Science and Technology
Biotechnology
Welcome to the Biotechnology Study Hub, your definitive resource for mastering this crucial segment of the UPSC Civil Services Examination syllabus. Biotechnology, at its core, is the application of
38 articles in this topic
Articles on Biotechnology
Yeast Shows Physics can Give Rise to Multicellular Life Sans Mutations
Context A new study on Snowflake yeast by National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) scientists offers an ‘unconventional view’ of how major changes first arise in the course of evolution. The Scientific Puzzle According to current understanding, growth should stop once inner cells can’t get nutrients. However, snowflake yeast in the lab continued to grow beyond expected limits.
Fighting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) with Insect-Based Livestock Feed
Context In light of growing concerns over antibiotic overuse in animal husbandry, India is advancing insect-based feed innovations through ICAR-led partnerships to create AMR-resilient food systems. What is Antimicrobial Resistance? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
How DNA Identification Works?
Context After the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, authorities are using DNA analysis to identify the remains of those killed in the accident. About With the exception of identical twins, every person has a unique DNA that is present in nearly every cell of their body. DNA identification is the gold standard for identifying human remains, especially after mass fatality events in which bodies might not be easy to identify otherwise.
Mendel’s Work with Laws of Inheritance
Context A global team mapped pea genomic diversity, advancing breeding research, revisiting Mendel’s traits, and boosting sustainable agriculture. Significance of the Study The expanded gene bank and genomic resources now available to researchers and breeders worldwide have the potential to transform pea breeding and advance research into this environmentally vital legume. The study comes at a time when peas and other legumes are being called upon as a source of plant protein, and as sustainable
Gene Editing Therapy Used to Cure a Rare Disease
In News In a historic medical breakthrough, scientists in the United States have, for the first time, successfully used a personalized CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy to treat a rare genetic disorder Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency in an infant. Applications of Gene Editing Therapy Medicine: Treating genetic disorders like Sickle Cell Anaemia, Beta-Thalassemia, CPS-1 Deficiency. Engineering immune cells (CAR-T therapy) to target cancer Agriculture: Developing disease-resista
‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative to Harness the Microbial Potential
In News The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has released graphical summaries, infographics, and detailed data on 100+ bacterial genomes as part of the One Day One Genome initiative. About The genome, or genetic material, of an organism is made up of a unique DNA or RNA sequence. Each sequence is composed of chemical building blocks known as nucleotide bases.
Genome-Edited Seeds to Mark Beginning of Second Green Revolution
Context The Union Agriculture Minister announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties and said the technological advancement would lead to a second green revolution in the country. What is Genome Editing? Genome editing refers to a group of technologies that enable scientists to precisely modify the DNA of an organism.
Insufficient Support for Deep Tech Start-ups in India: Study
Context A recent study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor and executed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and others has revealed significant gaps in the support provided to deep tech start-ups by public-funded RD organisations in India. About Deep Tech Start-ups Deep Technology refers to innovations founded on advanced scientific and technological breakthroughs such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space tech and of its disruptive nature. Deep
India Achieves Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Haemophilia
Context Indias first human gene therapy trial for haemophilia was conducted through a collaboration between Biotechnology Research and Innovation Councils Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) and CMC Vellore. What is Hemophilia? It is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the bodys ability to control blood clotting or coagulation.
Genetically Modified (GM) Edible Oils For Self-Sufficiency
Context Recently, a member of NITI Aayog has advocated for India to embrace GM edible oils to boost self-sufficiency, citing significant yield improvements seen in the US and China. Importance of Edible Oils in the Indias Economy India is one of the worlds largest producers of oilseeds, making oilseeds and edible oils among the most essential agricultural commodities in the country. India produces a variety of edible oils such as mustard, groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, safflower, and coconut oi
India's Genome Mapping Reveals 180 Million DNA Variants
Context The GenomeIndia project has published preliminary findings based on genome sequencing of 9,772 individuals across 85 diverse Indian populations. What is genome sequencing? It is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organisms genome, which includes all its genes and non-coding regions.
De-Extinction of Dire Wolf
Context A United States-based bioscience company claimed that it had revived an extinct species of animal, the dire wolf. The Dire Wolf (Aenocyon dirus) The Dire wolf was one of the most formidable predators of the late Pleistocene epoch. Geographic Range: It lived across North America — from southern Canada to the United States, before they went extinct about 13,000 years ago.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink to Implant ‘Blindsight’ chip in first human by 2025
Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup Neuralink has announced ambitious plans to begin human trials of its visual prosthesis device, “Blindsight” by the end of 2025.
Transgenic Organisms
President Donald Trump recently made a mistaken claim that $8 million had been spent on making mice transgender, which was later corrected to transgenic mice.
DNA’s Role in Identification
DNA has been instrumental in solving cold cases by analyzing profiles from archived crime scene materials.
Progress on GM Food Crops: DBT Official
Recently, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Secretary stated that there is ‘progress’ on Genetically Modified (GM) food crops, acknowledging ongoing research and development.
NBRI Develops GM Cotton Resistant to Pink Bollworm
Scientists at the CSIR-NBRI in Lucknow claim to have developed the worlds first genetically modified (GM) cotton that is totally resistant to the Pink Bollworm (PBW).
Gene-Edited Bananas
Recently, a UK-based biotech company developed genetically-engineered bananas that have a longer shelf-life and do not brown as much.