Current Affairs - Science

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.

The "PRAGATI-2024" initiative, launched by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), aims to foster collaborative research and innovation specifically in the field of Ayurveda. This initiative seeks to explore research opportunities and enhance collaboration between CCRAS and the Ayurveda drug industry, promoting advancements and scientific development in Ayurveda.

The newly discovered plant species found exclusively in Kerala's Nelliyampathy hills has been named Stellaria mcclintockiae. It exhibits unique characteristics, making it distinct from other species, and is recommended for classification as critically endangered due to its limited habitat and specific growth conditions.

Fluoroantimonic acid, with the chemical formula HSbF6, holds the title of the strongest acid in the world. It is produced by combining hydrogen fluoride (HF) with antimony pentafluoride (SbF5) and exhibits unparalleled acidity, making it crucial in various scientific and industrial applications.

Scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru University, led by Shailja Singh and Anand Ranganathan, identified the Prohibitin protein (PfPHB2) as a novel vaccine target for malaria. Their research, published in iScience, highlights the protein's interaction with the human red blood cell protein Hsp70A1A, crucial for parasite infection. This discovery opens avenues for developing effective malaria vaccines and combating drug resistance associated with the disease.