It is the process of grafting or transplanting organs or tissues between members of different species.
Scientists have successfully edited the genetic code of piglets to remove dormant viral infection that could eventually pave way for animal to human organ transplants.
Gene editing can remove Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (PERVs) from pig’s DNA, potentially making it safe to grow human transplant organs in pigs.
Scientists have used the precision gene editing tool Crispr-Cas9 combined with gene repair technology to deactivate 100% of PERVs.
The existence of PERVs has been a major stumbling block preventing the development of genetically engineered pigs to provide kidneys and other organs for transplant into human patients.
Gold Fish’s Survival Technique
Goldfish can survive for months in oxygen free water at the bottom of ice covered ponds.
For most animals including humans, a lack of oxygen can be fatal. We can metabolise carbohydrates without oxygen, but the process generates toxic lactic acid that quickly builds up in our bodies.
But, the gold fish have their own specialized alcohol-production system, evolved through adaptation of set of enzymes.
When oxygen levels drop, the enzymes ultimately help convert carbohydrates into alcohol that can then be released through the gills without building up of toxic lactic acid.
Patagotitan
Patagotitan” which means a “giant from Patagonia,” is a new candidate to the title of world’s biggest dinosaur.
More than 150 Patagotitan fossils have been unearthed there over the past few years in Patagonia.
According to some scientists, Patagotitan (dinosaur) was the largest animal to ever walk on earth.
Patagotitan, which lived about 100 million years ago during the late Cretaceous Period, is considered a titanosaur.
It is a diverse lineage of plant-eating, long-necked dinosaurs with long tails that walked on four legs.
Shaurya
Shaurya is an Indian Coast Guard ship, recently commissioned in Goa.
It is the fifth in the series of six 105-metre offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).
It features integrated bridge system, integrated machinery control system, power management system and high-power external fire fighting system.
Quantum Satellite
China has recently sent an “unbreakable” code from a satellite to the Earth, marking the realization of first time space-to-ground quantum key distribution technology.
China launched the world’s first quantum satellite last year, to help establish “hack proof” communications.
Any attempt to eavesdrop on the quantum channel would introduce detectable disturbances to the system.
Once intercepted or measured, the quantum state of the key will change, and the information being intercepted will self-destruct. This makes them “Hack Proof”.
Anti – dumping duty
Recently, 40 cases concerning imports from China have been initiated for anti dumping duty by Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties.
Dumping is a process where a company exports a product at a price lower than the price it normally charges on its own home market.
In order to protect local businesses and markets anti dumping duty is imposed.
Thus, anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value.
AIIB
India signs loan agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for financing of Gujarat Rural Roads Project.
AIIB is a new multilateral financial institution founded to bring countries together to address the daunting infrastructure needs across Asia.
The bank has 52 member states with its headquarters at Beijing, China.
United States and Japan are not its members.
It aims to stimulate growth and improve access to basic services by furthering interconnectivity and economic development in the region through advancements in infrastructure.
AIIB offer sovereign and non-sovereign finance for projects in energy and power, transportation and telecommunications, rural infrastructure and agriculture development, water supply and sanitation, environmental protection, urban development and logistics.
The loans will have an interest rate of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.15 % and a repayment period of 25 years with 5 years in grace period.
It has authorized capital of US 100 billion dollars and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion.
China, India and Russia are the three largest shareholders of AIIB.
