22nd Edition of World Cell Biologist Awards


 

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What is Zolgensma?

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  Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disease affecting muscle function. In India, treatment options are limited, mainly due to high costs. The gene therapy drug, Zolgensma , costs around 16 crore rupees. Despite this, some families are finding ways to access treatment. About Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) SMA is a genetic disorder that leads to the loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord. This results in muscle weakness and atrophy. Symptoms often appear in infancy. Children may struggle with basic movements like lifting their heads or crawling. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. About Zolgensma Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi) is a revolutionary gene therapy for SMA. It addresses the root cause by replacing the missing or defective SMN1 gene . This therapy can improve motor function in affected children. Although it is costly, it represents hope for many families. SMA is not as rare as once thought. The global prevalence is estimated at 1 in ...
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Uttrakhand Forest Department Establishes Mahabharata Vatika

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  The Uttarakhand Forest Department has established two gardens in Haldwani, showcasing plant species referenced in ancient Indian epics. These gardens, named Ramayana Vatika and Mahabharata Vatika, aim to highlight the ecological wisdom embedded in these texts. Mahabharata Vatika Overview Mahabharata Vatika spans one acre and features 37 plant species mentioned in the epic. Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjeev Chaturvedi emphasised the research behind selecting these species. The garden features important plant species such as: Ecological Significance The garden puts stress on the importance of forests as depicted in the Mahabharata. It references the Vana Parva, which discusses tree planting and wildlife conservation . The epic highlights the mutual dependence of tigers and forests, a concept vital to contemporary conservation efforts. Cultural Connections Chaturvedi brought into light that the Mahabharata teaches the spiritual significance of planting trees. He mentioned Bhish...
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Microplastics in Caddisflies Casings

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  Recent research from the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands has uncovered a concerning trend regarding caddisfly larvae. Evidence shows that these insects have been using microplastics in their casings since the 1970s. This finding marks the long-standing issue of environmental contamination by plastics. The study, published in the journal *Science of The Total Environment*, analysed preserved caddisfly casings, revealing the integration of synthetic materials into their natural habitats. Caddisfly Overview Caddisflies belong to the order Trichoptera. They are found globally, primarily in freshwater ecosystems like lakes and rivers. These moth-like insects lay their eggs in jelly masses. After hatching, the larvae create protective cases from nearby materials. Traditionally, these materials include sand, stones, and organic debris. Discovery of Microplastics The researchers examined 549 preserved caddisfly casings from natural history collections. They discovere...
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