Previse 2024: Science & Technology Terms

Biohacking is a term for various tricks which enhances the body’s ability to function at peak performance and extend one’s lifespan.
It involves methods from biology, genetics, neuroscience and nutrition to enhance physical or mental performance.
It involves facets like-
- Molecular i.e use of natural and synthetic molecules for eg supplements.
- Biologics i.e use of biological products to enhance biology by ingestion, injection (stem cells) or intravenous transfusion.
- Lifestyle i.e positive health and behavior choices like dietary shifts, meditation and exercise.
- Technology i.e use of wearables like smartwatches and use of diagnostics like blood sugar monitors.

Amaze-28 is Kerala’s maiden 3D-printed building, and its construction was completed in 28 days.
3D printing is a layer-by-layer three phased printing process, viz- data processing, material processing, and robotic printing.
It is advantageous because a huge building can be completed in just 28 days, a fraction of the time required using conventional methods.
There is flexibility in design and complex architecture can be built with precision and uniformity.
Also, there is minimal wastage thus saving on inputs.
Steps taken by the government to promote it include National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing, Samarth Udyog and Make in India 2.0.

India’s maiden indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry was unveiled recently.
As per the Shipping Ministry guidelines for inland vessels, all states have to use green fuels for 50 per cent of inland waterways-based passenger fleets in the next one decade.
Recently launched vessel is a 24-meter-long catamaran ferry powered by a 50-kW Proton-Exchange Membrane fuel cell and Lithium-Ion phosphate batteries.
The vessel operated with zero emissions and minimal noise ensuring enhanced energy efficiency.

Recently a rare metal, tantalum, was unearthed from the sand of the Sutlej River in Punjab.
It is very hard with exceptional corrosion resistance because it is immune to chemical attacks at temperatures below 150°C.
Tantalum is used extensively in electronics, particularly in capacitors, smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
It can also be used as a substitute of platinum in chemical plants, nuclear power plants, aircraft, and missiles.
It is also insoluble in acids and due to its non-reactivity with bodily fluids, tantalum is utilized in surgical equipment and implants, such as artificial joints.

Rhamphicarpa fistulosa, or Rice vampireweed, affected more than 1.5 lakh farmers in Africa.
It is a facultative, parasitic weed growing on rice causing a lot of destruction to the food basket. This is because it affects other crops like sorghum, maize and other cereal crops.
To date, there is no fertilizer that can control Rhamphicarpa fistulosais.

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Blockchain for Impact to join its BFI-Biome Virtual Network Programme.
This programme will unite incubators with research institutes for better outcomes.
It will revolutionize healthcare delivery and ensure transformative scientific advances.
C-CAMP is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science, Technology and Earth Sciences.

Bitcoin Halving means 50% reduction in the premium paid to Bitcoin miners in return for processing other people’s cryptocurrency transactions.
Bitcoin miners use advanced computer equipment to solve mathematical puzzles through the ‘Proof of work’ process to grow Bitcoin’s blockchain.
These transactions result in huge carbon footprints and require huge electricity.
Mining increases the supply of bitcoin while Bitcoin Halving reduces the rate at which these coins are released, making the asset more scarce.

Carbon nanoflorets are novel spherical nanostructures that exhibit unprecedented efficiency in converting sunlight into heat.
They are made of carbon cones with excellent light-absorbing capabilities.
Its manufacture begins with heating of dendritic fibrous nanosilica along with acetylene gas.
Upon further treatment, silicon particles are removed leaving behind spherical nanostructures.
As per an estimate, carbon nanoflorets are 87% efficient in converting sunlight into heat as they can absorb visible, infrared and ultraviolet light

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