News in Shorts: 02 Aug 2024

Whale Hunt

• Japan has expanded its commercial whaling to include fin whales, the second-largest animal species on the planet

Fin whale:

• About: The fin whale, scientifically named Balaenoptera physalus, is a marine mammal that belongs to the baleen whale family. 
• Features: These whales are distinguished by their baleen plates, which they use for filter-feeding.
• Size and Shape: Fin whales are among the largest animals on Earth, growing up to 85 feet (26 meters) in length. 
  • They feature long, streamlined bodies with a narrow, pointed head and a prominent dorsal fin positioned about two-thirds along their back.
• Adaptations: Fin whales, like other baleen whales, possess baleen plates in their mouths for filtering small prey from the water. 
  • They have a large, expandable throat that can stretch to hold significant amounts of water during feeding. 
  • Their streamlined bodies and strong tails enable them to swim at high speeds.
• Status: Fin whales are the second-largest animals on Earth and are classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
• Breeding: Fin whales migrate long distances between feeding and breeding grounds, often traveling thousands of miles. They breed during the winter months in low-latitude regions.

Rabies Outbreak

• South African authorities will resort to trial vaccinations of Cape fur seals in the wake of the first documented rabies outbreak in a marine mammal population. 

 Rabies:

• About: Rabies is a preventable, zoonotic viral disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV). It primarily targets the central nervous system, leading to severe brain disease and death if treatment is not administered before symptoms appear.
• Transmission: Domestic dogs are responsible for transmitting the rabies virus to humans in about 99% of cases, although both domestic and wild animals can carry the virus.
  • Rabies spreads through saliva, typically via bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucous membranes (such as the eyes, mouth, or open wounds).
• Global Presence: Rabies is found on every continent except Antarctica, with over 95% of human deaths occurring in Asia and Africa. It is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that primarily impacts marginalized, impoverished, and vulnerable populations.

Gestational diabetes

• The Delhi Declaration, issued at the 18th Annual DIPSD Conference, outlines strategies for preventing gestational diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes:

• About: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a form of glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy, affecting blood sugar levels.
• Risk Factors: Risk factors include obesity, advanced maternal age, family history of diabetes, and certain ethnic backgrounds.
• Diagnosis: GDM is typically diagnosed through glucose screening tests conducted between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
• Management: Management includes monitoring blood sugar levels, making dietary changes, and possibly using insulin injections.
• Complications: GDM can result in larger birth weight, preterm delivery, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes for both the mother and the child.
• Prevention: Preventative measures include maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy, engaging in regular exercise, and following a balanced diet.
• Current Need: In India, particularly in rural areas, there is a need for a universal, simple, and cost-effective screening method.