Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Biotechnology research holds key
TAMBARAM: Human and animal health, agriculture, stem cells,
gene therapy, ageing and cloning would be some of the thrust
areas of research in biotechnology in the years to come, according
to P. Thangaraju, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and
Animal Sciences University.
Speaking at the inaugural function of Bio Alpha, a two-day national
symposium on “Biotechnology: a future perspective”,
organised at SRM University in Kattankulathur
recently, Mr. Thangaraju said research in biotechnology was
the key to development in various fields.
Researches were currently carried out on gene therapy to design
medicines to suit individuals and to extend lifespan of human
skin cells. Stating that along with ageing, gene therapy would
be among the core areas of research in biotechnology, Mr.Thangaraju
predicted that the time was not far off when every organ of
the human body could be grown in laboratories and that several
genetic diseases could be cured through gene therapy.
Breakthroughs in genetics would even make it possible for parents
to choose “designer children” with specific body
traits. T. P. Ganesan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, SRM University,
spoke.
Courtesy: The Hindu
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