The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is partnering
with the sickle cell institute in Chhattisgarh to diagnose sickle cell
anaemia outside the laboratory.
CCMB Director Rakesh Mishra told The Hindu on Wednesday that the two institutes were set to sign an agreement of cooperation in Chhattisgarh on Thursday, cementing the 60-crore CSIR project that aims to combat the disease. Sickle cell disease has been recognised as a major health concern for some tribes in Chhattisgarh and one report has estimated its presence at 10% of the State’s general population.
“While there are blood tests, in far-flung areas, laboratory tests are not available. The kits will have to diagnose the condition on the field and be easy to use,” Dr. Mishra said on the sidelines of the concluding session of the International Congress of Cell Biology.
The five-day conference held here saw the participation of established and aspiring scientists from across the globe. On Wednesday, student winners in various competitions held at the conference were awarded.
Dr. Mishra said the meeting provided several ideas that could lead to promising research in the future. With regard to sickle cell research, he said he hoped gene therapy could be used to cure the condition in the future.
When asked about the pressure on scientists due to pseudo-scientific comments by top political brass, he said it was for scientists to speak out in order to correct any unscientific thoughts propagated in the minds of masses.
Asia Pacific Organisation of Cell Biology (APOCB) President, Director of National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, Satyajit Mayor, Indian Society of Cell Biology President Jagat K . Roy, professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Shashidhara of IISER deliberated upon the science policy that the Indian government is expected to put in place.
CCMB Director Rakesh Mishra told The Hindu on Wednesday that the two institutes were set to sign an agreement of cooperation in Chhattisgarh on Thursday, cementing the 60-crore CSIR project that aims to combat the disease. Sickle cell disease has been recognised as a major health concern for some tribes in Chhattisgarh and one report has estimated its presence at 10% of the State’s general population.
“While there are blood tests, in far-flung areas, laboratory tests are not available. The kits will have to diagnose the condition on the field and be easy to use,” Dr. Mishra said on the sidelines of the concluding session of the International Congress of Cell Biology.
The five-day conference held here saw the participation of established and aspiring scientists from across the globe. On Wednesday, student winners in various competitions held at the conference were awarded.
Dr. Mishra said the meeting provided several ideas that could lead to promising research in the future. With regard to sickle cell research, he said he hoped gene therapy could be used to cure the condition in the future.
When asked about the pressure on scientists due to pseudo-scientific comments by top political brass, he said it was for scientists to speak out in order to correct any unscientific thoughts propagated in the minds of masses.
Asia Pacific Organisation of Cell Biology (APOCB) President, Director of National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, Satyajit Mayor, Indian Society of Cell Biology President Jagat K . Roy, professor at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Shashidhara of IISER deliberated upon the science policy that the Indian government is expected to put in place.