A recent study conducted by researchers from The University of Texas, Austin and the University of California, Los Angeles, has given significant insights into how ancient European populations adapted to their environments over 7,000 years. Published in Nature Communications, the research utilised ancient DNA from skeletal remains, applying advanced statistical techniques to detect genetic changes that are absent in modern populations. The analysis spanned historical periods from the Neolithic to the late Roman era, examining over 700 samples sourced from archaeological sites across Europe and parts of modern Russia.

Revealing Evolutionary Changes

Lead researcher Vagheesh Narasimhan, Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology and Statistics at UT Austin, highlighted the significance of the study, stating that ancient DNA provides a direct glimpse into historical populations, bypassing the limitations of modern genetic analyses. Subtle genetic adaptations, often obscured by recombination or population mixing in contemporary genomes, were revealed through the study’s novel methodology.

Key Genetic Adaptations Identified

The findings identified 14 key genomic regions subjected to significant natural selection across different time periods. Traits associated with vitamin D synthesis and lactose tolerance were among those that became prominent during later eras. These adaptations likely played a crucial role in aiding survival in less sunny climates and during periods of food scarcity when dairy products became a vital nutrition source.

Immune Responses and Agricultural Shifts

Selective pressures on immune-related genes were also observed, particularly as populations faced new diseases with the advent of agriculture and societal changes. However, nearly half of the adaptive signals detected in the earliest periods were found to have vanished over time due to factors such as genetic drift or inter-population mixing.

The research sheds light on how environmental challenges shaped human evolution and the eventual disappearance of once-advantageous traits. By studying ancient DNA, the historical dynamics of human adaptation are being pieced together, offering a clearer picture of our evolutionary past.

India’s advanced GSAT-20 satellite has come under the control of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following a successful deployment by SpaceX‘s Falcon 9 rocket. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Tuesday, the satellite aims to enhance broadband connectivity throughout India, with a particular focus on rural and remote regions and the ability to enable in-flight internet services.

Smooth Transition to ISRO’s Master Control Facility

The initial communication and control of GSAT-20 were transferred to ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) in Hassan, Karnataka, early Wednesday. ISRO confirmed that the satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is in good health, and all systems are fully functional. Teams at the MCF are now conducting a series of complex orbital manoeuvres to guide GSAT-20 from its transfer orbit to a geostationary orbit at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometres.

Orbital Adjustment and Testing to Begin

Over the coming days, the satellite’s onboard propulsion system will be used for orbit-raising procedures, a process that is expected to take about two weeks. Once in its final orbit, GSAT-20 will undergo in-orbit testing to verify the performance of its high-capacity Ka-band payload. This payload has the capacity to deliver data transmission speeds up to 48 Gbps, making GSAT-20 India’s most advanced communication satellite to date.

Significance of India’s Connectivity Goals

GSAT-20 represents a significant achievement in India’s satellite communication capabilities. The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that the satellite will play a key role in extending internet services, particularly in regions with limited connectivity options. The collaboration with SpaceX for the launch marks a strategic step in India’s increasing involvement in global space initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The GSAT-20 launch and its operational success reflect India’s expanding technological reach in space communication. As the MCF continues to monitor and adjust the satellite’s positioning, expectations remain high for the positive impact it will bring to India’s connectivity infrastructure.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), through its Base Repair Depot at Panchwati, Palam, has formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID), Bengaluru. The agreement was signed on Monday in Bengaluru in a ceremony attended by senior officials, including Air Vice Marshal VRS Raju, Deputy Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, Headquarters Maintenance Command, Air Commodore Harsh Bahl, and the Air Officer Commanding of the Base Repair Depot. Representing IISc and FSID were Captain Sridhar Warrier (Retd.), Registrar, IISc, and Professor B Gurumoorthy, Director, FSID.

Objective of the Agreement

The collaboration aims to address challenges faced by the IAF in maintaining and servicing equipment across radar systems, aircraft, IT, and communication platforms. The focus will be on developing a strategic roadmap for reliability-centred maintenance, with an emphasis on research and development (R&D).

Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Digital Twin-based systems will be explored to enhance lifecycle management, predictive maintenance, and resource optimisation.

Collaboration Highlights

This partnership will enable both organisations to share access to testing facilities. It will be creating a mutually beneficial framework. It is also expected to foster academic collaboration, with IAF personnel engaging in postgraduate programmes at IISc and participating in joint R&D initiatives. By leveraging the expertise of IISc and FSID, the IAF aims to strengthen its operational efficiency and technological capabilities.

Among the key outcomes expected from the partnership, IAF aims to develop strategies for reduced maintenance costs, advanced maintenance techniques, improved equipment reliability, and enhanced operational readiness.

Impact on Defence Indigenisation

The initiative aligns with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat programme by promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It is anticipated that this collaboration will encourage participation from startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other industry stakeholders, further accelerating indigenisation in the defence sector.