Current Affairs - Science

The new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, was discovered by researchers in China, specifically at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This virus, which uses the same ACE2 receptor as SARS-CoV-2 to infect human cells, raises concerns about potential zoonotic transmission. Although its binding efficiency to human cells is lower, the virus's presence of a furin cleavage site adds to its potential risk. This discovery highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and research on bat-borne viruses to prevent future outbreaks.

The presence of faecal coliform bacteria in the Ganga River at Prayagraj has raised serious public health concerns, particularly during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Faecal coliform bacteria are indicative of contamination due to animal or sewage waste. While not all faecal bacteria are harmful, their presence signals the potential presence of other pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause gastrointestinal infections and other serious health issues. The contamination level in the Ganga exceeds safe limits, heightening the risks for millions of people who bathe in the river.

The study indicates that nearly 44% of the global population, which equates to 3.5 billion people, is potentially exposed to zoonotic diseases. These diseases are transmitted from animals to humans, and the study highlights wildland-urban interfaces (WUIs) as high-risk zones where zoonotic spillovers are more likely. Factors such as human activities and rapid urbanization in these regions contribute to the increased risk. This makes it crucial to focus on regions with high host species richness and populations at risk from zoonotic diseases.

Biovet has developed Biolumpivaxin, the world’s first DIVA marker vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), and has received CDSCO approval for it. The vaccine is based on the LSD virus strain developed by ICAR-NRCE and is noted for its high safety and efficacy. It also helps differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals, making it an important tool for managing LSD in livestock. With an annual production capacity of 500 million doses, this innovation supports India's self-reliance in veterinary healthcare.

The Jurassic-era bird fossils were discovered in Fujian Province, China, by a team of researchers led by Professor Wang Min from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP). These fossils, estimated to be 149 million years old, provide crucial new insights into the early evolution of birds. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about bird evolution, revealing that birds were more diversified by the end of the Jurassic period than previously thought. The fossils also push back the origin of the short-tailed bird feature by nearly 20 million years.