Current Affairs - Science

Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia successfully created kangaroo embryos using In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) through Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). This breakthrough aims to support conservation efforts for endangered marsupials such as koalas and Tasmanian devils, which face increasing threats of extinction. Scientists created over 20 embryos using genetic material from deceased wildlife, marking a significant step in wildlife preservation and reproductive science. This innovation has the potential to aid species conservation efforts and enhance genetic diversity in threatened marsupial populations.

Uganda, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners, has initiated the first-ever clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan species of the Ebola virus. The trial was launched just four days after the outbreak was confirmed on January 30, marking an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency setting. Led by Makerere University and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), the trial follows a ring vaccination strategy and is supported by organizations like CEPI, Canada’s IDRC, and Africa CDC. If successful, this vaccine could play a crucial role in future outbreak control.

WHO recommends bringing daily sodium intake below 2g per person to reduce the risks associated with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The guideline focuses on using low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS) that reduce sodium chloride content and incorporate potassium chloride. This approach aims to lower sodium consumption while promoting healthier vascular function, especially since high sodium intake is linked to conditions like hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. However, it excludes certain groups such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with kidney disease due to the risks of high potassium levels.

In 2017, the FDA approved the first gene therapy for blindness caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene, marking a major breakthrough in the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). This approval has opened the door to gene therapies for other genetic eye disorders, with over 50 clinical trials currently underway. Gene therapies and RNA-based therapies are emerging as promising treatments, offering hope to patients with conditions like Stargardt disease and Leber congenital amaurosis, and expanding options for addressing inherited vision loss.

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, conducted a study on how climate change affects dengue outbreaks. The study identified key climate factors like rainfall, temperature, and humidity as contributors to mosquito prevalence. IITM also developed an early warning system using AI and machine learning, enabling dengue outbreak predictions two months in advance. This predictive system helps authorities implement timely preventive measures, highlighting IITM’s role in combining climate research with public health solutions.