Science & Technology Current Affairs MCQs

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IIT Madras became the first research organization globally to release detailed 3D high-resolution images of the fetal brain, called DHARANI. The data set includes 5,132 brain sections captured using advanced brain mapping technology. The research was conducted at the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre on the IIT Madras campus. The team created a 3D atlas of the brain, identifying over 500 regions at a cellular resolution. This work helps understand brain development from foetal stages to adulthood. It also aids in studying developmental disorders like autism and cerebral palsy.

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Researchers at IIIT-Delhi developed AgeXtend, an AI-powered platform to discover molecules that slow ageing and promote healthier lives. AgeXtend uses bioactivity data from geroprotectors to predict new molecules with anti-ageing properties. Its AI modules evaluate geroprotective potential, toxicity, target proteins, and mechanisms of action for safe and accurate discovery. It successfully identified benefits of known compounds like metformin and taurine during testing. AgeXtend screened over 1.1 billion compounds and validated promising candidates using yeast, nematodes, and human cell models. It also analyzed natural compounds in the human microbiome and their role in controlling cell ageing.

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African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious pig disease, has been reported in Kerala’s Kottayam district, prompting culling measures and infected zone declarations. ASF has a 100% mortality rate in pigs and is caused by a large, double-stranded DNA virus of the genus Asfivirus in the family Asfarviridae. The virus can survive long periods in pork and meat products but poses no risk to human health or food safety. ASF originated in sub-Saharan Africa and has spread to Asia and Europe; it was first confirmed in India in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in 2020. With no cure, vaccine, or prevention available, culling is the only effective control measure.

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A famous tabla maestro and five-time Grammy Award winner Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away in San Francisco due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a chronic disease that affects the lung tissue surrounding air sacs (alveoli), causing them to become thick and stiff. Over time, this leads to permanent scarring, making it harder to breathe. Complications include pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure, preventing oxygen from reaching the bloodstream and organs. Those with a history of smoking, a family history of IPF, and older adults are at higher risk.

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Russia has developed an mRNA-based cancer treatment vaccine, set to launch in early 2025 and offered free to citizens. The vaccine, costing the state 300,000 rubles (USD 2,869) per dose, uses genetic material from a patient’s tumour to train the immune system. It works by stimulating antibodies to target unique proteins (antigens) on cancer cells, effectively destroying them. Cancer rates in Russia are rising, with over 635,000 new cases in 2022, including colon, breast, and lung cancers. Similar personalised vaccines are under trial in the US (glioblastoma) and UK (melanoma), showing promising results.

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A study by IBM highlights India’s growing interest in quantum computing, with active participation from students, developers, and institutions. Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems beyond traditional computers’ capabilities. It leverages phenomena like superposition (qubits existing in 0, 1, or both states simultaneously) and entanglement (linked qubits affecting each other instantly). Quantum computers can handle tasks like cryptographic algorithms, simulations, and optimization far faster than classical systems. Unlike classical computers with binary bits, quantum computers use qubits, enabling exponentially faster computations for complex scenarios.

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The SSI Mantra surgical robot, recently approved by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), is India’s first indigenous robotic surgery system. Installed at Noble Hospitals in Pune, it features five robotic arms and advanced imaging technology. This innovative system enables minimally invasive surgeries, leading to faster recovery for patients. The SSI Mantra is part of a growing field of robotic surgery that enhances precision and control, making complex procedures more accessible. Its introduction marks a significant advancement in India’s healthcare technology landscape, promising better patient outcomes across various surgical disciplines.

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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India clarified the use of methylcobalamin (MeCbl), an active form of Vitamin B12. Methylcobalamin, structurally distinct from other Vitamin B12 forms, contains a methyl group bonded to a cobalt atom. It is found in supplements and food sources like fish, meat, eggs, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and neurological function. Deficiency can cause severe health issues, often requiring supplementation. It supports vital functions like cell growth, blood formation, and protein synthesis.

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Nadi Tarangini, India’s first Ayurvedic medical device, received approval from Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). It costs ₹55,000 and is manufactured by Atreya Innovations in Pune. The device analyzes 22 Ayurvedic parameters and provides a 10-page report in 10 Indian languages. It has an accuracy of 85% and is used in over 1250 Ayurvedic clinics. Nadi Tarangini received patents in the US, Europe, Indonesia, and India.

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India launched the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000 whole genome samples accessible globally. The data set enables advancements in genomics, personalized healthcare, and medicine. IBDC supports seamless access to genetic data, aiding researchers in studying genetic variations and developing precise genomic tools. The Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED) ensures ethical and secure genomic data sharing under Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines. The GenomeIndia project, led by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), creates a comprehensive genetic diversity database for cutting-edge research. India plans to sequence 10 million genomes, enhancing innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.