Seminar on “Modern Tools in Biotechnology”
The concept of biotechnology is an age-old one. The technology that was used in different Hindu, Greek and Chinese mythologies is being used as cloning, bio-pharming and organ transplantation.In future, these same technologies will be used in the name of nano-biotechnology, Director of the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding M. Surya Prakash said here on Friday.400 research scholars, scientists and post-graduate students attended
Inaugurating a seminar on “Modern Tools in Biotechnology”, of the School of Bio-technology and Genetic Engineering of Bharathiar University, he said that epics such as Ramayana and Mahabarata spoke of transfusion and cloning, which was seen as the first report in the field of bio-technology.“Yagas were conducted in earlier times on various occasions to enrich the ozone layer. The fumes heal the hole in the ozone layer because they contain biomolecules,” Mr. Prakash said.He quoted from the Panchakavya and Dhasakavya and pointed out the use of biofertilizers and bio-control agents in the works.Vice-Chancellor G. Thiruvasagam said there was an urgent need for entrepreneurs in the field of bio-technology.
He lamented the lack of adequate biotechnology industries that was seen as a setback to research activities in bio-technology. “The DRDO-BU Centre for Life Sciences that is fast coming up in the university will host a variety of state-of-the-art facilities for pursuing research in bio-technology.
There will also be eminent scientists, including the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who will guide candidates in such research,” he said.The seminar, sponsored by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education, covered topics on genomics and proteomics, plant molecular pharming, metabolic engineering, stem cell research, protein engineering, bioethics and Intellectual Property Rights. Nearly 400 research scholars, scientists and post-graduate students attended the seminar.
