Drp1

• Drp1 or dynamin-related protein 1, is a key protein that controls mitochondrial dynamics.
• It is naturally abundant in cells and plays a crucial role in the division of mitochondria into smaller sizes.
• When Drp1 activity is excessive, it can lead to fragmented mitochondria with impaired function.
• This fragmentation can contribute to neuronal dysfunction and cell death, which are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
• Imbalances in mitochondrial dynamics have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
• Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects about 1 million Americans and more than 10 million people worldwide.
• It is the result of dying brain cells that control movement.
• Certain disease-related factors disrupt the harmony of mitochondrial fusion and division.
• To know more about Parkinson Disease click here .

Hydrogels

• Hydrogels are materials that can absorb and retain large amounts of water.
• They are three-dimensional networks composed of hydrophobic polymers synthesized by crosslinking water-soluble polymers.
• They can retain a large quantity of water within their network without disturbing their original structure.
• This imparts flexibility and swelling properties to the hydrogel structures.
• Common examples of hydrogels include:
• Ointments and lotions – These are used to moisturize the skin.
• Contact lenses – These are made from soft hydrogels that are comfortable to wear.
• Diapers – These absorb urine and contain superabsorbent hydrogels.
• Medical dressings – These can be used to absorb wounds and promote healing.

Indian Wolf

• The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of Grey wolf.
• They are also relatively less vocal and have rarely been known to howl.
• Indian wolves are territorial and hunt during the night.
• One wolf usually is acting as a decoy while the other attacks from behind.
• Range – Found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Israel, Turkey, Iran, and Syria.
• Population – There are approximately 400-1,100 wolves living in the Himalayan Region and 4,000-6,000 wolves in the Peninsular Region.
• Wolves in the Himalayan Region prefer colder, steeper habitats while those in the Peninsular Region are mostly found in agro-pastoral areas that have less forest density (approximately 280,400km²).
• Indian wolves are carnivores and prey mainly on antelopes, rodents, hares, and raccoons.
• Indian wolves are monogamous and mate for life.
• The gestation period usually lasts around 62-75 days.
• Indian wolf is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
• It is listed as endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• Main threats to Indian wolves include habitat loss, unregulated hunting, and loss of prey.

Arabian wolf

• The Arabian wolf (Canis lupus arabs ) is a subspecies of grey wolf native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Negev Desert, the Sinai Peninsula and Jordan.
• It is omnivorous, eating small to medium-sized prey.
• Similar to other canines, the Arabian wolf does not have sweat glands and so it must control its body temperature by rapid panting, which causes evaporation from the lungs.
• They do not usually live in large packs, and instead hunt in pairs or in groups of about three or four animals.
• Along with the Indian wolf, it is probably smaller than other wolves to help it adapt to life in a hot and dry climate.
• Range – Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

Copyright Act, 1957

The Tamil Nadu government has recently decided to nationalise Karunanidhi’s works under the Copyright Act, 1957.

• Under the Copyright Act, 1957, an author has exclusive rights over their work, including the right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and adapt their work.
• These rights last for 60 years after the author's death.
• Artistic work under the act include:
  • A painting, a sculpture, a drawing (including a diagram, map, chart or plan), an engraving or a photograph and it is not necessary possess any such work possesses artistic quality.
  • Work of architecture and
  • Any other work of artistic craftsmanship.
• After the author's death, the copyright ownership transfers to their legal heirs.
• The heirs can then decide how the work is used, including assigning the copyright to others.
• The Tamil Nadu government has a scheme through the Tamil Virtual Academy to collaborate with legal heirs and have them assign the copyrights of specific works to the state government.
• This "nationalisation" of copyrights means the works will be released into the public domain under a Creative Commons CC0 license.
• Nationalisation allows anyone to freely copy, modify, distribute and use the works, even for commercial purposes, without needing permission.
• The Tamil Nadu government has already nationalised the works of 179 Tamil scholars this way, paying royalties to the heirs.
• This is similar to how the Maharashtra government has made the works of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar freely available in the public domain.
• The goal is to make these important literary and intellectual works freely accessible to the public, rather than restricted by private copyright ownership.
• This expands public access and use of these culturally significant works.

Polymer Fume Fever

In the recent times, the Teflon flu is on the rise in the United States.

• Polymer Fume Fever is also called as Teflon flu which is caused by the by inhaling toxic fumes released from overheated Teflon-coated cookware.
• Teflon – Is a synthetic chemical that contains carbon and fluorine called polytetrafluoroethylene.
• It provides a nonreactive, non-stick and frictionless surface.
• The non-stick surface makes cooking convenient for people.
• Teflon cookware can release huge toxic fumes and harmful chemicals into food when cooked at a high temperature.
• Symptoms – Include chills, cough, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, headache, dizziness, fatigue, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint aches.
• Impacts – The flu can also affect the patient's taste buds and cause bad or unpleasant taste.
• Alternate options – Like mud pots can also be used.
• Indian Council of Medical Research in their “Dietary Guidelines for Indians”, called mud pots as one of the "safest" cookware.
• Diagnosis – Is typically based on symptom history and assessment of whether the patient had used Teflon-coated cookware at high temperatures.
• Most cases are mild and self-limiting, but people with chronic lung conditions should be careful.