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Subject: Science and Technology

  • Caterpillar fungus

    Why in the News?

    Recent research by scientists at the University of Nottingham’s has found that a chemical produced by a fungus growing on caterpillars may slow cancer cell growth.

    What is Caterpillar fungus?

    • Cordyceps militaris, also known as caterpillar fungus, is a parasitic fungus that primarily infects caterpillars and other insects.
    • Found in the Himalayan region and parts of Asia, it is valued in traditional Asian medicine for its health benefits, including immune support, anti-inflammatory properties, and energy enhancement.
    • It is considered a delicacy in some Asian cultures and has long been used for its purported wellness effects.

    How it can slow down growth of cancer cells?

    • Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy have identified cordycepin, a compound produced by Cordyceps militaris, as potentially effective in slowing cancer cell growth.
    • Cordycepin works by interrupting overactive cell growth signals in cancer cells, which prevents rapid multiplication and allows for more targeted treatment.
    • This approach may be less harmful to healthy tissues compared to conventional cancer treatments, offering a promising direction for targeted cancer therapies.

    Other observations and significance of the species

    • In addition to its traditional uses, Cordyceps militaris is significant for its role in ecological balance, helping control insect populations in forest ecosystems.
    • Advances in research have enabled large-scale studies on cordycepin’s effects, with future studies focusing on derivatives of cordycepin for potentially enhanced anti-cancer properties.
    • The fungus illustrates how natural compounds can contribute to sustainable medical practices, offering less toxic alternatives for disease treatment, especially in oncology.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of:

    (a) Anti-malarial drug

    (b) Biodiesel

    (c) Pulp for paper industry

    (d) Textile fibre

  • IDF working on new guidelines to treat Type 2 Diabetes

    Why in the News?

    • The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is developing new Type 2 diabetes treatment guidelines in collaboration with a global expert panel.
      • These guidelines aim to integrate scientific evidence and clinical practice, adapted to the healthcare environment of specific countries.

    What is Type 2 Diabetes?

    • Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough, leading to high blood sugar levels.
    • It is commonly linked to obesity, physical inactivity and poor diet.
    • Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
    • Treatment involves lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.
      • Medications such as Metformin help regulate blood sugar levels, and in some cases, insulin therapy may be required.

    About International Diabetes Federation (IDF):

    Details
    About
    • Established in 1950; Brussels, Belgium;
    • Members: Over 230 national diabetes associations in 170 countries and territories.
    • Collaborations: Partners with global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and others for global health initiatives.
    • Led by an elected President with the support of a Board of Directors from member countries.
    • Regional offices: Operates regional offices in Africa, Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
    Aims and Objectives
    • To improve the care and lives of people with diabetes and promote its prevention worldwide.
    • Advocacy, research, education, and raising awareness to reduce the global burden of diabetes.
    Key Programs
    • World Diabetes Day (November 14)
    • Global Diabetes Atlas
    • Educational initiatives for healthcare professionals
    Diabetes Types Covered
    • Type 1 Diabetes: Primarily affects children and young adults, where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
    • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form, often linked to lifestyle factors and obesity. It involves insulin resistance and eventually pancreas dysfunction.
    • Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
    • Other Forms: Covers genetic forms, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), and MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young).

  • How Röntgen accidentally discovered x-rays & changed the world

    Why in the News?

    On the evening of November 8, 1895, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was conducting experiments in his laboratory at the University of Würzburg in Germany when he made an unusual discovery.

     

    Did you know the Röntgen’s discovery story of X-rays?

    • While experimenting with cathode rays in a glass vacuum tube, Röntgen noticed a fluorescent screen glowing at a distance, despite being too far to be affected by the rays he was studying.
    • Intrigued by this unexpected glow, he wondered if this mysterious ray could penetrate organic materials, so he experimented by photographing his wife’s hand, capturing her bones and ring. This was the world’s first recorded X-ray image of the human body.
    • Röntgen documented his findings in an article titled “On a new kind of rays,” in 1895 which was published by introducing “X-rays” to the scientific community.

    How did Röntgen’s discovery transform Medical practices and Diagnostics?

    • Revolution in Diagnostic Medicine: Physicians rapidly adopted X-rays, which allowed them to view the human body without surgery. This was transformative for diagnostics, especially in orthopedics and internal medicine.
    • Surgical Advancements: By February 1896, British physician Major John Hall-Edwards had successfully used X-rays to guide the surgery. Within months, armies began using X-ray technology to locate bullet wounds and diagnose fractures, marking the beginning of its use in trauma care.

    What are the long-term implications of Röntgen’s discovery on Public health and Safety?

    • Development of Radiology: this discovery led to the birth of radiology, with subsequent advancements leading to CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies that are essential in modern medicine.
    • Radiation Safety and Awareness: Initially, x-rays were used liberally, even for non-medical purposes (such as in shoe stores to fit footwear), with little awareness of potential harm. It wasn’t until early reports of radiation burns and later research in the early 20th century that the health risks of radiation exposure were acknowledged, prompting the development of safety protocols.
    • Ongoing Safety Protocols: Today, radiation safety is central to radiology practices. Equipment advancements and regulatory standards have minimized exposure risks, making x-rays safe for patients and medical personnel while ensuring their continued benefits.
    • Public Health and Preventive Care: The ability to detect diseases, fractures, and other internal injuries without invasive procedures has been crucial for preventive care, enabling early detection and treatment. This has significantly impacted patient survival rates and quality of care, solidifying diagnostic imaging as a pillar of modern public health.

    Issues related to X-ray machines in Rural areas:

    • Limited X-ray Equipment: Rural Community Health Centres (CHCs) in India often need more X-ray machines, with only 68% of available units functioning, primarily due to high operational costs and shortages of technicians.
    • Maintenance and Operational Delays: Even when X-ray machines are present, many remain non-functional due to installation delays and insufficient maintenance, as imaging services are not prioritized in CHC guidelines.
    • Access and Specialist Shortages: Rural patients face long travel distances to access imaging services, further limited by a concentration of radiologists in urban areas, reducing timely access to diagnostic interpretation.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Infrastructure and Access: Increase the availability and functionality of X-ray machines in rural areas by improving equipment maintenance, investing in portable and mobile X-ray units to bring diagnostic services directly to underserved populations.
      • For example, Teleradiology enables remote interpretation of images, improving access to diagnostic services.
    • Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: Expand telemedicine platforms like ‘XraySetu’, enabling healthcare workers in rural areas to share X-ray images for remote analysis by radiologists, improving diagnostic capabilities without requiring patients to travel long distances.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • How climate change is bringing back the idea of Airships?

    How climate change is bringing back the idea of Airships?

    Why in the News?

    Some companies have been working to solve the buoyancy challenge of Airships, a longstanding issue that has hindered their use for cargo transportation.

    What are Airships?

    • Airships are lighter-than-air aircraft capable of controlled powered flight.
    • They were the first aircraft to achieve this and were considered the future of travel in the early 20th century.
    • However, as aeroplane technology advanced, the popularity of airships declined due to their technological limitations.
    • Today, airships are used mainly for:
      • Advertising platforms
      • Aerial observation for research and military purposes
      • Tourism and scenic flights
    Note: Buoyancy is the force that makes things float. It acts in the opposite direction to gravity. When an object is placed in a fluid (like air or water), the fluid pushes up against the object, helping it to stay afloat.

    How do Airships work?

    • Airships achieve lift by using lighter-than-air gases within their structure, much like helium balloons.
    • Early airships used hydrogen due to its lightweight and low cost.
      • However, hydrogen is highly flammable, leading to tragic incidents such as the Hindenburg disaster of 1937, which damaged public trust in airships.
    • Most airships today use helium, a non-flammable gas that is safer than hydrogen.
    • However, helium is scarce and expensive, costing about $35 per cubic meter (enough to lift just 1 kg).
    • Challenge with varying Buoyancy:
      • Airships require the ability to vary their buoyancy to adjust for weight changes when picking up or dropping off loads.
      • Solutions such as releasing and refilling helium are impractical due to helium’s high cost and scarcity.

    How Airships are a Promising Solution?

    Airships hold potential as low-emission cargo vehicles due to their unique design:

    • Airships have a high lift-to-drag ratio, meaning they consume far less fuel than aeroplanes for moving the same load.
    • Companies are exploring the use of ballast to regulate airship buoyancy, a method common in hot air balloons and submarines.
    • A French company has created a 200-meter “flying crane” airship called LCA60T, which can pick up water as ballast mid-flight, avoiding the need for specialized ground infrastructure.
    • With concerns about climate change and the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, airships offer a less polluting alternative. They do not burn fossil fuels to lift, making them an eco-friendly choice.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard?

  • Europe’s Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

    Europe's Proba-3 Mission to arrive in India

    Why in the News?

    • India is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PROBA-3 Mission in December from the Sriharikota spaceport.
      • The mission will use ISRO’s PSLV rocket to place two satellites in orbit, designed to study the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere.

    About Proba-3 Mission:

    Details
    Mission Name PROBA-3 (Project for On-Board Autonomy-3)
    Objective Study the Sun’s corona by creating an artificial eclipse with precision formation flying of two satellites
    Launch Date and Location December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota spaceport, India, via ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket
    Orbit Highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 km to 60,000 km, with a 19.7-hour orbital period
    Satellites Two satellites: 

    1. Coronagraph spacecraft (340 kg) and
    2. Occulter spacecraft (200 kg)
    Alignment Precision Millimeter-level alignment to block the Sun’s light and allow continuous corona observation
    Key Scientific Goals Observe solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, to improve space weather forecasting
    Unique Features First ESA mission dedicated to precision formation flying, using smaller, agile satellites for cost-effective observation
    International Collaboration Jointly developed by ESA and ISRO, with contributions from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
    Communication Support Managed via antenna in Santa Maria (Azores) and ground station in Redu (Belgium)
    Significance Advances solar research and international collaboration; enhances space weather insights, supporting infrastructure on Earth

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

  • How Vitamin D deficiency can trigger autoimmune conditions?

    Why in the News?

    Recent research conducted by scientists at McGill University has shed light on the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining thymus health and its implications for immune function.

    About Autoimmune Conditions:

    • Autoimmune conditions refer to disorders where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, viewing them as foreign.
    • Vitamin D plays a role in regulating immune responses and promoting immune tolerance—the body’s ability to avoid attacking its own cells.
    • It influences T-cells (a type of immune cell) to recognize and tolerate the body’s own tissues rather than attacking them.
    • The thymus gland trains T-cells to avoid attacking healthy cells. A deficiency in Vitamin D may cause the thymus to age prematurely, reducing its ability to regulate T-cells properly.
      • Vitamin D affects certain genetic pathways related to immune function.
      • Variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may also predispose some individuals to autoimmune diseases, and these individuals might be more sensitive to Vitamin D levels.

    What is Vitamin D?

    • Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for the body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, which are essential for bone health.
    • It supports muscle movement, nerve function, and immune system responses. Due to its synthesis in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, it is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’.
    • The body naturally produces Vitamin D when skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.
    • Sources of Vitamin D:
      • Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are rich in Vitamin D.
      • Cod liver oil: A concentrated source, providing 400–1,000 IU per teaspoon.
      • Mushrooms: Varieties like portobello contain Vitamin D if exposed to UV light.
      • Fortified Foods: Milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals often have added Vitamin D.
      • Egg yolks: Contain a small amount of Vitamin D.
      • Common forms include Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), especially useful in autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is limited.

    Significance of Vitamin D

    • Bone Health: Essential for calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
    • Muscle and Nerve Function: Supports muscle contractions and nerve signaling between the brain and body.
    • Immune System: Enhances immune defenses, helping to fight off infections by viruses and bacteria.
    • Brain Health: May play a role in maintaining cognitive health, especially with aging.
    • Inflammation and Pain: Helps regulate the body’s response to inflammation and pain.
    • Blood Pressure: Linked to regulating blood pressure; deficiency is associated with hypertension.

    Impacts of Vitamin D Deficiency

    • Increases the risk of rickets in children (softening of bones) and osteoporosis in adults.
    • Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
    • Recent studies indicate that Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate thymus aging, leading to immune dysfunction and a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.
    • Deficiency has been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and chronic pain.
    • Can include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and depression.
    • In severe cases, deficiency may cause impaired bone growth and fracture susceptibility.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity?

    (a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency.

    (b) They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy.

    (c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism.

    (d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process.

  • Does the Sun rotate?

    sun

    Why in the News?

    Indian astronomers at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) have achieved a groundbreaking feat by mapping, for the first time, the variation in the Sun’s rotation speed from its equator to its poles.

    Sun’s Rotation: Key Facts

    • Unlike a solid body, the Sun exhibits differential rotation, meaning different parts of the Sun rotate at different speeds.
    • The rotation speed varies depending on latitude, with faster rotation near the equator and slower rotation toward the poles.
    • This variation is primarily due to the Sun’s composition of gaseous plasma rather than solid material.

    Rotation Period Variation by Latitude:

    • Equatorial Regions: The rotation period at the equator is the fastest, around 24.47 days (sidereal rotation).
    • Sunspot Zones (about 16 degrees latitude): Rotation slows slightly, with a period of about 27.3 days.
    • Higher Latitudes (up to 75 degrees): Rotation slows significantly; for example, at 75 degrees latitude, the rotation period is about 33.4 days.
    • Poles: The slowest rotation occurs at the poles, with a period around 31.1 days.

    Sidereal vs. Synodic Rotation Periods:

    • Sidereal Rotation Period: The time taken for the Sun to complete one full rotation relative to distant stars. It varies by latitude, from 24.47 days at the equator to around 33.4 days at higher latitudes.
    • Synodic Rotation Period: This is the time for a fixed feature on the Sun to appear in the same position when observed from Earth. It is longer than the sidereal period due to Earth’s own movement around the Sun, averaging around 26.24 days.

    Why Differential Rotation Occur?

    • Gaseous Plasma Composition: The Sun is composed of plasma—a hot, ionized state of matter—which allows its different regions to rotate at different speeds.
    • Convective Zone Dynamics: The outer convective layer of the Sun contributes to differential rotation. Plasma circulates, rising and sinking, which influences the rotational speed at different latitudes.

    Scientific Implications

    • Solar Dynamo Theory: The differential rotation of the Sun is central to theories about the solar dynamo—the process that generates the Sun’s magnetic field.
    • Mystery of Differential Rotation: Despite extensive research, the exact mechanism behind the Sun’s differential rotation remains an active area of investigation in solar physics.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following phenomena

    1. Size of the sun at dusk

    2. Colure of the sun at dawn

    3. Moon being visible at dawn

    4. Twinkle of stars in the sky

    5. Polestar being visible in the sky

    Which of the above are optical illusions?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3

    (b) 3, 4 and 5

    (c) 1, 2 and 4

    (d) 2, 3 and 5

  • First ‘Black Hole Triple’ System Discovered

    Scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space, marking the first time such a system has been identified.

    Why in the News?

    Scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space, marking the first time such a system has been identified.

    Black Hole Triple: What does it mean?

    • Many black holes are found in binary systems with another star or black hole.
    • This triple system includes two stars orbiting a black hole:
      • The nearer star orbits the black hole every 6.5 days.
      • The distant star orbits approximately every 70,000 years.
    • The system, located in the constellation Cygnus, features V404 Cygni, one of the oldest black holes known, which is nine times larger than the Sun.
    • It is 8,000 light years away from Earth.

    What is a Black Hole?

    • A black hole is a space region with such strong gravity that no light or matter can escape.
    • Most black holes form from supernova explosions—the death of massive stars.
    • This triple system suggests an alternative, less violent formation process.

    How was it discovered?

    • Researchers from Caltech and MIT discovered the system while reviewing astronomical data from telescopes.
    • They described the stars as being gravitationally bound, indicating they form a triple system.
    • It is believed that  V404 Cygni did not form through a supernova explosion, which typically ejects outer stars.
    • Instead, it likely formed through direct collapse: the star collapsed inward without exploding.
    • Known as a “failed supernova”, this process causes an implosion without expelling matter, leading to a gentler black hole formation.

    Future of the Triple System

    • The triple system may not remain as such, as V404 Cygni is consuming the nearby star.
    • This discovery suggests that some existing binary systems may have originally been triple systems, where the black hole later consumed one of its members.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Recently, scientists observed the merger of giant ‘blackholes’ billions of light-years away from the Earth. What is the significance of this observation?

    (a) ‘Higgs boson particles’ were detected.
    (b) ‘Gravitational waves’ were detected.
    (c) Possibility of inter-galactic space travel through ‘wormhole’ was confirmed.
    (d) It enabled the scientists to understand ‘singularity’

  • Assessing India’s Tuberculosis burden

    Why in the News?

    The Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 presented by WHO indicates that India recorded the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) in 2023.

    Current Scope of Tuberculosis in India

    • High Burden: According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, India accounts for 26% of all tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide, making it the country with the highest TB burden. The report indicates that over 55.9% of global TB cases are concentrated in five countries: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
    • Mortality Rates: Although TB deaths in India have decreased from 580,000 in 2010 to 320,000 in 2023, the country still accounted for 26% of global TB deaths among people with and without HIV in 2023.
    • Incidence Trends: The incidence of TB has decreased from 275.7 cases per 100,000 population in 2010 to 194.9 cases in 2023. However, there has been a notable increase in notified TB relapse cases, reaching the highest level since 2010.
    • Risk Factors: Individuals with nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, and smoking habits are at the highest risk of contracting TB. The prevalence of TB infection among individuals aged 15 and older is reported at 31.4%, according to the National TB Prevalence Survey conducted from 2019-2021.
    • Preventive Treatment Uptake: The number of people receiving preventive treatment has been rising, indicating an increased focus on preventing TB progression among high-risk populations.

    Strategies and Programs Implemented by Govt to Reduce TB Incidence

    • National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): This program aims to eliminate TB by 2025 through various strategies including early diagnosis, treatment support, and preventive measures.
    • TB Preventive Therapy (TPT): The introduction of TPT marks a significant shift in TB care in India. It focuses on providing preventive treatment to individuals at high risk of developing active TB.
    • Project Axshya Plus: Launched with support from the Global Fund, this project implements comprehensive interventions such as contact tracing, testing for infection, and managing latent TB infections.
    • Increased Funding: Domestic funding for TB prevention and treatment increased by 38% in 2023 to $253 million, although international funding has declined during the same period.
    • Community Engagement Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan encourage community involvement in supporting TB patients through initiatives like Ni-kshay Mitras.
    • Digital Health Initiatives: The NTEP leverages digital platforms for monitoring patient progress and ensuring adherence to treatment protocols through tools like the Nikshay portal.
    • Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns aim to reduce stigma associated with TB and educate communities about prevention and treatment options.

    Challenges India Faces in Eliminating Tuberculosis by 2025

    • Funding and Infrastructure Gaps: Despite increases in domestic funding, overall financial resources remain lower than pre-COVID levels, impacting program implementation and outreach efforts.
      • Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, hampers access to timely diagnosis and treatment for many patients.
      •  The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted TB services significantly, leading to a backlog of undiagnosed cases and impacting ongoing treatment programs.
    • Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma associated with TB continues to deter individuals from seeking diagnosis and treatment, which can lead to delayed care and increased transmission rates.
      • Social determinants such as poverty, malnutrition, and living conditions contribute to higher susceptibility to TB among vulnerable populations.
    • Drug Resistance Issues: The rise of drug-resistant strains of TB poses significant challenges for effective treatment and control strategies.
    • Multi-sectoral Coordination Challenges: Effective elimination requires collaboration across various sectors (healthcare, education, social services), which can be challenging due to bureaucratic hurdles.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Multi-Sectoral Coordination: There is a need to foster collaboration among healthcare, education, and social services to address the social determinants of TB.
    • Enhancing Accessibility and Outreach: Need to improve access to TB diagnosis and treatment in rural areas by investing in healthcare infrastructure, training local health workers, and implementing mobile health units.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. (2014)

  • The Gompertz Model

    Why in the News?

    Indian researchers have developed a predictive model based on the Gompertz Model to estimate a newborn’s birth weight using routine pregnancy scans.

    What is the Gompertz Model?

    • It is a mathematical model developed by English mathematician Benjamin Gompertz in the early 19th century.
      • It was originally designed to model population growth in a constrained environment, such as a specific geographic region.
      • The model uses an S-shaped (sigmoid) curve to represent growth patterns that start slowly, accelerate, and then slow again as they approach a plateau.
    • Applications:
      • Biology: The Gompertz Model is used to study tumor growth and cell population dynamics, reflecting constrained growth in biological systems.
      • Epidemiology: Applied in predicting the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, capturing how transmission rates slow with interventions.
      • Ecology: Useful for modelling species population growth in habitats with limited resources, aiding conservation and ecosystem management.
      • Healthcare: Recently adapted to predict foetal birth weight, helping identify potential risks associated with low or high birth weight.
      • Aging Research: Employed to analyze mortality rates and lifespan patterns, contributing to studies on aging and longevity.

    Recent Research and Significance

    • Recent research has applied the Gompertz Model in predicting foetal birth weight using routine scans, as shown by researchers from IISER Pune and IMSc Chennai, offering a non-invasive alternative for maternal health.
    • The model is used in tumor growth studies, allowing researchers to understand and predict cancer progression.
    • Its predictive accuracy under constrained conditions makes it useful for biological systems, including population growth and cell dynamics.
    • In healthcare, it supports early detection and intervention for conditions impacted by growth patterns, such as low or high birth weight risks.