Topics Covered: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
What is the ‘Feluda’ test for Covid-19 approved by India?
Feluda is the acronym for FNCAS9 Editor Linked Uniform Detection Assay.
- It is an accurate and low-cost paper-based test strip to detect Covid-19 in less than 30 minutes.
- It was approved recently for commercial launch by the Drugs Controller General of India.
- Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Tata Group.
How it works?
It uses indigenously developed CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify and target the genetic material of SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
Significance:
- According to CSIR, the test matches accuracy levels of RT-PCR tests.
- It has a quicker turnaround time and requires less expensive equipment.
- ‘Feluda’ is also the world’s first diagnostic test to deploy a specially adapted Cas9 protein to successfully detect the virus.
What is CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology?
It is a gene editing technology and finds its use in correcting genetic defects and treating and preventing the spread of diseases.
- The technology can detect specific sequences of DNA within a gene and uses an enzyme functioning as molecular scissors to snip it.
- It also allows researchers to easily alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.
- The technology can also be configured for detection of multiple other pathogens in the future.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- What is Feluda test?
- What is CRISPR technology?
- What is RT-PCR test?
- Other tests related to Covid-19.
Mains Link:
What is Feluda Test for COVID-19? How is it carried out? Discuss.
Sources: Indian Express.
