Science and Technology

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  ISRO successfully test-fires GSLV-Mark III rocket engine July 21, 2015

  
   
  
  India's GSLV-Mark III project aimed at carrying four-tonne payloads, including future manned missions, has got a boost with Isro successfully test-firing on ground CE-20, the first indigenous high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine for more than its full duration. It was conducted at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu for 800 seconds time frame which produces 25 per cent more thrust than the burn duration of the engine during flight. The test meet all its parameters. About high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine The engine operates on Gas Generator Cycle
  Isro spokesperson Deviprasad Karnik told TOI that the next step would be high-altitude tests by simulating low pressure atmospheric conditions on ground to see how the engine behaves. "After the tests we will go in for the stage assembly. GSLV-Mk III is expected to make its first flight by the end of 2016," he said. This successful test will help ISRO to master this complex, high-performance cryogenic propulsion technology which will further help in building self-reliance for the Indian space programmed.
  
  

  

  
  
  
  
  
  It uses extremely low temperature propellants such as Liquid Hydrogen at -2530 C and Liquid Oxygen at -1930 C. Integration and assembly of the engine and its testing were carried out in ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), a unit of ISRO. Applications This high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine will used to power Cryogenic stage (C25) i.e. the upper stage of the next generation GSLV Mk-III rockets
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Prof. Sanjeev Galande selected for G D Birla Award for Scientific Research 2014

Well-known scientist Sanjeev Galande has been selected for the prestigious G D Birla award for 2014 for his pioneering research in the field of epigenetics and molecular cell biology. Prof. Galande is a professor of Biology and Team Leader at the Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. Also leading a team of scientists in studying various aspects of gene Galande had obtained doctorate in biochemistry from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore in 1996. Born on September 20, 1967. A postdoctoral fellow at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the US, he had established the Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics at IISER and is leading a team of scientists in studying various aspects of gene.

Instituted by the K K Birla Foundation in 1991, G D Birla award for scientific research is given annually to an original and outstanding work undertaken by Indian scientists living and working in India.

The award, which is given to those below the age of 50, carries a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh. . The award is given Indian scientist below the age of 50, living and working in India for his outstanding scientific research, mostly during the past 5 years. Cash Prize: It carries a cash prize of 50 lakh rupees and a citation. Epigenetics: It is field of science that deals with study of changes that influence gene function.

Sanjeev Galande was on 1 July 2015 selected for G D Birla Award for Scientific Research for 2014. The name was announced by the K K Birla Foundation and he is the 24th recipient of the award.

• Matti Makkonen, Father of SMS technology passes away : July 1, 2015

Matti Makkonen, a Finnish national, known as the “reluctant father of SMS” has passed away at the age of 63. SMS, or Short Messaging Service, was an idea that Makkonen first suggested at a Telecoms conference in 1984, but it was only on December 3 in 1992 that the first text message was sent. He had started his career at Telecoms and Postal agency (PTL) as a systems engineer from (1976–1983). He had served as vice president of PTL and was actively involved in the development of the GSM-technology from 1984 to 1988. In 1989, he was appointed as President of the mobile communication unit which was later renamed as Telecom Finland.

While Makkonen is widely credited with the idea for the technology, he was always one to point out that the development was a joint effort and not his sole work. In a text message interview to the BBC in 2012, one of a rare few, Makkonen said that he believed the real advent of SMS was when the Nokia 2010 handset popularised the service in 1994 with their easy-to-write messaging.

•  First potential treatment for deadly MERS virus identified by scientists 
  
  
  
  
  

Scientists have for the first time identified two promising drug candidates to prevent and treat the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) disease. REGN3051 and REGN3048 are the two antibodies (drug candidates) which have shown ability to neutralise the MERS virus. This research was done in collaboration with New York based biopharmaceutical company Regeneron. Research Summary In order to validate effective antibodies to target MERS virus, researchers had relied on Regeneron’s VelociGene technology to create partially humanised mice that can be infected with MERS. This partially humanised mouse model will help researchers further to boost their ability to study potential treatments. It will in turn help scientists to understand how the virus causes disease in people About Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) MERS belongs to the family of coronaviruses which includes large family of viruses such as common cold and Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). It was discovered in 2012 and was mostly centred in Saudi Arabia. Source: MERS is a betacoronavirus derived from bats. Camels have shown to have antibodies to MERS, but the exact source of infection in camels has not been identified. Transmission: It can be transmitted from infected person to others after close contact via a respiratory route. It spread’s in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms: fever, breathing problems, pneumonia and kidney failure. Treatment: Till date there is no vaccine available to prevent it. However intensive medical care can help patient to breath. “So far, around 180 people have been infected in South Korea, and nearly 30 have died,”

July 1, 2015

• Madhya Pradesh government starts e-registration of property all districts 
  
  
  
  
  

Madhya Pradesh government has initiated the facility of e-registration of property documents in all the districts of state. Earlier in December 2014, state government had started this facility of e-registration of property documents in 5 districts on pilot basis.

These five districts were

• Ujjain
• Sehore
• Tikamgarh
•  Balaghat
•  Anuppur.

The e-registration of property documentation will be done through software named Sampada. Under this facility, people can obtain e-stamp through internet banking or service provider. They may also obtain information about market value of their property and registration fees to be payable on its purchase or sale through internet. Besides, information about registry at any place can be obtained through search and a copy of it could be downloaded online. This initiative will help to enhance transparency and curb delays in property registration. The department has also started a process to make available online the information about quantum of loan extended by banks on properties.

 

•  15-Year-Old Byron Wake becomes Britain’s Youngest ‘Cyborg’ 

A 15-year-old boy in the UK who used a hypodermic syringe to insert a microchip under the skin on his hand may have become Britain's youngest 'cyborg' - part-human, part machine. He achieved this feat after inserting xNT microchip under the skin using hypodermic syringe. The xNT chip emits a low-power radio signal that can perform simple functions such as unlocking a mobile or opening a door.The chip is the size of a grain of rice and is encased in bio-safe glass. Wake ordered it from the US and ignored advice to have it inserted by a doctor, 'The Times' reported. It has ability to emit a low-power radio signal that can perform simple functions such as unlocking a mobile or opening a door and operate some Bluetooth devices with a wave of his hand. Kevin Warwick, who became the world's first cyborg when he had a chip implanted in 1998, has given Wake his backing. It is estimated that around 10,000 people worldwide have implanted the chip in their body. "Quite a few people have them, but he may well be the youngest. There are all sorts of possibilities for it in the future," Warwick said.

• First 3D anatomic heart model printed using multiple imaging techniques

          Indo-Asian News Service, 29 June 2015

First 3D anatomic heart model Team of heart experts including an Indian-origin surgeon Dr. Joseph Vettukattil for first time have printed three dimensional (3D) anatomic heart model using multiple imaging techniques. This hybrid 3D model of heart was successfully printed using integration of 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) and computed tomography (CT). The team had used specialised software to register images in order to selectively integrate datasets and produce an accurate anatomic model of the heart. This study is considered as a huge leap for individualised medicine in the medical field of cardiology and congenital heart disease. This technological breakthrough will help to promote better diagnostic capability and improve interventional and surgical planning and also provide alternative to surgery in cases of Heart diseases. This technology also opens the new way in medical technology for producing anatomical parts by using the combination with a third tool of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dr. Joseph Vettukattil is known internationally for his work and research in the field of three and four-dimensional echocardiography. 

 

The result creates more detailed and anatomically accurate 3D renderings and printed models, which may enable physicians to better diagnose and treat heart disease.

According to Vettukattil and his colleagues, each imaging tool has different strengths, which can improve and enhance 3D printing:

• CT enhances visualization of the outside anatomy of the heart;
  MRI is superior to other imaging techniques for measuring the interior of the heart, including the right and left ventricles or main chambers of the heart, as well as the heart’s muscular tissue.
  3DTEE provides the best visualization of valve anatomy.
  
  

• New species of crab spiders Thomisidae family of Telangana

               

A new species of crab spiders Thomisidae family have been named as Telangana in India which is named as Telangana crab spider. Discovered by G.B. Pravalikha and Chelmala Srinivasulu, wildlife and taxonomy researchers from the Zoology Department of Osmania University during a scientific expedition at Nagnur in Karimnagar district of Telangana.This type of spiders from the Thomisidae family, resemble crabs morphologically, and thus, they are commonly known as crab spiders. This Telangana species has an affinity to move sideways, similarly to crabs, but they had been also called flower crab spiders because these creatures hunt their prey on mostly flowering plants.The species are closely related to Thomisus labefactus, crab spiders originating from Japan. Both scientists are dedicating this new line of species to honor all the students and people who had given up their own lives for Telangana's cause."They are important to the ecosystem as they act as bio-controlling agents to keep the insect population under control. They are between 3 mm and 23 mm in size with their color varying from bright and colorful to dull. They are usually found in plants, shrubs, grasses, flowering plants, leaf litter and sometimes under stones," Dr. Srinivasulu added.The researchers also noted that these crab spiders, as of the moment, had been found locally at Nagnur only.

Specifics features of Telangana crab spiders

• Morphologically they resemble crabs and are hence also called crab spiders
• Have tendency to walk sideways like crabs
• They lie on flowering plants and wait for prey so they are also known as flower spiders
• Do not weave webs like traditional spiders
• They attack immobilize their prey with venom and prey all of a sudden
• Size is between 3 mm and 23 mm
• Color varies from dull to bright and colorful

• ISS(International Space Station) orbit raised by 2.15 kilometers

International Space Station

This was big news for space enthusiasts crosswise the world, more so at a time when the two space powers United States and Russia are shadowboxing in Ukraine. Right now Russia seems to be in driver’s seat as United States has to depend on Russian spaceships for taking its astronauts into space.

“The maneuver will be carried out using the thrusters of Progress M-21M cargo spacecraft, which is currently docked with the station,” the center said. “The thrusters will be switched on at 11:45 Moscow time [7:45 GMT] and will stay operational for 566.8 seconds [about 9.5 minutes].”

The station will be raised to the altitude of 415.2 kilometers (258 miles) .The maneuver was necessary to ensure better docking condition for the Soyuz TMA-13M spacecraft which is to blast off from Baikanur space center in Kazakhstan on May 28 to bring a new crew to the ISS.

• Mars Curosity rover starts process of drilling again at Windjana

Mars Curosity rover

ON Aprirl 29 2014 The Orbit of The International Space Station which has just got an extra lease of life and will be in existence till 2024 has undergone an orbit raising maneuver. The orbit raising measures is scheduled to raise the orbit of the Station by 2.15 KM. The Progress M-21M docked with the orbital station on November 30. The docking operation was being carried out by means of the new approach system in an automatic mode. However, ISS crew commander Oleg Kotov switched over to a manual docking operation when the spacecraft was 50 meters away.

Over the next few days, the Curiosity rover will be drilling into a portion of sandstone to collect samples for NASA scientists.  With the aim of examine the search area, Curiosity firstly cleared away dust by using a wire-bristle brush known as the Dust Removal Tool. The area dusted away is called “Windjana,” named after a gorge in Western Australia. Before NASA administers the drill, Curiosity will conduct a “mini-drill” project on the search area to make sure the rover is prepared to drill deeper. After collecting the rock-powder sample from the interior of the rock, Curiosity normally sends part of the sample to laboratory instruments on-board.  NASA scientists are hoping to possess samples collected from Windjana so that they can examine cement that binds sand-sized grains composed in the sandstone rock.

"In the brushed spot, we can see that the rock is fine-grained, its true color is much  grayer than the surface dust, and some portions of the rock are harder than others, creating the interesting bumpy textures," said Melissa Rice, a Curiosity science team member of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California. "All of these traits reinforce our interest in drilling here in order to understand the chemistry of the fluids that bound these grains together to form the rock."  However, before Curiosity lays its robotic drilling arms on Windjana, it has to undergo an initial drilling process to check on its readiness, NASA said.

 “Windjana” will be the third of three search areas drilled via the rover. The first two Martian rocks were both drilled in an area called “Yellowknife Bay”–lying 2.5 miles northeast of Curiosity’s current location. Both samples were mudstone slabs which offered evidence of an ancient lake-bed environment–one that contains a critical chemical energy provider and chemical elements that, billions of years ago, might have supported microbial life of Mars.

“We want to learn more about the wet process that turned sand deposits into sandstone here,” John Grotzinger, a Curiosity project scientist from the California Institute of Technology, said in a statement. “What was the composition of the fluids that bound the grains together? That aqueous chemistry is part of the habitability story we’re investigating.

• India successfully test fired Dhanush Missile

India on 9 April 2015 successfully test fired nuclear weapons-capable Dhanush missile from a ship, off the Odisha coast on Thursday. The missile was fired as part of the regular practice trial of the Strategic Forces Command, MVKV Prasad, and director of the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur in Odisha's Balasore district, told IANS. Test- The ship-based missile was launched from an Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV), deep inside the Bay of Bengal to test its full range. Dhanush is a naval version of the nuclear-capable ballistic missile Prithvi. Test- The ship-based missile was launched from an Offshore Patrolling Vessel (OPV). Facts about Dhanush Missile Indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The surface-to-surface missile is a naval variant of Prithvi missile. Capable of carrying of 500 to 1000 kilogram conventional as well as nuclear payload. It was a perfect mission and the missile splashed down near the target point with high degree of accuracy, they said. It is a single-stage, liquid-propelled missile and has range of 350 km. Capable to target both land-based and sea-based targets. It should be noted that Dhanush is one of the 5 missiles developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The previous trial of the missile was successfully conducted in November 2014.

                                                     Dhanush missile

It can target both land-based and sea-based targets. The missile has already been inducted into the armed services and the SFC personnel randomly picked up the missile from the production lot for Thursday’s trial, which was carried out as part of regular user training.

• India successfully test-fires long-range interceptor missile by DRDO

India on Sunday April 27^th 2014 successfully test-fired a new interceptor missile capable of neutralizing any incoming long-range missile at higher altitude.

The interceptor, positioned at launch pad–IV of Integrated Test Range at Wheeler Island, about 100 km from here, roared into the sky at about 9.10 AM to hit its target.

long-range interceptor missile

"The test was successful," test range director M.V.K.V. Prasad told IANS. "It is the first time that we have successfully conducted the test of an exo-atmospheric interceptor," he said.  . “The missiles will get intercepted at range of more than 100 kilometers away, so that damage to our cities can be prevented.”

The details of the 'kill effect' of the interceptor missile were analysed after retrieving all the data from various radars and telemetry stations, an official said.

The test is part of double-tiered missile defense system that India’s military hopes will provide a multi-layered defense system against any potential ballistic missile strike.

Test Conducted by DRDO

Initially, the target which was a dummy incoming enemy missile was test fired from a naval ship more than 2,000 km away in the Bay of Bengal. After receiving signals from the radars, the interceptor missile blasted off from the launch pad-IV of Integrated Test Range at Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha to hit this target missile.

India’s premier defence equipment manufacturer Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired a new Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) interceptor missile capable of neutralizing any incoming long-range missile at higher altitude."The trial was conducted successfully and all the mission objectives were met," DRDO Spokesman Ravi Kumar Gupta told PTI over phone.

The next step for Indian military technicians is to be able to destroy targets at an altitude of above 100 km, defense sources told Reuters

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Achievements of DRDO in Interceptor Missile Development:

Earlier DRDO had successfully tested six interceptor missiles developed by it, both in the endo-atmosphere (within 30 km altitude above the sea level) and exo-atmosphere stage (above 30 km altitude above the sea level).

• State Bank of India on 11 April 2014 launched its Twitter handle account

State Bank of India, the country’s largest public sector bank has now launched a Twitter Handle. Previous, SBI had launched its accounts on Facebook and YouTube. SBI aims to make stronger its social media presence with this launch.There will be all day round tweets about the SBI’s products, new products, services, launched, banking related education to customers, etc.

                  

“Targeting huge customer base plus potential customers, there will be round-the-clock tweets on the banks’ products and services, as also nonstop education of the customers,” the bank said in a announcement.

The Twitter handle for SBI is “https://twitter.com/TheOfficialSBI”.

SBI has more than 15400 branches including 191 foreign offices in 36 countries, across all time zones.

The bank presents an extensive range of banking products and financial services to corporate and retail customers from side to side variety of delivery channels. It caters to over 165 lakh internet banking users and 85 lakh Mobile Banking users.