Current Affairs - Science

TR1 cells, or Type-1 Regulatory T-cells, have been found to play a crucial role in regulating the immune system, particularly in the context of malaria. These cells help control and balance immune responses, reducing inflammation and preventing excessive immune reactions. In malaria, TR1 cells promote immune tolerance, allowing coexistence with the parasite and developing clinical immunity that prevents severe illness. This discovery can help make better malaria vaccines and boost long-term protection. TR1 cells act as peacekeepers, moderating the immune response to protect the body.

The world’s first in-human bladder transplant was successfully performed in the United States by a team of surgeons from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC). This groundbreaking surgery was carried out in Southern California on a 41-year-old male patient who had lost bladder function following treatment for a rare form of bladder cancer. The successful procedure marks a major milestone in regenerative medicine and offers new hope for patients suffering from severe bladder conditions, potentially revolutionizing how such cases are treated globally.

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.