1.DNA PROFILING??
Definition: DNA profiling, also known as DNA fingerprinting, is a
forensic technique used to identify individuals based on their unique
DNA characteristics. It involves comparing DNA samples to assess the
likelihood of a match.
● Principles: DNA profiling relies on the fact that no two individuals
(except identical twins) have the same DNA sequence, making it a
powerful tool for identification and criminal investigations.
● Historical Context: The concept of DNA profiling was first introduced by
Sir Alec Jeffreys in the 1980s, revolutionizing forensic science and
genetic analysis.
Process of DNA Profiling
● Sample Collection: DNA samples can be obtained from various sources,
such as blood, hair, saliva, or other bodily fluids, and even from crime
scene evidence.
● DNA Analysis: The collected samples undergo a series of tests and
techniques to extract and evaluate the genetic information contained
within an individual’s cells.
● Creating a Profile: Through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis,
a unique DNA profile is created, which can be used for identification and
comparison.
Importance in Forensic Investigations
● Criminal Investigations: DNA profiling is a crucial tool in solving criminal
cases, helping to link suspects to a crime scene or identify potential
perpetrators.
● Establishing Identity: It is used to establish the identity of individuals from
samples of DNA, aiding in paternity tests, custody disputes, and missing
persons cases.
● Limitations: Sometimes, the DNA from crime scene evidence is in a very
small quantity, poorly preserved, or highly degraded, resulting in partial DNA
profiles.
Applications
: Forensic Applications
● Crime Scene Analysis: DNA profiling is used to identify potential
suspects and link them to a crime, aiding in the resolution of criminal
cases.
● Forensic Medicine: It plays a crucial role in establishing the custody of a
child through paternity testing and resolving other legal and medical
issues.
● State-of-the-Art Facilities: Forensic DNA profiling facilities provide
advanced DNA analysis services for both human and nonhuman DNA.
Medical and Research Applications
● Diagnosing Disorders: DNA profiling is used to diagnose inherited
disorders and human diseases, contributing to advancements in
medical diagnostics and treatment.
● Research Advancements: It continues to play a pivotal role in genetic
research, including studies on population genetics, evolutionary
biology, and disease susceptibility.
● Future Possibilities: The list of additional uses for DNA profiling
continues to grow, with potential applications in personalized medicine
and precision healthcare.
Ethical Considerations in DNA Profiling
● Informed Consent: Ethical guidelines emphasize the importance of
obtaining informed consent for DNA profiling, ensuring respect for
individual autonomy and privacy.
● Data Security: Safeguarding genetic data from unauthorized access and
misuse is a critical ethical consideration in the era of widespread DNA profiling.
● Equitable Access: Ensuring equitable access to DNA profiling technologies and services is essential for mitigating disparities and
promoting social justice.
2.Trichophyton indotineae /rDNA
Trichophyton indotineae is a species of fungus that belongs to the genus
Trichophyton.. This genus includes several species that are known to cause
dermatophytosis, a common fungal infection of the skin, hair, and nails in
humans and animals. Dermatophytosis is often referred to as ringworm in
humans and is characterized by red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin.
3.Ribosomal DNA (rDNA)
● Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is a type of DNA that codes for ribosomal
RNA (rRNA), which is a key component of ribosomes, the cellular
structures responsible for protein synthesis.
● Ribosomes are found in all living cells, and they are essential for the
translation of messenger RNA (mRNA) into proteins, a process
known as translation.
● The rDNA typically consists of multiple copies of the genes for the
different types of rRNA, which include the 5.8S, 18S, and 28S rRNAs
in eukaryotes, and the 16S and 23S rRNAs in prokaryotes.
● These genes are often arranged in clusters known as rDNA operons
or rDNA repeats.
● The arrangement and number of rDNA repeats can vary greatly
among different organisms. For example, in humans, rDNA is located
on the short arm of chromosome 1 and contains hundreds of repeats
of the rRNA genes.
● The exact number of repeats can differ among individuals.
● rDNA is transcribed by RNA polymerase I in eukaryotes to produce the
precursor rRNA, which is then processed to yield the mature rRNA
molecules.
● These rRNA molecules, along with ribosomal proteins, assemble to form the
ribosome’s subunits.
● Due to its conserved nature and the presence of both highly conserved and
variable regions, rDNA is often used in molecular biology and systematics
for phylogenetic studies to determine the evolutionary relationships among
organisms.
● It is also used in the identification and classification of species, as the
sequence of rDNA can be highly specific to a particular organism or
group of organisms.
● Additionally, rDNA can be used as a target for genetic engineering
techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to modify the expression of rRNA
genes, which can affect the efficiency of protein synthesis in cells.
3.Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology.
IIT Indore has developed advanced footwear for the armed forces, integrating Tribo-Electric Nanogenerator (TENG) technology that generates electricity from human motion.
- This innovation powers small electronic devices and features GPS and RFID technology for real-time tracking of soldiers, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
- Beyond military use, these shoes have potential applications in civilian, industrial, and athletic sectors, offering benefits like location tracking and performance analysis.
About Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs):
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are devices capable of converting mechanical movement into electrical energy. These devices are composed of active materials that generate electric charges and conductive electrodes responsible for collecting and transferring the charges.
4.Hypervirulent superbug
News
A dangerous strain of the superbug Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp), which is highly virulent and drug-resistant, has been detected in 16 countries, including the United States, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report.
It causes pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and the nervous-system infection meningitis.
This superbug can cause severe and rapidly progressing infections even in healthy individuals, leading to high rates of complications and death.
Initially discovered in Asia in the 1980s, hvKp was once vulnerable to antibiotics, but it has now developed resistance to many, including carbapenems, a last-resort class of antibiotics.
5.Lake Turkana
A comprehensive survey of Lake Turkana, Africa’s fourth-largest lake, has been conducted for the first time in 50 years, revealing high fish potential.
- Led by UNESCO and the World Food Programme, and funded by the Dutch Government, the 10-year project aims to enhance the economic well-being and food security of the region’s population.
Lake Turkana is the largest desert lake in the world and is known for its unique greenish-blue colour.
It is part of the Omo-Turkana basin, which stretches into four countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.
