Dr. Arun Sankaradoss (SCientist, Pathogen Biology Program, RGCB) won the 1st Prize in the oral presentation, Young Scientist Conclave, IISF 2024, currently being held at IIT Guwahati. The title of the talk is "A Protective Nucleic-based Dengue Vaccine Engineered to Abrogate Antibody-Dependent Enhancement of Infection
Sarah Amalia Teichmann, a pioneering scientist in the field of cellular genetics and stem cell medicine, today said the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) project she is leading has the potential to help engineer cells for research and therapeutic purposes, which can offer new insights in diagnosing, monitoring and treating diseases.
Teichmann, the current India Academy of Sciences Raman Chair, was delivering a lecture on 'Mapping Molecules to Cells' at BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), as part of the Public Series Lecture organized by India Academy of Sciences.
Prof. Partha Majumder, National Science Chair, Govt. of India and RGCB director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana were present at the session.
"Human Cell Atlas has the potential to help us engineer cells for research and therapeutic purposes. For tapping this potential, we first need to understand the molecular basis of cells in our body and we need to define the cell types in our body. If we can achieve this, we have the potential to restore tissues, engineer cells, and that would be a revolution," Teichmann said while explaining the advance made in the field of genomics.
"The mission of HCA is to create a comprehensive reference map of the types and properties of our cells, the fundamental units of life, as a basis for understanding our bodies, understanding ourselves and get new insights into physiology, tissue function, and also for application in diagnosing, monitoring and treating diseases," noted Teichmann who is also the Chair of Stem Cell Medicine at the University of Cambridge, about the globally inclusive interdisciplinary human cell mapping process.
HCA is a consortium co-founded by Teichmann and her team in 2016 to create comprehensive reference maps of all human cells. "HCA is focused on creating the reference map of the healthy human cell and this already enabling major biomedical advancements. With this reference map we can compare and integrate disease data with a healthy reference state of our cells and understand in detail what changes are occurring," she said.
Teichmann also explained how the mapping helps in understanding the virus entry points in humans.
"HCA can act as a guidebook, and will be valuable and purposeful in understanding viral entry factors. This knowledge can enable us to ask questions not only on viral entry factors, where are genes expressed involved for rare diseases and common diseases, where our hormone receptors are, where our drug targets expressed-which can impart knowledge on side effects and toxicities," Teichmann said on her research during Covid 19.
"So this project that we are building together with scientists around the world including India will have a huge impact in bio medical advancement," she said. The journal Nature has published a series of fourty scientific discoveries as the first draft of the whole human cell atlas.
Raman Chair was instituted by Govt of India in memory of scientist Sir CV Raman in 1972. Raman chair was previously occupied by eminent scientists including Nobel laureates Prof. J. B. Goodenough, Prof. Harold E Varmus, Prof. Ben L Feringa, Prof. Dorothy Hodgkin and Prof. B. S. Blumberg
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) and Cochin Cancer Research Centre, Kochi (CCRC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cancer research, therapy and advanced diagnostics.
The MoU was signed between Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of RGCB, and Dr Balagopal P.G., Director of CCRC, in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, Health & Family Welfare Minister Smt. Veena George, and Law and Industries Minister Shri P. Rajeeve, at the State Secretariat here.
Under the MoU, RGCB, an institute of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) under the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, will act as a nodal institution for a period of five years for establishing the Research and Diagnostic facility at CCRC and anchor its Research and Diagnosis Service Division since it requires expert stakeholder governance in the initial phase.
"The MoU is quite important because the RGCB will extend its expertise and sophisticated lab facilities to make a significant headway in research on cancer treatment and prevention. The cooperation in the cancer research will essentially benefit the common man " said Prof. Narayana.
As part of the agreement, RGCB will provide scientific mentoring and overall technical management of the R&D facility at CCRC and also provide structured training to its research staff and clinicians.
The major areas of research will be cancer development, cancer progression, and cancer therapy & diagnostics.
Roll out fruits of scientific research for inclusive growth: Dr Jitendra Singh
Minister launches online SC-ST community enterprises backed by BRIC- RGCB, Swadeshi Science movement
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 17: Union Minister of State for Science and
Technology Dr Jitendra Singh today said it is time to scale up efforts to add
value to the fruits of scientific research of leading institutions and roll them
out for the inclusive progress of the society.
Dr Singh was speaking after inaugurating the community enterprises of
Scheduled Castes-Scheduled Tribes communities of Kerala promoted jointly
by the Tribal Science Heritage project of Biotechnology Research and
Innovation Council- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) and
Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala (SSM-K) at BRIC-RGCB campus here.
Around 200 beneficiaries of the BRIC-RGCB's Tribal Heritage Project and
Agro Based Science Technology & Innovation Hub of Swadeshi Science
Movement-Kerala and Vijnana Bharati were present at the function, presided
over by BRIC-RGCB Director Dr Chandrabhas Narayana.
After Shri Narendra Modi took over as the Prime Minister, a big thrust has
been given to sectors like Biotechnology by unveiling the Bio- E 3 policy,
which has its emphasis on Economy, Environment and Employment as the
country is preparing for the next Industrial Revolution, Dr Singh said.
"As India has come to play a big global role, it is now time to creatively think
how to add value to the outcome of these policies and roll them out and
provide a handholding to the otherwise left-out sections as well," Dr Singh
said.
Referring to the presence of leading science and technology institutions in
the city, Dr Singh said Kerala capital has become the Science Capital of the
country, just as it is known as the tourism capital.
"Thiruvananthapuram can also be called the science capital of India as it has
become a favourite destination for scientists. It has immense scientific and
research potential, because of the resources and also because of the legacy of
science research and innovation which has been there for generations," Dr
Singh said.
He said it is vital to combine the country's scientific potential with industrial
start up ecosystem. "We were just 50 startups in 2014 , now it is almost
9000. Our bio economy was just 10 billion USD, today its about 130 billion
USD.
He said during the outbreak of Covid-19, Indian scientific institutions had
demonstrated their strength before the world. A faculty from RGCB was part
of the global presentation of the vaccine- a product of biotechnology
department.
The concept of ST hubs aligned with Prime Minister Modi's vision of rolling
out exclusive initiatives and schemes for the inclusion of the marginalized
sections in the progress of the country. This initiative of Kerala has placed a
pilot project for the entire country as a sustainable and innovative model of
self-employment and self-livelihood, Dr Singh said.
Putting together the efforts of institutions like CSIR, DBT and RGCB and
building linkage with industry to this mix can help production and marketing
of these ethnic products.
The momentum gained by floriculture, medicinal plant cultivation and
purple revolution which seeks to increase farmers income and employment
for promoting fragrance industry with the support from scientific
institutions has generated lot of scope for agri-startups, which is exclusively
an Indian domain, he said.
It is now time to align all these forward movement to sustain the growth and
progress when the India is poised to play a major global role, the Minister
added.
The Minister also released the books titled 'The Taste of the Wild- An
Inventory on Ethnic Food and Wild Edibles' and "Revitalizing tribal
traditions: Initiatives for Sustainable Vikasit Bharat" at the function.
Dr Chandrabhas Naryana said BRIC-RGCB has been reaching to remote areas
of districts like Wayanad, Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram to promote
various products of tribal communities. The students, technicians and faculty
who visited these placed received great resonance from the tribal
communities, he said.
Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Dr S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director
CSIR-NIIST Dr C Anandharamakrishnan, former Union Minister Shri V
Muraleedharan, SSSM President Dr K Muraleedharan and Shri Vivekananda
Pai, Secretary General Vibha spoke. Dr Priya Srinivas, Dean, Academics
BRICS-RGCB welcomed the gathering.
The units inaugurated virtually by Dr Singh were Ethnic food processing
units by Viayana ST Gothra Vanitha Swasraya Sangam of Kammana,
Wayanad, Agasthya Achar Unit, Vlavila Thiruvananthapuram and Avani
Gothra Varga Swasraya Society, Vazhathoppu, Idukki, medicinal plant
processing units by Gothra Vanavasi Sangam, Vlavetti, Thiruvananthapuram
and Nanma ST Kudumbasree Medicinal Plant Processing Unit Project,
Kanjikkuzhi, Idukki, and a Fixed Oil Unit by Bhaskar Rao Purusha Swayam
Sahaya Sangham, Kulathupuzha
The gathering including artisans and farmers drawn from Wayanad, Idukki
Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Palakkad and Malappuram districts.
An expo featuring 50 wild tuber varieties from forest and 60 paddy varieties
from Wayanad was also held.
The Minister also released the books titled "The Taste of the Wild- An
Inventory on Ethnic Food and Wild Edibles" and "Revitalizing tribal
traditions: Initiatives for Sustainable Vikasit Bharat" at the function.
The Tribal Heritage Project focused on value addition and fortification,
developing products from underutilized locally available resources like
tubers, fruits, and medicinal plants.
The project has made a significant impact on tribal communities in Kerala by
focusing on the preservation of traditional knowledge, empowerment of
tribes, conservation of indigenous flora and practices, economic growth, and
the promotion of indigenous practices and products.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct. 16: Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr
Jitendra Singh will address around 300 beneficiaries, including artisans and farmers, from
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities who have received support
from various projects launched by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council- Rajiv
Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB) and Swadeshi Science Movement-Kerala
(SSM-K) at RGCB campus here on October 17.
The 'SC/ST Farmers and Artisans Meet' under the Science and Technology Innovation
Programme, to be held at 12.15 pm, is jointly organized BRIC-RGCB, SSM-K and Vijnana
Bharathi. Dr Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, BRIC-RGCB, will preside over the function.
The event will see convergence of 100 beneficiaries of BRIC-RGCB's Tribal Heritage
Project and 200 SC artisans of SSM-K's SC Hub project. Both these projects are funded by
the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to document the
traditional knowledge of tribals and empower their livelihood.
An expo featuring 50 wild tuber varieties from forest and 60 paddy varieties from
Wayanad will also be held.
RGCB had launched Tribal Heritage Project to support the traditional enterprises of tribal
communities in Idukki, Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram districts, as part of the
Government of India's Science Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI) to preserve the
country's rich tribal heritage and ethnic knowledge. The major objective of the project is
to protect the tribal heritage through various scientific interventions with the
participation of tribal communities.
On the occasion, Dr Singh will do online launch of six community enterprise units under
BRIC-RGCB's project, besides launching three ethnic food processing units.
The Minister will also release the books, titled "The Taste of the Wild- An Inventory on
Ethnic Food and Wild Edibles" and "Revitalizing tribal traditions: Initiatives for
Sustainable Vikasit Bharat" at the function.
The Tribal Heritage Project focused on value addition and fortification, developing
products from underutilized locally available resources like tubers, fruits, and medicinal
plants.
As part of the project, around 20 community enterprises based on traditional skills and
wisdom integrated with modern science have been established. The groups are producing
and selling more than 40 different products including plant saplings, NTFP products, food
products, and medicinal products. It also includes ethnic food processing units making
value-added products from wild tubers and fruits.
The project has made a significant impact on tribal communities in Kerala by focusing on
the preservation of traditional knowledge, empowerment of tribes, conservation of
indigenous flora and practices, economic growth, and the promotion of indigenous
practices and products.
Through extensive fieldwork and interventions, the project has successfully documented
and revitalized tribal traditions, resulting in the establishment of community enterprises
and the empowerment of over 425 tribal families.
Dr Jitendra Singh inauguration program
Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, visited RGCB and interacted with faculty. Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director RGCB, briefed him about the ongoing research programs at RGCB, followed by an interactive session with the Minister. We thank the Hon'ble Minister for his valuable time and also for providing critical suggestions and feedback on our various research programs.
RGCB assigned responsibility for DNA testing of Wayanad landslide victims: The DNA samples of deceased people in Wayanad's Chooralmala and Mundakkaya landslides will be tested at #RGCB hereafter. The decision is finalised after complains were raised against ongoing tests at Kannur Regional Forensic Lab. Home Secretary has ordered to immediately handover all the DNA samples and related documents possessed by Kannur Forensic Lab to RGCB in order to complete the testing process in a timely manner. Wayanad Collector has been assigned to assist RGCB in the process.
Visit of Indian delegation along with Shri Narendra Modi, Honorable Prime Minister of our nation, at the QUAD Moonshot Cancer Dialogue at Wilmington, DE, USA on 21st September. Dr Devasena Anantharaman, Scientist F, BRIC-RGCB, was part of the delegation. It was a proud moment for RGCB. The delegation had a discussion with Mr Joe Biden, the Honorable President of the USA and Mr Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India
Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director RGCB, was the Chief Guest at CSIR-CEERI Pilani's 72nd Foundation Day. On the dias, Dr. P C Panchariya, Director CEERI (on the left), Dr Kannan Srinivasan, Director CSIR-CSMCRI,Bhavnagar (second from right), and Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu (Extreme right).
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved a new scheme, 'Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE), with a new component, namely Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry.
The proposed outlay for the implementation of the unified scheme 'Bio-RIDE' is Rs.9197 crore during the 15th finance Commission period from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
As the new BioE3 Policy seeks to place India at the forefront of the next industrial revolution, the scientific community today foresaw the prospect of massive investments for innovation that can help the bioeconomic sector achieve a growth of Rs 25 lakh-crore by 2030.
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) began groundwork on initiating Kerala's shift from chemical-based industries into bio-manufacturing hubs that power the country's economy while tackling the challenges of food, energy and climate.
Dr Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of the Thiruvananthapuram-based RGCB, hailed the proposed shift from chemical-based industries to bio-manufacturing hubs. The institution will organise a string of programmes across Kerala to create awareness about BioE3 among various stakeholders, he revealed.
At a panel discussion today with participation from top officials of Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Thiruvananthapuram-based RGCB expressed pleasuring in leading Kerala towards the implementation of the path-breaking BioE3 policy. Approved last weekend, the policy, which stands for biotechnology for economy, employment and environment, aims to use the power of bio-manufacturing for a cleaner and greener India.
Marking the start of a state-wide drive featuring workshops and discussions around BioE3, experts at today's huddle noted that the policy will prove to be a major stride in the country's efforts to achieve carbon-neutrality. Participants at a 90-minute hybrid interaction at KRIBS BioNest Campus here noted that the new policy will enable industries to meet the country's growing demands for food and fuel while augmenting employment opportunities.
Dr Praveen Roy of DST's TTI (Technology, Translation and Innovation) Division highlighted the significance of the ambitious paradigm shift from chemical-based production to bio-based production. "This will accelerate the country's journey towards carbon neutrality. As the new policy will introduce bio-economy and bio-manufacturing, bio-AI hubs also will be established in areas such as gene therapy, food-processing and big data analysis," he said.
Explaining the details related to BioE3, RGCB senior scientist Dr Santhosh Kumar T.R. noted that the policy gives a lot of growth potential for startups, along with small and medium enterprises. "The collaboration between the research sector and the industrial enterprises is going to bring about a revolutionary change," he added, emphasising the futuristic role of public-private partnerships in helping enterprises overcome certain practical difficulties in the implementation of the policy.
The session, moderated by KRIBS Bionest CEO Dr K Ampady, was also addressed by scientists Dr Pramod S (DST) and Dr Shardul Rao (DST).
The experts also answered queries raised by startups on issues such as funding for bio-startups, collaboration with research institutes, various kinds of permissions and ways to take forward innovations to commercially-viable products.
Nellara Pattika Varga Kashaka Sangam, a community enterprise supported under the DST Tribal Heritage Project, was honored this year with the Kerala State Government Award for their exemplary efforts in conserving traditional crops and associated heritage, bestowed by the Department of Agriculture. Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, the Director of RGCB, officially inaugurated the conservation plot and nursery for wild edibles established at Nellarachal, Muttil Gram Panchayat, Wayanad on September 18th of the previous year. The RGCB family extends their heartfelt congratulations to the group of farmers for this well-deserved recognition of their dedication and hard work.
RGCB is very happy to share the news that Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, RGCB, has been selected for the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam National Award given by APJ Abdul Kalam Study Centre.
Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Suresh Gopi today said he would take up with the Centre the need to expedite the ambitious projects of the campus-II of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) at Aakkulam here as a hub of advanced medical research and medicine development.
After a visit to the campus and extensive interaction with the Director and senior scientists, Shri Suresh Gopi said he would take up with the ministers concerned the need to fast-track the path-breaking projects undertaken by RGCB's campus-II, including that of setting up a referral hospital for cancer patients needing palliative care.
RGCB is an institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
"I came here for a 30-minute session with the institute's scientists. But it went on for two-and-a-half hours. Many people do not know about the advanced scientific research projects taken up by the institute and its competence and efficiency," Shri Suresh Gopi said.
Shri Suresh Gopi said he would take up issues relating to the development of the campus with Union Minister for Science and Technology & Minister of Health Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh.
Also, he will take up with Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda the RGCB's proposal to set up a referral hospital and request Union Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman to provide adequate funds for the project.
The minister also recalled the service rendered by RGCB during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially as a leading swab testing facility from which the society benefited significantly at the time.
Emphasising that the campus needs to be a green one, the Minister also planted a flower-tree and named it 'Kasturba.' He assured adequate support to plant more trees on the campus.
RGCB's campus-II, located about 10km from the campus 1 in the city, is the hub for research on vaccines and immune-therapeutics, molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, chemical and nano-biotechnology, and tropical disease biology. It is a unique knowledge centre for mid and high-level innovation founded on deep and advanced-level technical platforms.
RGCB Director Dr Chandrabhas Narayana said the interaction with the Union Minister was highly engaging and fruitful.
Shri Suresh Gopi showed keen interest in various pioneering projects of the campus that will benefit the society and pledged his support for their realisation.
He said the Minister was briefed on the RGCB's proposal to develop a 150 to 200 bed referral hospital in PPP model for cancer patients, especially those needing palliative care. The project, envisaged as a facility with ICU-convertible beds, is estimated to cost Rs 400 crore.
Prof Narayana said the Minister also promised to look into a proposal to develop the campus as an international medical tourism hub with advanced facilities to hold international medical events and conferences.
"Medical tourism concentrating on traditional medicine can be augmented by testing of patient samples from the baseline test like regular blood parameters to high-end proteomics, metabolomics, genomics etc. The Ministry of Tourism could extend all the support for carrying forward this initiative," Prof Narayana said.
The institute is developing facilities like an amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 2500 to conduct national and international events.
Another major project that came up during the interaction was that of intervention in the health of tribal communities to address genetic health issues found among them. For this, RGCB has a project of preparing a health card for tribal people with genetic features recorded in them.
While stroke has emerged as one of the leading causes of death globally, the genetic factors of different ethnic groups and regional disparities in comorbidities play a critical role in influencing the burden of the disease, says a study conducted by RGCB here.
"The underlying genetic factors are very critical in determining and defining the regional variations in influencing the stroke and its comorbidities which, in turn, can define the burden of stroke," observes the study conducted by researcher Moinak Banerjee, who is associated with Neurobiology Division of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (BRIC-RGCB).
The research, published in the prestigious biomedical publication eLife, demonstrated that metabolic risk in America and Europe and vascular risk in Asian and African regions are the major drivers for stroke risk, in a proof that the stroke and its comorbid factors show strong regional disparities and ethnic and region-specific genetic factors. Comorbidities in stroke can amplify the risk of stroke and its outcome.
The findings of the study, one of the largest ever performed globally covering 204 countries, were based on the data collected from 2009-19 for stroke and its major comorbid risk. A total of eleven diseases were studied, and these included overall stroke, its subtypes ischemic stroke (IS), intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), along with its comorbid factors like ischemic heart disease(IHD), diabetes type 1 &type 2, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, high body mass index (BMI), and high LDL cholesterol.
Stroke affected over 101 million people worldwide and caused over 6.55 million deaths in 2019, making it one of the leading causes of mortality.
RGCB Director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana said it is an important study that can significantly contribute to the prevention and management of the stroke, as it views the disease from population point of view.
The study points out that majority of the public health researchers interpret the burden of stroke from socio-economic perspective while biomedical researchers investigate stroke in isolation.
"We demonstrate that the stroke and its comorbid factors show strong regional disparities. Comorbidities in stroke can amplify the risk of stroke and its outcome. Thus, prevention of stroke needs to mainly focus on the management of its comorbid factors and reduce the burden of these factors," it points out, signifying population-specific risk.
The study stressed the need for understanding the epidemiological observation for major condition or its comorbid conditions from its genetic viewpoint, which can help health policymakers to understand the areas of concern.
The last of the series of event organized on the occasion of the International Women's Day (IWD) was celebrated at RGCB on 20th April 2024. In recognition of the fact that breast cancer is the leading cancer site in women of our country today, and early detection will help us save lives, the changing lifestyle remains an important risk factor RGCB focussed on education and self-awareness around these themes. With the support of Snehita Women's Health Foundation, a Thiruvannathapuram-based non-profit voluntary organization, breast awareness and a clinical breast examination camp were arranged at the main campus of RGCB. The camp saw active participation from women across all strata; a total of 125 participants benefited from this drive. The camp was well appreciated by the participants.
Link to the cover page: "https://pubs.acs.org/toc/nalefd/24/12
Link to the article: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c03247
In an age of scientific advancement, women need to take up unique fields as well as learn how to manage emotional intelligence to become empowered themselves, said Dr Tessy Thomas, eminent scientist and the former Director General of Aeronautical Systems, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Dr Thomas was delivering a lecture on 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' as part of the lecture series organised to mark International Women's Day 2024 celebrations of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) on its campus at Jagathy here today.
Currently, the Vice Chancellor of Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Kumarakovil, Tamil Nadu, Dr Thomas was the Project Director for the Agni-IV missile in DRDO and the Project Director (Mission) for the long-range AGNI-5 system.
Known as the 'Missile Woman' of India, she is the first woman scientist to head a missile project in India.
RGCB Director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana welcomed the gathering.
Referring to women's strengths, Dr Thomas said that though women possess unique capabilities like dedication, responsibility, commitment, and passion, their emotional intelligence has to be strengthened to tackle situations that arise in their distinct careers.
She said emotional intelligence is the ability to simultaneously react by keeping one's feelings and responding to others reasonably in challenging situations.
"A woman has to be self-empathetic, self-esteemed, fully committed and aware of situations along with her technical knowhow and leadership qualities. Then she can be an empowered person," Dr Thomas said.
According to her, a woman's intuitive capability and self-confidence are of great importance in her growth.
Noting that there are a lot of opportunities for women within DRDO, the scientist recalled her association with her illustrious peers and personalities like Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who had instilled in her ample courage and motivation to work.
Commenting on giving equity and respect to the girl child, she said it has to be started within the family to progress in educational institutions and should be promoted at the career level.
In his address, Prof Narayana urged students and researchers to emulate Dr Tessy Thomas by giving cent per cent dedication to their respective fields to emerge as well-known experts.
The RGCB family is deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. A Sukumaran Nair, the Founder Director of the organization. He was also the former Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.
Dr Karthik Subramanian, Scientist, Pathogen Biology Program, has been selected as an Early Career Board (ECB) member of the journal "ACS Infectious Disease"
Dr. Arya Aravind, Veterinary Medical Officer, Animal Research Facility, was honored with the Prof. TV Anil Kumar Comparative Medicine Award for the Best Laboratory Animal Veterinarian of Kerala for the Year 2023 at the Indian Veterinary Association (IVA) Kerala Annual Convention, Colligo - 2 held on 28 th & 29th December 2023 at Das Continental, Thrissur.
Dr K R Mahendran, has been selected as a member of the National Committee for the IUPAB : 01-01-2024
Dr K R Mahendran, Scientist, Transdisciplinary Biology Program, has been selected as a member of the National Committee for the International Union of Pure & Applied Biophysics (IUPAB) for the term of January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026, reconstituted by the Indian National Science Academy
Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, has been selected as the Chairman of the National Committee of International Science Council for the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) for the term of January 1, 2024 - December 31. Indian National Science Academy (INSA) is the adhering organization of IUCr in India, and INSA made the recommendations.
The Kerala State Cabinet announced the formation of a Centre of Excellence in Microbiome. This will be a joint initiative of RGCB, Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), and Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment(KSCSTE). Dr. Sabu Thomas, Former Faculty RGCB, is the founding director of the center.
A state-of-the-art bio-safety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory
under Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) began functioning today, bringing in
a new-age facility for research on viruses with high potential for life-threatening diseases.
This is a dedicated modular-type BSL-3 laboratory being commissioned in southern India,
coming after, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (Hyderabad), Indian Institute of
Science (Bangalore) and Manipal Centre for Virus Research.
While the country has laboratories functioning exclusively on research of disease-causing
microbes, the BSL-3 category implies those facilities carrying out studies on risk group-3
agents that can trigger severe/fatal ailments but with less potential to spread as an
epidemic, revealed RGCB BSL-3 laboratory in charge Dr Rajesh Chandramohanadas.
Labs need to be of BSL-3 standard for research on disease-causing microbes such as
coronavirus, some varieties of influenza virus and mycobacterium tuberculosis. Such
facilities follow protocols that contain dangerous viruses through infrastructure and
engineering devices besides guaranteeing the safety of those working in the lab.
BSL-3 labs focally promotes research on epidemics, molecular medicines and
biotechnology, while also ensuring instruments for diagnosis of diseases as well as
facilities to develop medicines and their tests. These will guard people against new and
recurring viral diseases, Dr Chandramohanadas pointed out.
The BSL-3 lab at RGCB will function in association with other high-profile research
institutes, government agencies and international organisations to contribute to medical
studies amid efforts to enable the public guard against potential epidemics.
The 1990-instituted RGCB is an autonomous institute under the union government's
Department of Biotechnology.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has merged 14 autonomous institutions under it into an apex body called the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), which will help to streamline governance and outcomes in related research activities. BRIC was registered as an autonomous institute on November 10, 2023. The BRIC is officially launched today at the Annual General Meeting of the Society presided by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology in the presence of Dr. Rajesh S Gokhale, Secretary DBT and Directors' of all the fourteen AI's of DBT.
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has announced that it will assist all district and taluk hospitals and family groups in Kerala to identify rare paediatric genetic diseases and provide them free genetic testing, support and counselling for these conditions affecting children.
This was announced by RGCB Director Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, while hosting an awareness programme on Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders to celebrate International Children's Day. "By organising this awareness programme, RGCB tries to fulfil the mandate of International Children's Day on the right to life, health, education and family life," he added. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare statistics, around 72 to 96 million people suffer from some form of rare condition in India. There are reported 7,000 rare conditions but as per the ICMR's National Registry for Rare Diseases, only 4,000 rare diseases have so far been reported in the country. Reports indicate that 80 per cent of rare diseases are genetic in origin, of which 70 per cent start in childhood.
"It is extremely important that these issues are understood, discussed and addressed by conducting awareness campaigns. It is heartening to note that Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, has initiated a nationwide mission mode programme on Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders (http://praged.cdfd.org.in/), of which RGCB is an integral part," Prof. Narayana said, expressing his full support to achieve the objectives of the project.
RGCB principal investigator Dr Moinak Banerjee appealed to all segments of society to be a part of this mission either through clinical support group, family support group or volunteer support group to address the unique needs of children facing these rare conditions. On the occasion, Dr K. Thangaraj, Programme Coordinator and former Director, CDFD, Hyderabad, shared his extensive experience on population genetics and its significance in resolving rare disease condition.
The event was attended by several collaborating paediatricians and paediatric neurologists who shared their clinical experience on challenges in diagnosing rare paediatric disorders and the way forward. A short documentary, "Vision of the Blind Lady", a brainchild of a passionate scientist, was also screened to spread awareness.
Hearty congratulations to Rakesh S Laishram, Scientist, Cardiovascular Diseases & Diabetes Biology Program RGCB for his selection to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) as a fellow (FNASc) for his outstanding contributions in our undertaking of eukaryotic post-transcriptional gene regulation. His work has discovered the novel regulatory functions of non-genomic polyadenylation in diverse biological processes.
Kerala Academy of Sciences conferred an honorary fellowship (honoris causa) to Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director RGCB. This was conferred by Shri. Arif Mohammad Khan, the honorable Governor of Kerala, in a function held at NIIST auditorium, Thiruvananthapuram, on 25th October 2023. KAS recognizes the scientists who have made outstanding contributions to science with the honorary fellowship.
Centre of Excellence in Microbiome: The Government of Kerala has decided to set up a Centre of Excellence in Microbiome with the support and partnership with the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB). The proposed centre will be set up under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment. Dr Sabu Thomas Former faculty of will be the first director of the centre. The centre will carry out research in six domains such as human microbiome, animal microbiome, plant microbiome, aquatic microbiome, environmental microbiome and data labs. The laboratory for initial research activities will be set up at an RGCB-BIC campus located at KINFRA park, Kazhakootam
Six-day workshop organized by RGCB in association with IUIS, IIS, and FIMSA "Immuno-India 2023: Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Responses" started on 1 st October,2023 with an inaugural lecture by Dr. Shekhar Mande, Former DG, CSIR. Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director RGCB welcomed the gathering and introduced the speaker.
The self-contained mobile virology testing unit of RGCB is flagged off on 14 September, 2023 by Mrs. Veena George, Hon'ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of Kerala, in the presence of Mr.Mohammed Hanish IAS, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, GoK, Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director , Mr. S. Mohanan Nair, Chief Controller , Dr. Radhakrishnan R Nair, Scientist -In-Charge, Laboratory Medicine & Molecular Diagnostics (RGCB-LMMD), Mr. R Kumar, Deputy Controller of Finance and Dr R.Ashok, Consultant RGCB-MLS
This mobile unit will be operated by a highly experienced staff with over eight years of expertise in molecular diagnostics from RGCB-LMMD. The unit is equipped with cutting-edge machinery capable of performing several viral tests and also perform testing for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogenic organisms, as well as assess food quality. The equipment inventory includes PCR machines, gel documentation systems, workstations, high-speed refrigerated centrifuges, minus 80degree freezers, refrigerators, DNA/RNA extracting machines, and an autoclave, among others. It serves as a self-contained and fully functional diagnostic laboratory. The mobile virology lab is tethered through the internet to RGCB for speedy data analysis and dissemination of results immediately upon authorization.
A team of researchers at RGCB has found that dengue, a
recurring tropical disease that witnesses an outbreak in the monsoon, becomes more
severe and hostile in animal models when its virus (DENV) while being grown in
mosquito-derived cells is exposed to higher environmental temperature.
The ground-breaking research, which can phenomenally help in predicting and mitigating
the severity and virulence of dengue, has assumed critical importance as it seeks to
establish the impact of global warming on the disease, with an estimated global disease
burden of 390 million cases per year (WHO).
"Dengue being a mosquito-transmitted disease, the ability of the causative virus to grow
in the cells of mosquito as well as in human is a critical factor in viral virulence. The body
temperature of mosquitoes is not constant as in higher animals and it increases or
decreases with the environmental temperature," says Dr. Easwaran Sreekumar, the team
leader of the research that has been published recently in the prestigious The Federation
of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) journal of America.
"So far it is not known whether the higher temperature growth condition will affect the
virulence of the virus. For the first time, our recent study points that there is such a
possibility. DENV cultured at a higher temperature in mosquito cells was significantly
more virulent than the virus grown at a lower temperature," point out the researchers.
The team of researchers at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) here comprised
Ayan Modak, Srishti Rajkumar Mishra, Mansi Awasthi, Sreeja Sreedevi, Archana Sobha,
Arya Aravind, Krithiga Kuppusamy, and Easwaran Sreekumar.
"In seasons of enhanced environmental temperature, with intermittent rainfalls
promoting mosquito growth, there is a chance of emergence of more virulent dengue
virus and severe disease conditions. In the dengue outbreaks happening in various parts
of the country, this aspect has never been looked into. Our study alludes to the growing
implications of global warming and its possible effects on infectious disease dynamics,"
the researchers added.
It was earlier observed that a relatively higher environmental temperature shortens the
incubation period of the virus in mosquitoes, resulting in an increase in human
transmission.
RGCB Director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana said the researchers have been making efforts
to understand why dengue becomes serious at times. "But even after decades of research,
there are still no effective vaccines or antivirals to control or prevent the recurring
disease. This study has major implications in predicting severity of dengue outbreaks."
The study was conducted in a mouse model, where the virulent strain obtained from the
higher temperature growth caused enhanced presence of viruses in the blood,
haemorrhage, severe tissue changes in vital organs such as heart, liver, and kidney, which
are the hallmarks of the disease, and even death.
Dengue is a viral infection caused by DENV and transmitted to humans through the bite of
infected mosquitoes. Globally, the incidence of dengue is on the rise over the years, with a
corresponding increase in the disease severity and fatality. While in majority of the
patients, the disease is mild and self-limiting; in some patients, it causes life-threatening
thrombocytopenia (extremely low platelet count in blood) and shock syndrome.
The RGCB family is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Padma Shri Prof. M.R.S Rao, Professor and Former President, JNCASR, Bengaluru and former Professor IISc. He was associated with RGCB in several capacities: Chairman faculty selection committee, and member Scientific Advisory Committee. Dr Rao also delivered the foundation day lecture on 19th November 2021. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.
The first comprehensive Bio-safety Level-3 Laboratory at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) here has been approved by Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, to carry out research activities involving live infectious organisms classified as BSL-3 agents, such as SARS-CoV-2 and avian influenza. RGCB's BSL-3 modular facility has been set up at its new campus located at Aakkulam. RGCB Director Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana said the new BSL-3 Lab will foster collaborations across industry, academia and clinical partners to develop novel drugs and vaccines against pathogens of regional relevance. "The laboratory will also serve as a core platform to undertake ground-breaking research on zoonotic infectious agents and pathogen adaptations towards future pandemic preparedness," he added.
RGCB and Kerala Startup Mission joined hands again for BioNest. A revamped beginning for the Biotech startup ecosystem at KRIBS-BioNest, Kochi. RGCB Director, Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, and Kerala Startup Mission CEO, Mr. Anoop Ambika signed the renewed MoU on 19-04-2023. Mr. S Mohanan Nair, Chief Controller, Dr. T.R Santhosh Kumar, Scientist, Dr. N.P Anish, Officer in charge, BioNest, Mr. Sathi Chandran, Finance officer (from RGCB), Mr. B Sreekumaran Nair Secretary and Registrar, and Aswathy V, Project Assistant (from Kerala Startup Mission) were presented in the occasion.
Dr. Saraswati Nayar, Program Scientist, Plant Biotechnology & Disease Biology program,RGCB won the prestigious INSA Young Scientist award.
Dr. Nayar demonstrated for the first time the LONELY GUY, a putative cytokinin activating enzyme, has a role in cell division, cell growth, and chloroplast function of Chlorella. LONELY GUY's overexpression led to the formation of a stay-green phenotype and a high biomass-producing strain in Chlorella. She also characterized a MADS box transcription factor (TF) for the first time in Coccomyxa subellipsoidea , a unicellular green microalga. She discovered that this TF homodimerizes to localize precisely in the nucleus.
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) opened a Science Museum at Meppadi in Wayanad district, carrying forward the Union government’s objective to promote scientific approach among the students as well as local communities.
RGCB Director Dr Chandrabhas Narayana handed over the state-of-the-art facility to the Principal of the Government Higher Secondary School, Shri Moncy Joseph. It is among the 75 such museums the Centre has planned as part of nation-wide Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav which also promotes public awareness about scientific intervention through bio-resources.
The museum, which was developed and guided by Dr Narayana with core focus on biotechnology, has been conceived to reach out to students to inspire them for a career in science while celebrating the history and future of research as well as innovation in the country. With a view to providing updates on new scientific discoveries, the museum has the potential to attract students to the field of research in science and technology.
Dr Narayana said Covid-19 has kindled unprecedented interest among common people on biotechnology. Noting that the new museum goes beyond conventional features, he pointed out that "it, for instance, features the model of a body to show all its functions," at the function in Meppadi on Wednesday. "Our idea is to inculcate scientific temper among the public at large, with the Department of Biotechnology cooperating with RGCB in the project."
The function was followed by a science workshop for students. It was led by experts Dr T.R. Santhosh Kumar, Dr Sabu Thomas and Dr Tessy Thomas.
The museum, besides displaying a variety of research equipment, will host lectures, seminars, scientific camps and outreach programmes at its premises. The highlights of the facility include videos, posters and graphic representations of research findings, global research scenario and bio-resources management including plant tissue culture and GM crops. It also displays instrument used in biotechnology applications and research, lending the ambience of a well-equipped laboratory.
The RGCB, headquartered in the state capital, is an autonomous institute under Union government’s Department of Biotechnology. With ‘Discoveries for a better tomorrow’ as its mission, the centre strives for sustainable use of resources through biotechnological interventions for the socio-economic growth of the region.
The state-of-the-art Science Museum developed by the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) at the Government Higher Secondary School at Meppadi in Wayanad district will be dedicated on January 18, which is one of the 75 such museums planned as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav across the country to promote scientific temperament among students.
RGCB Director Prof Dr Chandrabhas Narayana will hand over the museum to the school authorities at a function on the campus at 9.30 am, which will be followed by a science workshop for students. The project has been envisaged and implemented by RGCB and the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, with the objective of promoting a scientific approach among the students and the local community, besides creating general awareness about scientific intervention through bio-resources.
Conceived and developed under the guidance of Prof Narayana, the museum, which has its special focus on biotechnology, will reach out to students to inspire them for a career in science and technology while celebrating the history and future of research as well as innovation in the country. "Wayanad is one of the prime biodiversity hotspots of the Western Ghats. It is also an important region of tribal population where ethnic culture and invaluable traditional knowledge are preserved. This is why Wayanad was chosen under the project," said Prof Narayana.
Besides displaying a variety of research equipment, lectures, seminars, scientific camps and outreach programmes will be organised as part of the activities of the museum for the benefit of students, teachers and the local community. The highlights of the museum include video screening, display of posters and graphical representations of research findings, global research scenario and bio resources management including plant tissue culture, GM crops.
Every instrument used in Biotechnology applications and research are exhibited, most of which are in working condition, giving the museum the ambience of a well-equipped laboratory. This museum will be instrumental in fostering scientific temperament among students in the region, where RGCB will make several outreach activities to promote it in all aspects. The RGCB, Thiruvananthapuram, is an autonomous institute under Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, with the mission on 'Discoveries for a better tomorrow' and their sustainable use through biotechnological interventions for the socio-economic growth of the region.
Dr Dhanya R, ICMR-DHR Young Scientist (Mentor: Dr Rakesh S. Laishram, Scientist E-II), Cardiovascular Diseases & Diabetes Biology Program, RGCB won Kerala State Young Scientist Award-2022 by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).
The Award carries cash award of Rs. 50,000/-, Chief Minister's Gold Medal, research grant up to Rs. 50 lakh and travel support for a visit abroad for presenting the research work at a conference. The Award will be given by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Kerala on the 12th February 2023, during the inaugural session of the 35th Kerala Science Congress at Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering, Kuttikkanam.
The prestigious Kerala state young scientist award has been given for the contributions in the field of Health science. We developed cardiomyocytes or heart cells from skeletal muscle stem cells (satellite cells) by transcriptional reprogramming. The satellite cell derived cardiomyocytes possess the migratory characteristic of satellite cells and functional properties of cardiomyocytes. These cells, when injected into the systemic circulation of myocardial injured animal models, migrate to the myocardial injury site, get intercalated with the resident cardiomyocytes and improve the cardiac functional parameters. In humans, about 1 billion cells die during a heart attack or myocardial infarction which will not regenerate to cope with the loss, but heals by forming scar tissue. This compromises the cardiac contractility and can eventually lead to cardiac failure. Currently, no therapies are available to induce formation of cardiomyocytes in damaged hearts, the only feasible remedy is transplantation. This revolutionary conceptualization will raise the possibility of reprogrammed satellite cell based therapies for cardiac repair.
Dr. Karthika Rajeeve, Scientist EI, Pathogen Biology Program
RGCB, recently featured in She Sight magazine
Dr. Chandra
Vadhana interviewed Dr. Karthika and the link to the YouTube
interview is here
Dr. Karthika Rajeeve, Scientist EI, Pathogen Biology program, was
selected for the Ben Barres Spotlight Award 2022.
Ben Barres Spotlight Awards
The Hindu
Dr. Priya Srinivas, Scientist G, Cancer Research program, selected for the Short Term ICMR-DHR International Fellowship for Senior Scientists (2022-23)
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announces India's first indigenously developed vaccine, "Ceravac" for the prevention of cervical cancer The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is contributing significantly to determining the efficacy of Cervavac, India's first indigenously developed vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer, the second-most prevalent cancer among women in the country. Cervavac was developed by the Serum Institute of India in coordination with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). "RGCB, as the scientific partner and stakeholder in this effort, has made significant contributions to the country's determined efforts to eliminate cervical cancer," its director Prof Chandrabhas Narayana said. "The RGCB laboratory for HPV testing facility is qualified as per international standards set by the WHO."
At the launch function in the national capital, Dr. Devasena Anantharaman, the scientist who is heading the project at RGCB was invited as an expert to discuss the current status of HPV diagnostics and the future directions for academic research in this area. Dr. Anantharaman said vaccination against HPV is the most effective intervention for preventing cervical cancer. "Vaccines mimic natural infections resulting in the development of specific antibodies. In the case of the qHPV vaccine also, the efficacy is measured by the development of antibodies against each type of HPV present in the vaccine," she pointed out. Various online and print media gave wide coverage to the contribution by RGCB
Various online and print media gave wide coverage to the contribution by RGCB.
Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) is an innovative Pilot Project launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). It ushers a novel intervention programme for promoting gender equity in science and technology.Project GATI was one of the three initiatives of DST announced on 28 February 2020, the National Science Day, by the Hon’ble President of India at a celebratory programme dedicated to Women in Science held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.RGCB is one among the 30 institutions in the country to be selected to implement GATI charter in the first phase.
RGCB conducted an awareness program on GATI ( Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) initiative. The morning lecture was delivered by Dr. Navjot Khosa IAS, The Hon. District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram. Earlier, Professor Chandrabhas Narayana welcomed the gathering, and Dr. Devasena Ananatharaman, co-ordinator RGCB-GATI, briefly explained the program.The afternoon lecture was delivered by Dr. Divya S.Iyer IAS, The Hon. District Collector of Pathanamthitta. Earlier, Dr. Priya Srinivas, Scientist and member of the RGCB-GATI team welcomed the gathering. Mr. Rajasekharan K, Deputy General Manager proposed the vote of thanks.
On June 27th, World Microbiome Day Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of RGCB (DBT, Govt. of India) released the first copy of the Book on Human Microbiome: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Interventions Edited by Dr. Sabu Thomas and team- Drs. Aparna Shankar, Lekshmi N, Karthika S & Ms. Merin Paul, in the presence of Dr. T.R. Santhosh Kumar (Dean) and Mr. S. Mohanan Nair (Chief Controller).
27th June is celebrated as world microbiome day. The
Theme for World Microbiome Day 2022 is "Celebration of The
Microbial World" (https://worldmicrobiomeday.com/). On this
occasion Dr. Sabu Thomas, Scientist F, RGCB wrote an editorial to
create awareness in the general public.
Click
Here
Dr.Rakesh Singh Laishram, Scientist E-II and Swarnajayanti Fellow, Cardiovascular Biology Program selected as a member in the prestigious Guha Research Conference (http://115.111.90.204/node/1)
'Gau Mitra' app is developed by Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology with the grant in aid support from DST, Govt. of India under its SHRI program. This app is intended to help farmers to identify primary health problems in cattle and their treatment based on Ethno-veterinary practices. The formal launching of the app was held at Paramoola Kurichya Tharavad, Peechamkode, Wayanad by Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director RGCB on 8th May 2022. The tribal farmer Shri Balan received the logo of the app 'Gau Mitra' app can be downloaded from Playstore. (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rgcb.app). Dr. Archana S, Manager, Veterinary services, RGCB explained the usage of the App to the Farmers during the meeting.
More Details on APP
Ethno-veterinary practice (EVP) by plant species has been utilized for centuries as a primary source of prevention and control of livestock diseases. The knowledge, skills, methods, practices and beliefs of botanicals have been chaotic, semi formalized and transferred vocally among various ethnic communities for traditional animal health care. The day-to-day practices of traditional knowledge revolve around the remarkable innovations of new herbal formulations that become an integral part of ethno-veterinary management among farmers. Many livestock owners in Kerala, who are poor and live in remote areas, use Ethno-veterinary Medicine (EVM) for the primary health care (as a first aid) of their animals.
To promote the ethno veterinary medicine among dairy farmers RGCB's tribal heritage project team conducted extensive field survey and documented ethno veterinary practices of various tribal communities in Idukki and Wayanad districts. From the documented ethno veterinary medicine we selected 16 major diseases that affecting livestock and conducted rapid assessment of different traditional treatments and identified most effective traditional remedies for the treatment of these diseases. Mobile application is available in both English and Malayalam. Cow information, health condition assistant, herb and raw drug finder are the 3 major modules present in mobile application. Symptoms of each disease were prepared with the assistance of a veterinary doctor. In this application dairy farmers can choose a list of common symptoms. Then system will provide appropriate health condition based on selected symptoms. System will also provide details of ethno veterinary treatments used for that particular disease. It includes image of herbs or raw drug used for Ethno veterinary medicine, method of preparation, dosage and method of administration. 'Gau mithra' is available in playstore/ Appstore. Dairy farmers can download and use this mobile application for cattle disease identification and treatment.
Professor Mamannamana Vijayan, the doyen of crystallography research in India passed away today. He was born in Cherpu, Thrissur district of Kerala on 16 October 1941. He completed his studies at Kerala Varma College and Allahabad University. He then joined IISc Bangalore for his Ph.D. program in X-ray crystallography under the guidance of Professor MA Viswamitra. He joined the laboratory of Nobel laureate Dr. Dorothy Hodgkin at the University of Oxford. During his stay at Oxford, he has involved in the landmark paper describing the structure of insulin, which was published in nature in the year 1960. Later in 1971 and joined the Molecular Biophysics Unit of IISc and continued there to date. Undoubtedly he established protein crystallography research in India. His major areas of research were structural studies involving lectins, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and other mycobacterial proteins. His studies have opened up several avenues for structure-based inhibitor design. He has been the President of the Indian Biophysical Society, Indian National Science Academy, and founder President of the Indian Crystallographic Association. He is a member of all the three science academies in India. He received numerous awards in his career including the SS Bhatnagar award, the first GN Ramachandran Medal by INSA, Distinguished Alumni Award by IISc, Ranbaxy Research Award, Kerala Sastra Puraskaram, etc. The Government of India conferred him with Padma Shri in the year 2004. He was closely associated with KSCSTE and Kerala Biotechnology Commission and was involved in formulating the Kerala Biotechnology policy. His autobiography "A Life among Men, Women, and Molecules: Memoirs of an Indian Scientist" was published by INSA in 2020. Professor Vijayan associated with several capacities at RGCB since its beginning. His untimely demise leaves a large void in the field of Indian Science and Protein crystallography. The Director, faculties, and staff of RGCB express their great gratitude to Professor M Vijayan expresses deep sadness and sorrow for his demise and conveys deep gratitude to the bereaved family.
Dr. Malini Laloraya, Scientist G, Molecular Reproduction Division of RGCB gets the first DBT supported the project in the country on creating patient-derived endometrial organoids to use them as a tool to understand "Recurrent Implantation Failure" as embryo implantation is defined as the black box of human reproduction and is a major challenge for clinicians.
RGCB Director Professor Chandrabhas Narayana is recently featured in the FAQ program of Tatwamayi News. The interview is in Malayalam and link to the video
RGCB MLS started a nodal laboratory unit in the Taluk Hospital, Pala. The unit was inaugurated by Mr. Jose K. Mani MP in presence of professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director RGCB. This is the first center of MLS outside the Thiruvananthapuram district
Dr.S.Asha Nair Scientist F, Cancer Research Program, RGCB has been selected to be the "mentor" for the prestigious Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG) provided by DBT-BIRAC awarded to BioDimensions Technology Private Limited
A family of harmful bacteria that causes diseases like TB and leprosy has become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, and the alarming situation warrants novel strategies to control evolution of drug resistance in mycobacteria, says a study by Dr. Krishna Kurthkoti, a scientist and researcher at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB). The study, published in Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy, reveals that application of antibiotics results in a two-phase killing of bacteria, with a significant part of the population being killed rapidly while a smaller sub-population of bacteria called ‘persister’ endures the antibiotic and persist in the environment for extended periods. The persisters also get killed because they remain susceptible to antibiotics, but the killing rate is much slower. Non-compliance with the duration of antibiotic therapy results in a relapse of infection caused by the persisters. Recent reports also suggest that antibiotic persisters (APs) of mycobacteria develop resistance upon treatment with lethal doses of ciprofloxacin or rifampicin.
The research conducted in the laboratory of Dr Krishna demonstrated that the persister population of M. smegmatis generated by antibiotic treatment showed high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which consequently resulted in the rapid emergence of drug resistance to single and multiple antibiotics. Strategies to tackle drug-resistant strains include identification of new antibiotics or targeting the bacterial mechanisms that reduce the rate of evolution of resistance. “We took the second approach as identifying new and potent antibacterial antibiotics takes time and should pass rigorous safety standards before using human therapy,” said Dr Kurthkoti. The study tested the efficacy of Suramin, a WHO-approved drug used for treating Trypanasomal (sleeping sickness and river blindness) infections. It showed that a combination of Suramin during antibiotic therapy reduced the emergence rate of drug resistance in M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis under laboratory conditions. Since Suramin is already an approved drug, its repurposing to control the emergence of drug resistance would increase the life expectancy of existing drugs providing valuable time to develop and approve new antibiotics. RGCB director Dr Chandrabhas Narayana said it is a significant study as it highlights suramin's novel application as a broad-spectrum agent in combating the development of drug resistance. It will bring into focus the need to discover new antibiotics to counter the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has become a major global health concern compelling the WHO to declare that the crisis needs immediate attention. A group of six virulent and drug-resistant pathogens, Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp (ESKAPE), have been identified as the biggest threat to public health. In a recent report published in Lancet, 1.27 million deaths were directly linked to AMR bacteria, significantly more than the deaths caused by HIV/AIDS or malaria. Also, TB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis continues to be a leading cause of death, with nearly a million cases dying annually. To complicate matters, the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains resistant to frontline drugs isoniazid and rifampicin makes the course of treatment much longer. According to the WHO report on TB, India adds the maximum number of reported cases (around 2.5 million) and 124,000 cases of MDR TB. With the Central Government taking an aggressive policy to control TB, developing new therapeutics and understanding the mechanisms that cause drug resistance in mycobacteria become necessary.
Researchers at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB)
here have identified Cyclophilin A, a protein which is a known
player in several human diseases, as a potential drug target for
reducing risk of heart disease in patients with diabetes. Heart
attacks result from rupture of cholesterol plaque deposited on
walls of arteries. A tear or rupture in the plaque would activate
a repairing mechanism resulting in a blood clot. Such clots can
completely block blood flow to the heart muscle and cause a heart
attack.
"Patients with diabetes mellitus have increased
risk of vascular disease and are prone to ruptures. Our research
has shown that Cyclophilin A plays a major role in increasing the
risk," Dr. Surya Ramachandran, a program scientist with the
Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology lab, RGCB, said in a
press release here on Sunday.
Inhibitors of Cyclophilin A
would have potential use in reducing the vulnerability to heart
attacks due to plaque rupture, she said, adding: "It is also
being developed as a clinical serological marker of detecting
vascular inflammation in patients with diabetes".
RGCB
Director Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana said the research findings
with regard to the role played by Cyclophilin will provide a
better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying
cardiovascular diseases. "It will help in risk detection and
development of novel pharmacological therapies," he pointed out.
The findings of the research were recently published in
Cells, an international, peer-reviewed, open access, Journal
of cell biology. "The protein Cyclophilin A impairs the
process of prompt and efficient clearance of cells that have been
programmed to die, resulting in rapid progression of plaque
formation in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus," said Dr.
Ramachandran, explaining the science behind their research. The
clearance of dead cells and debris is critical for inflammation
resolution in patients with cardiovascular risks.
Just
like leaves that fall off a tree when they die, cells in human
body are also programmed for death and the process is known as
apoptosis, derived from a Latin word which means 'to fall off',
she said.
As in the case of every death, the dead cells
need to be taken to their graves. The dying cells express
'eat-me' signals on their surface to attract macrophages, a type
of white blood cell that removes dead cells. Cyclophilin A can
induce programmed cell death of macrophages, which interferes
with the natural process of burying of dead cells.
Globally, drug research on cyclophilin inhibitors and clinical
trials have confirmed their treatment utility in cancer, viral
infections and neurodegeneration. "Our research findings are
significant since it can lead to reduction of the risk of heart
disease in patients with diabetes," Dr Ramachandran said.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar G, Scientist G, Reproduction Biology Program, awarded Prof. G. P. Talwar Gold Medal Award - 2022. The award will be conferred during the forthcoming International Conference on Reproductive Healthcare & 32nd Annual Meeting of the Indian Society for the Study of Reproduction and Fertility (ISSRF-2022) scheduled to be held during 11th - 13th February 2022, virtually.
Dr. Malini Laloraya, Scientist G, Reproduction Biology Program, selected for Prof.P.Govindarajulu Gold Medal Oration 2020. The award will be conferred during the forthcoming annual meeting of the Society for Reproductive Biology and Comparative Endocrinology (SRBCE), to be held from 28th to 30th December 2021 at Mysore.
In a path-breaking genetic study that could significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and other medical complications, scientists of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) here have formulated a method to predict the optimal dose of an immunosuppressant drug given to kidney transplant patients.
The dose prediction study was focused on the immunosuppressant drug tacrolimus, which is given to a kidney, heart or liver transplant patient to lower the body's immunity and thereby considerably reducing the chances of organ rejection.
For maximum effectiveness, the drug level has to be maintained at an optimum concentration in the blood, especially during the initial period after transplantation.
Dr. Radhakrishnan Nair and Dr. Lekshmy Srinivas of the Division of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, RGCB, conducted the pharmacogenetic study involving patients who have undergone kidney transplantation at the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, and those who received tacrolimus as their immunosuppressant. They studied the effect of the genes and their variants which are involved in determining the drug concentrations in patients' blood.
"We developed an equation/technique that can be used by nephrologists to predict the starting dose of tacrolimus, which has to be administered to patients to attain optimal drug level in the initial period after the surgery, based on their genetic profiles," Dr. Radhakrishnan Nair said.
"This equation is specific to patients from Kerala who undergo kidney transplantation. The molecular-based method uses testing the DNA of patients for a specific variation, before transplantation surgery," Dr. Lekshmy Srinivas added.
This variation, along with their body weight, can be used to calculate the optimal starting drug dose for the patient. It will help the patients achieve optimal Tacrolimus levels post-transplantation and thus prevent the adverse effects due to overdose and rejection.
At present, the dose is calculated based on the patient's body weight. This approach can lead to a lot of variations in the drug levels.
To attain this, blood levels have to be closely monitored and drug doses adjusted, as lower levels can lead to rejection of the transplanted kidney, while higher levels can lead to undesired medical complications. Not only is this trial-and-error method of dose adjustment time-consuming and costly, but it also causes a lot of complications among the patients "Though there have been similar studies in other populations before, the predictive value of pharmacogenetic factors identified were insufficient and not much of clinical use. The new development would help prevent the adverse effects of overdose and thereby help a lot of patients," said Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, RGCB.
The pioneering study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Noble Gracious of the Department of Nephrology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. The group also discovered the genetic variants which increases the chances of rejection and adverse effects associated with the drug.
The research, which has the potential to save lives of kidney transplant patients significantly, was jointly funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and RGCB and was published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology.
A vaccine testing and research facility for a host of ailments, including cancers and infectious diseases, will be set up on the second campus of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) here, Union Minister of State (Independent charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh announced on Friday. Addressing the annual general body meeting of the RGCB held in New Delhi, he said the centre would be equipped with a BSL 3 facility for handling airborne viruses, including the one that spawned the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility would be the first of its kind in southern India. The second campus of the RGCB, to be named as "Shri Guruji Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar National Centre for Complex Disease in Cancer and Viral Infection," is expected to be ready for dedication to the nation in the next few months. The campus is coming up at Akkulam in the city. Dr. Singh, who is also the president of the RGCB Society, said the RGCB would be developed as a hub for research and testing of multiple vaccines such as cancer vaccine and those for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The Minister lauded the RGCB's model of supporting both innovative research and biotechnology incubation facility. RGCB Director Chandrabhas Narayana explained the new facilities that would be created on the new campus. He said the centre would have cutting edge technologies, therapies, clinical trials for cancer vaccines, and immune therapeutics. It would also have facilities for therapies such as stem cell replacement, gene therapy, molecular tumour, targeting, and imaging. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Vishvajit Sahay, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, DBT, Sunil Kumar, Joint Secretary, DBT, Sundeep Sarin, Scientific Coordinator for RGCB at DBT, and Shekhar C. Mande, Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, were among those attended the meeting.
The country must acknowledge the role of scientists who worked against the odds imposed during the two centuries of English rule that focussed on de-nationalising India more than colonizing it, National organizing secretary of Vijnana Bharati, Jayant Sahasrabudhe said here on Sunday. History has largely neglected the contributions of scientists towards the freedom struggle since the 1757 Battle of Plassey that gave the British East India Company a decisive victory in the subcontinent, till 1947 when the country earned Independence, he said, while delivering the 'Sir C V Raman lecture' at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB). "Those scientists strived to regain the identity of India from the hands of the invaders," Mr. Sahasrabudhe noted in his speech on 'Freedom Struggle and Science' organized on the occasion of the 133rd birthday of physicist Dr C.V. Raman. "We stand on their shoulders in our continuing efforts towards progress," he said. At the function coinciding with the 75th year of the country's Independence, Mr. Sahasrabudhe noted how the patriotic fervour exhibited by several scientists in imperial India added to the spirit of the nationalist movement. "The British implemented scientific studies in India primarily as a tool to consolidate their rule. They belittled our culture, reiterated that Sanskrit was a dead language that promoted superstitions through its literature centred around mythology," he said. He however said western thinkers such as Werner von Braun and Noam Chomsky had reiterated the richness of India's contribution to global heritage, including language and science. RGCB Director Chandrabhas Narayana presided over the function.
A compound, Uttroside-B, isolated from the leaves of a perennial shrub and a nightshade, Solanum nigrum, by a team of researchers at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology has been found to be an effective chemotherapeutic agent against liver cancer. The drug molecule Uttroside-B was isolated from the leaves of "Manathakkali", found growing wild in the backyards of houses in Kerala, by Ruby John Anto and Lekshmi R. Nath of the RGCB. The compound has received the designation of orphan drug from the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, a release issued by the RGCB said here. Orphan drug designation supports development and evaluation of new treatments for rare diseases and allows fast track approval of the drug. The technology, patented by Dr. Anto and Dr. Nath, has been bought by the U.S. pharma company QbioMed, which has already handed over the first milestone payment. The technology transfer was done through the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF).
RGCB Director Chandrabhas Narayana said the research could prove to be a major breakthrough in the treatment of liver cancer, the incidence of which had been growing in recent times. Dr. Ruby and her team are currently studying the mechanism of action of Uttroside-B and evaluating its efficacy against fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic Steato Hepatitis (NASH), and liver cancer. They have teamed up with L. Ravishankar of CSIR-NIST, who has developed a novel method to isolate the compound from the leaves of Solanum nigrum. Dr. Anto said Uttroside-B had been found to be more effective in treating liver cancer than the lone FDA-approved drug available now. Toxicity evaluation in human volunteers had shown that the compound was also effective in treating fatty liver. Recent results from her lab also indicated that the therapeutic efficacy of Uttroside-B against liver cancer could be enhanced, if used in combination with Chloroquine phosphate, a drug already in use against malaria, the release said. The research work was published in the Nature group of Journal, Scientific Reports 6:36318 doi: 10.1038/srep36318, 2016
The mechanism to crack down on corruption in India is still in a nascent stage, which needs to be strengthened with proper legislative and legal provisions to ensure probity in all domains, said Dr K Radhakrishnan, former DGP of Tamil Nadu.
He was addressing a webinar held by Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) as part of the Vigilance Awareness Week programmes, coinciding with the 146th birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The theme of this year’s Vigilance Awareness Week observance, which concluded today, was “Independent India @75: Self Reliance with Integrity”, to mark the 75th anniversary of the nation’s Independence.
Fr Dr Mathew Thengumpally CMI, Principal, Christ Nagar School Kowdiar, was the chief guest at the valedictory function, presided over by Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, Director, RGCB, Dr.S. Asha Nair, Chief Vigilance Officer and Nandkumar Nair ( Senior Manager, Security & Vigilance) were present .
The staff members of the RGCB, an autonomous research institution under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, took a pledge to work tirelessly to combat corruption.
Speaking on the topic “Vigilance Mechanism in Government of India,” Dr Radhakrishnan said the cancer of corruption is rampant in the country and the youth should come forward to wage a relentless battle against the affliction.
“The awareness against bribe should start from home and school. It should be pursued in institutions. We have to inculcate moral and ethical values among kids and change should come from one’s surroundings,” he said.
Citing the 2020 report of Berlin-based Transparency International on corruption in nations, Shri Radhakrishnan said India’s rank is 86 out of 180 nations with a score of 40.It uses a scale of zero to 100, where zero signifies the highest level of corruption and 100 is very clean. New Zealand and Denmark rank first with a scores of 88.
As part of the week-long programmes, an essay writing competition for RGCB staffs and students and interactive section for school students on the theme of the Vigilance Awareness Week was also held. Prizes were distributed for the winners of each category. The winners of the various competitions held in connection with the event were presented the prizes and certificates.
Uttroside B, a bioactive phytochemical isolated from manathakkali (Black nightshade), shows promising potential against liver cancer. Dr Ruby John Anto and the team from RGCB's Cancer Research Program characterized the compound and obtained several international patents. The technology is transferred to QBioMed, for further development and received orphan drug designation from the U.S. FDA against liver cancer. The extract of the plant is currently in a clinical trial for liver disease in two places.
Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan has lauded
Rajiv Gandhi Centre For Biotechnology (RGCB), under the
Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, for
providing all services of its Medical Laboratory for
citizens at their homes amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The
project also came in for appreciation from Health Minister
Smt. Veena George, and Minister for General Education and
Labour Shri. V.Sivankutty. They extended their greetings,
gratitude, and support to RGCB for its "Home, Clinical,
Investigation" services. Bedridden patients, senior
citizens, pregnant women, differently-abled, and kids are
eligible for clinical lab services at home. The At-Home
project of the Medical Laboratory of RGCB, launched in
association with the Health and Family Welfare Department
of the Government of Kerala, will make available for
people all laboratory services including the RT-PCR test
at the government rates at their doorsteps.
Under
the facility, all laboratory tests including RT-PCR and
Antigen tests can be done at the government rates. Special
packages are available for senior citizens at affordable
rates. Resident associations can also utilize the service.
For further information call 9895772893. RGCB's
accredited labs have sample collection units across the
Thiruvananthapuram district.
RGCB, in collaboration
with the Government of Kerala, has been doing extensive
research to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic. RGCB labs are
doing Covid-19 tests along with the Health Department
since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Dr. Karthika Rajeeve, Scientist E-I has been awarded SERB-POWER Fellowship. This fellowship is designed to identify and reward outstanding women researchers and innovators working in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories.
Dr. Karthik Subramanian got selected for the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship 2020-21 by the Department of Biotechnology,Ministry of Science and Technology Government of India.
Addressing the 13th General Body meeting of
RGCB through video conferencing, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said
RGCB's close association with multiple cancer hospitals in
Kerala is a good model that is expected to facilitate the
advanced Cell based therapy against cancer at affordable
costs to needy patients. A lead anti-cancer molecule
discovered by scientists at RGCB had been licensed to a
multinational company and was in the final stages of
pre-clinical testing at Oklahoma Medical Research
Foundation in the US, he said.
The BSL3 plus facility
being established at the Akkulam campus would undertake
natural product-based drug discovery using live virus and
carry out research on any emerging pathogen requiring high
containment.
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RGCB has transferred the technology of "COVID-Anosmia checker", a tool for Covid-19/olfactory dysfunction screening, developed by Dr Jackson James Dbt Rgcb Thiruvananthapuram to INSTIGATOR e-SUPPORTING SERVICES PRIVATE LTD, Trivandrum . Loss of smell is reported as a major symptom of COVID-19. The odor strip,"COVID-Anosmia checker", is spotted with gradients of coffee and lemon grass oil and can be used for mass screening of COVID-19. No special training is required to use this tool.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Director General Shekhar C Mande on Sunday warned that the Covid-19 crisis was far from being over and allowing a "third wave" by lowering our guard is fraught with grave consequences.The CSIR Director General was speaking on "India's response to Covid-19 from S & T perspective" at a virtual "National Science Day Lectures," organised by Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
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Dr. Renjini AP, Senior Research Associate in the Molecular Reproduction Division was awarded the Founder President Dr. T. C. Anand Kumar Young Scientist Award on her work entitled "Coordinated signaling by estrogen via ER dependent and independent mechanisms contributes to successful embryo implantation and pregnancy" in ISSRF 2021 (Virtual conference) .
The second campus of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is ready for dedication to the nation, Union Minister for Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan announced here on Friday. "I am happy to announce that this research facility will be named Shri Guruji Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar National Centre for Complex Disease in Cancer and Viral Infection," he said, while addressing a curtain-raiser session of the sixth edition of India International Science Festival (IISF).
RGCB's foundation stone was laid on November 18, 1995 by the then Prime Minister Shri P. V. Narashima Rao. To commemorate this RGCB celebrates November 18 as its Foundation Day, every year. This year happens to be the Silver Jubilee Year and it is our privilege to invite all of you for this year's Foundation Day Lecture by Professor P Balaram, Former Director, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore on November 25, 2020 at 11.00 A.M.
The Central government has appointed Professor Chandrabhas Narayana, currently Dean (Research and Development) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, as Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB). An accomplished scientist and interdisciplinary research leader, Professor Narayana succeeds Professor M. Radhakishna Pillai who retired as RGCB Director in August after a stint of over 15 years. The appointment is for a period of five years. Professor Narayana, who specialises in Raman Spectroscopy, has served as Professor of Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit and Dean, Fellowships and Extension Programmes, JNCASR. He holds three international patents, a couple of which are on the verge of commercialisation.
Dr. E.V Soniya, Scientist G has been selected by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India for the National Woman Senior Bioscientist Award. The award is in recognition for her lifetime research contributions and their application to society. The award carries a cash prize of Rupees 5 lakhs together with citation and a gold medal. Dr. Soniya has made significant contributions to understanding genomics of susceptibility of pepper to disease and also leads the DNA fingerprinting services. It was under her leadership that RGCB identified all victims of the Ochi cyclone and the Puttingal firework tragedy in record time.
http://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/default/files/Awardees_JA-NWB-2019.pdf
Dr. Rakesh Laishram, Scientist E-II & Wellcome Trust-India Alliance Intermediate Fellow has been awarded the prestigious Swarna Jayanthi Fellowship by the Department of Science & Technology. Under this scheme a selected number of young scientists, with proven track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue basic research in frontier areas of science and technology.
Dr. K R Mahendran, DBT Ramalingaswamy Faculty Fellow has got the Merck Young Scientist Award in Biological Science.The award carries a cash prize of Rupees 2 lakhs together with travel grant of Rupees 1.5 Lakhs.
Professor M. Radhakrishna Pillai, Director of Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has been selected for Sun Pharma Research Award 2019 in Medical Sciences. The Sun Pharma Research Awards are for excellence in original research work in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences by Indian Scientists working in India and abroad. The award carries a Trophy, Citation and a Cash Prize of Rs.250000/- (Rupees two lakh fifty thousand).
11.07.2019
Why bother with a master's degree? Across India, the post-graduate course has earned a slightly odd reputation. It's the scholar's stepping stone to a doctorate. It's lucrative in a handful of streams like business and development studies. But for much else it's seen as dated and out of touch with the job market.
Now, niche, post-graduate courses are fighting back. They offer interdisciplinary studies and specialisations in new domains that might help you get hired or get ahead. Industry professionals are included as faculty, and the curriculum is geared to provide hands-on experience. These are making a master's in law, arts, data analytics, data science and information technology (IT) especially productive.
The Sciences get a Boost
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) recently launched its first masters programme with a specialisation in disease biology. The institute's director M Radhakrishna Pillai says most pharma, bio-pharma and biotech industries are typically unwilling to hire masters' level students. "The companies have to invest at least two years to get them job-ready," he says.
At the institute, most master's students "come from colleges and institutes that teach in an old fashioned way, with no access to modern technology," he says. They're not prepared for the research-oriented programme and the chance to work with India's top scientists.
So at RGCB, students actually work in the labs for their MSc programme. There's a large diagnostics facility for infectious diseases and a DNA fingerprinting facility. The institute's business-development incubator, BioNest, in Kochi, has 26 start-up companies and students intern with them. "There is high demand especially in the health industry, for trained people to work in advanced clinical diagnostics labs in the hospitals. And that is exactly what we are providing," he says.
J Irene Infancy, a first year student specialising in molecular diagnostics and DNA profiling says the facilities are a boon. "Not many institutes in India offer specialisation courses in biotechnology. It's one of the main reasons I chose to study here," she says. "The MSc biotechnology course has increased my scientific temperament and critical thinking."
19.08.2019
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) is all set to
offer a new Masters programme in Biotechnology that is said
to be the sole postgraduate programme in the country that
allows students the opportunity to choose among three
specialisations - disease biology, molecular plant sciences,
and molecular diagnostics and DNA profiling.
It was
the only standalone Masters programme offered by the
Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, through
(RGCB), Sudhanshu Vrati, executive director of the RCB said.
Forty-one students have been enrolled for the first batch of
the programme from over 700 applicants from across the
country.
Launching the programme here on Saturday,
Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, said
the country currently focussed on working with global
partnerships in emerging technologies in the biotechnology
sector. Besides developing a conducive ecosystem for biotech
start-ups, the department was supporting human resource
development programmes such as the Star College scheme to
support colleges and universities in improving science
education across the country. Around 180 colleges had been
brought under the ambit of the programme. Similar schemes
were in place at levels including in postgraduation and
research. Dr. Swarup added that the department was well
ahead on its path to turn the biotechnology sector into a
$100-billion industry by 2025 in line with the National
Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-20. B. Anand,
Additional Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; RGCB
Director M. Radhakrishna Pillai; and RGCB MSc programme
course coordinator Debasree Dutta also spoke on the
occasion.
20.05.2019
The current global resurgence in measles is having its resonance in Kerala too, which has been witnessing a serious surge in the disease since January. Across the globe, huge local outbreaks have been caused by travel as well as the increase in unvaccinated populations. In Kerala, however, majority of the cases are reported from Thiruvananthapuram, which has good vaccination coverage and amongst people who are well-nourished and have received at least one dose of vaccine in their lifetime.
08.01.2019
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate India's largest innovation hub, Integrated Startup Complex, at Kalamassery in Kochi, on January 13, which promises to provide top-quality infrastructure for incubation and acceleration.
19.12.2018
DNA profiling may be a contentious issue among humans, but for Kerala's captive elephants, it's a done deal. In a first for India, every one of Kerala's captive elephants now has a unique DNA-based genetic ID. M. Radhakrishna Pillai, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), which was given the task of DNA fingerprinting the elephants, handed over the DNA database, prototypes of Unique Identification Cards, and a study report to the Forest Department's Chief Wildlife Warden P.C. Kesavan on Tuesday.
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