Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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Scientists have discovered an intermediate-mass black hole at the center of a star cluster in the Milky Way, near the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*). Sgr A* is located at the galaxy’s center, in the constellation Sagittarius, with an estimated mass of 4.3 million times that of the sun. It has a diameter of 14.6 million miles (23.5 million km) and is a strong radio wave source, primarily from synchrotron radiation.

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Researchers discovered that tinzaparin, a drug used to treat blood clots, significantly reduces cell damage caused by spitting cobra venom. Tinzaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) with antithrombotic properties, typically used for deep venous thrombosis. The research showed that tinzaparin blocks the interaction between the venom and cell receptors by binding to venom molecules. This action interferes with the venom’s toxic effects by disrupting the biological pathway that produces heparan sulfate. When tinzaparin was applied immediately after venom exposure, it enhanced cell survival, offering a potential new approach to mitigate snake venom toxicity.

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A health alert has been issued in the United States after hantavirus, a rodent-borne disease, killed four people. Hantaviruses can cause severe lung (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, HPS) or kidney (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, HFRS) infections. Transmission occurs through inhalation of infected rodent urine, droppings, or saliva. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, muscle aches, abdominal pain, cough, and shortness of breath. The infection can worsen quickly, leading to lung failure and death. There is no specific treatment, but early medical care can help manage severe cases. More than half of lung-infected patients die.

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Researchers from the Korean Institute of Basic Science, South Korea have developed Nano-MIND, a magnetogenetics technology that allows precise, remote control of brain circuits using magnetism. Tested on mice, it can activate specific neurons to alter behaviors such as maternal instincts and feeding. This breakthrough advances brain research and could impact brain-computer interfaces and treatments for neurological disorders.

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Indian astronomers have discovered 34 new Giant Radio Sources (GRSs) using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune. Operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), GMRT has 30 large parabolic dishes that study radio waves. GRSs are massive cosmic objects with supermassive black holes at their centers. These black holes pull in matter, creating jets of hot plasma and producing large radio emission lobes.

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In a new study, scientists used AI to convert glioblastoma cancer cells into dendritic cells, which help the immune system target and kill cancer. Glioblastoma is a fast-growing brain or spinal cord cancer caused by DNA mutations, originating from astrocytes that support nerve cells. It makes its own blood supply, invades healthy tissue, and is more common in older adults, accounting for nearly half of adult brain tumors.

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ISRO’s Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is set to launch on August 15 by the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to design and develop a microsatellite, create compatible payload instruments, and integrate new technologies for future operational satellites. EOS-8 represents a significant step in advancing satellite capabilities and enhancing Earth observation efforts.

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India will train healthcare professionals to use the BPalM regimen for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The BPalM regimen includes bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid, and moxifloxacin. Recommended by WHO in 2022, it’s already available in nearly 40 countries. The BPalM regimen is more effective, has fewer side effects, and shortens treatment time from 18-24 months to six months. It also helps prevent TB transmission, making it crucial for India’s goal to eliminate TB by 2025, as the country has 27% of global TB cases.

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A Tamil Nadu-based start-up launched India’s first reusable hybrid rocket, “RHUMI 1”. The launch took place from a mobile platform in Thiruvidandhai, Chennai. The rocket aims to advance research on global warming and climate change. RHUMI 1 is powered by a hybrid motor and has an electrically triggered parachute deployer. It carried three CUBE satellites to monitor cosmic radiation, UV radiation, and air quality. It also deployed 50 Pico satellites to study accelerometer readings, altitude, and ozone levels to understand environmental dynamics better.

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The Chief Minister of Meghalaya recently tested positive for Scrub Typhus. Scrub Typhus, or bush typhus, is caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is transmitted through bites from infected chiggers (larval mites). Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, a rash, and a scab-like area at the bite site. There is no vaccine for Scrub Typhus. It commonly affects rural areas in Southeast Asia, China, the Indian subcontinent, and Northern Australia.