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Subject: Science and Technology

  • What is the Principle of Planetary Protection?

    Why in the News?

    • Planetary protection is a crucial principle in space missions that travel from Earth to other planetary bodies, such as the Moon or Mars.
      • The goal is to preserve both Earth’s biosphere and the planetary body’s environment from contamination by alien microbial life.

    About Planetary Protection:

    Details
    Definition Safeguarding Earth’s biosphere and other planetary bodies from microbial contamination during space missions.
    Objective Prevent contamination of Earth’s environment and other planets by alien microbes or Earth-origin microorganisms.
    Legal Basis Article IX of Outer Space Treaty (1967) mandates avoiding harmful contamination in space exploration.
    Importance
    • Protects integrity of scientific research on other planets.
    • Prevents potential biological threats to Earth.
    Methods of Implementation
    • Spacecraft sterilization (e.g. baking in a dry room at 120°C for 3 days).
    • Planning missions to avoid cross-contamination.
    Key Applications Missions to Mars, Moon, Europa and other celestial bodies where contamination may disrupt research or pose risks.
    Challenges Increased costs and technical demands for maintaining sterile spacecraft and environments.
    Recent Example China’s Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission (2028) confirmed adherence to planetary protection principles.
    Global Cooperation International space agencies follow planetary protection guidelines for sustainable and safe space exploration.

  • Yellow Food Dye can improve Cancer Treatment

    Why in the News?

    Recent research reveals that FD&C Yellow 5, a common food dye, can temporarily make tissue transparent, with potential implications for cancer treatment and medical procedures.

    About Yellow Food Dye 

    • FD&C Yellow 5, also known as Tartrazine, is a widely used synthetic food dye found in various snacks, drinks, and processed foods.
    • Approved by the FDA, it is commonly used to give products a vibrant yellow color.

    How does it work?

    • The dye has the ability to make tissue transparent is based on its interaction with light, specifically through the Kramers-Kronig relations, a principle in physics.
    • It absorbs blue light, leaving only the red-orange spectrum visible.
    • This alters the refractive index of water, causing it to match the refractive index of fats and proteins in tissue.
    • When the refractive indices match, light can pass through tissue with less scattering, creating the appearance of transparency.

    Potential Medical Applications of Yellow Food Dye

    • Cancer Treatment: By making tissues transparent, FD&C Yellow 5 could enhance photodynamic and photothermal therapies, allowing laser light to reach deeper tissues and target cancerous cells more effectively.
    • Vein Visibility: Transparent tissues could help make veins more visible, aiding in procedures like venepuncture for blood draws or injections, particularly in patients with hard-to-see veins.
    • Non-invasive Diagnostics: The dye could allow doctors to visualize internal organs and structures without the need for invasive procedures like biopsies or expensive imaging technologies like CT scans or MRIs.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.

    2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    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

  • Project Strawberry by OpenAI

    Why in the News?

    OpenAI has planned to release its most powerful AI model likely as part of ChatGPT-5. Initially called Project Q* (Q-star), it is now codenamed Project Strawberry.

    What is Project Strawberry?

    • Nearly six months ago, OpenAI’s secretive Project Q* (Q-Star) gained attention for its innovative approach to AI training.
    • OpenAI is now working on a new reasoning technology under the code name “Strawberry” believed to be the new name for Project Q*.
    • Strawberry aims to enable AI models to plan ahead, autonomously search the internet, and conduct deep research.

    What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

    • LLMs are advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems designed to understand, generate, and process human language.
    • They are built using deep learning techniques, particularly neural networks, and are trained on vast amounts of text data.

    Difference from Existing AI Models

    • Existing Large Language Models (LLMs) can summarize texts and compose prose but struggle with common sense problems and multi-step logic tasks.
    • Current LLMs cannot plan ahead effectively without external frameworks.
    • Strawberry models are expected to enhance AI reasoning, allowing for planning and complex problem-solving.
    • These models could enable AI to perform tasks that require a series of actions over an extended time, potentially revolutionizing AI’s capabilities.

    Potential Applications of Strawberry Models

    • Advanced AI models could conduct experiments, analyze data, and suggest new hypotheses, leading to breakthroughs in sciences.
    • In medical research, AI could assist in drug discovery, genetics research, and personalized medicine analysis.
    • AI could solve complex mathematical problems, assist in engineering calculations, and participate in theoretical research.
    • AI could contribute to writing, creating art and music, generating videos, and designing video games.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?

    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units.
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs.
    3. Disease diagnosis.
    4. Text-to-Speech Conversion.
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Gut molecule in C. Elegans Worms slows fat burning

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have discovered a mechanism in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms that explains why fat loss slows down during fasting.

    Fasting and Fat Metabolism

    • The brain is known to regulate fat production and breakdown in humans, other mammals, and model organisms like C. elegans.
    • In 2017, researchers identified FLP-7 hormone in the brain that triggers fat burning in the gut of C. elegans.
    • However, it was unclear how the gut communicates back to the brain, as C. elegans lacks sensory nerves in their intestines.
    • The study reveals that during fasting, the gut produces a form of insulin called INS-7, which signals the brain to halt fat burning.
    • Unlike traditional insulin, which activates insulin receptors, INS-7 blocks these receptors, leading to a cascade of events that stop the production of the fat-burning hormone FLP-7.

    About Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans):

    Details
    Overview A small, free-living nematode (roundworm) used as a model organism in biological research.
    Size Approximately 1 millimeter in length.
    Habitat Found in soil environments worldwide.
    Reproduction Primarily self-fertilizing hermaphrodites; males make up a small percentage and can mate with hermaphrodites.
    Genome First multicellular organism to have its genome fully sequenced; about 20,000 genes.
    Chromosomes Six chromosomes (five autosomes, one sex chromosome).
    Body Plan Approximately 1,000 cells in an adult hermaphrodite; transparent body allows for easy microscopic observation.
    Lifespan Around 2 to 3 weeks under laboratory conditions.
    Research Contributions Instrumental in discoveries related to apoptosis, RNA interference, gene regulation, and human diseases.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by:

    (a) Bacteria

    (b) Protozoa

    (c) Moulds

    (d) Viruses

  • [pib] Novel Nanopolymer developed by INST Mohali

    Why in the News

    Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, have developed novel electrochemical and optical sensors using a new group of nano polymer materials.

    About the Novel Nanopolymer:

    Novel nanopolymers are innovative polymer materials that incorporate nanostructures or nanoparticles to impart unique properties.

    • They are prepared using various methods like vapor condensation, vacuum evaporation, electrospinning, and chemical synthesis to create nanofibers, core-shell structures, hollow fibers, and tubes with diameters down to a few nanometers.
    • Examples: Silicon nanospheres that are much harder than regular silicon, with hardness between sapphire and diamond, and bio-based N-heterocyclic poly(aryl ether ketone) with high biomass content and superior properties
    • Applications of Novel Nanopolymers:
      • Biosensors and optoelectronics utilizing the fluorescence and magnetic properties of nanoparticles.
      • Drug delivery, tissue engineering, and gene therapy using biodegradable nanoparticle systems.
      • Forensics for drug detection, fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and sensors.
      • High-temperature-resistant plastics with improved properties.

    These are the Novel Nanopolymers developed by INST:

    Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) 2-dimensional (2D) Materials
    Details Crystalline materials with metal ions and organic ligands form porous structures. Materials a few atomic layers thick with unique electrical, optical, and mechanical properties.
    Surface Area Extremely high (over 10,000 m²/g), ideal for adsorption. High surface-to-volume ratio, enhancing interactions for sensing and energy storage.
    Versatility Customizable for gas storage, separation, catalysis, and sensing. Functionalizable for bio-sensing and environmental monitoring.
    Properties High porosity and stability in harsh environments. Excellent conductivity, flexibility, and strength, useful in electronics and optoelectronics.
    Sensing Applications Detects gases, toxins, and biomarkers with high sensitivity. Detects gases, biomolecules, and pollutants quickly and efficiently.
    Examples Various MOFs designed for specific uses. Includes graphene, MoS2, MXenes.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.

    2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Study reveals intriguing Magnetic behavior on Mars

    Why in the News?

    A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) revealed significant variations in the strength of Mars’ crustal magnetic field between day and night.

    Notable facts about Mars:

    • Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun and the second-smallest in the Solar System, larger only than Mercury.
    • Named after the Roman god of war, Mars is often called the “Red Planet” due to its reddish appearance from iron oxide on its surface.
    • It is a terrestrial planet with a thin atmosphere, featuring surface characteristics like impact craters, valleys, deserts, and polar ice caps.
    • Mars shares similar days and seasons to Earth because of its comparable rotational period and axial tilt.
    • It hosts Olympus Mons, the largest volcano and highest mountain on any planet, and Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the Solar System.

    Key Findings on Mars’s Magnetic 

    • Mars’ crustal magnetic field is significantly stronger during the daytime and nearly non-existent at night-time.
      • This suggests a diurnal variation in the magnetic field strength on the Martian surface.
    • The crustal magnetic field of Mars is primarily located in the southern hemisphere, specifically poleward of 30°S latitude.
    • The magnetic fields are scattered within a region between 120° E and 240° E, indicating uneven distribution across the Martian surface.
    • The daytime crustal magnetic field plays a crucial role in controlling the ionosphere in Mars’ southern hemisphere.
    • This influence impacts communication and navigation systems of future missions.

    Data Utilization from MAVEN Satellite:

    • The study utilized data from the MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) Satellite, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014.
    • MAVEN’s data on electron density and magnetic field were critical in investigating how Mars’ crustal magnetic field affects its plasma environment and ionosphere.

    Significance of the Study

    • Understanding Mars’ crustal magnetic field is essential for future robotic and manned missions, as it provides natural magnetic shielding against space radiation.
    • The insights from the study can help in developing strategies to mitigate the effects of space weather on spacecraft and astronauts.

    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 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

  • Sharpening India’s anti-tuberculosis fight     

    Why in the News?

    In the present context, in India, there are groundbreaking new treatments available, but we need to rethink and update the program to eliminate TB.

    Current status of TB in India: 

    • Incidence Rate: As of 2022, the incidence rate of TB in India was reported at 199 cases per 100,000 population, a decline from 237 per lakh population in 2015. This reflects a 16% decrease in new TB cases since 2015.
    • Prevalence: The estimated prevalence of tuberculosis infection (TBI) among individuals over 15 years of age was around 31% according to a national survey conducted from 2019 to 2021. 
    • Global Contribution: India accounted for approximately 26% of the global incidence of TB cases in 2020. In that year, India also represented 38% of global TB deaths among HIV-negative individuals.
    • Mortality Rate: The mortality rate due to TB decreased from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh population in 2022, indicating progress in managing the disease.
    • Total Cases: Estimates suggest that the total number of TB cases in India has increased from 2.2 million to 2.6 million in recent years, reflecting ongoing challenges in detection and treatment.

    What were the problems with previous Extended Treatment Regimen?

    • Lengthy and Complex: Traditional TB treatment regimens are long and require patients to take 13 to 14 tablets daily for 9 to 11 months, or 4 to 5 tablets daily for 18 to 24 months.
    • Severe Side Effects: These regimens are physically and psychologically draining, causing side effects like loss of hearing and psychosis.
    • Economic Impact: Prolonged treatment leads to loss of employment and drives many families into poverty due to the need for frequent clinic visits.

    WHO-Recommended Effective Regimen:

    • BPaL/M Regimen: WHO has recommended a shorter, safer, and more effective regimen called BPaL/M for drug-resistant TB patients.
    • Advantages: This regimen requires only 3 to 4 tablets daily for six months, with fewer side effects and higher success rates (89% compared to 68% for traditional treatments).
      • Close to 80 countries have procured the BPaL/M regimen, and 20 high-burden countries are already rolling it out.

     

    Present TB Elimination Policy in India:

    • The deficiency in the NTP was identified in 1963 and the Revised National TB Control Programme was developed.
    • Presently, India’s National TB Elimination Programme 2023 is leading the effort to meet the goal of eliminating TB by 2025, five years ahead of the SDGs.
    • Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

    How India can make the best use of new treatments?

    • Proactive Screening and Diagnosis: Focus on modernizing health datasets, GIS mapping, and conducting targeted multi-disease screening drives, especially in vulnerable populations (e.g., those with comorbidities, slum dwellers, and prisoners).
    • Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Expand the use of portable X-ray machines with AI-driven tools and rapid molecular tests for faster and more accurate detection and drug resistance profiling.
    • Early Detection and Treatment: Leveraging new technologies and proactive measures will help improve TB detection rates, reduce delays, and enhance treatment outcomes, ultimately aiding in the elimination of TB in India.

    Conclusion: India need to invest in advanced diagnostic tools like AI-driven portable X-ray machines and rapid molecular tests to ensure early and accurate detection of TB, particularly in high-risk and underserved populations, to support timely treatment and reduce TB incidence.

    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. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  •  Advancing equity, from COVID-19 to Mpox  

    Why in the News?

    The recent declaration of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO highlights several critical lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Major Learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic

    • Vaccine Manufacturing Capabilities: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in vaccine manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the Global South. This inadequacy was exacerbated by limited technology transfers and a lack of know-how to produce vaccines developed in high-income countries.
      • The current response to the Mpox outbreak reflects similar challenges, emphasizing the need for robust local manufacturing capabilities to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
    • Global Cooperation: The pandemic underscored the necessity of international collaboration in health emergencies. The WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a PHEIC aims to foster this cooperation, encouraging countries and organizations to share information and resources to combat the outbreak.
    • Equity in Health Responses: The recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) include equity as a core principle, which is crucial for ensuring that all countries, particularly those in lower-middle-income regions, have access to essential medical products during emergencies.

    Recent Initiatives by India’s Drug Regulatory Agency:

    • On August 7, 2024, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) decided that drugs already approved in developed countries like the U.S. and those in the EU can be used during pandemics in India without needing to go through clinical trials here.
    • This regulatory change is expected to expedite the availability of critical vaccines like MVA-BN (Jynneos) in India, facilitating faster access to vaccines necessary to combat the Mpox outbreak.

    What could be the more improved solution for it?

    • Scaling Up Production: The demand for pox vaccines is anticipated to surge, with estimates by AfricaCDC, suggesting that 10 million doses are needed to control the outbreak. However, only 0.21 million doses are currently available.
      • Indian manufacturers, such as the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, have the potential to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine using established processes and supply chains.
    • Comprehensive Technology Transfer: Effective technology transfer involves sharing not only the vaccine but also the necessary biological resources, manufacturing know-how, and patents. This is essential to enable lower-middle-income countries to produce vaccines independently, reducing reliance on high-income countries.
    • Collaborative Negotiations: The Indian government, in collaboration with international organizations like WHO and Gavi, should negotiate with Bavarian Nordic for technology transfer to technology transfer for developing the vaccine.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Local Manufacturing: Encourage Indian manufacturers like the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine, ensuring timely and sufficient supply to meet both domestic and global demand during the mpox outbreak.
    • Facilitate Technology Transfer: The Indian government should lead collaborative efforts with international organizations to secure comprehensive technology transfers, enabling domestic production of vaccines and reducing dependency on high-income countries.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic.  (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • What was the Great Moon Hoax of 1835?

    Why in the News?

    The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 is a series of fabricated news reports published by The New York Sun, an American newspaper, claiming that life had been discovered on the moon.

    What is the Great Moon Hoax of 1835?

    • The Great Moon Hoax was a series of newspaper articles falsely claiming that John Herschel, an astronomer, had discovered life on the moon.
    • The hoax was created and published by The New York Sun, a daily newspaper in New York City, starting on August 25, 1835.
    • It described various fantastical creatures, such as bat-winged humanoids (called Vespertilio-homo), unicorns, and upright beavers, along with detailed landscapes and other features of the moon.
    • These reports were entirely fictional and intended as satire.
    • However, they were widely believed by the public and reprinted in other newspapers.

    Why the Hoax was conceived?

    • To Mock Religious Influence on Science: It aimed to satirize the blend of religious beliefs with scientific claims, especially in astronomy.
    • Boost Readership: The hoax was a tactic to increase The New York Sun’s circulation from 8,000 copies a day.
    • Challenge Public Credulity: It highlighted how easily the public could be deceived by sensational stories without verifying their accuracy.

  • Simple Medical Tools of an OPD Visit

    Why in the News?

    • These medical tools—thermometers, stethoscopes, weighing scales, and sphygmomanometers—are essential for diagnosing and monitoring basic health parameters.
      • Each tool has its own function and specific way of operation, which helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about patient care.

    Here is the list of tools used in a Doctor’s Diagnosis:

    Function Description and Working Principle
    Thermometer Measures body temperature.
    • Mercury Thermometer: Features a mercury-filled bulb and a glass capillary with numerical markings. Temperature changes cause the mercury to expand or contract, moving through the capillary to indicate temperature.
    • Digital Thermometer: Utilizes sensors like infrared or thermistors to detect temperature changes, which are then converted into digital readings.
    Stethoscope Listens to internal body sounds.
    • Acoustic Stethoscope: Comprises a diaphragm for high-frequency sounds and a bell for low-frequency sounds, connected by a tube to earpieces.
    • Electronic Stethoscope (Stethophone): Amplifies body sounds electronically and may include recording capabilities and additional diagnostics such as electrocardiograms. These devices transmit sound data to smartphones or other devices.
    Weighing Scale Measures body weight.
    • Spring Scale: Uses a spring under a plate; weight is measured by the degree of spring compression or extension. Requires calibration to account for local gravity variations.
    • Electronic Scale: Converts the mechanical force of weight into electrical signals using load cells or strain gauges, displayed as weight readings on a digital screen.
    Sphygmomanometer Measures blood pressure.
    • Manual Sphygmomanometer: Includes an inflatable cuff, linked to a mercury or aneroid manometer. Uses a stethoscope to detect blood flow sounds (Korotkov sounds) for determining systolic and diastolic pressures.
    • Electronic Sphygmomanometer: Uses oscillometric technology to sense pressure oscillations caused by arterial blood flow, automating blood pressure measurement. Easier for home use but may have accuracy issues in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?

    1. Location identification of a person
    2. Sleep monitoring of a person
    3. Assisting the hearing-impaired person

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3