💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (April Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and the Science behind

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: MRI and its working principle

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revolutionized medical diagnostics, offering non-invasive insights into soft tissues.
    • The pioneering efforts of Paul Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield led to its commercialization, earning them the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2003.

    What is MRI?

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to obtain detailed images of soft tissues within the body.
    • It is particularly valuable for imaging sophisticated structures like the brain, cardiovascular system, spinal cord, joints, muscles, liver, and arteries.
    • MRI is instrumental in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer’s and stroke), and cardiovascular diseases.
    • Functional MRI (fMRI) can also assess brain activity by monitoring changes in blood flow.

    Working Principle:

    • MRI utilizes the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms (one proton with one electron around it), which are abundant in water and fat molecules found throughout the body.
    • The MRI machine generates a powerful magnetic field, aligning hydrogen atoms within the body.
    • Radiofrequency pulses are then applied, causing hydrogen atoms to absorb energy and emit signals.
    • These emitted signals are detected by sensors and processed by a computer to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures.

    Components of an MRI Machine:

    The MRI machine consists:

    • Superconducting Magnet: Large magnet (superconducting magnet) that produces a powerful and stable magnetic field.
    • Gradient Coils: Gradient magnets produce smaller magnetic fields with varying strengths and directions, allowing for precise imaging of specific body areas.
    • Radiofrequency Coils: This emit radiofrequency pulses to excite hydrogen atoms in the body. The frequency of pulse the ‘excess’ atoms have to absorb is called the Larmor frequency.
    • Detectors: It capture emitted signals from hydrogen atoms and convert them into image data for analysis.

    Advantages of MRI:

    • High-Resolution Imaging: MRI offers high-resolution imaging with excellent tissue contrast, allowing for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
    • Versatile Viewing Angles: It can visualize structures from various angles without the need for repositioning, providing comprehensive information.
    • Safety and Non-Invasiveness: MRI scans are non-invasive and do not involve ionizing radiation, making them safe for repeated use.
    • Enhanced Image Quality: Contrast agents can enhance image quality by highlighting specific tissues or abnormalities.

    Limitations of MRI:

    • High Costs: MRI machines are expensive to purchase and maintain, resulting in high healthcare costs for patients.
    • Requirement for Patient Stillness: Patients undergoing MRI scans must remain still for extended periods to prevent image distortion, which can be challenging for some individuals.
    • Discomfort or Anxiety: The strong magnetic fields and loud noises produced during MRI scans may cause discomfort or anxiety for patients.
    • Limitations with Metallic Implants: Certain metallic implants or objects can interfere with MRI scans, limiting their use in individuals with such implants.

    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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Role of Fusobacterium in Colorectal Cancer

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Fusobacterium nucleatum animalis (Fna)

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in the US have identified specific subtypes of Fusobacterium nucleatum associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors.
    • These subtypes, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum animalis (Fna), have been found in relatively higher quantities in CRC tumors.

    About Fusobacterium nucleatum

    • Fusobacterium nucleatum is a species of bacteria commonly found in the human mouth.
    • It is a gram-negative anaerobic bacterium, meaning it does not require oxygen for growth.
    • While typically residing in the oral cavity, it has been associated with various diseases and conditions, including periodontal diseases and colorectal cancer.

    Association with Colorectal Cancer (CRC):

    • In cases of colorectal cancer (CRC), Fusobacterium nucleatum has been found within tumors in the gut.
    • Studies have shown that this bacterium can aid cancer cells in evading the immune system and promoting metastasis, or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
    • Its presence in CRC tumors has led to investigations into its potential role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer.

    Impact:

    • Assisting cancer cells in evading the immune system.
    • Promoting inflammation and creating an environment conducive to tumor growth.
    • Facilitating metastasis by interacting with cancer cells and promoting their spread to other tissues.

    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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Mass Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep Sea

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Marine heatwave, Coral Bleaching, Agatti Reef, DHW Indicator

    Mains level: NA

    The Agatti Reef is experiencing unprecedented mass coral bleaching.
    The Agatti Reef is experiencing unprecedented mass coral bleaching.

    Why in the news?

    Extreme heatwaves along the Indian coast, coupled with marine heatwaves, have triggered Mass Coral Bleaching events in the Lakshadweep Sea.

    Heatwaves Toll on Lakshadweep’s Coral:

    Researchers from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) conducted surveys across various Lakshadweep Islands.

      • The Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator in Lakshadweep has soared above 4 °C-weeks, as per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
        • This elevation in DHW levels poses a substantial risk of coral bleaching, posing a severe threat to the region’s marine ecosystems.
    • Should DHW surpass 12 °C-weeks, it could trigger an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, leading to multispecies mortality.
    • Prolonged marine heatwaves since October 2023 have inflicted substantial stress on the coral reefs, exacerbating bleaching phenomena.
      • A marine heatwave is characterized by seawater temperatures exceeding a seasonally-varying threshold (often the 90th percentile) for at least 5 consecutive days.
    Degree Heating Week (DHW) indicator: It is a measurement used to assess the accumulated thermal stress that corals experience over an extended period, which can lead to coral bleaching. This indicator is expressed in °C-weeks, reflecting the exposure of coral reefs to elevated sea surface temperatures.

    Lakshadweep’s Coral Treasure: Agatti Reef

    • Agatti Island is part of the Lakshadweep archipelago, situated in the Arabian Sea.
    • The island is surrounded by extensive coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
    • The coral reefs around Agatti Island are composed of various coral species, including branching corals like Acropora, table corals like Acropora Hyacinthus, and massive corals like Porites.
    • These corals form intricate reef structures that provide habitat and food for numerous marine organisms.

    What causes Coral Bleaching?

    • When exposed to conditions like heat stress, pollution, or high levels of ocean acidity, the zooxanthellae start producing reactive oxygen species not beneficial to the corals.
    • So, the corals kick out the colour-giving algae from their polyps, exposing their pale white exoskeleton and leading to coral starvation as corals cannot produce their own food.
    • Severe bleaching and prolonged stress in the external environment can lead to coral death.

    Back2Basics: Corals

    • Coral are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
    • These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues in a mutualistic relationship.
    • The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis.
    • In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.
    • Corals are marine invertebrates or animals which do not possess a spine.
    • They are the largest living structures on the planet.
    • Each coral is called a polyp and thousands of such polyps live together to form a colony, which grow when polyps multiply to make copies of themselves.
    • Coral reefs are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.

    Types of Coral

    Corals are of two types — hard corals and soft corals:

    1. Hard corals extract calcium carbonate from seawater to build hard, white coral exoskeletons. Hard corals are in a way the engineers of reef ecosystems and measuring the extent of hard coral is a widely-accepted metric for measuring the condition of coral reefs.
    2. Soft corals attach themselves to such skeletons and older skeletons built by their ancestors. Soft corals also add their own skeletons to the hard structure over the years. These growing multiplying structures gradually form coral reefs.

    Conditions needed for Corals to Flourish

    • Extensive submarine platforms for the formation of colonies by the coral polyps (not more than 90m below sea level).
    • High mean annual temperature ranging 20-21 degree Celsius.
    • Clean sediment-free water because muddy water or turbid water clogs the mouths of coral polyps resulting into their death.
    • Oceanic salinity ranging between 27-30 ppt.
    • Ocean currents and waves, as they bring food supply for the polyps.

     

    PYQ:

    2014: Which of the following have coral reefs?

    1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
    2. Gulf of Kachchh
    3. Gulf of Mannar
    4. Sunderbans

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    West Nile Fever Outbreak in Kerala 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: West Nile Virus, Its host, Transmission;

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The Kerala government disclosed the re-emergence of West Nile fever cases in Thrissur, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts.
    • West Nile fever was first detected in Kerala in 2011, with a fatal case recorded in 2019 involving a six-year-old from Malappuram.

    What is West Nile Fever?

    • West Nile fever is caused by a West Nile Virus (WNV) transmitted through bites from infected Culex mosquitoes.
    • The WNV is a mosquito-borne, single-stranded RNA virus.
    • According to the WHO, it is a member of the flavi-virus genus and belongs to the Japanese Encephalitis antigenic complex of the family Flaviviridae.

    How does it spread?

    • It is transmitted by infected mosquitoes between and among humans and animals, including birds, which are the reservoir host of the virus.
    • Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, which circulate the virus in their blood for a few days.
    • The virus eventually gets into the mosquito’s salivary glands.
    • During later blood meals (when mosquitoes bite), the virus may be injected into humans and animals, where it can multiply and possibly cause illness.
    • WNV can also spread through blood transfusion, from an infected mother to her child, or through exposure to the virus in laboratories.
    • It is not known to spread by contact with infected humans or animals.

    Symptoms of WNV infection:

    • The disease is asymptomatic in 80% of the infected people.
    • The rest develop what is called the West Nile fever or severe West Nile disease.
    • In these 20% cases, the symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, rash, and swollen glands.

    PYQ:

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.

    2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.

    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

     

    Back2Basics: Type of Viruses 

    Subtypes Description Examples
    DNA Viruses Herpesviruses DNA viruses with a complex structure causing various diseases including cold sores, chickenpox, and mononucleosis. HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV
    Papillomaviruses DNA viruses associated with warts and certain cancers. HPV
    Adenoviruses DNA viruses causing a wide range of infections in humans. Adenovirus types causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ocular infections
    Poxviruses Large, complex DNA viruses responsible for diseases like smallpox. Variola virus (smallpox), Vaccinia virus
    RNA Viruses Positive-Sense RNA Viruses RNA viruses with genomes that can directly serve as mRNA, causing diseases like the common cold, Zika, and COVID-19. Picornaviruses, Flaviviruses, Coronaviruses
    Negative-Sense RNA Viruses RNA viruses requiring transcription into positive-sense RNA before translation, causing diseases like influenza and rabies. Orthomyxoviruses, Paramyxoviruses, Rhabdoviruses
    Retroviruses RNA viruses that use reverse transcriptase to integrate their genome into the host cell’s DNA. HIV, HTLV
    Double-Stranded RNA (dsRNA) Viruses RNA viruses with double-stranded RNA genomes causing gastroenteritis and other infections. Reoviruses
    Single-Stranded RNA (ssRNA) Viruses with Ambisense Genome RNA viruses with genomes containing both positive-sense and negative-sense RNA regions. Arenaviruses, Bunyaviruses
    Single-Stranded RNA (ssRNA) Viruses with Segmented Genome RNA viruses with genomes consisting of multiple segments, causing diseases like influenza and hemorrhagic fevers. Orthomyxoviruses, Bunyaviruses
    Single-Stranded RNA (ssRNA) Viruses with Circular Genome Satellite viruses with a circular RNA genome requiring helper viruses for replication. Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV)
    Enveloped Viruses Influenza Viruses RNA viruses surrounded by a lipid envelope causing seasonal flu outbreaks. Influenza A, B, C viruses
    Herpesviruses Enveloped DNA viruses causing diseases like cold sores, chickenpox, and mononucleosis. HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV
    Coronaviruses Enveloped RNA viruses causing diseases like severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19. SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2
    HIV Enveloped retroviruses responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Human immunodeficiency virus
    Ebola Virus Enveloped RNA virus causing severe hemorrhagic fever in humans. Ebola virus
    Non-enveloped Viruses Adenoviruses DNA viruses lacking a lipid envelope, causing various infections in humans. Adenovirus types causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ocular infections
    Papillomaviruses DNA viruses associated with warts and certain cancers, lacking an envelope. HPV
    Noroviruses RNA viruses causing gastroenteritis, lacking an envelope. Norovirus
    Rotaviruses RNA viruses causing severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children, lacking an envelope. Rotavirus
    Bacteriophages T4 Bacteriophage Viruses that infect bacteria, with a complex structure and lifecycle. T4 bacteriophage
    Lambda Phage Temperate bacteriophage capable of lysogenic and lytic cycles in E. coli. Lambda phage

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Forest Fires

    Uttarakhand Forest Fires

    DOMRPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Forest Fires as per FSI report

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the News?

    Last week, three instances of forest fire were reported from the major forest belts in Uttarakhand.

    • The severity of the situation has prompted the deployment of Indian Air Force personnel and Mi-17 choppers, engaged in the critical operation of dousing the flames using the Bambi Bucket Method.

    Causes of Wildfire:

    • Firstly, the general major causes of forest fires in Uttarakhand are continued dry weather and lack of moisture in the forests.
    • Secondly, according to the Forest Research Institute (FRI, 2019), 95% of forest fires are attributed to human activities.
    • The common human-induced causes include – Grazers setting fire to dry grass, Slash-and-burn agriculture, Unattended campfires, and Intentional arson.

    Uttarakhand’s Forest Vulnerability:

    • As per the latest report from the Forest Survey of India (FSI), the Recorded Forest Area (RFA) in the State is 38,000 sq km of which 26,547 sq km is Reserved Forest, 9,885 sq km is Protected Forest, and 1,568 sq km is Unclassed Forests.
    • Highly flammable Chir Pine trees, covering extensive areas, increase the fire risk.
    • This risk is compounded by prolonged dry spells and excess biomass accumulation.
    • Additionally, the proximity of villages facilitates anthropogenic activities such as forest clearance and grazing.

    Forest Fires in India: Recent Statistics

    • Odisha recorded 4,237 forest fires as compared to 1,499 between April 20 and 27 in 2023. Similarly, Chhattisgarh recorded 757 fires last year as compared to 2,116 this year, Jharkhand 633 as against 1,926 and Andhra Pradesh 527 as compared to 1,126 in 2023.
    • However, Uttarakhand has recorded the highest number of large forest fires in the country in the last seven days since April 28, according to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) data.

     

    Mitigation Strategies

    1. Localized Initiatives: 
    • Effective measures to mitigate forest fire risks include controlled burning, biomass removal, prescribed burns, and enhanced surveillance using drones.
    • Community engagement and proactive involvement, as demonstrated in Kerala, provide valuable insights for forest fire management.
    1. Government Initiatives:
    • The government has introduced measures such as a satellite-based fire alert system by the Forest Survey of India, aiding in early detection and response efforts.
    • Forest staff utilize various techniques, including counter-fires and fire beaters, to contain and manage forest fires effectively.

    Wildfires Mitigating Strategies:

    • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) outlines four strategies to prevent and manage forest fires:
    1. Erecting watch towers for early detection,
    2. Deploying fire watchers,
    3. Engaging local communities, and
    4. Establishing and maintaining fire lines.

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) website distinguishes between two types of fire lines:

    1. Kachha fire lines involve clearing undergrowth and shrubs while preserving trees to decrease the amount of available fuel.
    2. Pucca fire lines are clear-cut areas that create a barrier between forest compartments or blocks to contain potential fire spread.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Catatumbo Lightning: A Torrent of Current

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Catatumbo Lightning

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    Catatumbo lightning is a natural event seen over the Catatumbo River in Venezuela, where lightning strikes almost nonstop.

    What is Catatumbo Lightning?

    • Catatumbo Lightning is an atmospheric phenomenon that occurs over the Catatumbo River in Venezuela.
    • It specifically occurs at the Catatumbo Delta, where the river meets Lake Maracaibo.
    • It is known as one of the world’s largest lightning displays.
    • This natural spectacle involves frequent and nearly continuous lightning strikes that illuminate the night sky, creating a mesmerizing light show.
    • Catatumbo Lightning is most prevalent during the wet season, typically from April to November.
    • The consistent and abundant lightning activity has earned the region the moniker “the lightning capital of the world.”

    Factors behind Catatumbo Lightning

    • Weather Dynamics
    • Warm, moisture-laden air from the Caribbean Sea clashes with cooler air descending from the Andes mountains, creating a dynamic interplay of atmospheric forces.
    • This collision, accentuated by the local landscape, triggers rapid upward movement of warm air, leading to the formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds.
    • Electrical Charge Generation
    • Strong winds and temperature differentials within these clouds generate electrical charges.
    • Cumulonimbus clouds, towering over 5 km high, accumulate vast amounts of static electricity.
    • Lightning Discharge: When the electrical potential within the clouds reaches a critical level, it discharges in the form of lightning strikes.

    Characteristics of Catatumbo Lightning

    • Catatumbo lightning occurs on approximately 160 nights annually, exhibiting a remarkable longevity.
    • At its peak, the phenomenon generates an astonishing average of 28 lightning strikes per minute.

    PYQ:

    [2013] During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the

    1. Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky

    2. Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds

    3. Violent upward movement of air and water particles

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1 and 3

    (d) None of the above produces the thunder

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Scintillating Sea Creatures and their Uniqueness

    Prelims OnlySpecies | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Scintillating Sea Creatures mentioned in the newscard

    Mains level: NA

     

    Why in the News?

    “Scintillating” means sparkling or shining brightly, often used metaphorically to describe something lively, exciting, or brilliantly clever.

    Species Description Notable Features IUCN Status
    Seahorses

    		 Small, dragon-like creatures inhabiting tropical seas.
    • Vibrant colors and intricate camouflage
    • Unique parenting style with male nurturing eggs
    		 Status: Near Threatened
    Mantis Shrimp

     

    		 Colorful crustaceans found in tropical waters, known for hunting prowess.
    • Impressive stabbing or punching abilities
    • Display familial bonds
    		 Status: Least Concerned
    Octopus

    		 Highly intelligent marine creatures with a wise demeanor.
    • They have three functioning hearts.
    • Venomous beaks and powerful suckers.
    • Solitary nature, adept at camouflage
    		 Status: Least Concerned

    Recently, marine scientists have discovered a new Octopus nursery off the coast of Costa Rica.
    Starfish

    		 Also known as sea stars, possess remarkable regenerative abilities.

    Starfish have two stomachs – the pyloric and the cardiac stomach.
    • Each arm contains vital organs.
    • Starfish belongs to the phylum Echinodermata group. Echinodermata are so named owing to their spiny skin
    • They have a unique feeding method involving stomach extrusion.
    		 Status: The Sunflower sea star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) is Critically Endangered.
    Hermit Crabs

    		 Resourceful creatures use discarded shells for shelter.
    • They use empty snail shells or other hollow objects as a shelter for partial containment and protection of the body.
    • Hermit crabs occur in sandy- or muddy-bottomed marine waters and occasionally on land and in trees.
    • Status: Least Concerned
    • The majority of terrestrial hermit crab species worldwide have used trash as shells, according to a recent study by experts.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following animals

    1. Sea cow
    2. Sea horse
    3. Sea lion

    Which of the above is/are mammal/mammals?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Shellfish Aquaculture for Water Remediation

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Geukensia demissa

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    Shellfish aquaculture using Geukensia demissa is emerging as a viable solution for mitigating excess nutrients and contaminants in coastal and estuarine waters.

    About Geukensia demissa

    • Geukensia demissa is a species of mussel commonly known as the ribbed mussel or Atlantic ribbed mussel. 
    • It is native to the Atlantic coast of North America, ranging from Nova Scotia in Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
    • They inhabit intertidal and shallow subtidal areas, typically found in estuaries, salt marshes, and tidal flats.
    • They prefer areas with muddy or sandy substrates where they can burrow and anchor themselves.

    Ecological Importance

    Ribbed mussels play a vital role in estuarine ecosystems.

    • Water Filtration: They filter large volumes of water, helping to improve water quality by removing suspended particles and excess nutrients.
    • Key species of Food Chain: Additionally, their presence provides habitat and food for various other organisms, including small invertebrates and fish.
    • Organisms Filter: These mussels thrive in diverse habitats and possess the ability to filter bacteria, microalgae, and detritus laden with nutrients and contaminants.

    Geukensia demissa: Experimental Deployment and Results

    • To assess the efficacy of G. demissa in purifying urban waters, a raft stocked with local ribbed mussels was deployed in an estuary near New York City.
    • Subsequent analysis revealed that the mussels exhibited robust health and accumulated significant amounts of local nitrogen isotopes, indicative of nitrogen removal from the water.
    • Based on the findings, it is estimated that a fully stocked raft could purify an average of 11,356 m3 of water daily and remove approximately 159 kg of particulate matter on a daily basis.
    • Moreover, upon harvesting, the mussels sequestered 62.6 kg of nitrogen in their tissues and shells, further enhancing the water quality.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Recently, “oil-zapper” was in the news. What is it?

    (a) It is an eco-friendly technology for the remediation of oily sludge and oil spills

    (b) It is the latest technology developed for under-sea oil exploration

    (c) It is a genetically engineered high biofuel-yielding maize variety

    (d) It is the latest technology to control the accidentally caused flames from oil wells

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    [pib] May 5: World Pulmonary Hypertension Day 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pulmonary Hypertension, 75-25 Initiative

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    Every year on May 5, pulmonary hypertension organizations and groups around the world participate in World Pulmonary Hypertension Day.

    What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

    • Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a condition characterized by high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs.
    • This elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries can lead to various symptoms and complications, affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively to the lungs and the rest of the body.

    Here are some key aspects of pulmonary hypertension:

    Causes:

    1. Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH): In many cases, the exact cause of pulmonary hypertension is unknown, and it is referred to as idiopathic. IPAH is a subtype of PH without an identifiable cause.
    2. Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension: PH can also develop secondary to other underlying conditions, including:
      • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      • Interstitial lung disease
      • Sleep apnea
      • Connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma and lupus
      • Congenital heart diseases
      • HIV infection
      • Liver disease (cirrhosis)
    3. Genetic Factors: Some forms of PH may have a genetic component, with mutations in certain genes predisposing individuals to the condition.

    Features:

    • Symptoms: Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may include:
        • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
        • Fatigue
        • Chest pain or pressure
        • Dizziness or fainting spells
        • Swelling in the ankles and legs (edema)
        • Bluish lips or skin (cyanosis)
    • Diagnostic Tests: Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:
        • Echocardiogram (ECG)
        • Right heart catheterization
        • Pulmonary function tests
        • Chest X-ray
        • CT scan or MRI of the chest
        • Blood tests
    • Treatment: Treatment for pulmonary hypertension aims to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow disease progression. Treatment options may include:
      • Medications such as vasodilators, endothelin receptor antagonists, and prostacyclin analogs
      • Oxygen therapy
      • Pulmonary rehabilitation
      • Surgery or a lung transplant in severe cases

    Hypertension Control Initiatives in India:

    • India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) (2017): It was launched to strengthen the hypertension component of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) in primary care public sector facilities in India
    • 75/25 initiative (2023): Union Health Ministry announced the initiative- 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes to be put on Standard Care by 2025, through the Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements :​

    1. Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of egg.​

    2. A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from mother and not from father.​

    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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Endosymbiotic Theory and Symbiogenesis

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Endosymbiotic Theory, Nitrogen Cycle

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the news?

    • The endosymbiotic theory suggests that tiny structures in cells called mitochondria and chloroplasts were once independent bacteria.
    • A biologist named Lynn Margulis came up with the idea that cells merged with bacteria, challenging the usual belief that evolution happens mainly through genetic changes.

     What is the Endosymbiotic Theory?

    • The endosymbiotic theory proposes that organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts were once free-living bacteria engulfed by recipient cells.
    • American biologist Lynn Margulis introduced Symbiogenesis, challenging the Neo-Darwinist consensus on genetic mutations driving evolution.
    • Margulis’s Struggle:
    1. Margulis’s manuscript on symbiogenesis faced rejection by academic journals before finally being published in The Journal of Theoretical Biology in 1967.
    2. It took years for mitochondria and chloroplasts to be acknowledged as former free-living bacteria turned endosymbionts.

    Recent Discoveries and Endosymbiotic Theory

    • Recent papers published in Science and Cell have reignited interest in the endosymbiotic theory.
    • The focus is on nitrogen fixation, crucial for proteins and DNA in living organisms.
    • Despite abundant atmospheric nitrogen, plants lack the means to utilize it efficiently.
    • Legumes host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, aiding in ammonia production for plant use.

    Evolution of Nitroplast

    • Cyanobacterium UCYN-A was found in marine algae, establishing a symbiotic relationship.
    • Nitroplast, a new organelle, co-evolved with its host cell, satisfying criteria for organelle classification.
    • Nitroplast integrates into host cell function and architecture, imports host cell proteins, synchronizes growth, and is inherited during cell division.
    • Nearly half of nitroplast proteins are derived from the host cell.

    Nitrogen Cycle:


    The nitrogen cycle is a crucial biogeochemical cycle that describes the transformation and circulation of nitrogen in various forms within ecosystems. It involves several key steps:

    1. Nitrogen Fixation: This is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is converted into ammonia (NH3) or nitrate (NO3-) ions, which are forms of nitrogen that plants can utilize. Nitrogen fixation can occur through biological, atmospheric, and industrial processes. In biological nitrogen fixation, certain bacteria like Rhizobium spp. in the root nodules of leguminous plants or cyanobacteria convert N2 into ammonia.
    2. Ammonification: Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen compounds from dead organisms, feces, and other waste materials are converted into ammonia by decomposer organisms like bacteria and fungi during the decay process.
    3. Nitrification: Nitrification is the biological oxidation of ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2-) and then to nitrate (NO3-) by nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. This process occurs in aerobic conditions and plays a crucial role in making nitrogen available to plants.
    4. Assimilation: Plants and other organisms take up ammonia, nitrate, or organic nitrogen compounds from the soil to use them in synthesizing proteins, nucleic acids, and other vital nitrogen-containing compounds.
    5. Denitrification: Denitrification is the process by which nitrate (NO3-) is converted back into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O) by denitrifying bacteria under anaerobic conditions. This step completes the cycle by returning nitrogen to the atmosphere, closing the loop.
    6. Ammonium Ionization: In soils and aquatic environments, ammonium ions (NH4+) may undergo ionization, converting to ammonia gas (NH3), which can volatilize and return to the atmosphere.

    Significance of the Nitroplasts

    • Agriculture: Nitroplasts offer potential solutions for reducing the harmful effects of industrial ammonia production.
    • Biotechnology: Biotechnological applications may include engineering host cells and nitroplasts for efficient nitrogen fixation in plants.

    PYQ:

    [2021] In case of which one of the following biogeochemical cycles, the weathering of rocks is the main source of release of nutrient to enter the cycle?​

    (a) Carbon cycle

    (b) Nitrogen cycle

    (c) Phosphorus cycle

    (d) Sulphur cycle

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor