Current Affairs - Science

Bharat Biotech has launched the oral cholera vaccine, Hillchol, following successful phase 3 trials that demonstrated its safety. The vaccine was developed under license from Hilleman Laboratories and aims to address the global shortage of cholera vaccine doses. With a production capacity of 200 million doses, Hillchol targets individuals above the age of one, providing a crucial solution to combat cholera globally. Bharat Biotech's launch of Hillchol marks a significant milestone in the fight against cholera.

Sudan has declared a cholera outbreak, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 316 deaths. The outbreak is a result of the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, leading to the spread of epidemic diseases like cholera, malaria, and measles. The conflict has exacerbated the health crisis, highlighting the need for urgent attention and support to address the situation.

Electroencephalography (EEG) gained significant recognition due to the centenary of Hans Berger's pioneering work in 1924 when he recorded the first human EEG. This breakthrough marked a major advancement in neurological research. While earlier, in 1912, Vladimir Pravdich-Neminsky had achieved the first mammalian EEG using a dog, Berger's work with humans opened new possibilities for diagnosing and understanding brain functions and disorders.

New Zealand scientists may have made a breakthrough after discovering a spade-toothed whale washed up on a South Island beach. This species, considered one of the rarest in the world, has never been observed alive, making its population size, diet, and habitat largely mysterious. The discovery, based on the whale's distinctive physical features, including its skull, beak, and teeth, highlights ongoing efforts to understand marine biodiversity in the southern Pacific Ocean.