Current Affairs - Science

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.

Zydus Lifesciences has obtained final approval from the USFDA to market Theophylline extended-release tablets (300 mg and 450 mg), a generic medication used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This approval enables Zydus to introduce this medication to the US market, expanding its pharmaceutical offerings.

The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, endorsed by the WHO, was manufactured and scaled up by the Serum Institute of India (SII). This vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford, utilizes Novavax's adjuvant technology to enhance its effectiveness in combating malaria.

The major study on the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in reducing cases of cervical cancer was conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. This study provides valuable insights into the vaccine's impact across all socio-economic groups, particularly highlighting its effectiveness in more deprived communities.