Cell Biologist

  The India BioEconomy Report was released recently by the Department of Biotechnology. It revealed that, in 2024, bioeconomy was valued at over $165 billion, contributing more than 4.2% to the national GDP. The Department of Biotechnology anticipates growth to $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047. What is Bioeconomy? Bioeconomy refers to the economic activities that utilise biological resources. This includes plants, animals, and microorganisms. It also encompasses the replication of natural processes for producing goods and services. The focus is on sustainability and renewable resources. Current State of the Bioeconomy India’s bioeconomy has nearly doubled in five years. It grew from approximately $86 billion in 2020 to $165 billion in 2024. The number of bioeconomy companies surged by 90%, reaching over 10,000. By 2030, this number is expected to double, potentially creating 35 million jobs. Sector Contributions The industrial sector is the largest contributor, generati...

  Tuberculosis (TB) remains global health challenge. Despite advances in medicine, it affects millions each year. TB is primarily caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly targets the lungs but can also affect other organs. Types of Tuberculosis TB can be classified into two main types – pulmonary and extrapulmonary. Pulmonary TB affects the lungs and is the most common form. Extrapulmonary TB can impact other areas, such as the spine, brain, and kidneys. Miliary TB is a severe form that spreads throughout the body, causing various complications. Symptoms of Active Tuberculosis Active TB presents several symptoms. Common signs include a persistent cough lasting over two weeks, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Patients may also experience fever, chills, and night sweats. In contrast, latent TB shows no symptoms, but individuals can still test positive. Transmission and Infection TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacte...

  Recently, France made breakthrough in clean energy with the discovery of a vast reserve of natural hydrogen in Folschviller, Moselle. This reserve is estimated to contain 46 million tons of “white hydrogen,” a naturally occurring gas that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods. What is White Hydrogen? White hydrogen is a naturally occurring form of hydrogen found in the Earth’s crust. Unlike other types of hydrogen, it requires no industrial production. This means it emits no carbon dioxide when used as fuel. White hydrogen is also known as natural, gold, or geologic hydrogen. Its discovery challenges the belief that hydrogen must be manufactured in laboratories. Advantages of White Hydrogen White hydrogen presents several advantages over grey, blue, and green hydrogen . It is environmentally friendly as it produces no CO₂ emissions. It is compatible with existing hydrogen infrastructure. Furthermore, it is cost-effective, estimated at $1 per ...

  The debate surrounding assisted dying has intensified following the death of renowned psychologist Daniel Kahneman in March 2024. Kahneman, a Nobel laureate, chose assisted suicide at a facility in Switzerland. His decision has reignited discussions about the ethics of assisted dying, particularly in light of his reflections on life and death. The topic is polarising, with strong opinions on both sides. The Concept of Assisted Dying Assisted dying refers to methods that help terminally ill patients end their lives to alleviate suffering. This practice is legal in a few countries, including Switzerland. The motivations for assisted dying often include unbearable pain, loss of dignity, and the desire for autonomy over one’s life choices. The ethical implications are high, raising questions about personal choice versus societal responsibility. Public Opinion on Assisted Dying Public sentiment on assisted dying varies widely. A recent Gallup survey indicated that 66% of Americans sup...

  Recent studies have reignited interest in how life began on Earth. Traditionally, the Miller-Urey hypothesis suggested that lightning strikes on primordial oceans created the necessary organic compounds for life. However, new research indicates that crashing waterfalls and breaking waves may have played important role in generating these compounds through a process involving water sprays. Miller-Urey Hypothesis The Miller-Urey experiment conducted in 1952 by Stanley Miller and Harold Urey is a mainstay of abiogenesis theory. They demonstrated that organic molecules could form from inorganic precursors when exposed to electrical energy. Their experiment simulated early Earth conditions, using a mixture of water, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen. The results yielded amino acids, essential building blocks of life. Despite its significance, the hypothesis faced criticism regarding the frequency and effectiveness of lightning strikes in real-world scenarios. New Findings on Water Spray...

  India has recently made strides in cancer treatment with the introduction of CAR T-cell therapy . The results from the first clinical trials have been published in The Lancet, showcasing a remarkable success rate. This therapy is a game changer for patients with blood cancers. It offers hope to those who have exhausted other treatment options. What is CAR T-Cell Therapy? CAR T-cell therapy, or chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, is an innovative treatment that harnesses the body’s immune system. It trains T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. This therapy is specifically designed for certain blood cancers. It is particularly beneficial for patients whose cancer has relapsed or failed to respond to standard treatments. Clinical Trial The clinical trials reported a response rate of nearly 73%. This indicates that number of patients benefited from the treatment. The trials also provided critical data on survival rates for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and l...

  Quantum biology , an emerging and highly advanced field, merges the microscopic world of quantum mechanics with the complexities of biology. It serves as a bridge between quantum physics and life sciences, revealing how quantum phenomena influence biological mechanisms in ways that were previously unimaginable. Quantum biology is a cutting-edge field that explores the role of quantum mechanics in biological systems, merging the principles of physics with the complexity of life. While traditional biology relies on classical physics and chemistry to explain life’s mechanisms, quantum biology suggests that fundamental quantum phenomena—such as superposition, entanglement, and tunneling—are at work in processes like photosynthesis, respiration, and even consciousness. For decades, quantum effects were thought to be relevant only at atomic and subatomic levels, but recent discoveries have shown that these principles can influence biological functions at macroscopic scales. Scientists ...

  On March 1, 2025, Prince Frederik of Luxembourg passed away in Paris at the age of 22 after a long battle with POLG mitochondrial disease. His family announced the news later, denoting his struggle with this rare genetic disorder. Diagnosed at 14, Frederik became an advocate for research and founded The POLG Foundation in 2022. The foundation aims to raise awareness and funds for POLG disease, which causes progressive multi-organ dysfunction and failure. What is POLG Mitochondrial Disease? POLG mitochondrial disease is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the POLG gene. The POLG gene is crucial for mitochondrial DNA replication. The disease impairs cellular energy production, leading to severe health issues. Symptoms vary widely and can include muscle weakness, seizures, and liver dysfunction. The disorder affects many organ systems, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms and Diagnosis Symptoms of POLG disease can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include m...

  Recent discoveries in the field of zoology have brought into light the importance of soil-dwelling nematodes. Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India have identified a new species named Crassolabium dhritiae in Odisha’s Keonjhar district. This discovery is for understanding soil ecosystems and biodiversity. About Crassolabium Dhritiae Crassolabium dhritiae was discovered in the Deccan Peninsular biogeographic zone. The species is named after Dr Dhriti Banerjee , the Director of the Zoological Survey of India. The nematode features a slender body with a rounded lip region and a long pharynx. Its reproductive system has unique characteristics, and its tail shape is distinct. Importance of Soil Nematodes Soil nematodes are tiny invertebrates crucial for soil health. They exist in all soil types and can number in millions per square metre. Nematodes contribute to nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Their feeding habits can be beneficial or harmful to plants....

  Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease where the immune system attacks the central nervous system. Recent studies highlight the role of gut health in the development and severity of MS. The interplay between genetics and environmental factors such as diet and gut microbiota is crucial in understanding this condition. About Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis affects nearly one million people in the United States and over 2.8 million globally. It is characterised by the immune system attacking the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can vary widely, including fatigue, mobility issues, and cognitive challenges. The exact cause remains unclear, but both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers contribute to its onset. The Role of Genetics and Environment Twin studies reveal vital information about the genetic component of MS. Identical twins have a 25% chance of both developing MS if one is affected. In contrast, fraternal twins share only a 2% risk. This suggests a st...

  A research published in The Lancet Global Health journal reveals alarming statistics regarding sepsis in newborns across India. The study examined over 6,600 cases in five district hospitals. It found that portion of newborns diagnosed with sepsis face high mortality rates. This issue is particularly pressing in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare resources are often limited. About Neonatal Sepsis Neonatal sepsis is a severe condition caused by an overwhelming immune response to infection. It primarily affects newborns within the first 28 days of life. The condition can arise from various bacterial pathogens. Early detection and treatment are crucial for survival. The study reported an overall incidence of sepsis ranging from 0.6% to 10% across different hospitals. Findings of the Study The research indicated that outborn neonates, those referred from other facilities, had a 2.5-fold higher incidence of sepsis compared to inborn neonates. The case-fatality rate f...

  Investment in developers of cell and gene therapies has nosedived this year, a sharp drop-off that investors and analysts say reflect manufacturing and drug delivery challenges at a time when biotechnology companies with clear development paths are increasingly favored. So far this year, makers of cell and gene therapies have raised half of a billion dollars across 16 venture rounds, according to data from DealForma published by Nature. Even annualized, those numbers are well below the $8.2 billion in funding brought in by the 121 deals DealForma counted during the sector’s peak in 2021. Last year, cell and gene therapy developers raised $3.5 billion across 65 deals. We’re largely seeing investments shifting to things that are de-risked,” said Jon Norris, a managing director at HSBC Innovation Banking. “Cell and gene therapy is becoming an area we know better, because there are products that have advanced through development, but it still doesn’t compare to the number of approval...

  The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recently enhanced its digital platform, the Sugam Portal, to facilitate online applications for clinical trial site additions and changes in principal investigators for biological products. This initiative aligns with CDSCO’s ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory processes and improve efficiency in drug approvals. About Sugam Portal The Sugam Portal is an online system designed for manufacturers to apply for necessary licenses and approvals from CDSCO. The portal aims to simplify the submission process for various drug-related applications. This includes clinical trials for vaccines and rDNA-based drugs, which have now been incorporated into the online application system. Recent Changes in Clinical Trial Applications As of December 2024, CDSCO allowed online applications for specific drug types. The recent notification extends this to biological products. Applications for adding clinical trial sites will be deemed app...