Stem-cell derived Mitochondria Transplantation
Relevance:
Recently, six children with rare disorders caused by deletion in the genomes of their mitochondria were successfully treated for the first time by Stem-cell derived Mitochondria Transplantation.
Key Points:
- Process involved –
- Mitochondrial transplant from donor mothers into children’s haematopoietic stem cells, which give rise to all types of blood cells.
- Spontaneous mitochondrial transfer of the stem cell to rescue the injured cells
- Injection of stem cell isolated mitochondria into the injured area to repair the damage
- Stem cells –
- Most primitive cells at the top of the origin of cell lines.
- They have a high capacity for differentiation and self-renewal.
- Can differentiate into various tissues, organs, or functional cells of the human body.
- Holds great promise for therapeutic tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
About Mitochondria:
- They are membrane-bound semi-autonomous cell organelles.
- Referred to as the powerhouses of the cell.
- They generate most of the chemical energy stored in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) that powers the cell’s biochemical reactions.
- They contain their own Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
- They are inherited only from the mother in almost all multicellular organisms.
- They are present at the base of the mammalian sperm’s tail, which is used for propelling the sperm cells.
With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2012)
- Stem cells can be derived from mammals only
- Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs
- Stem cells can be used for medical therapies
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Reference: The Hindu
‘SMART’ program
Relevance:
Recently, the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the two prominent institutions under the Ministry of AYUSH, have launched ‘SMART’ program.
SMART (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) Program:
- Aim –
- To boost scientific research through Ayurveda colleges and hospitals.
- To identify, support and promote innovative research ideas in healthcare research areas.
- Diseases include – Osteoarthritis, Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Chronic Bronchitis, Dyslipidemia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus, Psoriasis, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
About AYUSH:
- It is Traditional and Non-Conventional Systems of Health Care and Healing which includes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.
- Features of the Indian systems of Medicine – Diversity and flexibility; accessibility; affordability, a broad acceptance by a large section of the general public; comparatively lesser cost.
- Initiatives –
- National Ayush Mission
- Aahaar Kranti Mission
- New Portals on Ayush Sector
- ACCR Portal and Ayush Sanjivani App
Reference: PIB
Microplastics
Relevance:
Recently, Scientists from South Korea have developed a new water purification system that can quickly and efficiently filter out microplastics.
Key Points:
- In an experiment, over 99.9% of contaminants were taken out of the water in just 10 seconds.
- Key Material – Covalent Triazine Frameworks (CTFs), a porous organic material.
- Benefits of used porous polymer –
- Relatively inexpensive
- Excellent adsorption performance
- Good photothermal properties
About Microplastics:
- Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5mm in diameter.
- Classification –
- Primary Microplastics: Tiny particles designed for commercial use and microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles. E.g. Microbeads found in personal care products, plastic pellets and plastic fibres.
- Secondary Microplastics: They are formed from the breakdown of larger plastics. E.g. Water bottles.
Reference: Indian Express
Rhinoceros
Relevance:
Assam recorded zero poaching of Rhinoceros for the 1st time in nearly 45 years in 2022.
About Rhinoceros:
- 5 species of rhinos in the world: White rhino, Black rhino, Sumatran rhino, Greater one horned rhino and Javan rhino.
- IUCN Status –
- Sumatran, Javan and Black rhinos – Critically Endangered.
- White rhino – Near Threatened
- Greater one-horned rhino (Indian rhino) – Vulnerable
- Rhino horns –
- Made up of keratin – protein which forms the basis of our hair and nails.
- Only one horn – Javan and Indian rhinos (Others 2 horns)
- Habitat – Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands, tropical moist forests, deserts and shrublands.
- Indian Rhinos –
- Asia’s largest species of rhino
- Habitat – India (Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh), Nepal and Bhutan.
- Initiatives –
- Indian Rhino Mission 2020 to increase rhino population in Assam to 3,000 by establishing populations in seven protected areas.
- Special Rhino Protection Force constituted by Assam to check rhino poaching and related activities.
Reference: Indian Express
VIRAASAT
Relevance:
The second phase of the Sari Festival “VIRAASAT”- Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India organised by the Ministry of Textiles will held from 3rd to 17th January 2023 in New Delhi.
GI tagged Sarees:
- Tamil Nadu: Kanjeevaram silk, Kandangi Saree, Thirubuvanam silk sarees, Kovai Kora Cotton Sarees
- Uttar Pradesh: Banaras Brocade
- Karnataka: Ilkal Saree, Molakalmuru Saree
- Andhra Pradesh: Uppada Jamdani Sarees, Venkatagiri Sarees, Mangalagiri Saree
- Kerala: Balaramapuram Sarees, Kasaragod Sarees, Kuthampully Sarees
- Telangana: Gadwal Saree, Pochampally Ikat (logo)
- Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi Saree, Maheshwar Sarees
- Odisha: Orissa Ikat, Bomkai Saree, Habaspuri Saree
- West Bengal: Santipore Saree, Baluchari Saree, Dhaniakhali Saree
- Maharashtra: Paithani Sarees and Fabrics, Karvath Kati Sarees and Fabrics
- Chhattisgarh: Champa Silk Saree
- Gujarat: Surat Zari Craft, Patola Saree.
Other Saris:
- Kasavu: Kerala
- Jamdani: West Bengal
- Bandhani: Gujarat
- Muga: Assam
- Phulkari: Punjab
- Kalamkari: Rajasthan
Reference: PIB
