Prelims Focus 15th June 2024

PA-100 AST System

In News: PA-100 AST System (a high-tech, transformative, rapid, point-of-care test for Urinary Tract Infections) has won the Longitude Prize on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

• • It is an automatic analyser that combines section assessment microscopy and nanofluidics to make available antibiograms, for the first time, on the factor of care.
  • It relies on nanofluidics to carry out rapid AST, and uses the most superior phenotypic diagnostic performance viable.
  • Cell growth is monitored in real time using contrast segment microscopy.
  • Resistant bacteria keep a better growth rate throughout incubation, whilst prone ones develop slowly or lyse.
  • It provides targeted antibiotic treatment in less than one hour, reducing the threat of AMR.

• Longitude Prize on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• • It has been evaluated with the most not unusual uropathogenic bacterial species in simple UTI:
  • Gram poor: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis;
  • Gram effective: Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis.

Truenat Platform

In News: Recently, the Truenat platform has been hailed for its role in combating TB at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, a decision-making body of WHO.

• • It was advanced through Goa-based totally Molbio Diagnostics, is a ground-breaking innovation in the area of molecular diagnostics.
  • Truenat is a mean-time quantitative micro-PCR system.
  • It is a portable, battery-operated system that may be deployed at labs, health centres, or even within the discipline that could take a look at for over forty diseases, inclusive of Covid-19, HCV, HBV, HIV, HPV, dengue, malaria, influenza, herpes, typhoid, and TB.

• Game-Changer in TB Diagnostics

• • The platform offers a rapid molecular take study for the diagnosis of pulmonary, extrapulmonary, and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. 
  • The Global Fund, which collaborates with the WHO to build stronger health structures throughout the globe, appreciated India’s dedication to doing away with TB by growing mass focus, and extensive tracking programmes using digital technology.

Kavli Prize 2024

In News: The Kavli Prize 2024, a prestigious award in the fields of astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience, was recently announced. The prize recognizes outstanding researchers who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. This year, eight scientists were awarded the Kavli Prize for their groundbreaking work in these areas.

• Key Points
• • Astrophysics: David Charbonneau of Harvard University and Sara Seager of MIT were awarded the Kavli Prize in Astrophysics for their discoveries of exoplanets and the characterization of their atmospheres.
  • Nanoscience: Robert Langer of MIT, Armand Paul Alivisatos of the University of Chicago, and Chad Mirkin of Northwestern University were awarded the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience for their groundbreaking work in nano-engineering and the development of controlled drug delivery systems.
  • Neuroscience: The Kavli Prize in Neuroscience was awarded to three scientists, although their names were not specified in the available sources. The prize recognizes significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, which is crucial for understanding the human brain and developing treatments for neurological disorders.
  • The Kavli Foundation: The Kavli Prize is awarded by the Kavli Foundation, established by Norwegian-American businessman and philanthropist Fred Kavli in 2000. The foundation supports basic research in astrophysics, neuroscience, nanoscience, and theoretical physics through its 20 institutes.
• Significance: The Kavli Prize is significant because it recognizes the outstanding contributions of scientists in these critical fields. The prize not only acknowledges the achievements of the winners but also encourages further research and innovation in these areas.

Group of Seven (G7) Summit 2024

In News: The 47th G7 Summit, also known as the G7 Italy Summit, took place from June 13 to 15, 2024, in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy. The event brought together leaders from the seven member states, including the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, as well as the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission representing the European Union.

• Location: The summit was held in Borgo Egnazia, Apulia, Italy, which is known for its natural and artistic beauty, making it an ideal location for international diplomacy.
• Leaders: The summit was attended by leaders from the seven member states, including US President Joe Biden, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
• Agenda: The summit focused on global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic recovery. Leaders also discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for international cooperation to address these challenges.
• Previous Summits: The G7 Summit has been held in various locations in Italy, including Venice, Naples, Genoa, and Taormina.
• Security: The summit was held under maximum security, with a “red zone” set up around the venue and only authorized personnel allowed to enter.
• Media Coverage: The summit was covered by international media, with the Italian government providing facilities for journalists and photographers.
• Future Summits: The next G7 Summit is scheduled to take place in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, in 2024.

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