GUWAHATI: Eminent scientists from renowned institutions from the north-eastern states joined in a two-day lecture workshop on “Recent Trends in Biosciences” at the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM).
The workshop was organised by the Department of Applied Biology, USTM in collaboration with the Institute of Science and Technology Gauhati University (GUIST) during May 11 and 12. The enormous response was well recognized through the registration of around 140 Research Scholars and PG and UG students from Universities and Government Colleges on both the days. Dr. P.K. Goswami, Vice-Chancellor, USTM; Dr. R.K. Sarmah, Dean, School of Biological Sciences, USTM and Dr. T.C. Sarma graced the inaugural function of the workshop.
Prof. Manab Deka, Director, GUIST addressed the participants as the Guest of Honour and enlightened them on how a ketogenic diet may help people with type 2 diabetes by allowing the body to maintain glucose levels at a low but healthy level.
He suggested that the lower intake of carbohydrates in the keto diet can help to eliminate large spikes in blood sugar, reducing the need for insulin. Scientists from Indian Institute of Science and Technology, Guwahati (IITG), North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and Institute of Science and Technology Gauhati University delivered lectures in their field of specialisation.
Prof. Lingaraj Sahoo, Biosciences and Bioengineering, IITG, delivered an energetic talk on the major losses in yield and quality of crop due to biotic and abiotic stress. He focused on different approaches to identify genes with significant agronomic impact in grain legumes and oil seeds, understanding the mechanism by which they function and using this knowledge, develop designer crops for diverse plant abiotic (drought, salinity and nutrient deficiency or toxicity) and biotic (viral and insect) stress conditions, useful for growers, industry and consumers.
Prof. S.K. Joshi, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Department, NEHU, spoke on environmental contamination of heavy metals. He emphasized on the use of sodium alginate encapsulated iron nano particles and bacteria for bioremediation of heavy metal contamination.
Dr. Kandarpa Kumar Saikia, GUIST, spoke on pharmacogenomics and how the genetic makeup of an individual affects his/her response to drugs. He emphasized on how pharmacogenomics can help to develop rational means to optimize drug therapy, with respect to the patients’ genotype, ensuring maximum efficiency with minimal adverse effects.
Dr. Chimanjita Phukan, Associated professor at Department of Microbiology, GMC, emphasized on the global health issues arising from multi-drug resistant superbugs, bacteria that have evolved to escape the powerful grasp of our most powerful medical weapons, antibiotics.
Prof. Vasudeva Singh, Food Science Project, GUIST, acquainted the audience on the processing of rice and preparation of rice products.
Dr. Arijit Bora from Gauhati University further concluded that the improper usage of antibiotics is the root cause of multi-drug resistant bacteria. He explained the molecular mechanisms by which microbes adapt to their environments and change in ways that ensure their survival and developed antibiotic resistant.