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Indian scientists at Pune’s NIV detect new strain of dengue virus

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7 years ago

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Indian scientists at Pune’s NIV detect new strain of dengue virus

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]~By Dr T V Venkateswaran

Study by National Institute of Virology scientists shows that a dengue strain that originated in Singapore had emerged in Tamil Nadu in 2012 and Kerala in 2013

New Delhi: Scientists at Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) have found a new genotype of dengue virus in patients who suffered due to one of the worst epidemics in recent years in Tamil Nadu. The study shows that the strain originated in Singapore and emerged in Tamil Nadu in 2012 and Kerala in 2013.

Even a single cell bacterium has not only DNA but also cell organelles. But viruses are just bits of DNA material in a wrap, and they use cellular mechanism of the host to multiply themselves. In doing so they damage the infected cells. The immune system of the body responds with production of specific antibodies, which destroy specific viruses.

Dengue virus comes in different types and each with different flavours. There are four serotypes of dengue virus – DENV-1 to 4. Each of them has multiple genotypes. The genotype variation can be subtle either in DNA material or the envelope. For example, DENV-1 comes in as many as five genotypes – Asia, South Pacific, Thailand, Malaysia and AM/AF.

When infected first time, the patient developed a life time immunity for that particular serotype due to presence of antibodies produced earlier. However, if the secondary infection is by another serotype, the immune system is confused and the infection can become life threatening.

“Dengue virus has four antigenically defined serotypes and each serotype has multiple genotypes with several clades based on phylogenetic analysis of envelope or whole genome sequences” says D Cecilia of the Dengue Group at ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, who is the lead author of the new study. This makes developing an effective vaccine a major challenge.

During the last five years, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) reported 80,725 cases of dengue per year with a fatality rate of about 0.24%. The ten year data for Tamil Nadu, 2007–2016 show an average of 2539 cases per year with fatality of 0.21%. This is less than the national average. However, during 2012 the cases spiked to 12,826 and deaths rose to 66, which implied fatality of 0.51%. This was a clear signature of a dengue epidemic.  Epidemiological studies indicated that Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu was the epicentre of the epidemic.

Past research had shown that the emergence of new genotype was the cause of the major dengue outbreak in late 1980s in India. Taking a cue, scientists led by Dr Cecilia collected blood samples from patients in South India during the 2012 outbreak with the help of Vellore-based Christian Medical College.  The genome sequence of the virus collected from the samples were compared against the GenBank library which hosts all known dengue virus samples from 1943 to 2015.

The study revealed that DENV-1 Asian genotype had replaced the AF-AM type that was hitherto dominant in Tamil Nadu. “All four serotypes were circulating but DENV-1 was dominant, present in 52% of the serotyped samples” says Cecilia. Further, the study showed that the DENV-1 Asian genotype had also developed a new phenotype in the E gene. “This is the first time after 20 years we are observing change in genotype in India,” the scientist added.

DENV-1 originated in US and Japan during 1932. However, the Asian genotype of DENV-1 that emerged in Thailand. The Indian strains that caused havoc during the 2012-15 emerged in Singapore sometime in 2005. The same strain caused an epidemic in Singapore in 2005 and later in 2009 in Sri Lanka. “Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Asian genotype was introduced from Singapore and shared 99% similarity with viruses, associated with large outbreaks in Singapore and Sri Lanka. The movement of DENV can affect dengue outbreaks and underscores the need for close molecular monitoring of DENV,” says Cecilia.

The findings are published in journal Virology. The research team included D. Cecilia, J.A. Patil, M.B. Kakade, A. Walimbe, K. Alagarasu, B. Anukumar, from National Institute of Virology and  A. Abraham from  Christian Medical College, Vellore.

(This article has not been edited by the APNLive staff. It is auto-generated from a syndicated feed provided by the India Science Wire)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max: A comparative look at prices and specs in India

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4 days ago

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January 23, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with car crash detection feature

Samsung has introduced its latest high-end flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, in India, igniting a new chapter in its ongoing rivalry with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both phones represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, but they come at distinct price points and offer different specifications that cater to various user preferences.

Price comparison in India

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three variants: the base model with 256GB of storage is priced at Rs 1,29,999; the 512GB model at Rs 1,49,999; and the 1TB version at Rs 1,65,999. These variants are offered in four color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Black.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB and 1TB versions priced at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,84,900, respectively. Samsung’s offerings are notably less expensive across similar storage options, with the 1TB model being nearly Rs 19,000 cheaper than its Apple counterpart.

Specifications face-off

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than its predecessor, and features a more contemporary design with rounded edges. Despite its larger size, it maintains a lightweight feel at only 218 grams and includes a robust 5,000mAh battery. The camera setup has been significantly upgraded, featuring a 200-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, enhancing both efficiency and performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, also with a 6.9-inch display, utilizes Apple’s Super Retina XDR technology with Always-On and ProMotion features for a superior viewing experience. It includes a new gold color option and a novel Camera Control button, adding functionality exclusive to the Pro models. The device is equipped with the A18 Pro chipset and features a redesigned camera system with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and advanced video recording capabilities.

Performance and functionality

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed to offer top-tier performance. Samsung’s flagship includes 12GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, potentially offering a smoother multitasking experience. The iPhone, however, continues to impress with its integration of hardware and software, leading to efficient performance in real-life usage scenarios.

This detailed examination highlights the strengths of each device, allowing consumers to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing camera technology, display features, or price, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max cater to all facets of premium smartphone requirements.

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Oppo Find N5 set to launch with 50W wireless charging and IPX9 water resistance

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6 days ago

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January 21, 2025

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Oppo Find N5 being tested underwater to showcase its IPX9 water resistance rating.

Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

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Realme 14 Pro series set to launch in India tomorrow: Expected specs, price, and more

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2 weeks ago

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January 15, 2025

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Realme 14 Pro series launch with AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, and advanced camera setup.

Realme is gearing up to unveil its latest mid-range smartphones, the Realme 14 Pro series, in India on January 16, 2025. The much-anticipated event will also mark the launch of Realme Buds 5 wireless earphones, adding to the excitement among tech enthusiasts.

When and where to watch the launch

The Realme 14 Pro series will be launched at 12 noon on Thursday, January 16. Fans can catch the live-streamed event on Realme’s official YouTube channel.

Realme 14 Pro series specifications (Expected)

The Realme 14 Pro series, including the Realme 14 Pro and Realme 14 Pro+, has already been introduced in China, offering a sneak peek into its features.

The Realme 14 Pro boasts a 6.83-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and an impressive 3840Hz PWM dimming for superior visuals. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, coupled with up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 storage. It is expected to run on Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0.

For photography, the device offers a triple-camera setup featuring a 50MP Sony IMX896 primary sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens with up to 6x in-sensor zoom. The front houses a 32MP selfie camera.

Additional features include an in-display fingerprint sensor, IP66, IP68, and IP69 water resistance certifications, and a robust 6,000mAh battery with 80W SuperVOOC fast charging.

Realme 14 Pro+ pricing (Expected)

The Realme 14 Pro+ is expected to be priced at approximately Rs 30,000 for the 12GB RAM/256GB storage variant and Rs 33,000 for the 12GB RAM/512GB version, based on its Chinese pricing of 2,599 yuan and 2,799 yuan, respectively.

As more details about the Realme 14 Pro surface, all eyes will be on tomorrow’s launch event for official specifications and pricing.

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