A 51-year-old woman in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, died from Congo fever (Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – CCHF), a viral disease. The disease spreads through tick bites, contact with infected animals, or bodily fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms include sudden high fever, muscle ache, dizziness, neck pain, and light sensitivity; severe cases can cause hemorrhaging, liver failure, and death. The Rajasthan government issued guidelines, enhanced hospital vigilance, isolated potential cases, and launched awareness campaigns to prevent further spread.

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The FDA approved Cobenfy, a new drug for schizophrenia, combining xanomeline and trospium chloride, which avoids many side effects of older medications. Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder affecting 1 in 100 people, leading to social isolation and a life expectancy reduced by 13-15 years. Symptoms usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, peaking in men in their early 20s and emerging in women in their mid- to late 40s. Clinical symptoms include reality distortion (delusions, hallucinations), disorganization, and negative symptoms like apathy and lack of motivation. Cobenfy offers a new treatment option with a different action mechanism, but may cause side effects like nausea, indigestion, and dizziness.

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Scientists have discovered a lost Mayan city in the dense Mexican jungle using LiDAR technology. LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging and is a remote sensing method that uses pulsed lasers to measure distances to the Earth’s surface. It can create high-resolution 3-D models of ground elevation with vertical accuracy of up to 10 cm. The LiDAR system includes a laser, scanner, and GPS receiver. The laser fires rapidly, hitting surfaces like vegetation and buildings, with the reflected light recorded by the sensor.

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World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024 is celebrated from November 18–24. The theme for the World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2024 is “Educate. Advocate. Act now.” This theme emphasizes the need to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR), advocate for policy changes, and take concrete actions to address this global health concern. WAAW is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This year’s World AMR Awareness Week emphasizes the need for effective training of health workers to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through improved infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Despite some progress, many countries still face challenges in integrating AMR education into health worker training.

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Researchers from Australia and Germany have successfully cured patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) for the first time. TEN, also called Lyell’s syndrome, is a rare and life-threatening skin disease. It is the most severe form of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). TEN and SJS are typically caused by reactions to certain medications, such as antibiotics or anticonvulsants. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing SJS or TEN.