Solan, February 24
The School of Agriculture and the School of Biotechnology at Shoolini University on Monday hosted the “Distinguished Lectures on Nobel Prize Discoveries and International Seminar on Translational Sciences” to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS).
The event brought together scientists, researchers, and academicians to discuss significant advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and space sciences. Prof. Saurabh Kulshrestha, Dean of Research and Development, highlighted the event’s importance.
The seminar featured a series of lectures from prominent experts. Prof. N.G. Prasad from IISER Mohali discussed the rapid evolution of immune responses, providing insights into organismal adaptation to environmental changes. Prof. Kulinder Pal Singh, a physicist, highlighted India’s contributions to astronomy through the Astrosat mission, emphasising technological advancements in global space research.
Dr. Jagmohan Singh from Thomas Jefferson University examined the potential of CAR T-cell therapy in cancer treatment, illustrating the impact of personalised medicine in oncology. Dr. Javed N. Agrewala from IIT Ropar presented innovative research on a new tuberculosis vaccine, which could influence global tuberculosis control efforts.
Adding an international perspective, Dr. Masatoshi Watanabe from Mie University, Japan, provided insights into the role of Zyxin in prostate cancer regulation, identifying potential targets for new therapeutic interventions. Prof. Vikrant Rai from Western University of Health Sciences, USA, addressed diabetic foot ulcers and angiogenesis, detailing research on fibroblast phenotypes, chronic inflammation, and therapeutic approaches, including the use of repertaxin to inhibit CXCR2 for wound healing.
In a thought-provoking session, Prof. R.C. Sobti, former Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University, explored synthetic biology’s potential, a field transforming medicine, agriculture, and bioengineering. He emphasised the ethical considerations of redesigning life forms and encouraged young researchers to approach this emerging science with both curiosity and responsibility.
