Leveraging Biodiversity for Translational Therapeutic Research

Chandigarh March 18, 2016: The second day of the two day National Conference entitled “Leveraging Biodiversity for
Translational Therapeutic Research” at the Department of Zoology, Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, started with the poster presentations. Participants from different parts of the country presented their posters in front of the elite panel.
The technical session had three speakers; Prof. H. S. Banyal, Vice-Chancellor,Abhilashi University, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Ishan Patro, Head, School of Studies in Zoology and School of Studies in Neuroscience, Jiwaji University, Gwalior and
Dr. Ashish, Scientist E, Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh and Prof. R. C.Sobti Vice-Chancellor, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow.
Prof. Banyal talked about the benefits of using of different plant derivatives in malaria treatment. Prof. Patro shared his results on animal models studies suggesting the involvement of early life challenges and associated neuroinflammation in pathogenesis of some of the most debilitating mental illnesses of age. Dr. Ashish outlined the role of bonsai gelsolin to enable in therapeutics and its potential as “one world” solution as it works equally well on both humans and animals due to least diversity amongst species. Prof. Sobti gave an overview of the emerging trends in the use of biomimetic materials such as sericin, fibroin, elastin, gliadin, zein, soy and whey proteins derived from natural sources for cell internalization and medicine.
During this session a video showing various activities carried out at the Panjab University Chandigarh under Prime Minister’s Swacch Bharat Abhiyan was showed to the audience. The audience also took Swachhtha pledge to help in the implementation of this abhiyan.
The conference concluded with the valedictory function and prize distribution./ (SK Vyas, Jalandhar)