Current Affairs - Science

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.

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.