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The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Science
- The Hindu
CSIR-CCMB scientists unravel biodiversity changes down south over millions of years
Peninsular India, a tropical region in Southern Asia, extending from Aravalli mountains, Vindhyas, Eastern Ghats, Deccan Plateau, and a global biodiversity hotspot— Western Ghats, harbours unique and highly diverse groups of animal and plant species, many of which do not occur anywhere else in the world. The endemic diversity of the various species could be due to varied trajectories of speciation among different life forms — some due to stability of tropical ecosystems and others by past fluctuations in temperature and geo-climatic changes that occurred between 11 and 3 million years ago, said scientists at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) on Wednesday. A recent study from Jahnavi Joshi's lab uncovered how species of life forms evolved and disappeared across South Asia and the wider Asian region by analysing 33 well-studied groups of animals and plants using mathematical models, said an official release. The team traced patterns of species formation (speciation) and loss (extinction) across the region in a broad-scale analysis done for Asia for the first time. 'Each of the groups comprises closely related endemic species, and a common ancestor that existed at some point in time. Through millions of years, their descendants of the common ancestors spread across the landscape and diversified into multiple species, many of which exist today,' explained Dr. Joshi. Researchers found a high disparity in how species are formed or lost across groups of animals and plants. They found evolutionarily related groups, such as different kinds of lizards, exhibited similar rates of forming and losing species. Half of the animal and plant groups had accumulated diversity gradually over millions of years. 'The stability of the tropical forest ecosystems in peninsular India has allowed for such steady diversification. Hence, this area has served as a refuge shielding species from severe climate changes,' she said. Yet, the stability of the ecosystem came as a surprise to the researchers due to the turbulent geo-climatic past of the landmass. 'Peninsular India was once part of the Gondwanaland supercontinent with land masses like Africa and Australia. It broke away around 100 million years ago, drifted northward, and eventually collided with Asia, forming the Himalayas. Despite drastic geo-climatic shifts from this movement, the biodiversity in this region has changed rather steadily. This highlights the fascinating resilience of its forest habitats,' said Pragyadeep Roy, the first author of the study. The remaining half of the groups experienced fluctuating rates of new species forming and losing over time. 'The global temperatures have been very dynamic across several million years, and our analyses suggest that earth's temperature strongly influences how species are formed in many groups,' explained Mr. Roy. The study found that some groups experienced abrupt changes in the rates of forming new species within the time range of 11 to three million years ago. 'The period was marked by high aridification and monsoon seasonality with a major expansion of grasses, leading to the shrinkage of evergreen forests to the Western Ghats and mountaintops of Eastern Ghats. These events certainly inflicted changes in the ranges and habitats of organisms, disrupting their earlier evolutionary trends,' explained the researchers. These insights into how past climate and habitat stability influenced biodiversity can help in devising effective conservation strategies, especially in light of today's anthropogenic activities and climate change. The study was published in Ecology Letters, said the release.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Over 20 lakh from tribal areas screened for sickle cell anaemia in past 8 years: CSIR DG
New Delhi: More than 20 lakh people from tribal areas have been screened since we started the sickle cell anaemia project eight years back, said CSIR 's Director General Nallathamby Kalaiselvi , terming it among the institute's more successful missions. Introduced in the Union Budget 2023 and launched in July the same year, the ' National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission ' is aimed at eliminating the blood disease from the country by the end of 2047. The genetic disorder affects red blood cells, making them sickle-shaped, instead of the usual round one. Common symptoms include acute painful episodes, blocking of blood vessels and possible organ damage. Speaking to PTI Videos, Kalaiselvi, who is also the Secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, said, "While the country started talking about sickle cell anaemia only three years back, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) started addressing sickle cell anaemia eight years back, thanks to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, who gave the funding for the first five to six years." "It is actually one of our very visionary, successful missions, I would say," she said. Kalaiselvi made history when she was appointed the first woman chief of CSIR -- the country's largest research and development organisation, with 37 national laboratories and over 3,400 scientists. She explained that the sickle cell anaemia mission was divided into three parts, first being the screening and surveillance done by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad. "If you just see the screening and surveillance, it is a great success story for our team, headed by Dr Giriraj Chandak (at CCMB), which went to Raipur, Bilaspur and other places," Kalaiselvi said, adding that 20 lakh people have been screened so far. "They interacted with the tribal communities and provided counselling pre and post-marriage, before and during pregnancy, and also after child birth," she explained. "The second part looked at drugs and medicines that could be utilised for sickle cell anaemia. This was headed by the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology," Kalaiselvi added. The third part, involving genome sequencing and editing, was headed by the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, the 58-year-old said. Kalaiselvi said, "Now, after five to six years, we realised the great potential of coming up with a sickle cell anaemia detection kit, developed by (Chandak's) group." Explaining the working of the kit, she said, "Using one drop of dried blood, you can easily understand if you have a threat of developing sickle cell anaemia... if you are a carrier or patient... or what is the severity of the condition." "It is going to cost even less than Rs 100, and you need not depend upon sophisticated instruments from now onwards," she added. Born in February, 1967, in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, Kalaiselvi graduated with a Bachelors in Chemistry from Government Arts College in Tirunelveli. She obtained a Post Graduate Degree in Chemistry from Coimbatore's Government Arts College and completed her PhD at Annamalai University, Chidambaram. Kalaiselvi also talked about introducing lithium and sodium ion batteries in the consumer market. "Thanks to the Government of India, with the 'Production Linked Incentive' (PLI) scheme, we have established a full-fledged facility in Chennai wherein one can produce 1,000 cylindrical lithium ion cells," the director general said. The PLI scheme is among the Central government's efforts directed at positioning the country as a global manufacturing hub through innovation, efficiency and competitiveness. Kalaiselvi also said that lithium resources have been identified in India, at least in four places, even as she desisted from naming them.
The Print
5 days ago
- Health
- The Print
Over 20 lakh from tribal areas screened for sickle cell anaemia in past 8 years: CSIR DG
The genetic disorder affects red blood cells, making them sickle-shaped, instead of the usual round one. Common symptoms include acute painful episodes, blocking of blood vessels and possible organ damage. Introduced in the Union Budget 2023 and launched in July the same year, the 'National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission' is aimed at eliminating the blood disease from the country by the end of 2047. New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) More than 20 lakh people from tribal areas have been screened since we started the sickle cell anaemia project eight years back, said CSIR's Director General Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, terming it among the institute's more successful missions. Speaking to PTI Videos, Kalaiselvi, who is also the Secretary of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, said, 'While the country started talking about sickle cell anaemia only three years back, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) started addressing sickle cell anaemia eight years back, thanks to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, who gave the funding for the first five to six years.' 'It is actually one of our very visionary, successful missions, I would say,' she said. Kalaiselvi made history when she was appointed the first woman chief of CSIR — the country's largest research and development organisation, with 37 national laboratories and over 3,400 scientists. She explained that the sickle cell anaemia mission was divided into three parts, first being the screening and surveillance done by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad. 'If you just see the screening and surveillance, it is a great success story for our team, headed by Dr Giriraj Chandak (at CCMB), which went to Raipur, Bilaspur and other places,' Kalaiselvi said, adding that 20 lakh people have been screened so far. 'They interacted with the tribal communities and provided counselling pre and post-marriage, before and during pregnancy, and also after child birth,' she explained. 'The second part looked at drugs and medicines that could be utilised for sickle cell anaemia. This was headed by the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology,' Kalaiselvi added. The third part, involving genome sequencing and editing, was headed by the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi, the 58-year-old said. Kalaiselvi said, 'Now, after five to six years, we realised the great potential of coming up with a sickle cell anaemia detection kit, developed by (Chandak's) group.' Explaining the working of the kit, she said, 'Using one drop of dried blood, you can easily understand if you have a threat of developing sickle cell anaemia… if you are a carrier or patient… or what is the severity of the condition.' 'It is going to cost even less than Rs 100, and you need not depend upon sophisticated instruments from now onwards,' she added. Born in February, 1967, in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, Kalaiselvi graduated with a Bachelors in Chemistry from Government Arts College in Tirunelveli. She obtained a Post Graduate Degree in Chemistry from Coimbatore's Government Arts College and completed her PhD at Annamalai University, Chidambaram. Kalaiselvi also talked about introducing lithium and sodium ion batteries in the consumer market. 'Thanks to the Government of India, with the 'Production Linked Incentive' (PLI) scheme, we have established a full-fledged facility in Chennai wherein one can produce 1,000 cylindrical lithium ion cells,' the director general said. The PLI scheme is among the Central government's efforts directed at positioning the country as a global manufacturing hub through innovation, efficiency and competitiveness. Kalaiselvi also said that lithium resources have been identified in India, at least in four places, even as she desisted from naming them. PTI DR KRS KRS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
DNA Fingerprinting: Science Steps In To Help Identify Air Crash Victims
As the nation mourns the victims of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, science is quietly stepping in to offer solace to grieving families. In a special NDTV interview, one of India's foremost molecular biologists, Dr Rakesh Mishra, former Director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, and currently Director, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bengaluru explained how DNA fingerprinting can play a pivotal role in identifying victims - even when bodies are severely charred. What is DNA Fingerprinting? DNA fingerprinting, Dr Mishra explained, is a well-established technique used to identify individuals based on their unique genetic code. "From any biological material-be it tissue, blood, saliva, or even a hair follicle - we can extract DNA," he said. "Even a very small amount is sufficient." The process involves isolating DNA and analyzing specific regions of the genome known as short tandem repeats (STRs). These regions vary significantly among individuals, making each person's DNA profile unique. "We can determine whether two samples come from the same individual or different individuals, and even establish familial relationships," he added. Can It Work in a Plane Crash? One of the most pressing questions in the aftermath of the Air India plane crash is whether DNA can be extracted from bodies that have been severely burned. Dr Mishra was unequivocal: "Yes, it's possible. DNA is present in almost every cell of the body, and even if the tissue is charred, we can often retrieve it from bones or small fragments." He pointed out that forensic scientists have successfully extracted DNA from ancient remains, including Neanderthals. "If we can do that, we can certainly identify victims from a recent crash," he said. Speed and Accuracy In emergency situations, time is of the essence. According to Dr Mishra, DNA fingerprinting can be completed in as little as a day if fast-tracked. "DNA isolation takes a couple of hours, and the rest of the analysis can be done within a few more. Under standard conditions, it usually takes a couple of days," he said. The accuracy of the method is also beyond question. "Each person has a unique DNA signature. While we can't tell the name of the person from the DNA alone, we can confirm their identity by comparing it with samples from relatives," he explained. India's Capability and Infrastructure India is well-equipped to handle such forensic challenges. "We have our own technology," said Dr Mishra. "Thanks to pioneers like Dr Lalji Singh, former director of CCMB and a pioneer in DNA fingerprinting, India was among the first countries to accept DNA evidence in courts." The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad is the national hub for such work. Additionally, state-level labs like the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar are also capable of collecting and processing DNA samples. "These are now fairly standard techniques," he said. "Even local police are trained in how to collect and preserve biological samples." Handling Mixed Samples In mass casualty events like plane crashes, remains are often commingled, raising concerns about whether individual identities can still be determined. Dr Mishra acknowledged the complexity but remained optimistic. "If blood from two people is mixed, it becomes tricky. But if tissues are collected separately, we can distinguish between individuals," he said. He emphasized the importance of careful sample collection. "Tissues should be placed in separate polythene bags and transported on ice to a certified lab. This ensures the integrity of the samples," he added. The Science Behind the Process The core of DNA fingerprinting lies in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique that amplifies specific DNA regions. "We look at multiple markers-sometimes 50 or more. If 40 match between two samples, it suggests a familial relationship. If none match, they are un-related," said Dr Mishra. This allows scientists to not only identify individuals but also establish relationships-such as confirming whether two victims were siblings or parent and child. "It's a powerful tool for bringing closure to families," he said. A Message of Hope There is a role of science in times of tragedy, the victims' families can be assured that identification is possible, even in such dire circumstances. Dr Mishra said, "Science can go where other technologies fail. DNA fingerprinting is one such example. It's unfortunate that we need it in such situations, but it's reassuring to know that we have the tools to help, and India has its own indigenous technology."
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Saving endangered species, one DNA sample at a time: Here is Delhi Zoo's new conservation plan
Eyeing long-term conservation and research projects, the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is exploring the possibility of setting up an on-site wildlife biobank in collaboration with the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad. The proposed facility is expected to collect and preserve genetic material — DNA, tissues, reproductive cells — from animals at the zoo. The initiative is part of a broader effort led by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to strengthen ex-situ conservation in Indian zoos. The biobank at the zoo in the Capital is expected to follow a model already implemented at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling, which became the first to establish such a facility under the initiative earlier this year. While the process is in its early stages, officials involved in the project said the proposed biobank in the city could contribute to building a national repository of genetic material for conservation science. The samples collected are intended strictly for research and regulated breeding purposes, under the supervision of the CZA and CCMB, as third-party usage requires explicit approval. In 2021, the Delhi zoo was among six zoos that had been identified by the CZA to join the Consortium of Indian Zoos for Biobanking of Wildlife Genetic Resources under a pilot project. The programme was built on a tripartite agreement signed in 2019 between the CZA, CCMB-LaCONES (Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species), and the selected zoos. Under this agreement, zoos, including Delhi's NZP, have been encouraged to collect biological samples from deceased animals, as well as from live animals during health interventions, for submission to the National Wildlife Genetic Resource Bank (NWGRB) at the CCMB's laboratory. 'We are roping in CCMB for biobanking. This will help us preserve DNA, tissues, organs, and gametes of endangered or vulnerable species. The cells will be taken from dead animals and kept in a cold storage facility,' said Dr Sanjeet Kumar, Director, National Zoological Park. 'This will help preserve the genetic pool for future conservation and research…' According to scientists at CCMB, while this can be done on all animals, endangered or endemic species will be in focus. As per the October-December 2024 quarterly inventory report of the National Zoological Park, it is home to several endangered species listed under Schedules I and II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These include the Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Indian Elephant, Indian Rhinoceros (Greater One-Horned Rhino), Sloth Bear, Lion-tailed Macaque, Indian Wolf, Indian Bison (Gaur), Dhole (Asiatic Wild Dog), Eld's Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Himalayan Black Bear, Marsh Crocodile, Gharial, Indian Rock Python, and Spectacled Cobra. At present, samples collected from zoos are sent to the CCMB facility in Hyderabad. According to officials, this has posed logistical challenges. 'Bringing samples to the CCMB facility after postmortem is a challenge. They need to be preserved within four hours. That's the reason for the need for localised facilities,' Dr Govindha-swamy Umapathy, Chief Scientist, the CCMB, told The Indian Express. When asked why the biobanks have not been established yet, Umapathy said, 'Very simple technology is enough and sufficient; however, management-level hurdles in different zoos have caused a delay in creating such facilities.' As per the agreement, the CZA has committed financial support for participating zoos to establish infrastructure, such as cold storage rooms. CCMB-LaCONES, acting as the technical partner, has been providing training for zoo veterinarians, biologists, and staff on collection, preservation, and transport of samples. 'As per the MoU, we have regularly trained zoo directors, veterinarians and scientists on the effective usage of modern technology, which includes bio-banking,' Umapathy added. Dr Kumar, meanwhile, said the pandemic as well as staff shortage has meant that such conservation initiatives have been delayed. Increased focus on research and conservation studies is also part of the Delhi Zoo's modernisation plan, he added.
