1. Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati,have discovered a specific protein IL-35.
Tags: Science and Technology
IL-35-Mediated Immunotherapy
Why in news?
- Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati,have discovered a specific protein IL-35.
How it works?
- It protects the immune system by lowering particular immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals, thereby reducing pancreatic cell infiltration, a key contributor in type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.
- This protein presents a novel diabetes treatment option.
- The growing global diabetes epidemic that disproportionately affects developing country children and adolescents calls for effective treatment for the disease.
- IL-35, a specific protein of IL-12α and IL-27β chains, encoded by the IL12A and EBI3 genes. This finding has piqued scientists' interest, especially considering the Novel type 1 and autoimmune diabetes therapy may depend on IL-35, according to research.
What is Diabetes ?
- Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high levels of blood glucose, or blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
2. Scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space for the first time.
Tags: Science and Technology
“Black Hole Triple” System
Why in news:
A new study says scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space for the first time.
What is “black hole triple”
- The system comprises a black hole at its centre, currently in the process of consuming a small star spiraling very close to it.
- There is also a second star, which appears to be circling the black hole but is actually far away.
Important points:
- The discovery of the system, located about 8,000 light years away from Earth has raised questions about how black holes are formed.
- black holes discovered until now have been part of binary systems, consisting of a black hole and a secondary object (such as a star or another black hole).
- But the black hole triple not only has one star which orbits the black hole about every 6.5 days, but also a more far-off star which orbits it every 70,000 years.
- It is situated in the constellation of Cygnus, the system features one of the oldest known black holes, the V404 Cygni, which is nine times as big as the Sun in our solar system.
- V404 Cygni has two stars around it as the black hole did not arise from a supernova, which typically kicks away outer stars in the explosion.
- Instead, it was formed through another process called “direct collapse”, where the star caves in after expending all its fuel, but does not explode.
3. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has started the country's first analog space mission.
Tags: Science and Technology
India's first analog space mission:
Why in news:
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has started the country's first analog space mission at Leh in Ladakh, where the space agency will simulate life in an interplanetary habitat.
What is the Purpose ?
- The mission's goals were to study the physical and mental challenges of humans in space, test life support systems, and develop strategies for long-duration space missions.
- The mission took place in Leh, Ladakh, which was chosen because its geographical features closely resemble those of Mars and the Moon.
- Duration of the mission will be one month.
- The mission used a compact, inflatable habitat called Hab-1, which was equipped with a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation facilities.
Collaboration:
- The mission was a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), AAKA Space Studio, the University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council.
- The move assumes significance as India is planning to send a human to the Moon in the near future.
About ISRO:
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India's national space agency that specializes in space exploration, aerospace technology, engineering, and science.
- ISRO was established in 1969 to replace the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). The agency's headquarters are in Bengaluru, India.
4. A new ghost shark species discovered in New Zealand
Tags: Science and Technology International News
New Zealand scientists discovered the Australian narrow-nosed spookfish (Harriotta avia) in the deep waters of the Chatham Rise.
An Overview of the News
Ghost sharks, also known as chimeras, are cartilaginous fish related to sharks and rays.
They live in deep ocean waters, making them difficult to study.
The discovery is significant due to the rarity and limited knowledge about ghost sharks.
It aids conservation efforts and deepens the understanding of marine biodiversity.
Naming and Distinction:
The new species was named Harriotta avia in honor of Dr. Finucci's grandmother.
Genetic testing revealed that the species is unique to the waters around Australia and New Zealand.
5. India Conducts First 'Teal Carbon' Study at Keoladeo National Park
Tags: Science and Technology State News
India has conducted its inaugural study on 'teal carbon' at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.
An Overview of the News
Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including carbon in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
These wetlands serve as natural carbon sinks, crucial for regulating greenhouse gases, but are vulnerable to degradation from pollution, land-use changes, and water extraction.
Study Objectives
Estimate the carbon storage capacity of non-tidal freshwater wetlands in India.
Identify critical threats to these wetland ecosystems and their carbon sequestration potential.
Provide recommendations for wetland conservation and restoration.
Raise public awareness about the role of wetlands in climate change mitigation.
Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands offer essential ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, and wildlife habitat.
Their carbon sequestration potential is significant, making their conservation vital for ecological balance and climate resilience.
Threats and Challenges
Wetlands face threats from urbanization, agricultural expansion, and pollution.
Addressing these threats requires a multi-pronged approach, including scientific research, policy interventions, and community engagement.
Keoladeo National Park
Location: Rajasthan
National Park Status: Declared in 1982
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Designated in 1985
6. India’s First National Space Day: August 23, 2024
Tags: Science and Technology Important Days
August 23, 2024 is celebrated as the first National Space Day, marking the historic achievement of the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Moon, which took place on this day in 2023.
An Overview of the News
India became the fourth nation to land a rover on the moon and the first to reach the moon’s southern polar region.
2024 Theme and Celebrations
Theme: “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga” - emphasizing the impact of space exploration on daily life.
Events: Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with live streaming on ISRO’s website and YouTube to engage a national audience.
Mission Background
Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Lander and Rover: The Vikram Lander carried the Pragyaan Rover, which landed near the moon’s southern pole.
National Space Day Declaration
Prime Minister’s Announcement: Narendra Modi declared August 23 as National Space Day to honor this significant achievement.
Government Commitment: Reflects India’s dedication to advancing space science and technology.
7. ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08
Tags: Science and Technology
ISRO successfully launched the latest Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-08, using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
An Overview of the News
India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV-D3) successfully launched, carrying the Earth Observation Satellite-08 (EOS-08), which weighs 175.5 kg.
Along with EOS-08, the SSLV-D3 also deployed a small satellite named SR-0, developed by the Chennai-based start-up Space Rickshaw.
Rocket Specifications: The SSLV, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has a carrying capacity of 500 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It is designed to meet the growing demand for smaller satellites.
Mission Objectives: The mission aims to complete the SSLV Development Project and support operational missions by Indian industry and NewSpace India Ltd.
About ISRO
Established on August 15, 1969
National space agency of India
Launches space rockets from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters located in Bengaluru.
Current Chairman: S Somnath
8. DRDO Successfully Tests Indigenous GAURAV Glide Bomb from Su-30 MK-I
Tags: Defence Science and Technology
DRDO conducted a successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), named GAURAV.
An Overview of the News
The test was carried out from an Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha.
Key Features of GAURAV
GAURAV is a1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb capable of striking targets at long distances.
The bomb uses a hybrid navigation system, combining INS and GPS data, to steer towards the target with high accuracy.
Indigenous Development
GAURAV was designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.
The project involved collaboration with Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, serving as Development cum Production Partners.
Accurate Target Hit and Data Collection
The glide bomb hit its target with pinpoint accuracy during the test.
Complete flight data was captured using Telemetry and Electro Optical tracking systems along the coastline.
About DRDO
It serves as the Research and Development (R&D) arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Founded:- 1958
Chairman:- Dr. Samir Venkatpati Kamat
HQ:- New Delhi, Delhi
9. New Plant Species 'Ceropegia Shivarayina' Discovered at Vishalgarh Fort
Tags: Science and Technology
A new flowering plant species named Ceropegia Shivarayina has been discovered at Vishalgarh Fort in Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.
An Overview of the News
The species belongs to the Kandil Pushpa class, genus Ceropegia, and family Apocynaceae.
The plant is similar to Ceropegia lawii Hooker f., but differs in its climbing habit, hairy peduncles, and obovate corolla cage with reflexed corolla lobes.
Significance of the Name:
The species is named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
This is the first time a plant species has been named in honor of Shivaji Maharaj.
Research Team:
The research team includes Akshay Jangam, Ratan More, and Nilesh Pawar from the Department of Botany, New College, Kolhapur; Sharad Kamble from Chandwad in Nashik; and S. R. Yadav from Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
Akshay Jangam and Ratan More have been studying the flora of Vishalgarh Fort for the past six years.
Background of the Discovery:
In 2013, Jangam and More discovered a different plant of the Ceropegia class at the fort.
Sharad Kamble, an expert in Ceropegia species, suggested the possibility of the newly found plant being a new species.
S. R. Yadav, who has previously discovered six new species of Ceropegia, confirmed that this is indeed a new species.
Kandil Pushpa Overview:
Ceropegia species, also known as Kandil Pushpa, are vine-like plants found in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri).
These rare species are known for their lantern-like flowers and potato-like tubers in the ground.
So far, six new species have been discovered within this class.
Maharashtra Context:
Chief Minister: Eknath Sambhaji Shinde
Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
Wildlife Sanctuaries: Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary
Tiger Reserves: Melghat Tiger Reserve, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
10. Ax-4 Mission to Include Indian, Polish, and Hungarian Astronauts
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Axiom Space is collaborating with India’s ISRO, Poland, and Hungary, supported by ESA, to send three national astronauts on Ax-4.
An Overview of the News
The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański (ESA/Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
The crew is pending approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), which involves NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Mission Goals:
Ax-4 aims to advance scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space commercialization.
The mission emphasizes international cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with global partners.
Significance of the Mission:
Ax-4 will be Axiom Space’s second mission including an ESA astronaut and will see a Polish astronaut in space for the first time in over 40 years.
The mission continues Axiom Space’s tradition of involving diverse nationalities, following previous missions with the first Saudi female astronaut, first Turkish astronaut, and first ESA astronaut on a commercial flight.
Launch Details:
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Florida.
The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station.
Agreements:
Axiom Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary in July 2022 and a spaceflight framework agreement in September 2023 for Hungary’s astronaut program.
In July 2024, Axiom Space signed a spaceflight framework agreement with ISRO, marking a significant step towards a joint ISRO-NASA mission on the ISS.
