Recently in a new study, scientists have suggested that the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) could have formed just 300 million years after the Earth formed. A recent study in Nature Ecology and Evolution, employing genomic analysis and the molecular clock, estimated LUCA’s origin Read More …
Tag: Science and Technology
Neurorights
This article sheds light on Neurotechnologies and neurorights and the impact of neurotechnologies on understanding of the human brain and brain disorders. Growth in Neurotechnological Research 1990s Focus: The 1990s were known as the ‘decade of the brain’ due to significant government support for neuroscience and Read More …
Chandipura Virus Infection
Context: Recently, Gujarat has witnessed a concerning outbreak of suspected Chandipura virus (CHPV) infections, resulting in fatalities among children. 6 children died or 12 suspected cases have been reported of Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat. Four of these 12 patients are Read More …
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Context: EEG, or electroencephalography, measures brain electrical activity and celebrates its 100th anniversary. Invented by Hans Berger in 1924, EEG captures neuron activity via scalp electrodes, essential for diagnosing epilepsy and assessing brain states like sleep or coma. Though limited by Read More …
Last Universal Common Ancestor – LUCA
Context: Researchers in UK have dated the existence of Last Universal Common Ancestor from which all life forms evolved using the theory of molecular clock. Theories of origin of life on Earth Many theories have been propounded by scientists on Read More …
ISRO has a problem: many rockets, but too few satellites to launch
NOTE4Aspirants: Prelims level: Satellite launching vehicles; ISRO; Mains level: ISRO; Present Scenario of Satellites in India; Why in the News? After the ambitious Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) was finalized in June 2024, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated its launch capability exceeded demand Read More …
What is Hyperloop Technology? Everything you need to know about.
Context: Indian Institute of Technology, Madras plans to host global college level hyperloop competition in February 2025. This will be the first time that such a competition will be hosted in India, usually such as competition is organised in USA or Read More …
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket
Context: In a rare event, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket recently suffered a failure in its upper stage engine that left 20 Starlink internet satellites in a low, non-survivable orbit. The rocket’s second stage experienced a liquid oxygen leak, and failed to complete a Read More …
Why does ISRO want to venture into planetary defence?
Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated that the asteroid Apophis will pass by Earth at a distance of 32,000 km in 2029. The Indian space agency might send its own spacecraft, or collaborate with other space agencies. ISRO intends to develop capabilities in planetary Read More …
Q. Discuss the scientific significance of studying asteroid Apophis, the potential risks associated with its future trajectory, and the international efforts underway to mitigate any potential impact threat. (10 Marks, 150 words)
Core Demand of the Question: Discuss the scientific significance of studying asteroid Apophis. Highlight the potential risks associated with its future trajectory. Enumerate the international efforts underway to mitigate its potential impact. Answer: Asteroid 99942 Apophis, a near-Earth object (NEO) has captured Read More …