Archive for February 16th, 2008

Cytogenetics symposium begins at Punjabi University

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

Chandigarh, February 15 A Two-day national symposium on ‘Plant Cytogenetics - Recent Trends’ was inaugurated by Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor Jaspal Singh. The symposium is being organised by the Department of Botany, Punjabi University.

The Pbi V-C, Jaspal Singh, emphasised the role of recent advancements in science and Plant Cytogenetics. He also recited couplets of renowned Punjabi Poet Bhai Vir Singh to highlight the importance of conservation of plants and the ecological system.

S N Raina, a plant scientist from DU discussed the chronology of developments from classical cellular cytogenetics to the modern day molecular cytogenetics. He also emphasised the need to establish an advanced Centre for Molecular cytogenetic Research in Plants in the region for training scientific man power.

More than 100 plant cytogeneticists are participating in the symposium.

City to host dog show on Sunday

Reviving the age old tradition of the royal Patiala town, Patiala Kennel Club will be holding its annual dog show at the Raja Bhalendra Singh Stadium (Polo Grounds) on Sunday. Eminent personalities, dog lovers and more than 300 dogs from all over the country are expected to participate in this two-fold event - the 30th All Breeds Championship and the 31st Dog Show.
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Genetic diseases on the rise, says expert

Saturday, February 16th, 2008

Chandigarh: India has a high incidence of genetic diseases with nearly 7.8 lakh new cases of congenital malformations every year, Prof I.C. Verma, a doctor from New Delhi, said here today.

Addressing an international conference on medical and community genetics being hosted by the department of haematology, PGI, he said states where the infant mortality rates had fallen were witnessing an increase in cases with genetic problems.

Prof Bittles, adjunct professor of community genetics and comparative genomics, Australia, highlighted the fact that despite accumulation of a large body of genetic information in diseases like cystic fibrosis, the treatment was still palliative.

Dr M. Kabra from AIIMS spoke on the ethical challenges associated with genetic research. She reiterated the role of labs involved in genetic testing, emphasising the need for licenses and strict adherence to national norms on ethical tests.

Dr Phadke from Lucknow said there was need for patient counsellors who realised that the people they were counseling might not be able to comprehend the nature of the disease.
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