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Scientists a step closer to potential vaccine against Leptospirosis

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8 years ago

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Scientists a step closer to potential vaccine against Leptospirosis

~By Shikha T Malik

Leptospirosis – caused by pathogenic bacteria, Leptospira – led to over one million infections globally in 2015. Availability of an appropriate vaccine could have prevented most of them.

Scientists at the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) have used sophisticated tools to identify important regions on the bacteria that could play an important role in developing a vaccine for Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads through animals. Farmers or veterinarians frequently exposed to animal urine or swimmers exposed to contaminated water are at high risk. People may get exposed to the bacteria during flooding as well. Vaccinating such high risk groups can protect them from Leptospirosis.

The team at GBRC used high throughput computational tools to identify regions on pathogenic Leptospira, which could be critical in designing an effective vaccine. Using bioinformatics tools, researchers studied the whole set of proteins of bacteria cell (proteome) and its genome.

Research team of GBRC

Research team of GBRC

As a protection mechanism from a pathogen, human body fights back by making antibodies or activating cells that kill other infected cells which scientists refer to as ‘immune response’. Vaccines prepare our bodies by eliciting such response even before one is infected by a pathogen. This way vaccines equip us to fight a pathogen or disease as soon as we are exposed to it.

Researchers have identified certain peptides (small parts of proteins) which could be further tested as potential vaccine candidates that can elicit a strong immune response. These peptides are part of an ‘outer membrane protein’ of the bacterium. This protein is conserved in 46 types of disease causing Leptospira, and if confirmed and further developed into a vaccine, it could provide immunity against all 46 types.

“Identification of target sites is a key step in vaccine design. With the help of modern genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics tools we have analyzed the pathogenic proteome (3654 proteins) to predict the antigenicity (ability to elicit an immune response) and narrowed down to a single protein of high affinity with ability to bind to the antibody present on B-cells for inducing immune response,” explained Dr Jayashankar Das, lead scientist, while speaking to India Science Wire.

Since many different strains or types of Leptospira are present in tropical regions, the team is carrying out more studies on different strains and also testing identified proteins in cells, added Dr Das. “Since this disease is a major concern to farmers as well as livestock breeders, we are also involved in developing an onsite diagnostic kit for leptospirosis with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST),” he added.

“These peptides represent a novel outcome of the study. They need to be studied further in for their effectiveness in animals and humans. If successful, it could become an important tool in fighting this disease worldwide,” commented Dr Hardeep Vora, R&D Manager at DiaSys Diagnostics India, while speaking to India Science Wire.

The research results have been published in journal, Scientific Reports. The team included Kumari Snehkant Lata, Swapnil  Kumar, Vibhisha Vaghasia, Priyanka  Sharma, Shivarudrappa B. Bhairappanvar, Subhash  Soni  and Jayashankar Das. The research work was supported by the Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission. (India Science Wire)

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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE India price leak suggests launch similar to S24 FE

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE India price has surfaced online, hinting at a similar launch price as the S24 FE. The phone brings a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Exynos 2400 chip, triple rear cameras, and a 4,900mAh battery.

Published

3 months ago

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September 11, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, which was unveiled globally on September 4, is yet to receive official pricing for the Indian market. However, a fresh leak indicates that the handset could debut in India at the same price point as its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 FE.

Expected price and availability in India

According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE may be priced at ₹59,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant in India. This matches the launch price of last year’s Galaxy S24 FE, which started at ₹59,999 for the same configuration. The higher 8GB RAM + 256GB model of the S24 FE was earlier priced at ₹65,999.

Globally, the Galaxy S25 FE has been introduced at $650 (around ₹58,000) for the base variant and $710 (around ₹63,000) for the 8GB + 256GB version. In India, the smartphone is expected to go on sale in October, similar to last year’s rollout schedule for the S24 FE.

The phone is offered in Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, and White colour options.

Key specifications

  • Display: 6.7-inch full-HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,900 nits peak brightness, Vision Booster, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
  • Processor: Exynos 2400 SoC.
  • RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM standard, up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
  • Rear Cameras: 50MP wide-angle + 8MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide; 8K video recording at 30fps.
  • Front Camera: 12MP selfie shooter.
  • Battery: 4,900mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
  • Build: 7.4mm thick, 190g weight, IP68-rated water and dust resistance.
  • Cooling: 10% larger vapour chamber compared to the Galaxy S24 FE.

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iPhone 17 series launched in India: Price starts at Rs 82,900, goes up to Rs 2.29 lakh

Apple has launched the iPhone 17 series in India with prices starting at Rs 82,900. Pre-booking begins on 12 September, and the phones will be available from 19 September.

Published

3 months ago

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September 10, 2025

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iphone 17

Apple has officially launched its much-awaited iPhone 17 series in India, introducing four models – iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. The series comes with advanced features, multiple storage variants, and a starting price of Rs 82,900. Pre-bookings will open from 12 September, while sales begin on 19 September.

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air price in India

The standard iPhone 17 is priced at Rs 82,900 for the 256GB base variant. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Air, designed with a slimmer and more premium look, starts at Rs 1,19,900.

Key features of iPhone 17

  • Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion, up to 3000 nits brightness with Ceramic Shield 2 protection.
  • Camera: Dual 48MP setup (Fusion main + Ultra Wide) with 2X telephoto capability, along with a new Centre Stage front camera.
  • Performance: Powered by the A19 chipset, runs on iOS 26, 40% faster than iPhone 16.
  • Battery: Up to 8 hours longer backup compared to its predecessor.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max price in India

The premium segment begins with iPhone 17 Pro priced at Rs 1,34,900, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,49,900. The top-end Pro Max with the highest storage option goes up to Rs 2,29,900. These models are available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver colours.

Key features of Pro models

  • Display: iPhone 17 Pro with 6.3-inch and Pro Max with 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, both featuring 120Hz refresh rate and 3000 nits brightness.
  • Chipset: New A19 Pro with Vapour Chamber Cooling for heavy usage.
  • Camera: Triple 48MP system including an advanced telephoto lens with 8X optical zoom and 40X digital zoom, plus an 18MP front camera.
  • Battery & Charging: Best-ever battery backup on Pro Max, with USB-C fast charging – 50% charge in just 20 minutes.

Why the iPhone 17 series stands out

The new iPhones not only bring improved design and performance but also integrate Apple Intelligence AI features for messaging, calls and visual tools.

Offers and EMI options

  • No-cost EMI: Available for up to 6 months.
  • Cashback: ICICI Bank users can avail up to Rs 5,000 instant cashback.
  • For instance, buying the iPhone 17 Pro Max (Rs 1,49,900) on a 6-month no-cost EMI plan brings effective savings of Rs 11,525, including cashback and EMI benefits.

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Lava Yuva Smart 2 launched in India with 5,000mAh battery and dual cameras

Lava has launched the Yuva Smart 2 in India with a 5,000mAh battery, dual cameras, Android 15 Go Edition, and a price tag of Rs 6,099.

Published

3 months ago

on

September 4, 2025

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Lava phone

Lava has introduced its latest entry-level smartphone, the Lava Yuva Smart 2, in India. Priced at Rs 6,099, the device offers a large display, a massive battery, and dual cameras, making it a budget-friendly choice for first-time smartphone buyers.

Lava Yuva Smart 2 price and availability

The Yuva Smart 2 is priced at Rs 6,099 for the single 3GB RAM + 64GB storage variant. It will be available in Crystal Blue and Crystal Gold colour options. Lava has announced doorstep service across India, though official sale dates are yet to be disclosed.

Lava Yuva Smart 2 specifications

The smartphone runs on Android 15 Go Edition and is powered by the Unisoc 9863a octa-core chipset. It comes with 3GB RAM (expandable up to 6GB with virtual RAM) and 64GB internal storage.

It features a 6.75-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. For photography, the phone sports a 13MP AI dual rear camera housed in a square module, along with a 5MP front camera for selfies.

Backed by a 5,000mAh battery with 10W wired charging via USB Type-C, the device also includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and face unlock support for security.

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