Researchers from the Faridabad-based Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) have developed an Aptamer-based assay for novel coronavirus detection. The assay has 90% sensitivity and 99% specificity. Technology has been transferred to Molbio Diagnostics Pvt Limited, Goa for scale-up. Researchers from the Faridabad-based Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) have developed an Aptamer … Continue reading Aptamer-based assay developed for coronavirus detection
DNA
IISc: Natural shield protects certain DNA regions from radiation damage
IISc researchers found that certain regions of the genome rich in four-stranded DNA — G-quadruplexes (G4-DNA) — are more resistant to radiation damage. As a result, there are fewer DNA breaks seen in G-quadruplexes when exposed to radiation. It is well known that ionizing radiation can break the double-stranded DNA in one or both the strands. … Continue reading IISc: Natural shield protects certain DNA regions from radiation damage
Podcast: Diagnosing krait snake venom
Anjali Anand from Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad explains how researchers from THSTI, AIIMS and IIT Indore found the aptamer originally developed against alpha toxin of Bungarus multicinctus krait snake found in China and Taiwan can be used for reliable detection of B. caeruleus krait species found in the Indian subcontinent. The researchers have developed inhouse … Continue reading Podcast: Diagnosing krait snake venom
Indian researchers take first step to diagnose krait snake venom
Researchers from THSTI, AIIMS and IIT Indore have found that the aptamer originally developed against alpha toxin of Bungarus multicinctus krait snake found in China and Taiwan can be used for reliable detection of B. caeruleus krait species found in the Indian subcontinent. The truncated aptamer shows better affinity, sensitivity and binding to the target than … Continue reading Indian researchers take first step to diagnose krait snake venom
IACS team designs logic devices for DNA-based computation
IACS scientists have designed DNA-based logic devices that would find application in DNA-based computation. The reusable YES and INHIBIT logic systems has been built by using a fluorescent small molecule that binds to both G-quadruplex and nucleases. They have also designed combinatorial logic systems (INHIBIT−INHIBIT and NOR−OR) by using different combinations of four nucleases as inputs. … Continue reading IACS team designs logic devices for DNA-based computation
CDFD researchers find common genetic variants for skin colour in Indians
People in south India have darker skin as reflected in the higher mean melanin index of 48 compared with those in north India, who have a mean melanin index of 39. The population in east and west India has an intermediate skin colour with a mean melanin index value of 41. A study of nearly … Continue reading CDFD researchers find common genetic variants for skin colour in Indians
The promise of CRISPR
In a first, researchers from the Oregon Health and Science University along with colleagues in California, China and South Korea repaired an error in the DNA sequence (mutation) in human embryos by using a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9. The mutation seen in the MYBPC3 gene causes a common heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is … Continue reading The promise of CRISPR
Ostriches existed in India over 25,000 years ago, DNA evidence shows
Based on a DNA analysis of a fossilised eggshell fragment of ostrich, Indian researchers have for the first time found molecular evidence to confirm the presence of these birds in India more than 25,000 years ago. Scientists found 92% genetic similarity between the fossil eggshell samples and Struthio camelus, an ostrich species found in Africa. … Continue reading Ostriches existed in India over 25,000 years ago, DNA evidence shows
Indian scientist Felix Bast reports from the field in Antarctica
On January 9, Dr. Felix Bast from the Centre for Plant Sciences, Central University of Punjab was one of the 30 Indian scientists to reach Bharati, India’s third research station in Antarctica. The team set out on a voyage to Bharti station from Cape Town, South Africa on December 24, 2016 on board the ship … Continue reading Indian scientist Felix Bast reports from the field in Antarctica
IISc researchers find endosulfan causes DNA damage in animals
For the first time, researchers in India have found that mice and rats exposed to endosulphan suffer from DNA damage and genomic instability, and impaired DNA damage response. The results published on August 4 in the journal, Carcinogenesis, by a team of researchers led by Prof. Sathees Raghavan from the Department of Biochemistry, IISc, Bengaluru … Continue reading IISc researchers find endosulfan causes DNA damage in animals
Science Chronicle 