Latest Discoveries in Science and Technology
Sound waves drive next-generation spintronics
- Context: Researchers have discovered a method to control spin currents using sound waves.
- This reduces energy loss and supports quantum computing and advanced communications.
The Rise of Spintronics
- Spintronics utilizes electron spin instead of electric charge for data transmission.
- It offers lower energy consumption compared to conventional electronics.
The Role of Magnons
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- Magnons are magnetic wave excitations that carry information.
- They operate with significantly less energy loss than electrons.
Research by INST Mohali
- Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) developed this new mechanism.
- The institute operates under the Department of Science and Technology.
Use of Surface Acoustic Waves
- Surface acoustic waves are used to control magnon-based spin currents.
- These waves interact with magnetic materials and influence spin dynamics.
Innovative Material Model
- Researchers used an ultra-thin magnetic material, similar to graphene.
- The material was placed on a piezoelectric substrate for analysis.
Key Discovery
- Sound waves create minute deformations in the materials.
- These act as pseudo-magnetic fields that control magnon dynamics.
Future Applications
- Opens up new possibilities for low-energy electronic devices.
- Useful for quantum computing and next-generation communication technologies.
Herbicide-tolerant mustard hybrids
- Context: Starting from the 2026–27 Rabi season, India is set to begin large-scale cultivation of IMI-resistant mustard hybrids.
About herbicide-tolerant mustard hybrids
- These crops help control a parasitic weed known as Orobanche, which attaches itself to the mustard plant’s roots.
- As this weed absorbs water and nutrients from the crop, both the crop’s growth and yield are adversely affected.
- Since this weed grows underground, removing it manually is extremely difficult.
About IMI-resistant mustard hybrids
- These are mustard plants capable of surviving exposure to IMI-type herbicides.
- They are developed through natural mutation breeding rather than genetic modification.
- In other words, scientists utilize beneficial natural variations that occur within the plants.
Process
- An enzyme known as ALS is essential for plant growth.
- Typically, herbicides destroy weeds by inhibiting the activity of this enzyme.
- However, a minor genetic alteration in these mustard plants protects the enzyme.
- Consequently, when the herbicide is sprayed, the weeds are destroyed, while the mustard plants remain safe.
