Researchers meld AI and genomics to find thousands of new viruses
Key Highlights:
Pandemic Preparedness Research and Viruses
- High-priority “prototype” pathogens like hantavirus, yellow fever virus, Nipah virus, picornavirus, and Chikungunya are the focus of pandemic preparedness research.
- Computational algorithms risk missing proteins that have evolved and changed due to the risk of missing proteins similar to sequences in databases.
- Viruses, the most abundant biological entity, are found in every nook and corner of the world and carry immense ecological significance.
- Viruses drive genetic evolution, control microbial population balance, and affect biogeochemical cycles.
- Understanding viruses is crucial for anticipating emerging infectious diseases.
- Approximately 300,000 mammalian viruses yet to be discovered, many of which pose zoonotic threats.
- Genome-sequencing approaches have transformed our ability to explore the vast diversity of microbes and viruses.
- Metagenomics has helped scientists identify a staggering number of previously unknown microbes in diverse environments.
- RNA viruses are of especial significance primarily because they mutate rapidly and adapt quickly to new conditions.
RNA Virus Identification and Genomic Transformation
- RNA viruses are identified by identifying fragments of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP), a crucial gene for virus replication.
- Canadian researchers developed Serratus, an open-source tool that matches sequence data with sequences related to viral RdRP proteins.
- Serratus uncovered the presence of over 100,000 viruses, expanding the diversity of viruses known to humans.
- U.S. researchers identified thousands of new RNA virus species using computational tools.
- A recent study combined genomics with a transformer, a machine learning model known for its ability to identify specific patterns.
- The transformer identified over 160,000 new RNA viruses, many of which were first described and came from unique or extreme environmental niches.
- Transformers can find proteins even when they have diverged significantly, helping computers design proteins based on these patterns.
- New RNA viruses from new environments improves identification and characterization of similar viruses, teaches us what to look out for and how to improve methods, and helps discover more species faster.
- Early detection of pathogenic viruses with zoonotic potential enhances pandemic preparedness.
- Future research will focus on mapping viral diversity in nature and developing machine-learning models to anticipate and mitigate viral spillovers.
“India’s Prime Minister Expresses Joy Over Classical Language Status for Pali”
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses happiness over the Indian Government’s decision to confer Classical Language status on Pali.
- Modi thanks scholars and monks from various nations who participated in a panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ hosted by ICCR in Colombo.
- The decision has sparked joy among those who believe in Bhagwan Buddha’s thoughts.
13th National Seed Congress to be Organized in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, November 28-30, 2024
Key Highlights
- The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC) is set to take place in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, from November 28-30, 2024. The event is being organized in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) and the National Seed Research and Training Center (NSRTC). The event aims to bring together policymakers, farmers, and representatives from the private and public sectors to build a roadmap for a vibrant and equitable seed sector in India.
- The theme of NSC 2024 is “Fostering Regional Cooperation, Partnership, and Knowledge Exchange in the Seed Sector.” The event will provide a platform for presenting experiences and insights on research advances, innovations, and principles related to seed, crop improvement, and seed delivery systems. It will also address pressing global challenges in the seed sector and offer insights and solutions that can influence policy changes, technological innovations, and sustainable development.
- The event will focus on building sustainable, equitable, and resilient seed systems by addressing a diverse range of topics, including breeding and seed systems for climate resilience, advancements in seed quality and technology, digital solutions for breeding, seed systems, and market insights, strengthening public-private partnerships in the seed sector, inclusive seed systems for livelihood improvement, innovative approaches for seed delivery and scaling, and nutritional security through strategic seed initiatives.
- Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of IRRI’s South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), will be convening this year’s event. ISARC has been instrumental in advancing IRRI’s efforts to strengthen India’s seed systems through innovative research, capacity building, and impactful partnerships over the years.
- In conclusion, NSC 2024 is an annual gathering of researchers, policymakers, farmers, and representatives from the private and public sectors to build a roadmap for a vibrant and equitable seed sector in India. The event will focus on building sustainable, equitable, and resilient seed systems by addressing a wide range of topics, including breeding and seed systems for climate resilience, advances in seed quality and technology, digital solutions for breeding, seed systems, and market insights, strengthening public-private partnerships in the seed sector, inclusive seed systems for livelihood improvement, innovative approaches for seed delivery and scaling, and nutritional security through strategic seed initiatives.
Government e Marketplace (GeM) Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Sikkim for Public Procurement Adoption
Key Highlights :
- The Government of Sikkim and Government e Marketplace (GeM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Gangtok, Sikkim to increase adoption of GeM among the Government of Sikkim buyer departments for public procurement.
- The MoU is a significant milestone for GeM’s association with various State Governments as a facilitator for efficient, transparent, and inclusive public procurement.
- As of 23rd Oct 2024, buyers from the Government of Sikkim have done procurement worth approximately ₹ 90 crore.
- GeM will further facilitate State buyers’ departments/organisations by providing focused training, handholding, capacity-building programs.
- As of 2023-24, procurement of goods and services through GeM surpassed the ₹ 4 lakh crore mark, a remarkable achievement.
- GeM is collaborating with the MSME Department, Government of Sikkim, to conduct a seller onboarding program for additional sellers on the GeM portal.
- GeM is enhancing procurement through the portal, with a team of consultants, officers, and business facilitators deployed to increase adoption among State Government buyers.