Current Affairs - Science

Scientists recently identified a new species of great ape, Buronius manfredschmidi, from fossil remains in Bavaria. This species, dating back 11 million years, is notably smaller than other known great apes, similar in size to a human toddler, and represents a significant discovery in understanding the evolution of great apes in Europe during the Miocene era.

The Institute of Advanced Virology in Kerala has developed non-infectious Nipah Virus-Like Particles (VLPs), which are crucial for vaccine production and monoclonal antibody development. These particles, devoid of infectiousness, offer significant advantages in laboratory research, diagnostics, and immunity induction.

The discovery of the blue-colored ant species, Paraparatrechina Neela, was made in the biodiverse region of Siang Valley. This valley is situated within the state of Arunachal Pradesh, known for its rich biodiversity. The metallic blue hue of the ant species distinguishes it from others in its genus, making it a significant find for researchers studying the region's insect diversity.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have achieved a significant breakthrough in the mass production of recombinant proteins using Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). This innovation offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional methanol-induced process, with broad implications for the biotechnology industry in producing essential substances such as vaccine antigens, insulin, and monoclonal antibodies.

A recent study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) challenges the traditional view of speciation, particularly focusing on the mechanisms of sympatric speciation, where new species evolve from a single ancestral species within the same geographic region. This study contributes to our understanding of evolutionary processes and species diversification.