Science & Technology – Page 21

** Bengaluru virologist’s test kit ‘Omisure’ for Omicron variant cuts delays

“Globally, all other test kits for Omicron are either made for gene dropout or mutation specific detection. Omisure is the first test kit combining both.”

In a major and global breakthrough towards cutting down procedural delays in genome sequencing to ascertain the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2, Dr V Ravi, former head of the Department of Neurovirology at National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences and Head, Research & Development, Tata Medical & Diagnostic Centre, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, and his team have developed the world’s first test kit, Omisure, that can detect the Omicron variant by combining S-gene target failure (SGTF) and S-gene mutation amplification (SGMA).

** Ear for music: ENT specialist revels in passion for the violin

Dr Rohit Udaya Prasad, an ENT specialist, is also a professional violinist who has been performing on stage for the past 25 years

** Learn about 3D audio through a workshop with sound artists Felix Deufel and Nikhil Nagaraj

The workshop would help students, sound artists, producers and other practitioners to work with 3D audio

Sound artists Felix Deufel and Nikhil Nagaraj are conducting a one-day workshop on 3D audio at TheISRO’s (Indian Sonic Research Organisation) 3D SoundLab Bengaluru on January 5.

Though little-known in India, 3D audio is among the most exciting fields of study in audio technology, says Nikhil. Apart from its commercial uses in film, gaming and more, he reckons, it has limitless possibilities in “the experimental space”. For instance, his current projects include developing technical solutions for streaming immersive audio and recording high quality audio in ecologically sensitive areas for research and preservation.

** Karnataka’s Transport Dept. receives first application for e-bike taxis

But before issuing the licence, Govt. has to approve and notify fare structure

Six months after unveiling the ‘Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme’, the Transport Department has received only one application for a licence from Bengaluru-based mobility solutions platform, Bounce.

** Hassan: Man who found black box of crashed Navy helicopter awaiting prize from 30 years

A youth, who has reached senior citizen’s age now, who found the black box of the Navy helicopter that crashed on Western Ghats in 1991, did not receive the promised prize money.

In 1991, a Navy helicopter that was carrying very critical documents from Mangaluru to Bengaluru crashed on the plateau of Aramane Gudda on Western Ghats. Four people, including a colonel, lost their lives in the mishap. Even after frantic searching the helicopter could not be located.

Puttaswamy Gowda, a youth of 33 years, resident of Vanagoor village, continued his search in the quest of getting the prize, though all others stopped the hunt for the black box of the helicopter. After two years of continuous search he was able to locate the black box in 1992 October on the plateau of Aramane Gudda.

** MIA commissions state-of-the-art security operation control centre

Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) commissioned a state-of-the-art security operation control centre (SOCC) of the aviation security group (ASG), CISF.

** Going strong: Bengaluru’s first piped water system

Laid during the colonial era and commissioned by the Maharajas of Mysore in 1896, the pipeline covers about 20 kilometres

** Kanachur V.G. Medical College Sullia lifts Medi Quiz 2021 Trophy

K.V.G. Medical College Sullia duo team comprising of Akshitha Anand and Ankitha Anand emerged as winners and clinched the glittering Medi Quiz – 2021 Trophy. The competition witnessed a very exciting close finish as they faced stiff competition from the rival team Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences comprising of Nusaiba Farheen and Nithya G.S. who had to settle for Second Place.

** Bengaluru firm Strides Pharma Science to launch oral drug to fight Covid

In a statement, Strides said it will “immediately launch” its generic Molnupiravir, indicated for high-risk adult patients with Covid under the brand Stripiravir.

Bengaluru pharma company Strides Pharma Science Limited said that it has received Emergency Use Authorisation from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to launch Molnupiravir, an oral medication for Covid-19 in India.

In a statement, Strides said it will “immediately launch” its generic Molnupiravir, indicated for high-risk adult patients with Covid under the brand Stripiravir. The company is commercialising the product with a group-integrated supply chain for active pharmaceutical ingredients and solid oral dosage from its large-scale WHO pre-qualified manufacturing capacities, the company stated.

** Bengaluru firm Strides Pharma Science to launch oral drug to fight Covid

In a statement, Strides said it will “immediately launch” its generic Molnupiravir, indicated for high-risk adult patients with Covid under the brand Stripiravir.