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Subject: Science and Technology

  • What are retractions and why do they matter?

    Why in the News?

    The ‘Retraction Watch’ database reports an Indian scientist in Lucknow with 45 retractions, while a Kolkata researcher, who published 300 papers in a year, had six papers retracted.

    What is retraction?

    • A retraction is when a scientific journal officially takes back a research paper because it contains serious mistakes or was found to be dishonest (like using fake data).
    • It’s like saying, “This paper shouldn’t be trusted,” to make sure other scientists don’t rely on wrong information.

    What is retraction index?

    • The retraction index is a way to measure how often papers are retracted in a particular journal.
    • It helps to see the rate of retractions compared to the total number of papers published by the journal.

    How It’s Calculated:

    • It is calculated by multiplying the number of retractions by 1,000 and dividing it by the total number of papers published in that journal during a specific time period.

    What are the primary reasons for retraction?

    • Plagiarism: Copying or presenting someone else’s work without proper attribution.
    • Fabrication/Falsification: Deliberate manipulation of data, experiments, or results to present false findings.
    • Image Manipulation: Altering figures or graphical representations, especially in fields like biology and medicine.
    • Paper Mills: Fake or low-quality papers produced by organizations and sold to researchers to inflate publication counts.
    • Ethical Violations: Including authorship disputes, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and failure to obtain proper consent for studies.
    • Errors in Data: Honest mistakes in data collection, interpretation, or analysis that render the findings invalid.

    How do retractions affect the credibility of scientific research?

    • Erosion of Trust: Scientific integrity relies on trust; retracted papers can cause scientists to lose confidence in published research.
    • Hindrance to Scientific Progress: Retractions delay progress, as future research may be based on faulty or retracted studies.
    • Impact on the Reputation of Researchers and Institutions: Scientists and institutions involved in retractions often face damage to their credibility and career prospects.
    • High-Impact Journals at Greater Risk: More retractions occur in high-impact journals, suggesting a vulnerability due to the pressure to publish groundbreaking work quickly.
    • Harm to Public Perception: High-profile retractions, especially in fields like medicine, can damage public trust in science and scientific institutions.

    What is the process of retracting a paper?

    • Detection: Retractions are often initiated when errors or misconduct are identified through peer reviews, investigations, or by other researchers who question the validity of the work.
    • Investigation: The journal and, in some cases, the author’s institution will conduct an inquiry to determine whether the issues warrant retraction.
    • Notification: Once a decision is made, the journal issues a notice of retraction. This document typically explains why the paper is being retracted (e.g., misconduct or error).
    • Publication of Retraction Notice: The retraction notice is published in the journal, often linked to the original paper. The original article is marked as retracted but remains in the journal archives for transparency.
    • Database Update: Retractions are indexed in databases like PubMed, Retraction Watch, and others, so researchers are informed of flawed studies.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Peer Review and Use AI Tools: Implement advanced AI tools to detect plagiarism, data manipulation, and image alteration during the peer review process to prevent flawed papers from being published.
    • Shift Focus from Quantity to Quality: Encourage institutions to prioritize the quality of research over the sheer number of publications to reduce the pressure on researchers and discourage reliance on paper mills.

  • Findings based on China’s Chang’e-5 Mission

    Why in the News?

    • Scientists long believed that volcanic activity on the moon ceased about a billion years ago.
      • However, a study based on China’s Chang’e-5 mission samples has questioned this belief with evidence suggesting the moon had active volcanoes as recently as 120 million years ago.

    Chang’e-5 Mission: Overview and Recent Findings

    • Chang’e-5 is a mission launched in November 2020 as part of the Chang’e lunar exploration program.
    • It was designed to:
      • Collect samples from the moon’s surface and bring them back to Earth for analysis.
      • Study the geology and mineral composition of the moon.
    • It successfully landed on the “Mons Rumker region”, a volcanic complex in the Oceanus Procellarum (the ‘Ocean of Storms’) area on the moon’s near side, and returned about 1.7 kg of lunar material to Earth in December 2020.

    Recent Findings Based on Chang’e-5 Mission

    • Recent studies of samples have revealed evidence of volcanic activity on the moon as recently as 116-135 million years ago.
      • It challenges the previous belief that the moon’s volcanic activity ceased about a billion years ago.
    • The analysis of lunar glass beads collected by Chang’e-5 has provided insights into both volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts that shaped the moon’s surface.

    What are the Beads on the Moon?

    • Lunar glass beads are small, spherical or egg-shaped glass particles found on the moon’s surface.
    • These beads are formed in two main ways:
      • Volcanic Activity: During volcanic eruptions, molten lava fragments are thrown into the air, where they cool rapidly and form glass beads.
      • Impact Events: When asteroids or meteorites hit the moon’s surface, the intense pressure and heat melt the surface material. The molten material cools quickly, forming glass beads as it lands back on the surface.
    • These beads are important because they:
      • Provide clues about the moon’s geological history.
      • Help scientists determine the age of volcanic eruptions.
      • Offer insights into the formation of the moon’s surface and its volcanic and impact events.

    Key characteristics of Lunar Glass Beads

    • Composition: These beads are primarily made of silicon, magnesium, and iron, with trace amounts of other elements such as potassium, titanium, and uranium.
    • Volcanic vs. Impact Beads: Volcanic glass beads tend to be more uniform, while impact beads may show fractures or deformations caused by high-energy impacts. Volcanic beads often contain more volatile elements like sulphur, which are released during eruptions.

    PYQ:

    [2012] What do you understand by the term Aitken basin?

    (a) It is a desert in the southern Chile which is known to be the only location on earth where no rainfall takes place.

    (b) It is an impact crater on the far side of the Moon.

    (c) It is a Pacific coast basin, which is known to house large amounts of oil and gas.

    (d) It is a deep hyper saline anoxic basin where no aquatic animals are found.

  • How Starlink satellites are ‘blinding’ astronomers?

    Why in the News?

    Starlink satellites, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, are causing issues for astronomers by disrupting both optical and radio astronomy due to unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR).

    What is a Starlink Satellite?

    • Starlink satellites are part of a network created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide high-speed internet to remote areas around the world.
    • The network, known as a satellite constellation, currently includes more than 6,300 satellites orbiting Earth at around 550 km altitude.
    • These satellites aim to offer internet connectivity to places that would otherwise lack access, especially in rural or underserved regions.

    Why Radio Astronomy matters?

    • Radio astronomy is a branch of astronomy that studies celestial objects using radio frequencies instead of visible light.
    • Radio telescopes detect radio waves, which are longer than light waves, emitted by objects in space such as stars, galaxies, and even black holes.
    • Radio astronomy is important because it helps scientists study the universe beyond what can be seen with optical telescopes.
    • Radio noise from sources like satellites can interfere with these observations, making it difficult for astronomers to collect data, similar to how bright lights can obscure faint stars.

    What Starlink does to Space Communications?

    • Starlink satellites are designed to improve global internet access, especially in hard-to-reach places, by transmitting signals from space.
    • However, these satellites also emit unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), which causes radio noise that disrupts radio astronomy observations.
    • The situation may worsen as more satellites are launched — some estimates suggest 100,000 satellites could be orbiting Earth by 2030.
    • There are currently no regulations controlling how much radio pollution these satellites can emit, making it harder for astronomers to mitigate the impact on their work.

    PYQ:

    [2011] A layer in the Earth s atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why?

    1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.

    2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 Only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

    Why in the News?

    In 2019, MRSA caused over 100,000 deaths, and although vancomycin has been the main treatment for 40 years, a new study shows it may not stay effective for long.

    About Vancomycin

    • Vancomycin is an antibiotic that has been a cornerstone in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections for over 40 years.
    • It is a glycopeptide antibiotic that works by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, making it particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria like MRSA.
    • It has remained effective against MRSA due to its ability to target bacteria that have become resistant to other antibiotics like methicillin.
    • For decades, vancomycin has been the first-line treatment for severe MRSA infections, such as those affecting the bloodstream, heart, bones, and lungs.

    How Vancomycin is losing its effectiveness against MRSA?

    MRSA rarely develops resistance to vancomycin, but when it does, it leads to the emergence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA).

    • Resistance Mechanism: When S. aureus acquires the vanA operon, a gene cluster responsible for vancomycin resistance, it can resist the antibiotic. However, this resistance usually comes with a fitness cost—the bacteria tend to grow slower, making them less virulent.
    • Fitness Compensation: Recent research shows that S. aureus can evolve to overcome this fitness cost, allowing VRSA to grow faster and remain resistant even in the absence of vancomycin. This adaptation means the bacteria are less likely to lose their resistance and can spread more easily.
    • Mutations: The study found that additional mutations in the VRSA strains exposed to vancomycin helped the bacteria adapt and maintain resistance. These mutations made the bacteria more fit, ensuring they could thrive even in the presence of vancomycin.
    • Diminishing Options: As VRSA continues to adapt, vancomycin may no longer be reliable for treating MRSA infections. This raises concerns about the long-term viability of the antibiotic, prompting the need for new treatment strategies.

    PYQ:

    [2014] 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.

  • Bio-RIDE Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the “Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme” to support cutting-edge research and development in biotechnology.

    About Bio-RIDE Scheme

    Details
    Objective To support cutting-edge research, bio-entrepreneurship, and bio-manufacturing in biotechnology.
    Total Outlay ₹9,197 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
    Components
    • Merges Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D) and Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED).
    • Introduces Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry as new components.
    Key Aims
    • Fostering Innovation: Promote bio-entrepreneurship and strengthen India’s position in biotechnology.
    • Bridging Gaps: Accelerate research and product development.
    Implementation Focus
    • Promoting Bio-Entrepreneurship: Seed funding, incubation, mentorship for startups.
    • Advancing Innovation: Grants for research in synthetic biology, bio-pharma, and bio-plastics.
    Focus Areas
    • Extramural Funding for research in agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability.
    • Nurturing human resources in biotechnology.
    Industry-Academia Collaboration Synergies between academic institutions and industry to accelerate commercialization of bio-based products.
    Significance
    • Enhances bio-innovation and supports sustainable development.
    • Contributes to achieving green goals and global leadership in biotechnology.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the

    (a) Department of Science and Technology

    (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment

    (c) NITI Aayog

    (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

  • [pib] Pest-Control Pheromone Dispenser

    Why in the News?

    A new sustainable pheromone dispenser has been developed through a collaborative research project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR).

    What is the Pest-Control Pheromone Dispenser?

    Details
    What is it? A device designed to release pheromones that alter the behaviour of pests, primarily used in agriculture to control infestations and prevent crop damage.
    Developed By A collaborative project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR), India.
    How it Works
    • Releases synthetic pheromones that mimic natural insect signals.
    • Attracts pests to traps or disrupts mating cycles, preventing infestations.
    Technology
    • Uses mesoporous silica matrix technology for controlled release.
    • Ensures consistent pheromone release, independent of external factors like temperature.
    Benefits
    • Cost-effective: Fewer replacements of pheromones reduce overall costs.
    • Labor-saving: Longer intervals between replacements lower labor requirements.
    • Environmentally friendly: Reduces chemical pesticide use, promoting sustainable agriculture.
    • Increased efficacy: Stable release rate ensures effective pest control over extended periods.
    Scalability Suitable for both small-scale farms and large industrial agricultural operations, making it highly scalable.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Square Kilometer Array (SKA) becomes partially functional

    Why in the News?

    The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope, has carried out its first observations, marking a major milestone.

    About Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project:

    Details
    Project Overview SKA is a global project aimed at building the world’s largest radio telescope network to explore the universe, galaxies, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life.
    Construction Phases Two phases:

    1. SKA-Mid in South Africa operates in higher frequency ranges.
    2. SKA-Low in Australia operates in lower frequency ranges.

    Phase 1 (SKA- Mid) began in December 2022. Full operations expected by 2029.
    Headquarters Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK
    Site Locations Telescope arrays in Australia (low-frequency) and South Africa (mid-frequency).
    Design and Features
    • 197 parabolic radio antennae in South Africa
    • 131,072 low-frequency antennae in Australia

    These are capable of detecting faint radio signals from vast distances.
    Global Consortium 16 member countries, including Australia, South Africa, India, China, Japan, and several European nations.
    India’s Role
    • India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (NCRA, TIFR) is a key partner
    • SKA India consortium (20+ institutions) involved in software, signal processing, and digital hardware development
    Key Technologies Advanced interferometer system using wave interference for data collection.
    Scientific Objectives
    • Explore galaxies at the edge of the universe
    • Study the ‘Dark Ages’ and phenomena like dark matter and dark energy
    • Search for extraterrestrial life
    Frequency Range Operates between 50 MHz to 15.4 GHz
    Global Collaboration Key collaboration among India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, and other member nations for data generation, analysis, and installation of antennas.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

    [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.

    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter

    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    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 only

  • Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

    Why in the News?

      • This year, Kerala faced a sudden surge in Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases, caused by free-living amoebae (FLA) found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers.
    • Kerala also saw a diverse range of amoebic infections, caused by Naegleria fowleri, Vermamoeba vermiforis, and Acanthamoeba.

    What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?

    • PAM is caused by the Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba“. It destroys brain tissue, causing severe swelling and is fatal in most cases.
      • An amoeba is a type of cell or unicellular organism with the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods.
      • Higher temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C) are conducive to its growth and it can survive for short periods in warm environments.
    • The amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming, and travels to the brain, causing severe damage.
    • PAM is also non-communicable.
    • Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and coma.
      • According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.

    Diagnosis and Treatment:

    • Currently, there are no established effective treatments for PAM.
    • Diagnosis involves PCR tests of cerebrospinal fluid, though detection can be challenging due to the rarity of PAM.
    • Treatment follows CDC guidelines, including miltefosine, Azithromycin, and Amphotericin B, with miltefosine recently procured by the State Health Department from Germany.
      • Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.

  • TRISHNA Mission

    Why in the News?

    Philippe Baptiste, head of the French Space Agency, talked about the joint India-France “TRISHNA Mission.”

    TRISHNA Mission:

    Details
    Overview A joint Indo-French Earth observation satellite project developed by ISRO and CNES (French Space Agency).

    Acronym for “Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment” (TRISHNA Mission)
    Launch Year Targeted for 2026.
    Mission Lifespan Designed for a 5-year operational life.
    Primary Objectives • Monitor water and energy budgets of the continental biosphere.

    • Assess evapotranspiration for efficient water management.

    • Improve agricultural water productivity and assist in irrigation water management.

    • Provide high-resolution observations of water quality in coastal and inland waters. 

    • Assess urban heat islands and detect heat anomalies.
    Payloads • Thermal Infrared (TIR) Payload: Provided by CNES, this sensor maps surface temperature and emissivity in high resolution.

    • Visible-Near Infrared-Short Wave Infrared (VNIR-SWIR) Payload: Developed by ISRO, this sensor uses seven spectral bands for detailed mapping of surface reflectance.
    Orbit and Spatial Resolution • TRISHNA will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 761 km.

    • Spatial resolution: 57 meters for land and coastal areas, 1 km for ocean and polar regions.
    Application and Significance   • Supports water resource management, agriculture, and urban planning through precise data on water stress, crop productivity, and urban heat islands.
    • Enhances climate resilience by tracking droughts, evapotranspiration, and permafrost changes.
    • Contributes to global environmental initiatives like GEOGLAM and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing key agricultural and climate variables.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology helped India in its socio-economic development?

    [2010] In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?

    (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India

    (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II

    (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India

    (d) A space telescope developed by India

  • Chandrayaan-4, Venus orbiter gets approval from Cabinet

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the Chandrayaan-4 mission, Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan Misison), Gaganyaan, the development of India’s first space station (the Bharatiya Antariksh Station), and NextGen launch vehicles.

    About Chandrayaan-4 Mission

    • Chandrayaan-4 is the fourth mission in India’s Chandrayaan program (2003).
    • The mission is currently under conceptualisation and expected to launch around 2027.
    • Aims: To develop technology for a successful moon landing and ensure a safe return to Earth.
    • The mission will be launched in two phases onboard two LVM3 rockets.
    • It will collect lunar samples for analysis on Earth.

    About Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)

    • The VOM, also called Shukrayaan-1, is an upcoming ISRO mission targeting a 2028 launch. 
    • The mission aims to study Venus’ surface, atmosphere, volcanic activity, and solar wind interactions with its ionosphere.
    • It will have a mission duration of 4 years.
    • The spacecraft will operate in an elliptical orbit, with distances of 60,000 km at apoapsis and 500 km at periapsis.
    • Its payload has a capacity of 100 kg, is powered by 500 watts, and will feature Indian and international instruments for comprehensive analysis.
    • For the mission’s payload and technology, collaborations with NASA, CNES (France), and Russia have been established.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO:

    1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
    2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
    3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

    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