Current Affairs - Science

Oxford Scientists, under the leadership of the Oxford Vaccine Group, are spearheading the first human trials for the Nipah virus vaccine, a crucial advancement in addressing the virus's impact in Asian countries, including India.

Scientists at Stanford University have developed an eco-friendly method using sisal leaves to create a highly absorbent material. This sustainable alternative has a higher absorption capacity than traditional materials like cotton and wood pulp, and cultivating sisal requires less water compared to cotton.

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched medicine codes for Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani systems as part of the ICD-11 Module 2, showcasing a significant step toward global uniformity in disease terminology. This initiative, led by the WHO, promotes a holistic approach to healthcare classification, with senior officials and representatives gathering in Delhi for the launch event.

Researchers from IIT Madras and Mandi have achieved a significant milestone by metabolically engineering plant cells to boost the production of the anti-cancer drug camptothecin (CPT).

The PRITHVI (PRITHvi VIgyan) scheme is a comprehensive initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with a substantial budget of Rs. 4,797 crore, marking a new era in the study and understanding of Earth sciences in India.