S&T

Tetrapod robot developed to deal with nuclear disasters
• Japanese company Toshiba has developed a tetrapod robot which can help in
investigative and recovery work in situations such as Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear
disasters.
• The 65 kg robot is battery-powered and integrates a camera and dosimeter.
• Capable of carrying a load of 20kg, the Tetrapod can walk on uneven surfaces, avoid
obstacles and climb stairs, securing access into areas that is challenging to be reached by
wheeled robots or crawlers.








First direct image of double helix of DNA captured
• Scientists have for the first time captured a direct image of the double helix of Deoxyribonucleic Acid,
DNA the structure that encodes the genetic instructions of all living organisms.
• A technique to capture the double helix of DNA using a scanning electron microscope has been developed.
• Along with RNA and proteins, DNA is one of the three major macromolecules that are essential for all known
forms of life.

Scientists find the mechanism of replication of flu viruses in cells

November 27th, 2012

In a major scientific advancement, researchers have come very close to understand how the replication of flu viruses within infected cells takes place. The research would provide for development of more effective vaccines.

What has been discovered?

The primary focus of the study was the role of influenza’s ribonucleoprotein (RNP) and its interaction with and a special enzyme that the virus needs to make copies of it. RNPs function as small machines necessary for the survival and spread of the virus in its hosts. Each RNP contains a segment–usually a single protein-coding gene–of the RNA-based viral genome. This viral RNA segment is covered with protective viral nucleoproteins. It is attached by a flu-virus polymerase enzyme, which handles the two central tasks of viral reproduction: making new viral genomic RNA, and making the RNA gene-transcripts that will become new viral proteins. The flu polymerase also contains some of the key "species barriers" that keep, for example, avian flu viruses from infecting mammals.

By using innovative and sophisticated technology, the researchers have developed test-cell expression system that produced all of the protein and RNA components needed to make full-length flu RNPs. The innovations enable researchers to analyse molecular samples more easily and speedily.

What is Ribonucleoprotein (RNPs)?

It is an association of Ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein. Some examples of RNPs:

• Ribosome
• Telomerase enzyme
• RNase P
• hnRNP
• small nuclear RNPs (snRNPs)

Aflibercept: Drug that can halt cancer growth

November 27th, 2012

Scientists have developed a new drug ‘Aflibercept’ for stopping the cancerous cells from multiplying. The new drug makes cancerous cells to sleep thus inhibiting them from multiplying. The drug functions by exchanging the molecular switches in cancer structure so that there is no multiplication of the cancerous cells. The drug has shown effectiveness in extending the lives of cancer patients

Scientists decoded how flu viruses replicate within Infected Cells

Scientists  in the fourth week of November 2012 decoded how flu viruses replicate within infected cells, which could be used in the development of potent vaccines. The study done by the scientists explained the flu virus replication machinery.

Scientists used advance molecular biology and electron-microscopy techniques to see one of influenza's essential protein complexes in detail. They focused on influenza’s ribonucleoprotein (RNP). RNPs contained the genetic material of virus and the special enzyme that is required by the virus to replicate itself.

Any influenza virus contains eight RNPs in its core. RNPs are important to the virus’s ability to survive and spread in its hosts. Each RNP contains a single protein which is the coding gene of the RNA-based viral genome. The viral RNA segment is coated with protective viral nucleoproteins and its structure resembles a twisted loop of chain. The free ends of this twisted loop are held by a flu-virus polymerase enzyme, which is entrusted with two important tasks of viral reproduction-1) making new viral genomic RNA  2)making the RNA gene-transcripts that will develop into new viral proteins. It would be interesting to know how the flu polymerase and the rest of the RNP interact. 

The only flu RNPs reproduced in the laboratory, were shortened versions whose structures didn’t match those of native flu RNPs. Still, Scientists developed a test-cell expression system which produced all of the protein and RNA components required to make full-length flu RNPs. The discovery enabled Scientists to analyse molecular samples more easily.

New Drug Discovered that can Halt Cancer from Multiplying

Scientists in the last week of November 2012 developed a new drug called Aflibercept for stopping the cancerous cells from multiplying. The new drug compels the cancerous cells to sleep which in turn stops them in multiplying. The drug is said to trick the tumours for becoming inactive by swapping the molecular switches in cancer structure so that there is no multiplication of the cancerous cells.

The drug had shown positive results in UK, where scientists performed trials on the patients. The patients had shown significant life extension. There were over 1400 patients involved in the trial and some of these were also suffering from advanced bowel cancer. These patients with advanced bowel cancer had already gone through chemotherapy which prolonged their life by two years.
Scientists believe that the drug would be useful across a wide range of cancers in the future studies. Aflibercept in comparison to the conventional drugs had statistically better survival benefits for treating bowel cancer which had spread even after initial treatment.
Aflibercept is usually given as 30-minute infusion with chemotherapy. As of now, it is found in US only. Europe would soon approve the drug for cancer treatment

Anand Kumar of Super 30 Fame Declared People’s Hero

Anand Kumar, teacher and founder of Super 30 institute, which provides free residential coaching to students from economically backward families for IIT-JEE exams, named 'People's Hero' by People magazine of American Time Magazine Group.

It is itself an uncommon occasion where the people magazine which usually profiles celebrities from films and other fields onto their magazine had chosen a person who is a teacher by profession

The magazine stated that Anand has done it on his own, which is remarkable.

Earlier Anand was featured in Different Magazine. Time magazine earlier had described Super 30 as the "best of Asia," with Newsweek putting it into the category of world's four innovative schools.

Also, Discovery Channel made an hour-long documentary on Kumar and Super 30 and had described it as a "revolutionary experiment to bring about social change.

Back in April 2011, Anand Kumar was selected by Europe's magazine Focus as one of the global personalities who have the ability to shape exceptionally talented people and was also named among the list of 20 pioneering teachers of the world by UK based magazine Monocle.

the new enzyme launched by the Danish industrial maker Novozymes
that produces an extra 2.5 percent of ethanol out of the corn, addressing concern
that growth in biofuels has come at the expense of food production?
[A]zymogen
[B]Avantec
[C]Chymotrypsin
[D]Laccases
Avantec
Danish industrial enzymes maker Novozymes have launched an enzyme that which
produces more ethanol from corn, addressing concern that growth in biofuels has
come at the expense of food production. The new enzyme, called Novozymes
Avantec , can squeeze an extra 2.5 percent of ethanol out of the corn.

Scientists discovered Bacteria that can Line up to Create Live Wire

Scientists on 8 November 2012 revealed about the discovery of a special type of bacteria in the Ocean with abilities of combining together for the formation of the long conducting nano wire cable for transportation of electrons and capturing the oxygen available at the surface for carrying out the metabolic activities. 

The live wire is made of the living biological cells, not from any type of metal or alloy that is generally used in making of the wire. 

A group of scientists along with Christain Pfeiffer reported about the discovery of this special type of bacteria with abilities of cooperate and multiply at times of threats to overcome the problems.

Chinese Scientists unveiled the Secret of Bactrian Camels by DNA Study

Scientists of China on 13 November 2012 found the DNA of Wild Bactrian Camel, which is actually an endangered species. The endangered species has a capability to live even in the extreme conditions. Scientifically also known as Camelus bactrianus ferus, the genetic code of this species unveiled 20821 genes. A lot of these genes facilitate Bactrian camel with the metabolic tools which allow it to go for days without water and food. It is possible for the species to go on a diet which is based on the tough vegetation. 

Scientists found that even-toed ungulates are the predecessors of Bactrian camels, both of which have evolved from the common ancestor some 55 to 60 million years ago. The study revealed that the camel has astonishing salt tolerance as well as atypical immune system. This Bactrian camel can be found in the Northwestern China as well as Southwestern Mongolia’s deserts. In these regions, the camels withstand bitter cold and fierce heat, very little grazing as well as dryness.  

Camels can consume more salt than the sheep or cattle and also have two times higher blood glucose level. Still they do not develop health issues such as hypertension and diabetes. These camels make exceptional heavy-chain antibodies, which remains a special interest for the pharmaceutical engineers

“1000 Genomes Project”: Global genomes decoded to trace disease roots

November 6th, 2012

 What is the “1000 Genomes Project”?

• Scientists working for The 1,000 Genomes Project have decoded the genomes of more than 1,000 people from 14 ethnic global groups. It is the largest and most detailed compilation of human DNA variations, to track origin of rare and common diseases.
• Launched in January 2008
• An international research effort to establish by far the most detailed catalogue of human genetic variation.
• The project has generated raw information to the tune of 180 terabytes. All of the information is freely available on internet.
• The sequencing of 1092 genomes was announced in a Nature publication in October 2012.

How would this project help?

• The project would help in tracing genetic origins of diseases in populations around the globe.

As per scientists, genetic composition of any two people is 99 % same, it varies by 1% or less. This 1% or less contains the rare variantswhich are thought to contribute to rare diseases as well as common conditions like cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Deeper understanding over rare variants may also explain why some medications are not effective in certain people or cause side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia and sometimes even heart problems or death. As per scientists, most rare variants differ from one population to another, and that they developed recently in human evolutionary history, after populations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas diverged from a single group.

Researchers Created a Paper-Thin Fabric to Stop Bullets

Researchers fabricated an all-new paperthin bullet-proof super material, which has the capability to self-assemble into alternating rubbery as well as glassy layers in the second week of November. The nano-material has the ability to translate into the safety beyond the vests. These technological advancements could be used for protective coating for the jet engine turbine blades as well as the satellites.

Scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as well as Rice University created the special textures which had the ability to stop bullets from lab. This special texture known as structured polymer composite can reassemble into rubbery layers and alternating glassy layers.
According to the Rice University, while the ballistic tests were performed, on this material at MIT's Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, a 9 millimetre bullet could be stopped by the 20 -nanometre-thick layers. Nevertheless, the most challenging task was to test the material effectively in lab.

An innovative testing methodology was also introduced by the MIT-Rice, where tiny glass beads were shot at this material. Despite being too small in size (millionth of a meter), they projected the bullet impacts.

If the layers of materials are looked under the scanning electron microscope, they appear like the corduroy. The researchers also assumed that projectile hit the target at least 2000 times more rapidly than the falling of an apple from one metre, but with much less force.

New test with highest accuracy to diagnose schizophrenics

November 4th, 2012

Scientists have devised a diagnostic test which has around 100% accuracy in detecting schizophrenics.

The test will be able to distinguish schizophrenics from healthy people. As per scientists, people with schizophrenia showed well-documented deficits in the ability to track slow moving objects smoothly with their eyes. Their eye movements tend to fall behind the moving object and then catch up with the moving object using rapid eye movements called saccades. Schizophrenics also found it more difficult to maintain a steady gaze. Scientists used both these abnormalities as a biomarker in diagnosing the disorder.

Scientist a synthetic molecule to quell allergy

November 2nd, 2012

Scientists have discovered that a new synthetic molecule named “DARP E2-79” could pave the way for quick-acting remedies for a number of acute allergic reactions.

What is Allergy?

Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of immune system. These reactions occur when a person’s immune system  reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. The substance which incites such a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. When exposed to the allergen, the immune system produces a type of antibody (IgE). IgE incites certain cells in our body (mast cells and basophils) to produce chemical called histamine. Histamine is what is responsible for the symptoms of your allergy.

How can “DARP E2-79” help?

In order to trigger an allergic response, antiboby IgE needs to bind with a specific receptor called FcR. FcR is a protein found on the surface of certain cells including mast cells, immune cells present in the nasal lining and in the eyelids, along with IgE. Here works DARP E2-79, whichdetaches IgE from its partner FcR, thereby turning the process off.

WORLD 'S FIRST ARTIFICIAL LIFE CREATED IS BACTERIUM

§  Dolly (1996–2003), first cloned mammal from somatic cells

§  Polly and Molly (July 1997), first transgenic cloned mammal

§  GARIMA- I: world's first buffalo calf through the “Hand guided Cloning Technique” was born on February 6, 2009 at NDRI, Karnal(India).

§  GARIMA- II: NDRI, Karnal(India).

§  Cloned male buffalo calf Shresth born on August 26, 2010 atNational Dairy Research Institute, Karnal,

The world's first water buffalo was cloned either in Beijing China^[32] in 2005 or New Delhi, India in 2009 "Samrupa", the world's first cloned buffalo calf, which died a week later from a lung infection


2009-----INJAZ CAMEL CLONED

World’s first clone buffalo born in india- garima

FIRST HEART TRANSPLANT IN INDIA-----DR. P. VENUGOPAL
DR.K. SRIDHAR----1ST IN CHILD SPINAL CORD TB SURGERY



GENETIC ALGORITHM-----PADMA SHRI DR.RAJARAM





A Kochi-based laboratory has completed the full sequencing and analysis of the first Malayali personal genome, revealing the genetic diversity of the linguistic group and signalling a revolution in disease diagnosis and treatment.The study revealed that the gene sequence of the Malayali varies from Chinese and African genomes but stands closer to the Caucasian, a term denoting the white race.

Scientists have engineered a genetically modified cow that produces milk that is less likely to cause allergic reactions.

The modified cow produced milk lacks beta-lactoglobulin - a major whey protein of cow and sheep’s milk, to which some people are allergic.

GM cow Daisy, whose milk provides evidence that a genetic technique called RNA interference can work in large animals

Drugmaker Sanofi India is looking to export its Allstar reusable insulin pen tocountries in South Asia, Africa and Latin America, Shailesh Ayyangar, its managing director, said on Tuesday.

Sanofi India, a unit of France's Sanofi, launched the pen in India on Tuesday at a retail price of 650 rupees ($12.40).

Scientist and Researchers from the Michigan State University had discovered bacteria that can tolerate immense amount of toxicity and can also create 24 carat gold.

The researchers found that the bacteria named 'Cupriavidus metallidurans' is metal tolerant bacteria which can grow on huge concentration of gold chloride which itself is a very toxic chemical compound found in nature.

The researchers fed the bacteria with mismatched amounts of gold chloride, intimating the process they believe happens in nature. In about a week, the bacteria transformed the toxins and produced a gold nugget. 

The researchers used a combination of biotechnology, art and alchemy to turn liquid gold into 24-carat gold. 
It is now being called as Microbial alchemy - transforming gold from something that has no value into a solid, precious metal that's valuable









World’s first Cloned Pashmina Goat “Noori”; cloned by SKUAST, J&K
The Scientists at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in J&K have successfully
cloned the first ‘Pashmina goat’.She was named “Noori”
The healthy female kid was born using a foster mother and it took 2 years for
standardization of the technique. The achievement of this expertise would open up
new panoramas in tactical and applied research which includes multiplication of elite
animals of desired sex and stem cell technology for regenerative medicine. Scientists
took two years to clone Noori, using the relatively new ‘handmade’ cloning technique
involving only a microscope and a steady hand.
Pashmina goats, which grow a thick warm fleece, survive on grass in Ladakh where temperatures plunge to as low as
minus 20 degrees Celsius. Their numbers are dwindling. In recent years, Kashmir has started importing cashmere from
neighbouring China to keep up with orders for the region’s hand-woven shawls.
This will also assist in preservation of endangered species of animals.






Ranbaxy to sell Daiichi’s anti-hypertension drug ‘Sevikar’ in Romania
Drug-firm Ranbaxy Laboratories and its parent Daiichi Sankyo will launch “Sevikar”, a hypertension
drug, in Romania under their collaborative business strategy. ‘Terapia Ranbaxy’, a subsidiary of Ranbaxy
in Romania, will launch ‘Sevikar’, a fixed dose combination of olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine
besylate tablets.
The product is expected to be included on the national lists of compensated drugs benefiting patients as it will be
made available at an affordable price.
 In 2009, Terapia Ranbaxy launched Daiichi’s first product an osteoporosis medication, in the Romanian market
followed by the launch of anti-bacterial drug in 2010.
 In 2008, Daiichi had acquired majority stake Ranbaxy for Rs 22,000 crore.







Scientists develop water soluble electronic devices
2012-10-06 01:10:37 Puneet
Scientists from University of Illinois have developed such
electronic devices which are water soluble. In their
experiment they devised an implantable electronic thermal
therapy device which lasts inside a rat’s body for a few
weeks before it gets dissolved. To design such a electro
thermal device scientist used Magnesium or Mg as the
electrical conductor, MgO and Silicon dioxide as dielectrics, specially fabricated
nanomembrane silicon semiconductor etc. The entire device dissolves away when
placed in de-ionized water. Researchers used a sheet of silk to pack this device to
keep it intact for a set period of time, after which it dissolves in the body water,
exposing the electronic device which too dissolves away.
What could be the possible implementation of this technology?
At a point when the world is pondering over the problem of efficient e-waste
disposal, this technology could come handy. Using this technology such
devices could be made which would be easily soluble in water. Thus it would
aid in their easier and efficient disposal.
Electronic devices such as pacemakers and other sensors are also widely
used. After the device does its intended job it has to be surgically removed.
However, if this technology develops further, such devices could be made
which after performing their role would dissolve and come out through
excretion.





India launches first indigenously developed anti-Malarial drug Synriam
India in a major breakthrough in its fight against Malaria, has indigenously developed an anti-Malarial drug ‘Synriam’.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad held that it is land mark accomplishment in the whole
pharmaceutical sector. Mr Azad urged the manufacturing company to keep the price of the drug at affordable levels so
that poor and needy people are able to access the drug in remote and backward districts of India.
Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad held that India’s pharmaceutical industry is now the third largest in the world in terms of
volume and 14th in terms of value.










Scientists discover the gene “ITFITM3” that can turn flu a killer one
As per a Study in the Science Journal “Nature”, UK and US Scientists have discovered for the first time a human
gene “ITFITM3” that influences how people respond to flu infections, making some people more susceptible than
others. The research assists in explaining why during the 2009-2010 pandemic of H1N1 (or swine flu), majority of
people infected had only mild symptoms, whilst others healthy young adults – got seriously ill and died.
How will this genetic discovery help in Future?
 In future, the genetic discovery could help doctors screen patients to identify those more likely to be brought
down by flu, allowing them to be selected for priority vaccination or preventative treatment during outbreaks.
 It could also help develop new vaccines or medicines against potentially more dangerous viruses such as bird flu.






Indian scientists achieve success in converting sea water into
drinking water
Indian scientists have accomplished noteworthy success in converting sea water into drinking water. Under a pilot
project of the Earth Sciences Ministry, the Indian scientists have developed the Low Temperature Thermal
Desalination technology to convert seawater into drinking water. This indigenously developed environment- friendly
technology is suited for island territories and coastal areas.
Current Affairs Published on www.gktoday.in from January 1, 2012 to
September 10, 2012
So far, 4 plants have been commissioned in India, located at: Kavaratti, Minicoy and Agatti in Lakshadweep and at the
Northern Chennai Thermal Power Station in Chennai. 6 more plants are to be installed in Lakshadweep. They will be
located at Amini, Chetlet, Kadamath, Kalpeni, Kiltan and Andrott islands of the Union Territory.
Each plant has a capacity to produce 1,00,000 litre of potable water every day. The operational cost of producing one
litre of drinking water from the saline water is 19 paise and efforts to further reduce the production cost are taking
place.
What is Low-temperature thermal desalination (LTTD)?
Principle behind this technology:
Low-temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) is a desalination technique takes advantage of the fact that water boils
at low pressures, even as low as ambient temperature.
The system uses vacuum pumps to create a low pressure, low-temperature environment in which water boils at a
temperature gradient of 8 to 10 °C between two volumes of water. Cooling water is supplied from sea depths of as
much as 600 metres (2,000 ft). This cold water is pumped through coils to condense the evaporated water vapour. The
resulting condensate is purified water. The LTTD process may also take advantage of the temperature gradient
available at power plants, where large quantities of warm waste water are discharged from the plant, reducing the
energy input needed to create a temperature gradient.
The principle of LTTD is known for a long time, originally stemming from ocean thermal energy conversion research.
LTTD was studied by India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) from 2004. Their first LTTD plant was
opened in 2005 at Kavaratti in the Lakshadweep islands. The plant’s capacity is 100,000 litres/day, at a capital cost of
INR 50 million (€922,000). The plant uses deep water at a temperature of 7 to 15 °C.




TGC sequences genomes of domesticated tomato & its wild ancestor
TGC: Tomato Genome Consortium
TGC has sequenced the genomes of the domesticated tomato and its wild ancestor, ‘Solanum pimpinellifolium’.
How this sequencing can benefit us?
The genome sequencing will:
 Lower costs and speed up efforts to improve the worldwide tomato production
 Make it more potent to fight pests & pathogens,
 Increase its endurance to drought and diseases affecting the vegetable
About Tomato Genome Consortium:
 Tomato Genome Consortium (TGC) is a group of more than 300 scientists from 14 countries- India,UK, US,China,
Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Israel, Italy, Korea, Spain, Argentina,and the Netherlands. The group came into
existence during a scientific conference organized in 2003 in Washington, DC.

Scientists at the Tomato Genome Consortium (TGC) successfully sequenced the genomes of tomato. It will increase the vegetable’s production worldwide and decrease its price. It took seven years for the scientists to crack the genome. Indian scientists were also the part of the research. National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, The University of Delhi (South Campus) and the Indian Agriculture Research Institute under the auspices of the Indian Initiative on Tomato Genome Sequencing participated in the TGC. 

At present, Indian scientists are trying to develop tomatoes that can remain fresh for 15-30 days in normal weather conditions.The sequences provide a detailed overview of the tomato genome, revealing the orientation, order, types and relative positions of their 35000 genes. The sequences will help scientists decode the relationships between tomato genes and traits. It will also increase their understanding of genetic and environmental factors that play an important role to determine a field crop's health and viability.

The Department of Biotechnology funded the Indian initiative and it was supported by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research.

Indigenous Co. Natco Pharma to manufacture and sell cancer drug
cutting price 90%
A Law has been invoked by Government of India which grants Hyderabad- based Natco Pharma a compulsory licence
under Section 84 of the Indian Patents Act, 1970, for Sorafenib tosylate (brandname
Nexavar, owned by Bayer Corporation). Natco Pharma can now manufacture and sell cancertreatment
drug Nexavar at a cheaper rate. It will be about 90% cheaper than charged by Bayer
for its patented drug. Natco Pharma has been allowed to sell the drug at a price not exceeding
Rs 8,880 for a pack of 120 tablets required for a month’s treatment as compared to a
Current Affairs Published on www.gktoday.in from January 1, 2012 to
September 10, 2012
whopping Rs 2.80 lakh per month charged by Bayer.
The order says multinational pharma firm Bayer was not doing enough to scale up the sale of the drug despite getting
a patent for it in India in 2008. The Drug Sorafenib tosylate (brandname Nexavar, owned by Bayer Corporation) is
used for treatment of kidney and liver cancer.
India Patents Office’s order of a Compulsory License under Section 84 of the Indian Patent Act is in compliance with
the TRIPS agreement of the World Trade Organisation. The compulsory licensing is a provision under which
government can allow a firm to produce a patented product without the Patent owners consent.
The Indian Patents Act empowers the government to issue compulsory licences to drug makers after 3 years of the
grant of a patent on products not available at affordable prices.
As per the Order:-
 A compulsory licence under Section 84 of the Indian Patents Act, 1970 granted to Hyderabad- based Natco
Pharma
 Natco Pharma has been allowed to sell the drug at a price not exceeding Rs 8,880 for a pack of 120 tablets
 It is obligatory for Natco to supply the drug free to at least 600 needy patients per year.
 The licence is valid till the expiry of the patent in 2021.
 The order is subject to conditions such as payment of royalty, quarterly, at 6% of the net sales to Bayer. This
compensates patent holders while ensuring that competition can reduce prices.
Unlike many other countries like Brazil and Thailand (where it is the government that decides the portfolio of drugs for
which compulsory licences should be granted on the basis of the therapy’s affordability and accessibility), in India
where, under Section 84 of the Patent Act, the compulsory licence mechanism kicks in only when a generic company
requests it.
The judgment is likely to open doors in other areas where drugs are unaffordable or inaccessible. This opens up a
new avenue of availability of lifesavings drugs at an affordable price to the suffering masses in India.








Suntech develops cheap and most efficient solar cells
Suntech Power, the Chinese solar power manufacturer developed a new process for manufacturing silicon wafers for
solar cells that could slash the cost of solar power by 10 to 20 %.
It uses wafers made up of a single crystal of silicon. These are called “monocrystalline” wafers.











New “Standing Wave Axial Nanometry (SWAN)” measures single
biological molecules
 An Indian-origin scientist and his colleagues at Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory in the US have
developed a new technology called “Standing Wave Axial Nanometry (SWAN)” that can precisely measure single
biological molecules.
 It is a mix of Optical and Atomic forces technologies.
 It can measure height and give complete 3 D structure of a single biological molecule.











Tumor Stem Cells multiply and fuel Cancer: Study
As per latest research tumors have been found to contain their own pool of stem cells that can multiply and keep
fueling the cancer, seeding re-growth. The study deals with a different type of cancer stem cells.
What are Stem cells?
 Stem cells are special cells found in all multi-cellular organisms. These cells have potential to multiply, to selfrenew
and to transform into diverse cells which can carry specific functions. On a broader basis Stem cells can be
classified into two groups:
 Embryonic stem cells
 Adult stem cells
Embryonic Stem cells are pluripotent cells wich can multiply and transform into any of the 3 germ layers (Endoderm,
Mesoderm and Ectoderm).
Current Affairs Published on www.gktoday.in from January 1, 2012 to
September 10, 2012
Adult stem cells or somatic stem cells are undifferentiated cells found throughout the body after development. They
replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues. They can be found in juvenile as well as adult humans or
animals.
Note: Most of the stem cell therapies are based on Adult stem cells, plus, there use for research purposes is not as
controversial as researches using embryonic stem cells as the former can be obtained from adult tissue samples rather
than destroyed human embryos.
Classification can also be made on the basis of Potency of the cells.
What is Potency in the context of cytology (cell biology)?
 It is nothing but the potential of a cell to differentiate into diverse cells. Potency can be many types:
 Totipotency- potential to differentiate into any type of cells. Eg. Spores and Zygote
 Pluripotency- potential to differentiate into any of the 3 germinal layers (Endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm).
 Note: Pluripotent cells alone are not capable of differentiating into extra-embryonic tissue such as Placenta
 Multipotency- these cells can also generate multiple but limited kind of cells. For eg. Blood stem cells can
diffentiate only into various type of Blood cells but they cannot give rise to Nervous cells.
Applications of Stem cells:
 In the treatment of diseases like leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
multiple sclerosis, and muscle damage.







Stem Cell Therapy to prevent Osteoarthritis
Scientists have found a stem cell therapy to prevent osteoarthritis after a joint injury. In the stem cell therapy, MSCs
(Mesenchymal Stem Cells) were used in mice with joint injuries. These injuries typically result into arthritis.
This scientific finding could result into a therapy that will be used after joint injury. Osteoarthritis means painful and
stiff joints.
What are Mesenchymal stem cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells are multi-potent stromal cells that can multiply and transform into a variety of cell types,
including: osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), and adipocytes (fat cells).
What is Osteoarthritis?
It is a degenerative joint disease. It causes abnormalities like degradation of joints, including articular cartilage and
sub-chondral bone.
Symptoms: Joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, locking, and sometimes an effusion.
Causes: Hereditary, developmental, metabolic, and mechanical (like injury)
The disease may kick off processes leading to loss of cartilage. When bone surfaces become less well protected by
cartilage, bone may be exposed and damaged. As a result of decreased movement secondary to pain, regional muscles
may atrophy, and ligaments may become more lax

Indian Scientist Rao Papineni gets US Patent for

Cancer Treatment

In a breakthrough innovation Rao Papineni, the nanotechnology

scientist, in collaboration with his colleagues invented a cancer

treatment system in which a nano-particle acts as a carrier of anticancer drug and releases it only in the cancerous cell, thus

safeguarding the healthy cells around from the damage.

The patent is titled ‘High Capacity Non-Viral Vectors.’ The nanoparticles act as non- viral vectors. The nano-particles assist the drug particle to target the cancer affected site with high accuracy. These particles will allow the drug to be released inside the diseased cell. They will boost the function of the drug with minimal collateral damage to healthy cells.

Scientist identify a new oxidant “X”
 A new oxidant “X” has been identified which plays a significant role in the formation of gaseous Sulphuric acid in
the atmosphere.
 Until now, it was thought that the combination of OH (hydroxyl radical) oxidant with sulphur dioxide (SO{-2}) was
responsible for the formation of gaseous sulphuric acid in the atmosphere.
 It is considered to contribute the formation of 50% of the total sulphuric acid produced in the atmosphere.
Scientist relate the formation of “X” with “reaction of surface emission, such as naturally produced hydrocarbons,
with ozone.”

Parliamentary Panel suggests to ban GM food crops
A Parliamentary Panel asked the government to put a halt on all field trials and demanded bar
on Genetically Modified (GM) food crops.
The committee sought probe into how permission was given to commercialize Bt. Brinjal seed when all
evaluation tests were not carried out.
 The Panel criticized the government for not discussing the matter in Parliament
 The Panel asserted that the Environment Ministry has not been able to perform its responsibility well and has
overlooked the interests of the 70 % small and marginal farmers.
 It criticized the composition and regulatory role of the Genetic Engineering Approval (Appraisal) Committee and
the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM).
 It suggested the government to put in place all regulatory, monitoring, oversight and surveillance systems
considering conflict of interest of various stakeholders.
 It drew attention towards ethical issues attached to the transgenics in agricultural crops, as well as studies of a
long-term environmental and chronic toxicology impact.
 As per the panel, the GM crops didn’t provide any significant socio-economic benefits to farmers. Instead,
farmers have incurred huge debts because of this capital-intensive practice.
 It demanded explanation from the government on how the cotton seed oil extracted from Bt. cotton had gotten
into the food chain and what could be the impact on medicinal plants.
 It questioned how the proposed Biotechnology Regulatory Authority could be a promoter of GM crops as well as
a regulator.

Science and technology

Science and technology

World’s first clone buffalo born in india- garima

Scientists in the second week of August 2012 found a stem cell therapy to prevent osteoarthritis after a joint injury. Scientists used MSCs(mesenchymal) stem cells in mice with fractures that typically result into developing arthritis.

This scientific finding could result into a therapy that will be used after joint injury. Osteoarthritis means painful and stiff joints.

Scientists developed a new technique to reduce the harmful side effects of chemotherapy. The new technique blocks an oxygen-sensitive enzyme and streamlines the blood flow by combining the specific PHD2 inhibitors with the chemotherapy. Inhibiting PHD2 results in the production of anti-oxidant enzymes were able to neutralise the harmful side effects of chemotherapy. The better formed blood vessels ensure that the anticancer drugs are distributed throughout the tumour, which increases their impact.

In Chemotherapy, anti- cancer drugs are not easily delivered to the actual tumour because leaking blood vessels prevent anti-cancer drugs from reaching tumourb cells while promoting metastasis. Moreover, chemotherapy can adversely affect healthy organs, resulting into heart and kidney failure.

Scientists discovered the origin of singing mice that use songs to communicate. The scientists stated that this can help identify genes that affect language in humans.

The singing mice are brown fur rodents instead of the normal white ones, they are found in the tropical cloud forests in the mountains of Costa Rica. Apparently, the song of the singing mice is a rapid-fire string of high pitched chirps called trills , which are used mostly by males to attract mates.

Up to twenty chirps are squeaked out per second, however unlike birds, the mice generally stick to a song made up of only a single note.

Steven Phelps the main researcher behind the singing mice is already making news. Phelp’s research on the behavior of the mouse has appeared in the journals 'Hormones and Behaviour' and 'Animal Behaviour'.

His newest research project is responsible for examining the genetic components that influence song expression and is a special gene called FOXP2.

As per latest research tumors have been found to contain their own pool of stem

cells that can multiply and keep fueling the cancer, seeding re-growth. The study

deals with a different type of cancer stem cells.

What are Stem cells?

Stem cells are special cells found in all multi-cellular organisms. These cells

have potential to multiply, to self- renew and to transform into diverse cells

which can carry specific functions. On a broader basis Stem cells can be

classified into two groups:

1. Embryonic stem cells

2. Adult stem cells

Embryonic Stem cells are pluripotent cells wich can multiply and transform into any

of the 3 germ layers (Endoderm, Mesoderm and Ectoderm).

Adult stem cells or somatic stem cells are undifferentiated cells found throughout

the body after development. They replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged

tissues. They can be found in juvenile as well as adult humans or animals.

Note: Most of the stem cell therapies are based on Adult stem cells, plus, there use

for research purposes is not as controversial as researches using embryonic stem

cells as the former can be obtained from adult tissue samples rather than destroyed

human embryos.

Classification can also be made on the basis of Potency of the cells.

What is Potency in the context of cytology (cell biology)?

It is nothing but the potential of a cell to differentiate into diverse cells. Potency

can be many types:

Totipotency- potential to differentiate into any type of cells. Eg. Spores and

Zygote

Pluripotency- potential to differentiate into any of the 3 germinal layers

(Endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm).

Note: Pluripotent cells alone are not capable of differentiating into extraembryonic

tissue such as Placenta

Multipotency- these cells can also generate multiple but limited kind of cells.

For eg. Blood stem cells can diffentiate only into various type of Blood cells

but they cannot give rise to Nervous cells.

Applications of Stem cells:

In the treatment of diseases like leukemia, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord

injuries, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and muscle

damage.

What is UHDTV?

It is Ultra High Definition TV that will have much higher resolution than

conventional standard definition and high definition TV.

What is resolution of an Image?

It is a broad term which describes the detail the image holds. The resolution of

a picture is defined by number of dot-like pixels squeezed into a given area.

Resolution of Standard Definition TV : 704 or 720 x 480.

Resolution of High-definition TV or HDTV : 1280 x 720 pixels and 1920 x 1080

pixels.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) finalized standards to introduce

UHDTV which will have stupendous clarity.

As per ITU, the introduction of UHDTV will be 2 phase process:

First Phase: UHDTV picture sizes will be of the order of 8 mega pixels (3840

x 2160 pixels). These will be ‘4K’ UHDTV systems.

Second Phase: Pictures will be 32 mega pixels in size (7680 x 4320 pixels).

These will be ‘8K’ UHDTV systems.

Japanese broadcaster NHK was the ‘founding father’ of UHDTV

An Indian-origin scientist and his colleagues at Iowa State University and

Ames Laboratory in the US have developed a new technology called

“Standing Wave Axial Nanometry (SWAN)” that can precisely measure

single biological molecules.

It is a mix of Optical and Atomic forces technologies.

It can measure height and give complete 3 D structure of a single biological

molecule.