Good morning, Bengaluru!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Thundershowers continue.
🧐 Did you know? Christ University was established in 1969 as Christ College, through the educational vision of St Kuriakose Elias Chavara, a priest, philosopher, and social reformer.
🚀 Acing the way to space
The International Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is checking-off tests before its Gaganyaan Mission.
What’s it about? On July 26, ISRO achieved two successful hot tests on the Gaganyaan Service Module Propulsion System (SMPS) at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. These tests marked the second and third in the Service Module – System Demonstration Model (SM-SDM) Phase 2 test series, following the first hot test on July 19.
- The thrusters were tested in continuous and pulse mode. Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engines ran continuously, while RCS thrusters fired in pulse mode.
- The first hot test demonstrated Orbital Module injection and the calibration burn of thrusters and LAM engines.
Upcoming tests: ISRO has planned three additional hot tests to validate de-boosting requirements and off-nominal mission scenarios. These tests will ensure the propulsion system’s readiness for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission.
🏥 Gene therapy human trials this year
Narayana Nethralaya has good news for India’s 70 lakh “rare and neglected” disease patients.
Good news: Narayana Nethralaya is set to pioneer gene therapy human trials in India for treating genetic disorders like keratoconus, corneal dystrophy, and stargardt retinal disease. The groundbreaking work began a decade ago under Dr K Bhujang Shetty’s guidance, with around ₹150 crore invested in establishing multiple research laboratories for gene therapy.
- Trials are expected to commence by December-end. Over a decade, extensive research was conducted on 5,000-6,000 people to identify defective genes associated with various diseases.
- Twelve prevalent conditions, such as night blindness and sickle cell anaemia, have been prioritised for focused work in gene therapy.
Tell me more? Gene therapy involves adding new copies of functional genes to replace broken ones or to substitute defective or missing genes with healthy versions in a patient’s cells. This transformative approach can treat both inherited and acquired disorders.
- By harvesting rainwater, a 100 sq ft property can save 80,000 litres annually, while larger catchment areas can preserve even more water.
🔬 Innovating with silk
A new study reveals the industrial possibilities of modified silk.
What’s it about? Nanomaterial-infused silk has sparked significant research interest. Varsha Lisa John and Vinod TP at Christ (Deemed to be University) worked with researchers from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, and Cochin University of Science and Technology to modify silk using carbon dots, presenting new industrial possibilities.
- Published in the peer-reviewed journal Macromolecular Bioscience, their study argues that the fibre can be used in gas sensors, smart textiles, and biomedical analysis.
- They proposed using modified silk fibres for accurately detecting dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for shaping human emotions and perceptions.
Possibilities: The synthesis of carbon dots from mulberry leaves and their utilisation in designing a dopamine-sensing assay with fluorescent silk fibres is a first in India. The findings indicated that after incorporating other functional materials, silk fibres could be applied in various areas like wound dressings.
💪 Discussing domestic workers’ rights
On Wednesday, domestic workers and citizens organised a public hearing.
Story so far: Chenamma, a former domestic worker, is facing difficulty finding work due to her age. Working in the unorganised sector, she lacks financial backup. Chenamma, with many others, participated in a public meeting addressing the rights of female domestic workers held at the St Joseph’s College of Commerce on Wednesday.
- The event, led by activist Geeta Menon and organised by the Domestic Workers Rights Union, addressed workplace safety, health, social security, and post-COVID-19 challenges.
- Senior workers shared the struggles of having their names removed from smart cards. A citizen jury proposed solutions to tackle these issues during the program.
Past attempt: In 2021, a similar public hearing empowered domestic workers to form a jury and propose measures to government departments. Topics included equality, dignity, better working conditions, and employee-employer forums. But the government’s response was lacklustre.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Groove to the best of dance classics from the 80s and 90s at ONIB on Saturday.
- Learn to quit worrying about the future at Ravi Gupta’s stand-up show ‘Kal Ki Chinta Nahi Karta’.
- The Conference of the Birds is a Hamilton-inspired hip-hop musical exploring the idea of India.
- Mahapeede Mahablu is a Kannada comedy about living with OCD, happening on Sunday.
- Learn to tattoo at this one-of-a-kind workshop at Church Street Social.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- I watch the Olympics: 60.0% 🏆
- I don’t watch the Olympics: 40.0%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your favourite street food?
Sriranga: “Masala Puri anytime”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!