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Subject: Science and Technology

  • Air-breathing Magnesium- Copper- Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers at the University of Kerala have devised an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power.

    Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

    • A semiconducting layer of Cupric Oxide grown over Copper substrate was used in a Magnesium- Sodium Chloride based fuel cell.
    • It breathes air; produces only electricity and heat during its operation and emits pure water.
    • The prototype, measuring 3 cm × 1.5 cm × 1 cm, delivered a voltage of 0.7 V and a current of 0.35 A for a duration of 10 minutes, showcasing the potential for practical application.

    What is a Fuel Cell?

    • A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity of a fuel and an oxidizing agent.
    • It generates electrical energy from fuel through an electrochemical reaction, offering high efficiency and zero emissions.
    • They are an innovative technology poised to revolutionize electricity generation, often referred to as the “battery of the future“.
    • Fuel cells provide high efficiency, low emissions, and can be used in various applications.
    • Note: Any electrochemical cell generates DC (Direct Current) output.

    Significance of the Device

    • This innovative fuel cell technology is anticipated to disrupt the market dominance of Lithium-ion batteries, offering a higher power output.
    • Unlike conventional batteries, the Magnesium-based fuel cells utilized in this research operate by utilizing saline water as fuel and extracting oxygen from the surrounding air.

    PYQ:

    2015:

    With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :

    1.    If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.

    2.    Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.

    3.    Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Health Sector can’t ignore Telemedicine’s Green Gains, study shows

    Why in the news? 

    Recently a study by researchers at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, has found that around 70-80% of people who visit an Eye Hospital can benefit from teleconsultations because their problems aren’t serious enough to require attention at a hospital.

    Key points as report:

    • Telemedicine in High-Income Countries: Studies in high-income countries have shown that telemedicine is both patient- and environment-friendly for delivering healthcare services.
    • Carbon Emissions from the Healthcare Sector: According to the International Comparison of Healthcare Carbon Footprints analysis, India’s healthcare sector emitted 74 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2014, around 3% of India’s total emissions of the gas that year.
    • Carbon Neutrality in Healthcare: The healthcare sector should aim for carbon neutrality to mitigate its environmental impact. Teleophthalmology is cited as an efficient and effective tool to help achieve this goal, as demonstrated by the lead author’s remarks.

    The teleophthalmology process:

    What are Telemedicine’s Green Gains?

    • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Teleophthalmology significantly reduces the need for patients, especially those from rural areas, to travel long distances to access healthcare services. This leads to a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
    • Economic Gains: Teleophthalmology results in significant cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems. Patients save money on travel expenses
    • Easy Accessibility: Teleophthalmology improves access to eye care services, especially for individuals living in remote or rural areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited. It allows patients to receive timely consultations without the need for extensive travel.
    • Targeted Care Gains: Teleophthalmology is particularly beneficial for patients with minor eye problems like mild refractive errors or regular preventive eye check-ups. It enables healthcare providers to target specific demographics and deliver personalized care more effectively.

    Conclusion: The recent study highlights teleophthalmology’s potential in reducing carbon emissions and improving accessibility to eye care, emphasizing its role in achieving carbon neutrality and delivering cost-effective, targeted healthcare services, particularly for minor eye issues.

  • POEM-3: ISRO’s ‘Zero Orbital Debris’ Milestone

    Why in the news?

    • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit.

    About PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3)

    • Launched on January 1, 2024, POEM-3 utilized the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, which initially launched XPoSat.
    • It is a three-axis-altitude controlled platform with power generation and tele-command & telemetry capabilities, for supporting Payloads.
    • The XPoSat mission aimed to leave no debris in space, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to responsible space practices.
    • Upon deployment into its orbit at 650 km, POEM-3 was maneuvered to a 350 km circular orbit to minimize orbit decay time after the experiment’s completion.
    • After completing 400 orbits, POEM-3 re-entered Earth’s atmosphere after 73 days in space.

    Significance of this achievement

    • With the rise in the number of satellites in orbit around the earth, space debris has become a pressing issue.
    • Space debris in the low earth orbit (LEO) mainly comprises pieces of spacecraft, rockets, and defunct satellites, and the fragments of objects that have deteriorated explosively as a result of anti-satellite missile tests.
    • This debris often flies around at high speeds of up to 27,000 kilometres per hour.
    • Due to their sheer volume and momentum, they pose a risk to several space assets.

    Threats posed by Space Debris

    • Space debris also leads to two major risks:
    1. It creates unusable regions of the orbit due to excessive debris, and
    2. Leads to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ – creation of more debris due to cascading collisions resulting from one collision.

    Various Initiatives to mitigate the Space Debris Issue

    Description
    Project NETRA ISRO initiative for early warning system in space to detect debris and hazards to the Indian satellites.

    It can spot, track and catalogue objects as small as 10 cm, up to a range of 3,400 km and equal to a space orbit of around 2,000 km.
    Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines Established in 2002 by the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and endorsed by the United Nations in 2007.
    Zero Debris Charter by ESA Adopted by the European Space Agency (ESA) with the goal of achieving zero space debris by 2030.
    NASA’s Orbital Debris Program NASA’s initiative since 1979, focusing on reducing orbital debris creation, tracking existing debris, and exploring debris removal technologies.
    Space Force Tracking System Implemented by the U.S. Space Force to monitor space debris and assess collision risks in low Earth orbit (LEO).
    Chinese Debris Removal Initiatives China’s efforts include deploying spacecraft for debris removal with innovative technologies like solar sails.
    Japanese CRD2 Demonstration Partnership between Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Astroscale to develop debris removal technologies.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) recently re-entered Earth’s Orbit. What is so significant about this re-entry?

    (a) It practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit.

    (b) It facilitated groundbreaking research on the effects of microgravity on biological organisms.

    (c) It paved the way for the development of reusable spacecraft technology, reducing the cost of future space missions.

    (d) None of these.

  • What is the technology behind manufacturing a semiconductor chip?

    Why in the News? 

    The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the setup of three semiconductor facilities as part of the initiative to develop semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystems in the country. One is in Assam and the other two are in Gujarat.

    Need for Semiconductor hub in India:

    • Right now, only a few countries in the world make computer chips. Due to the issues like COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions between countries, it’s become clear that we need more countries to manufacture these chips instead of Depending on the single country (Taiwan issue).
    • For example, the TATA Group, working with a company from Taiwan called Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), is building a factory in Gujarat to make chips.

    BACK2BASICS:

    What is a Semiconductor chip? How is it manufactured?

    It is a tiny electronic device made of semiconductor material (usually silicon or germanium) that serves as the basic building block of most electronic circuits. These chips can perform various functions, such as processing data, storing information, or controlling electronic devices.

    What is a transistor?

    A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals and electrical power. It is a fundamental building block of modern electronic devices and circuits. Transistors can be thought of as electronic switches that can be turned on or off, or can be used to amplify electrical signals.

    What is fabrication technology?

    Fabrication technology, often referred to as semiconductor fabrication technology or semiconductor manufacturing, is the process of creating electronic devices and integrated circuits (ICs) on semiconductor materials such as silicon. It involves a series of complex steps to build electronic components, including transistors, diodes, and resistors, as well as connecting them to create functional electronic circuits.

    What is known as a wafer?

    A wafer refers to a thin, flat slice of semiconductor material, typically made of silicon. Silicon wafers are the primary substrate used in the fabrication of integrated circuits (ICs) and other semiconductor devices.

     

    Efforts made by the Indian Government to build Semiconductor Ecosystem:

    • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): The Indian government is actively promoting semiconductor industry growth through initiatives and incentives, including the establishment of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and a significant financial package to boost semiconductor and display manufacturing.
    • Effort to boost Domestic manufacturing: India is also working to attract international investments to bolster domestic manufacturing. An example of this is Micron Technology’s planned Assembly, Test, Mark, and Pack (ATMP) facility in Gujarat, with a total investment of $2.75 billion, set to produce the first “Made in India” chip by the end of 2024
    • International Partnership: The US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) have decided to establish a partnership, with the US presently having a ‘Chip 4’ alliance with the world’s top semiconductor makers – Taiwan, Japan

    Conclusion: India’s semiconductor ecosystem is proliferating, backed by government initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission and partnerships with global players. Efforts to boost domestic manufacturing and international collaborations signify India’s emergence as a key player in the semiconductor industry.

  • AgniKul ‘Agnibaan SOrTeD’ Mission

    Why in the news?

    • For the second time, the launch of AgniKul ‘Agnibaan SOrTeD’ has been postponed.
    • The IIT Madras-based Agnikul Cosmos was to test-fire an Agnibaan rocket with 3D-printed engine, aiming for suborbital flight trajectory control.

    What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

    • Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
    • In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated maneuvers during flight.

    Distinct Features of Agnibaan:

    • Customizability: The rocket offers custom launch configurations, either single or two-stage launches.
    • Dimensions: Standing at 18 meters and weighing 14,000 kg, Agnibaan SOrTeD is a powerful presence.
    • Payload Capacity: With a capacity for payloads of up to 100 kg, it can reach altitudes of 700 km in five different Lower Earth Orbits (LEOs).
    • Engine Configuration: The first stage can house up to seven Agnilet engines, powered by Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene, dependent on the mission’s requirements.
    • Launch Pedestal ‘Dhanush’: AgniKul’s built ‘Dhanush’ supports the rocket’s mobility across configurations, ensuring compatibility with multiple launch ports.
    • Agnilet Engine: Agnilet engine, a 3D-printed, single-piece, 6 kN semi-cryogenic marvel, drives Agnibaan’s propulsion. The engine employs a novel blend of liquid kerosene and supercold liquid oxygen as propellants.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:

    1.    The orbit is geosynchronous.

    2.    The orbit is circular.

    3.    The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator.

    4.    The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 4 Only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • What is Project Akashteer?

    Why in the news?

    • The Indian Army’s Corps of Army Air Defense has initiated the induction of control and reporting systems under ‘Project Akashteer’ to bolster its air defense capabilities.

    About Project Akashteer

    • The Akashteer Project is an initiative designed to automate air defence control and reporting processes by digitising the entire process.
    • It is developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
    • It seeks to induct Akashteer Command and Control Systems
    • By integrating radar and communication systems at all levels into a unified network, ‘Akashteer’ aims to deliver an unprecedented level of situational awareness and control.
    • This will enable swift engagement of hostile targets, significantly reduce the risk of fratricide, and ensure the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.

    How it will help India’s air defence system?

    The ‘Akashteer Command and Control Systems’ will significantly enhance India’s air defense capabilities in several ways:

    1. Efficiency and Integration: Digitizing Air Defence Control and Reporting processes with ‘Akashteer’ will improve efficiency and integration. This enables the Indian Army to respond swiftly to hostile threats while reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents.
    2. Situational Awareness: ‘Akashteer’ integrates radar and communication systems into a unified network, providing the Indian Army with better situational awareness. This enables them to detect and engage hostile targets more effectively, ensuring the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.
    3. Mobility and Resilience: The system’s vehicle-based and mobile Control Centers are designed for operational capabilities even in challenging communication environments. This ensures that the Indian Army can operate effectively in diverse terrain and adverse conditions.
    4. Automation: Deployment of ‘Akashteer’ represents a move towards complete automation of air defense operations. This enhances the Indian Army’s ability to defend its airspace, ensuring a safer and more secure future for the country.

    PYQ:

    [2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    (a) An Israeli radar system

    (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    (c) An American anti-missile system

    (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

  • Govt. body hikes prices of essential medicines again, says ‘it’s minuscule’

    Why in the News? 

    Recently, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) implemented a 0.00551% increase in the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for scheduled formulations of drugs starting from the commencement of the fiscal year 2024–25.

    Context:

    • The Department of Pharmaceuticals has released its yearly update of revised ceiling prices for 923 scheduled drug formulations and adjusted retail prices for 65 formulations.
    • These revised ceiling rates took effect on April 1. The Central Government attributes the price adjustments to fluctuations in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

    What is the National List of Essential Medicines? 

    • As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Essential Medicines are those that satisfy the priority healthcare needs of the population.
    • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare hence prepared and released the first National List of Essential Medicines of India in 1996 consisting of 279 medicines.
      • Currently, India has approximately 400 molecules and 960 formulations covered under the National List of Essential Medicines.
    • The prices of non-essential drugs are also monitored by the government to ensure that the manufacturers of these drugs don’t increase MRP by more than 10% annually.

    The issue of the present Current Price Increase:

    • Manufacturers are allowed to increase the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of scheduled formulations based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) without prior government approval.
    • Pharmaceutical companies argue that a rational increase in the cost of drugs is necessary for quality control.
    • Government’s Stance on Current Hike: Despite the recent increase, the government suggests that it will only marginally impact the cost of essential drugs such as antibiotics and painkillers.
      • The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) follows the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) of 2013, allowing price hikes in line with changes in the WPI index.
      • Medicine prices were raised by 12% last year and 10% in 2022.

    BACK2BASICS:

    1. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA):

    The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority was set up as an attached office of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (now Department of Pharmaceuticals since July 2008) on 29th August 1997. It has been entrusted inter-alia, with the following functions

    • Enforce the provision: To implement and enforce the provisions of the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 1995/2013 under the powers delegated to it and to undertake and/or sponsor relevant studies concerning the pricing of drugs/formulations.
    • Monitor Demand and supply: To monitor the availability of drugs, identify shortages, if any, and take remedial steps. To collect/maintain data on production, exports and imports, market share of individual companies, profitability of companies, etc. for bulk drugs and formulations.
    • Manage legal matters: To deal with all legal matters arising out of the decisions of the Authority. To render advice to the Central Government on changes/revisions in the drug policy.
    • Assist Government: To help the Central Government in the parliamentary matters relating to drug pricing.
    1. Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO):
    • The Drugs Prices Control Order, issued by the Government of India under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, aims to govern and regulate drug prices.
    • Provides the list of price-controlled drugs: The Order interalia provides the list of price-controlled drugs, procedures for fixation of prices of drugs, method of implementation of prices fixed by Govt., penalties for contravention of provisions, etc.
    • Regulate only listed drugs: According to the regulations outlined in DPCO 2013, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority oversees and regulates only the prices of drugs listed in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).

     

    Achievements of India’s Pharmaceutical Industry:

    • Advanced Industries: India boasts one of the most advanced pharmaceutical industries among developing nations, ranking third globally in terms of volume and 13th in terms of value.
    • Export Destinations: The United States serves as the largest export destination for bulk drugs from India. This is noteworthy considering the stringent regulatory standards in the US.
      • Other significant export destinations include Brazil, Bangladesh, Turkey, China, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Vietnam, and Egypt.
    • India’s Role as a Supplier for Global South (developing countries): India ranks among the top five suppliers of bulk drugs to several developing countries, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Vietnam, Egypt, Iran, and Pakistan.
      • Despite China’s dominance as a larger supplier, India remains a substantial exporter in this regard.

    The challenge is Dependency on China: Despite India’s robust pharmaceutical sector, it heavily relies on China for the supply of bulk drugs and drug intermediates. Approximately two-thirds of India’s total imports in this category originate from China.

    Conclusion: The recent price increase by the NPPA aligns with fluctuations in the Wholesale Price Index, aiming to regulate drug costs. India’s pharmaceutical industry faces challenges of import dependency on China, despite its global presence.

    Mains PYQ

    Q What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combinations (FDCs)? Discuss their merits and demerits. (UPSC IAS/2013)

  • NexCAR19: India’s First Indigenous CAR T- Cell Therapy for Cancer

    Why in the news?

    • President Droupadi Murmu has unveiled ‘NexCAR19’ India’s first indigenously-developed CAR T-cell therapy for cancer treatment.

    What is CAR-T Cell Therapy?

    What is it?
    • CAR-T cell therapy stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy.
    • It is a type of cancer immunotherapy that uses the patient’s own T cells, genetically modified in a laboratory to enhance their ability to locate and destroy cancer cells.
    How does it work?
    • T cells are white blood cells responsible for identifying and fighting illness and infection.
    • Each T cell has a receptor that can recognize antigens (proteins or molecules recognized by the immune system).
    • Cancer cells may have antigens that the immune system does not recognize as abnormal, allowing cancer to evade the immune response.
    • CAR-T cells are genetically engineered in the lab to express a new receptor that can bind to cancer cells and effectively kill them.
    Therapy Process The process involves several steps, including:

    1. Collecting T Cells: Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, and T cells are separated from the blood using an apheresis machine.

    2. Engineering T Cells: In a laboratory, the T cells are modified by adding a manufactured CAR, and they are allowed to multiply and grow.

    3. Infusing CAR-T Cells: Once enough CAR-T cells are prepared, they are injected back into the patient’s arm.

    • Chemotherapy may be recommended before CAR-T cell infusion to enhance treatment effectiveness.
    • The process can take place in an outpatient infusion center or a hospital setting.
    Cancers Treated
    • CAR-T cell therapy is effective against certain types of cancer, especially when other treatments are ineffective.
    • It is currently FDA-approved for treating haematological malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

     

    NexCAR19: India’s Indigenously Developed CAR-T Therapy

    • NexCAR19 is designed to target cancer cells carrying the CD19 protein, a marker on cancer cells, enhancing precision in treatment.
    • It has been developed jointly by IIT Bombay and the Tata Memorial Centre.
    • Initially approved for patients aged 15 and above with B-cell lymphomas who did not respond to standard treatments, leading to relapse or recurrence.

    Effectiveness and Unique Features

    • Approximately 70% of patients respond to NexCAR19 treatment, with some achieving complete remission.
    • Lab and animal studies indicate lower drug-related toxicities, including reduced neurotoxicity and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS).
    • Trials for paediatric patients are underway at Tata Memorial Hospital, ensuring broader applicability.

    Availability and Affordability

    • ImmunoACT is in the process of securing licenses and partnering with hospitals, including Tata Memorial, Nanavati, Fortis, and Jaslok, across multiple cities.
    • Initially priced at Rs 30-40 lakh, ImmunoACT aims to eventually reduce the cost to Rs 10-20 lakh, making the therapy more accessible.

    PYQ:

    2017:

    Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments?

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the CAR-T Cell Therapy, consider the following statements:

    1.    T cells are Red Blood Cells responsible for identifying and fighting illness and infection.

    2.    Each T cell has a receptor that can recognize antigens (proteins or molecules recognized by the immune system).

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • India among countries mulling telescopes on, around the moon

    Why in the news? 

    Astronomers are looking forward to opening a new window on the universe by posting high-resolution telescopes on the moon and in orbit around it.

    Why Astronomers are looking forward to opening telescopes on the moon?

    • Radio telescopes launched into orbit around Earth exacerbated the problem of receiving radio noise from the entire planet, along with signals from outer space.
    • The moon’s far side offers pristine, airless conditions ideal for optical telescopes, providing crystal-clear seeing conditions during the two-week lunar night.

    Global Initiatives to Install Telescope on the Moon:

    • NASA’s LuSEE Night Project: LuSEE Night, a joint NASA-Berkeley Lab project scheduled for launch in December 2025, aims to study the Dark Ages period by landing on the far side of the moon, shielded from radio frequency noise from Earth.
    • ESA’s Projects: ESA is preparing to launch a radio telescope to the moon’s far side aboard its lunar lander, ‘Argonaut’, by 2030, along with other projects focused on gravitational wave detection and infrared observations.
    • China’s Initiatives: China is also actively involved in lunar exploration, with plans to launch a moon-orbiting radio telescope in 2026 and deploy the Queqiao-2 satellite, which includes a radio telescope payload, to serve as a communications relay between Earth and future missions.

    Indian Initiative 

    • PRATUSH: Indian scientists plan to deploy the radio telescope PRATUSH on the moon’s far side, built by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
    • Deployment Process: Initially, ISRO will place PRATUSH into orbit around the Earth, then fine-tune it before launching it towards the moon. Operating in Earth orbit will offer advantages such as free space operation and reduced ionosphere impact compared to ground-based experiments.
    • Observational Advantages: PRATUSH in lunar orbit will have ideal observing conditions, operating in free space with minimal radio frequency interference (RFI) and no ionosphere, essential for studying the signal from the Dark Ages.
    • Instrument Features: PRATUSH will carry a wideband frequency-independent antenna, a self-calibrating analog receiver, and a digital correlator to capture radio noise in the signal from the Dark Ages.

    Conclusion: The global initiative to deploy telescopes on and around the moon aims to overcome Earth’s radio noise and capitalize on the lunar far side’s pristine conditions for groundbreaking astronomical observations, including studying the universe’s early Dark Ages.

    Mains question for practice 

    Q Discuss the global initiatives to deploy telescopes on the moon.

     

     

     

  • OptiDrop platform for studying Single Cells

    Why in the news?

    The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has unveiled OptiDrop platform designed to simplify and significantly reduce the cost of studying single cells.

    About C-CAMP

    • C-CAMP Initiative was established in 2009 under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences.
    • It stands as India’s premier biosciences research and innovation hub.

    What is OptiDrop?

    • OptiDrop presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional flow cytometry methods, making single-cell analysis more accessible to a broader range of researchers and institutions.
    • OptiDrop simplifies single-cell analysis by encapsulating individual cells within droplets, facilitating easier manipulation and analysis compared to traditional methods.
    • Key features such as affordability, live data visualization, compact design, and closed-system architecture enhance its suitability for diverse clinical applications.
    Cytometry is the measurement of number and characteristics of cells. Variables that can be measured by cytometric methods include cell size, cell count, cell morphology (shape and structure), cell cycle phase, DNA content, and the existence or absence of specific proteins on the cell surface or in the cytoplasm.

    Applications of OptiDrop

    • Expansive Utility: OptiDrop unlocks various downstream applications, including drug screening, environmental monitoring, immunotherapy, and single-cell genomics, revolutionizing research across multiple domains.
    • Advanced Research Capabilities: Researchers can leverage OptiDrop to study individual cell behavior during drug screenings, identify and monitor environmental contaminants, sort specialized cell populations, and explore genetic heterogeneity within cell populations.

    Benefits offered by OptiDrop

    • Accessible Technology: Unlike conventional cytometers, which can cost up to Rs 40 lakh or more, OptiDrop offers a cost-efficient solution likely priced around Rs 10 lakh, making it accessible to a broader range of research labs and institutions.
    • Affordable Scalability: OptiDrop’s affordable pricing and scalable design allow institutions of varying sizes to adopt the technology, democratizing access to cutting-edge single-cell analysis capabilities.
    • Long-Term Sustainability: By reducing the barrier to entry for single-cell analysis, OptiDrop paves the way for sustainable and impactful research initiatives, driving innovation and discovery in the life sciences.

    PYQ:

    2020:

    Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal-calls?

    1.    Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.

    2.    Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do.

    3.    Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The OptiDrop equipment recently seen in news finds application in:

    (a) Cytometry

    (b) Astronomy

    (c) Geology

    (d) Radiometry