Context:
Recently, the scientists have developed a new fluorescence turn-on sensor system for Parkinson’s Disease.
Parkinson’s Disease (PD):
- A neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and other functions.
- Key symptoms – Tremors, bradykinesia (slowed movement), muscle contractions, impaired balance, and speech difficulties.
- Some individuals also experience dementia.
- Risk factors – Age (more common in older adults), family history, and exposure to environmental toxins.
- Treatment Options – While there is no cure for PD, several treatments can alleviate symptoms
- Medication – Levodopa/carbidopa is commonly prescribed, which increases dopamine levels in the brain, compensating for the deficiency.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – An implantable device delivers electrical currents to specific brain areas, improving motor function.
Fluorescence Turn-On Sensor System:
- Developed by – Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST)
- Assists in managing PD by detecting L-dopa levels.
- L-DOPA act as a neurotransmitter itself.
- The sensor system helps in determining the precise L-dopa dosage as balancing L-dopa levels is crucial—too much causes side effects, while too little leads to symptom recurrence.
- Visual colour changes during detection are captured via smartphone camera and evaluated using a mobile app.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following diseases
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Smallpox has been eradicated by 1977 but diphtheria and chickenpox cases are still present.
