Wednesday, March 19, 2008

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.