Current Affairs - Science

In 2019, only 7.8% of patients in India suffering from carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative (CRGN) infections received the correct antibiotic treatment. This low percentage underscores a critical gap in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in diagnostic testing, standardized treatment protocols, and antibiotic availability. The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, revealed that India fared only slightly better than the average of 6.9% across eight low- and middle-income countries. With nearly a million CRGN cases in India and fewer than one lakh treated appropriately, the result was approximately 3.5 lakh preventable deaths, highlighting an urgent need for improved access to effective antibiotics and robust stewardship programs.

The newly discovered bacterium, Ca. Electrothrix yaqonensis, was found in the mud flats of Oregon. This bacterium has a unique ability to conduct electricity, thanks to its nickel-based fibers, which facilitate long-distance electron transport. The discovery has significant implications for bioelectronics, such as improving energy-efficient technologies and contributing to pollutant cleanup. This bacterium could also provide valuable insights into bacterial evolution and sediment chemistry, opening up new avenues for scientific research and environmental applications. The ability to conduct electricity could pave the way for future advancements in microbial fuel cells and environmental biotechnology.

Miasma theory was the dominant belief for centuries that diseases like malaria were caused by “bad air” emanating from marshes and decaying matter. It wasn’t until scientific breakthroughs in the late 19th century, such as Alphonse Laveran’s discovery of the malaria parasite in human blood and Ronald Ross's identification of its transmission by mosquitoes, that the actual cause of malaria was understood. The shift from miasma theory to germ theory and parasite transmission not only revolutionized medicine but also had far-reaching impacts on colonial expansion, as better malaria control allowed European powers to colonize vast areas of Africa more effectively.

India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by initiating its first-in-human gene therapy trial for Haemophilia, marking a significant advancement in its healthcare and biotechnology sectors. The trial is being conducted by BRIC-inStem in collaboration with CMC Vellore and represents a pioneering move toward personalized and precision medicine in the country. This effort highlights India's growing capability in translating scientific research into clinical applications. With rapid expansion in the biotech industry, bolstered by initiatives like the BIO-E3 Policy, India is not only addressing critical health challenges but also reinforcing biotechnology as a pillar of economic growth and national development.

AIIMS Raipur became the first government hospital in Chhattisgarh to successfully perform a Swap Kidney Transplant, setting a new benchmark in the state’s medical capabilities. This significant procedure allows two pairs of incompatible kidney donors and recipients to exchange organs, thereby increasing the potential for successful transplants by around 15%. Beyond this, AIIMS Raipur has also led the way in pioneering deceased donor organ donation and paediatric kidney transplantation within the region. These achievements reflect the hospital’s growing role in advancing complex surgical procedures and improving healthcare access in central India.