Neanderthals passed on viral defences to humans Modern humans inherited genetic defences against viral diseases like hepatitis from Neanderthals, when the two species interbred 50,000 years ago, a study has found. Many modern Europeans and Asians harbour about 2% of Neanderthal DNA in their genomes.PTI Source :  https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/modern-humans-inherited-viral-defences-from-neanderthals/article25152190.ece

NASA’s Voyager 2 probe is approaching interstellar space and has detected an increase in cosmic rays that originate outside our solar system, the U.S. space agency said. Launched in 1977, Voyager 2 is a little less than 17.7 billion km away from the earth.PTI Source :  https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-life/nasa-probe-nearing-interstellar-space/article25152188.ece

Scientists have developed a new test that can reveal the amount of DNA people shed, a tool that could be used by forensic experts to nab criminals using genetic clues left at crime scenes. A single tap of a finger on items like door handles, glass or even shaking hands …

The devices will be ‘biodegradable’ Scientists have developed a thin, flexible semiconductor, partly using organic materials, that can efficiently convert electricity into light and could help make bendable smartphones. The invention, by researchers at the Australian National University (ANU), also opens the door to a new generation of high-performance electronic …

They can catch and destroy BPA, a synthetic chemical commonly used to coat the insides of food cans Scientists have created tiny spheres that can catch and destroy bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used to make plastics that often contaminates water. BPA is commonly used to coat the insides …

In simulations, robots move around by exploring, observing and drawing from previous experiences As robots may struggle with navigational concepts, a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have devised a new way to help them navigate environments more as humans do. The novel motion-planning model lets …

Applicable even if STT not paid earlier Initial public offerings, bonus, rights issues and ESoPs will be eligible for concessional rate of 10% long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax even if the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) has not been paid earlier. In the recent Budget, the government had, after a gap …

A kg of Gloriosa superba costs Rs. 3,420 For farmers frustrated by the vagaries of monsoon, Tamil Nadu’s State flower, Gloriosa superba is a gold mine waiting to be exploited. The plant, which contains 24 types of alkaloids (nitrogenous organic compounds) and 10 non-alkaloidal medicinal compounds, is widely used in …

At State’s business summit, Ambani commits to improving healthcare delivery Having invested over Rs. 4,000 crore in Uttarakhand, Mukesh Ambani on Sunday said his telecom venture Reliance Jio will in the next two years connect most of the 2,385-plus government schools and colleges with high-speed Internet to make the State …

E-commerce major to offer solutions for mobile protection Walmart-backed online retailer Flipkart said on Sunday that it is foraying into insurance after securing a corporate agent licence. To start with, the company said it would offer customised insurance solutions to power its ‘complete mobile protection program.’ It will do this …