SARAL to boost remote sensing ability of India

SARAL (Satellite with Argos  and  ALtiKa)

With the launch of SARAL satellite carrying AltiKa and an Argos-3 instrument2 is scheduled to be launched on December 2012 and with this the remote sensing ability of the country will get a boost up.

The SARAL Mission:

“1000 Genomes Project”

What is the “1000 Genomes Project”?

§  Scientists working for The 1,000 Genomes Project have decoded the genomes of more than 1,000 people from 14 ethnic global groups. It is the largest and most detailed compilation of human DNA variations, to track origin of rare and common diseases.

§  Launched in January 2008

§  An international research effort to establish by far the most detailed catalogue of human genetic variation.

§  The project has generated raw information to the tune of 180 terabytes. All of the information is freely available on internet.

§  The sequencing of 1092 genomes was announced in a Nature publication in October 2012.

Scientist a synthetic molecule to quell allergy

Scientists have discovered that a new synthetic molecule named “DARP E2-79” could pave the way for quick-acting remedies for a number of acute allergic reactions.

What is Allergy?

Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of immune system. These reactions occur when a person’s immune system  reacts to normally harmless substances in the environment. The substance which incites such a reaction is called an allergen. These reactions are acquired, predictable, and rapid. When exposed to the allergen, the immune system produces a type of antibody (IgE). IgE incites certain cells in our body (mast cells and basophils) to produce chemical called histamine. Histamine is what is responsible for the symptoms of your allergy.