INDIA CALLS FOR CLOSER DIALOGUE AND INTERACTION AMONG WORLD SCIENTISTS
India has called
for closer dialogue and interaction among scientists of the world.
In fact, all nations should join hands to learn from each other
and share experiences for bringing about excellence in science
that is relevant to the society. India today is on the threshold
of a new scientific revolution and would take the lead role in
the coming years. This was stated by the Minister of Science and
Technology, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, while inaugurating the 10th
Congress of Federation of Asian and Oceanic Biochemists and molecular
Biologists in Bangalore yesterday, organised by the society of
biological Chemists of India.
Dr. Joshi pointed
out that a new discipline has emerged in biology, i.e. ‘Genomics’
after the completion of Human Genome project. The availability
of DNA sequence information of not only humans but also many other
organisms has given a new dimension towards understanding biology.
Hence Bioinformatics, is essential to understand several facets
of Genomics.
The Minister said
that Indian biologists are actively pursuing studies on the molecular
aspects of infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria also.
The genomic information available for humans, malarial parasite
and mosquito should pave the way not only to understand the disease
process but also devise strategies to combat them. Development
of traditional vaccines and DNA vaccines are being actively pursed
both in research institutions and biotechnology industries. Human
genome sequence information is also being extensively used to
understand the genetic diversity in Indian population and also
the enormous burden of the multigenic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular
diseases and Type II diabetes in addition to monogenic, genetic
disorders, Dr. Joshi said.
