|
|
|
|
|
| Tuesday, February 26, 2008
‘Nano-biotechnology can be traced to mythologies’
COIMBATORE: 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.
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.
Topics
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.
Courtesy: The Hindu
|
| << Back |
|
|
