Author: Biotech Express

Professor Rajeev Varshney, Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation and Director of the WA State Biotechnology Centre has been included in the top percentile of 2024 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list for the 11th consecutive time. Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list, established in 2001, is a global program that identifies and celebrates the pinnacle of research impact and influence. This year, 6,886 designations were awarded to 6,636 individuals, with 313 Australian-based researchers listed. Prof Varshney who celebrates his 11th inclusion, continues to lead the way globally for crop genomics research. His work, particularly his pangenome research for…

Centuries old traditional knowledge that has been documented in many Indian ancient manuscripts or as oral transmission is still unexplored and unused, but this knowledge holds importance in various fields of science and technology. Recognizing the need of traditional knowledge and to facilitate its dissemination to masses, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), has launched the national initiative SVASTIK (Scientifically Validated Societal Traditional Knowledge) upon the call of Hon’ble PM of India Shri Narendra Modi in August 2021, which aims to disseminate India’s scientifically validated traditional knowledge to the society. Under the SVASTIK initiative, an international conference…

Abstract Microfluidics is a technique that makes it possible to accurately control and analyze liquids in space at the micron or nanoscale. Several unit technologies may be merged at scale on an overall controlled micro-platform, which is its main benefit. Using micromachining technologies like microfluidic channels and microvalves, helps in regulating the flow and mixing of liquids to produce a range of reactions. Microfluidics enables the realization of several applications, like chemical analysis, drug screening, and cell culture, by accurately manipulating the rate of flow of liquids. whereas, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) was developed to further human intelligence’s…

A 2016 survey by the journal Nature put stark numbers to the scope of science’s reproducibility problems. More than 70% of researchers across STEM fields said they’d tried and failed to replicate another scientist’s findings, with 52% of respondents agreeing that there is a “significant” reproducibility crisis. A new study has now sought to update Nature’s nearly decade-old numbers while also homing in on a specific field: biomedicine. In a survey of 1,630 biomedical researchers from around the world, including 819 who work in clinical research, 72% of respondents agreed that the field is facing a reproducibility crisis. What’s more,…

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh chaired a joint meeting of senior officials from all Science Ministries and Departments to review the progress of ongoing projects and budget utilization, emphasising synergy and breaking down silos to enhance coordination and efficiency. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for timely and optimal use of budgetary resources, urging officials from key departments, including the Department of Science & Technology, Department of Biotechnology, ISRO, CSIR/DSIR, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Space and the Department of Atomic Energy to accelerate their work on several projects including ANRF…

Two day symposium on ‘Strategies to Combat Economically Important Porcine & Poultry viruses in India’ which was organized by NIAB in M K Bhan auditorium was concluded successfully on 4th October 2024. The event gathered renowned animal biologists from the country and discussed various aspects related to animal husbandry and particular to animal viruses- types and hosts, challenges in combating them, vaccine production, regulatory challenges, surveillance measure, and many other interrelated points. The symposium was inaugurated by Dr. G. Taru Sharma, Director, NIAB in MK Bhan Auditorium, NIAB. During the inaugural address Dr Taru explained how and why this symposium…

The department of medical genetics at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) and the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad have reported the discovery of a new genetic disease termed as ‘lethal serpinopathy’. The study highlighting this discovery was published in the September 2024 issue of the journal ‘Clinical Genetics.’ The researchers said that the new genetic disease was seen in a family with recurring pregnancy issues. The teams from NIMS and CDFD worked with a family whose babies suffered from fluid accumulation in their body cavities and organs, leading to premature death. The study, led…

Recently, this month a great gathering of Biotech Startups at “Global Bio India” was seen in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi which let us feel the tides that are building up in Indian biotech sector. Now not only scientists but students can also apply for grants and avail the Government facilities to bring their idea or innovation to industry, unlike before when funds were disbursed to govt scientists and affiliates. BIRAC and DBT head, Dr Rajesh Gokhale launched BioE3 in Global Bio India 2024.BioE3, one of the two major initiatives were approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024—the other one…

Latest Book titled ‘Nutrition Interventions for Disease Prevention” recently released by Shraddha Vyas. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of the crucial role nutrition plays in disease prevention, offering readers a wealth of knowledge to help them lead healthier lives. The first chapter, *Nutritional Intervention*, introduces the concept of *Applied Nutrition*, offering an overview that sets the stage for understanding the importance of diet planning and meal management. This section guides readers in making informed decisions about their daily food intake and provides dietary modifications tailored to specific health issues, offering practical strategies for managing and improving overall health. Detailed…

The scheme has three broad components: • Biotechnology R&D; • Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED) • Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved continuation of the two umbrella schemes of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merged as one 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. Bio-RIDE scheme is designed to foster innovation, promote bio-entrepreneurship, and strengthen India’s position as…