Posted: January 9, 2008

Future rests with biomedical scientists

(Nanowerk News) With barriers between disciplines vanishing, there is need for biomedical scientists to familiarise themselves with subjects such as electronics, computers, and nanotechnology to take research forward, Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University M. Ponnavaikko said.
Biotechnology, nanotechnology and wireless technology are the future technologies. Nanotechnology has a greater role in the future of biomedical science, Prof. Ponnavaikko said inaugurating a national seminar on ‘Emerging biomedical sciences and potential applications’ organised by the Holy Cross College (Autonomous) Department of Zoology, on Monday.
Medical therapy
Stem cell research that promises permanent cure for diseases such as cancer, leukaemia and neurological disorders will usher in a new era of medical therapy eliminating the need for invasive procedures and reducing risks to patients, he said.
With mandatory need for pathological tests arising, biomedical scientists will be the backbone for medical treatment.
The Vice-Chancellor received the first copy of the souvenir from college secretary Sr. Jesuin Francis.
Presiding over, Sr. Dona, the former principal of Holy Cross College, Tiruchi, and Holy Cross College for Women, Hyderabad, said the topic was quite relevant and the seminar would serve as a platform emerging biological scientists to take stock of the developments.
New approaches
Presenting an introduction to the seminar sponsored by the UGC and alumnae, Reader and Head of the Department of Zoology K. Jeyamani said the coming decades of the 21st century would witness new approaches in medical practices, which would be dominated by engineered medical products, new prophylactic measures, stem cell technologies and gene therapy. The seminar would pave way for researchers to share their findings with students and enable the latter to explore their career opportunities.
Vijay Kumar, Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, made a presentation on ‘Gene therapy-some key bottlenecks’.
Principal Sr. Sarguna and Reader in Zoology Alice Marcus offered felicitations.
Source: The Hindu