The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Genetic research centre likely to be established in Hyderabad

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Sunday, Jan 20, 2008
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Genetic research centre likely to be established in Hyderabad

Special Correspondent

Proposed by US-based organisation, it will focus on convergent technologies

Krishna Dronamraju

HYDERABAD: The Houston-based Foundation for Genetic Research is planning to establish a centre here to promote basic research and exchange of scientists as part of strengthening the Indo-US cooperation in science and technology.

The proposed centre would focus on convergent technologies like nanotechnology, biotechnology and bio-informatics, apart from promoting basic research on malaria vaccine. It would also seek to create “risk awareness” on genetically-modified crops, foundation’s president Krishna Dronamraju, told The Hindu. Tie-ups between the Centre and local universities as also private organisations were planned.

“Initially we need $10 to 15 million. We plan to raise funds from the Foundations of Bill & Melinda Gates, Rockfeller, Ford and the U.S. National Science Foundation”. Support of private organisations here and the Government would also be enlisted. Dr. Dronamraju, who is an adviser to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Government, said two international conferences would be held in India next year on diabetes (Jaipur) and malaria (Hyderabad).

While stating that there was good potential for the use of nanotechnology in the treatment of diseases, he sought to dismiss fears on its environmental aspects, saying similar apprehensions were expressed when the DNA molecule was invented.

“People were afraid that DNA molecules might escape into the environment and cause cancer, but that is not happening. In the same sense, the fears on nano shells are not justified”, Dr. Dronamraju, who was born in Pithapuram (East Godavari district), added.

Similarly, stem cell therapy held much promise for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, spinal and brain injuries, among others.

Referring to the recent findings relating to toxicity of GM crops, he advised the Government of India to exercise caution and not to rush into large-scale planting of such crops.

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