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Kerala Medical Institute develops Rt-PCR kit with higher accuracy
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22 May 2021, 17:28
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The Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) in Kerala, an institute under the Department of Science and Technology has developed a multiplex RT-PCR kit, where the validation shows the kit has 97.3 per cent sensitivity and 100 per cent specificity in the Covid-19 detection.
This means it is unlikely to show any false positives and has only a 2.7 per cent chance of showing a false negative.
The Indian Council of Medical Research has validated the kit at the National Institute of Virology in Pune, and found it satisfactory.
"The kit developed by the SCTIMST targets two SARS CoV2 genes: RdRp and ORFb-nsp14, and the human RNAse P gene as the internal control. The kit is based on multiplex Taqman chemistry, amplifying all three genes in a single reaction. The amplification time for the assay is 45 minutes, besides the time required for the RNA isolation from nasopharyngeal swab samples," the statement said.
ORFb-nsp14 is one of the least mutated genes in Covid-19. Currently, there are no kits in the market having ORF-nsp14 as the target.
The mutations on the commonly used S, R and N gene of the virus interfere with the result of an RT-PCR test. For example, the changes in the spike protein of B.1.1.7 (first found in the UK) resulted in the failure of probes for the S gene.
The turnaround time using the kit developed by SCTIMST is also faster.
A normal RT-PCR takes about five to six hours to be completed.
Source: Khaleej Times
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Gaia telescope reveals new insights into Milky Way's history
The European Space Agency's telescope Gaia has discovered two streams of stars that helped form our galaxy more than 12 billion years ago.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has gathered unprecedented insights into the history of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The ESA's space telescope Gaia revealed two ancient streams of stars that wove together and merged with the Milky Way early in its existence.
Researchers were examining data collected by Gaia when they came upon the streams, which they named Shakti and Shiva — a divine couple from Hindu philosophy who Hindus believe united to create the universe.
"Revealing more about our galaxy's infancy is one of Gaia's goals, and it's certainly achieving it," Timo Prusti, project scientist for Gaia at the ESA, said. "We need to pinpoint the subtle yet crucial differences between stars in the Milky Way to understand how our galaxy formed and evolved. This requires incredibly precise data — and now, thanks to Gaia, we have that data."
Ancient star streams show Milky Way's growth
Astronomers believe Shakti and Shiva are so old they likely formed before the oldest parts of our galaxy's spiral arms and disc. The stars that make up the two streams in space are 12 to 13 billion years old, and each stream contains the mass of about 10 million Suns.
The star streams lie towards, but not directly at, the Milky Way's heart. Gaia gathered data from this area in 2022 and found the region to be filled with the oldest stars in the entire galaxy.
"The stars there are so ancient that they lack many of the heavier metal elements created later in the Universe's lifetime," said Hans-Walter Rix, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. Rix was a co-author of the study that presents the results of Gaia's exploration, published in the journal Nature on Thursday.
"Until now, we had only recognized… very early fragments that came together to form the Milky Way's ancient heart," Rix said. "With Shakti and Shiva, we now see the first pieces that seem comparably old but located further out. These signify the first steps of our galaxy's growth towards its present size."
Rix's colleague and co-author Khyati Malhan pointed out how much the Milky Way has changed in the billions of years since Shakti's and Shiva's stars were born, and how the researchers hadn't been expecting to clearly see any structures from that time. "But the unprecedented data we're getting from Gaia made it possible."
Shakti and Shiva part of the Milky Way's birth
The two streams Gaia discovered are similar but not identical. Shakti's stars orbit a little further from the Milky Way's center and in more circular orbits than Shiva's.
Scientists today think that the Milky Way formed when multiple long, irregular filaments of gas and dust coalesced billions of years ago in space, forming stars and wrapping together to spark the birth of our galaxy. It seems that Shakti and Shiva were part of this process. The ESA said it hopes that future Gaia data releases will reveal more details.
The world’s most expensive drug priced at $4.25 million
The one-time treatment, Lenmeldy, which is a new gene therapy for an ultra-rare disease for children will cost $4.25 million, making it the world’s most expensive drug in the world.
Recently Lenmeldy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday. The first gene therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) for a rare and fatal disease called early-onset metachromatic leukodystrophy, or MLD primarily affecting children under the age of seven.
It is a fatal disease in which infants sometimes start to lose the ability to walk and talk. Orchard Therapeutics the company that makes Lenmeldy said in a statement Wednesday ( March 27) the drug’s price “reflects its clinical, economic and societal value.”
According to Orchard, the disease MLD affects about one in 100,000 live births, and fewer than 40 children a year in the U.S.
The company (Orchard Therapeutics) focuses on developing gene therapies, which aim to correct the underlying genetic flaws that cause inherited diseases. Recently the company was acquired by the Japanese drugmaker Kyowa Kirin Co.
However, The wholesale cost for this lifesaving therapy isn’t usually what patients pay, but it’s a cost that’s considered and shouldered by public and private health insurance plans, including state Medicaid plans, which cover roughly 4 out of every 10 children in the United States.
EU probes Apple, Google, Meta under new digital law
European Union regulators have opened investigations into the tech giants in the first application of the new Digital Markets Act. The tech lobby has criticized the move, saying it was "rushed."
US tech giants Apple, Google and Meta were targeted by European Union regulators on Monday, as the bloc opened its first investigations into "non-compliance" with its new Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The sweeping DMA legislation was passed into law earlier this month.
The law aims to prevent big tech companies from cornering digital markets while creating a fairer digital space by curbing how the biggest companies act online, including ensuring they give users more choices.
"We are not convinced that the solutions by [Google parent company] Alphabet, Apple and Meta respect their obligations for a fairer and more open digital space for European citizens and businesses," said the EU's internal market commissioner, Thierry Breton.
If found guilty of failing to comply with the new law, the EU Commission, the bloc's executive arm, can impose fines of up to 10% of a company's total global turnover, rising to 20% for repeat offenders.
The DMA is an accompaniment to the EU's Digital Services Act groundbreaking legislation to put in force measures to moderate illegal content and prevent, for example, the promotion of hate speech on their online platforms.
What have been the reactions?
The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA), a leading international tech lobby group, criticized the move, which it said sent a "worrying signal."
"As we all know, data takes time to collect. What we see now, however, sends a worrying signal that the EU might rush into investigations without knowing what they're investigating," said the head of CCIA Europe, Daniel Friedlaender, as reported by AFP news agency.
Google said that it has already made "significant changes" to the way its services operate in Europe to comply with the DMA – including recent changes to its Google Maps service.
"We will continue to defend our approach in the coming months," Google's director of competition, Oliver Bethell, said.
Apple said it is confident that its move to allow iPhone users to switch web browsers more easily complies with the DMA, and that it will "continue to constructively engage with the European Commission as they conduct their investigations."
Silent Hands Support distributed Ramadan food packs to 200 needy families in Bakshiganj Upazila
On 22nd March 2024 , 200 underprivileged families residing in the rural areas of seven unions in Bakshiganj Upazila received Ramadan food packages. The initiative aimed to alleviate the struggles faced by vulnerable households during the holy month.
Bakshiganj Upazila's Nirbahi Officer, Ahona Jinnat, along with Rafiqul Islam, General Secretary Silent Hands Support and Tarikul Islam Sanvi, were present at the distribution among others. Also in attendance were Mohammad Alauddin, Mahmudul Hasan, Tanvir Hasan, and Minhaj Uddin, the regional representative of Silent Hands Support from Jamalpur district.
Expressing her gratitude, Ahona Jinnat emphasized the importance of community support in ensuring that no one goes hungry during Ramadan. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of individuals and organizations in extending a helping hand to those in need, particularly in the remote areas where resources are scarce.
In a heartfelt message, Tahamina Ahammed Tania(Tajj Momo) the founder of the organisation ,expressed her profound gratitude to all the volunteers and donors who made the distribution possible. She stated, "During this blessed month of Ramadan, let us remember the importance of compassion and generosity towards those in need. Together, through acts of kindness, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this noble cause."
The recipients expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the timely assistance, expressing hope for more collaborative efforts to uplift the underprivileged segments of society. As the holy month progresses, initiatives like these serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of compassion and collective action in creating a more equitable society.
Thar: The language of the Bede community - a rereading
I have already read various discussions about the book 'Thar: The Language of the Gipsy People'. This book became an exceptional book of our time in terms of research, content, presentation, cover and outlook.
I would like to start with a quote from Professor Maggie Tallerman [author of Language Origins : Perspective and Evolution] of Newcastle University. She said, "Humans are the only species which has developed complex spoken and written language, because of the communicative languages we are different from other animals." There are thousands of languages in the world. Chinese Mandarin is spoken by 1 billion people. On the other hand, the number of language users of the Gipsy community is only about forty thousand. Author Habibur Rahman has worked on such a language which has no script. Again, the language does not belong to the Indo-European group, the world's largest language family.
This huge book of 368 pages has a total 22 chapters. The chapters are progressed according to the research methodology. At the very beginning, the author's fascination about the reputed linguist Chomsky emerges with certain clarity.
As the language of the Gipsy community is different, so is the language of the 'Rishi' or 'Mochi' community. However, the language of this scheduled class has nothing in common with the language of the Gipsy community. As the language has no script, some scholars have attempted to identify it as a sign language or 'uncivilized language'. However, linguist Sukumar Sen says, 'Specific words (adopted from one or more languages) are used in a special sense to convey confidential information or to make others unable to be comprehended but necessary dialogues naturalized in public for dishonest purposes. Such use of language is called uncivilized labguage or Apartha-Bhasha.'
Another study unfolds the fact that the 'Bede' community was identified as suspicious during the British rule. Even today they are leaving behind the example of being involved in any criminal activities for the sake of livelihood.
Author Habibur Rahman says in the introduction of the book, that 'Traditionally, the life of the 'Bedes' are centered on boats. In the last few decades, due to rapid improvement of the overall communication system in the country and the reduction of the navigability of rivers and canals, their lifestyle has also been changing. The so-called talisman mantras and herbal medicine profession of the ancestors of the community is declining alarmingly with the development of modern medical methods and the wide spread of technology. As a result, most of these people are involved in various criminal activities and deteriorating the law and order situation in various areas. In order to earn a living, they have been joining into the drug trade. The leave for Teknaf with the boxes of the snakes, and comes back with the bundles of Yaba drugs.'
When the author was serving as the Superintendent of Police in Dhaka district, he first noticed the issue and decided to change their criminal mindset gradually.
Many writers in Bengali literature have tried to portray this vulnerable community. Pallikobi Jasimuddin wrote the play 'Beder Meye'. Poet Nazrul wrote some noteworthy songs on this tribe. Tarashankar Banerjee wrote short story 'Bedeni'. Tozammel Haque Bakul made a feature film 'Beder Meye Josna'. It is known as the most successful movie of all time in Bangladesh. Malkosh is one of the ragas in North Indian music genre. Some music researchers believe that this raga originated from the tunes of the Gipsy community.
We believe that the information included in the book of writer-researcher Habibur Rahman will play an extraordinary role in the study of this small ethnic group in the future. Not much work has been done in Bengali language on minority languages. Some work has been done on the Garos and Chakmas in the past. After reading the book, it seems that the author has given ideas and links to the future generations of scholars. The book has already received national and international recognitions. Like APJ Abdul Kalam Medal and International Mother Language Award-2023. The later award was presented by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Habibur Rahman's book is a proof that one can be engaged in basic research while performing government duties. Author Habibur Rahman is currently Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). He is associated with various creative and innovative works too. Thanks to Panjeri Publications for publishing such a unique book. The cover of the book has been designed by Rajeev Raju. He has dedicated the book to his physician wife Dr. Wazed Shamsunnahar Disha and son Aftan Afif Abdullah.
At the end I will be happy to quote from poet Kamal Choudhury about the book : 'Habibur Rahman wrote the book following the participation observation method of research. When a researcher start researching on a specific subject, he has to come out from the shell and dares to enter inside. Habibur Rahman is successful showing his courage through unplugging the facts and documents.'
The writer of this article is a lawyer of Supreme Court. Former Banker and the first initiator of filing case against the killers of Bangabondhu
Rain likely in 4 divisions including Dhaka in next 24 hours
Rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty or squally wind is likely to occur at a few places over Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions with moderately heavy to very heavy falls at places over the country.
This information was given by the BMD bulletin for the next 72 hours from 9 am on Friday (29th March).
According to the forecast, an extended part of the western low lies over West Bengal and adjoining areas. And the Seasonal low lies over the South Bay. Day and night temperature may rise slightly over Dhaka, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.
There is a possibility of rain in one or two places of Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions on Sunday (March 31). Weather may remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy sky elsewhere over the country.
Student politics can be reintroduced at BUET campus: VC
Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Satya Prasad Majumder has said student politics can be reintroduced on the campus if teachers and students want.
He told to reporters on Sunday (March 31) at noon.
Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder said that the teachers and students had decided to ban politics in BUET earlier, they will have to take initiative again to change that decision. If they decide, then maybe politics can reintroduced at the campus.
At the same time, the BUET Vice-Chancellor urged the protesters to take part in the class and examination.
The students claimed that the BCL central leaders had organized a program at the campus around 1am amid the ban.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Students League (BSL) leaders and activists paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing floral wreaths at his mural at the BUET campus on Saturday.
Earlier, BUET student Abrar was tortured to death by student leaders in 2019. At that time, student politics was banned on paper in the context of the demands of teachers and students. At the same time, the general students claim that politics did not stop even for a moment in the institution. Rather, extremist political organizations are taking advantage of the ban on student politics.
