Category: Science & Technology
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What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
China’s disease control authority recently announced a pilot monitoring system aimed at tracking pneumonia of unknown origin. This initiative comes in response to an expected rise in respiratory infections during the winter months. The country has already observed an increase in overall infections, particularly in northern provinces, with human metapneumovirus (HMPV) emerging as a notable…
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NASA Unveils Mars Chopper Drone Successor
NASA has recently introduced the Mars Chopper, a new drone designed to succeed the Ingenuity helicopter. Ingenuity operated on Mars for nearly three years, far exceeding its initial mission parameters. The Mars Chopper represents advancement in aerial exploration capabilities on the Red Planet. Design Features The Mars Chopper is approximately the size of an SUV.…
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Ebola Virus Study Reveals Skin Transmission Route
Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains a critical public health concern, particularly in regions of East-Central and West Africa. Recent research has revealed new vital information about how the Ebola virus (EBOV) can potentially spread through the skin, denoting the importance of understanding this transmission route. The study, published in *Science Advances*, was conducted by researchers…
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Advanced Hydrogel Revolutionises Cancer Treatment
Recent advancements in cancer treatment have emerged from researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati (IIT-G) and the Bose Institute, Kolkata. They have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel that offers localised treatment for cancer, particularly breast cancer. This hydrogel acts as a stable reservoir for anti-cancer drugs, releasing them in a controlled manner while protecting…
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Nano-Formulation of Melatonin for Parkinson’s Disease
Recent studies have brought into light the potential of nano-formulated melatonin as a promising therapeutic approach for Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a prevalent neurological disorder characterised by the degeneration of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain. This degeneration is primarily caused by the aggregation of synuclein protein. Current treatments focus on alleviating symptoms rather than…
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Manastu Space’s Green Propulsion Success
Manastu Space, a space tech start-up founded by IIT Bombay alumni, made headlines by successfully test-firing its Green Propulsion System, VYOM 2U, onboard the PSLV-C60. This event occurred on December 31, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. in Lucknow. The system represents a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical propulsion methods. This innovation aims to minimise…
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ISRO to Launch US Communications Satellite Bluebird
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make history by launching an American communications satellite. This is the first time an American company is using an Indian rocket for such a large and advanced satellite. The mission is expected to occur in February or March 2025. Background of the Mission Historically, ISRO has…
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ISRO’s 100th Mission Announced
ISRO concluded 2024 with the successful launch of its 99th mission, PSLV-C60. This mission included two experimental projects, SpaDex and POEM-4. As these experiments progress into 2025, ISRO has announced that its first mission of the year will mark milestone – the 100th mission. Details of the 100th Mission The 100th mission will be conducted…
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New Underwater Telescopes Detect High-Energy Neutrinos
Scientists have initiated a groundbreaking project to detect high-energy neutrinos, often referred to as ghost particles, beneath the Mediterranean Sea. This initiative involves two telescopes as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT). One telescope focuses on neutrinos originating from space, while the other examines atmospheric neutrinos. This innovative approach parallels the IceCube Neutrino…
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Maharastra Launches its First Made-in-India Surgical Robot
The SSI Mantra, India’s first made-in-India surgical robot, has been installed at Noble Hospital and Research Centre in Pune, Maharashtra. This advancement in medical technology recently gained approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). The installation ceremony was attended by Marathi actor Prasad Oak, marking a milestone in India’s healthcare landscape. Features of…