Category: Science & Technology

The health of tea plantation workers in Assam has come under scrutiny due to a recent study denoting risk of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). This life-threatening fungal infection primarily affects tuberculosis (TB) survivors. The research was conducted by a team from Assam Medical College and Hospital, revealing alarming prevalence rates among tea workers. Context of…

Stargardt disease is a rare genetic eye condition causing progressive vision loss, primarily affecting children and young adults. Recent developments in gene therapy offer hope for effective treatments. Researchers from the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology in Basel, Switzerland, in collaboration with Beam Therapeutics, have made strides in this area. About Stargardt Disease Stargardt…

An international team used NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Chandra X-ray Observatory to discover a unique black hole, LID-568. LID-568 is feeding on matter at a rate 40 times higher than what scientists believed was possible Background on Supermassive Black Holes Supermassive black holes are prevalent in galaxies, often residing at their centres.…

Recently, India announced the launch of its first human underwater submersible by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the blue economy and is aligned with the country’s broader goals in space exploration, particularly the Gaganyaan mission. The submersible will initially operate at depths of up to 500 metres, with plans to reach…

China has recently made strides in nuclear fusion research. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) sustained plasma for 1,000 seconds. This surpasses the previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023. This achievement is vital for the future of fusion energy, paving the way for potential continuous power generation. About Nuclear Fusion Nuclear fusion is…

Recent archaeological findings have reshaped our understanding of the Iron Age in India. A new study indicates that iron technology in Tamil Nadu dates back to the early 4th millennium BCE. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that placed the onset of the Iron Age in India between 1500 and 2000 BCE. Metallurgical Evidence Over 85…

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to mark milestone with its 100th launch. Scheduled for January 29, 2025, the GSLV-F15 mission will deploy the NVS-02 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission enhances India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), an independent regional navigation satellite system. NavIC Overview NavIC is India’s regional…

Recent studies have revealed alarming vital information about the effects of microplastics on brain function. Research published in *Science Advances* indicates that microplastics may obstruct blood circulation, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. These findings stem from experiments conducted on mice, denoting the urgent need to understand the implications for human health. What Are Microplastics? Microplastics…

Recently, the Government of India initiated the bidding process for the procurement of 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) under the IndiaAI Mission. This mission, approved by the Cabinet in March 2024, has a budget of ₹10,372 crore over five years, aimed at boosting artificial intelligence development in the country. The GPU procurement is a critical…

Recently, President Donald Trump unveiled Project Stargate, an initiative aimed at establishing a robust artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the United States. Backed by a $500 billion investment, it is designed to enhance the country’s global leadership in AI technology and create over 100,000 jobs. The announcement, made in collaboration with key industry leaders, marks…