Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 25: On 4th day of National Science Week celebration in University of Jammu, JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Manoj K Dhar today delivered a lecture on “Understanding Rare Genetic Diseases.”
He explained that DNA is a master molecule carrying the blueprint of life and how a single variation in the DNA sequence can lead to genetic abnormality, bringing havoc in the life of an individual. He said that there are more than 6000 rare diseases which are affecting approximately 300 million people worldwide.
He emphasized that J&K is inhabited by 8 major ethnic groups which are highly endogamous and consanguineous, increasing the risk of developing Rare genetic Disorders in the populations of J&K.
Prof Dhar informed that work done by his team has helped in genetic characterization of a musculoskeletal disease called as Progressive Pseudo rheumatoid Dysplasia (PPD) in Aria village of Poonch. Another genetic characterization work is being carried out in the village Dhadkai (Doda) and Paralkoat, where many people are suffering from hearing loss and muteness.
A short video of 20 minutes was shown which highlighted the contribution of H J Bhaba in the field of Atomic and Nuclear Energy.
In the second Session, Dr Summet Gairola, Sr Scientist CSIR- Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, delivered lecture on the topic “History and Scientific Contributions of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu”.
He stated that CSIR-IIIM Jammu is one of the 38 CSIR laboratories across India. The CSIR Laboratory (formally known as RRL) was established by Sir Col R N Chopra in the year 1941 and it is presently known as IIIM- Jammu (since 2007).
Dr Gairola highlighted that IIIM has the only Drug testing laboratory in J&K, a GLP standard Animal House Facility and a Technology Business Incubation Centre. He stated that the Lab is involved in development of saffron based nutraceutical products, Cannabis cultivation based drug development and bringing purple revolution in the Bhaderwah, Doda region of J&K.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
