 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 21: The Centre for Molecular Biology, Central University of Jammu, under the visionary leadership and patronage of Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, successfully organized a comprehensive three-day workshop on "Molecular Biology Tools and Genome Editing, to enrich students' and research scholars' knowledge base and laboratory skills. The workshop witnessed active participation from various biotechnology disciplines and was a blend of theoretical lectures and intensive hands-on sessions.
The workshop commenced with an inaugural session graced by Chief Guest Prof. Yashwant, Registrar, CU Jammu, Prof. Ashwini Nanda, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, CU Jammu, and Heads and Faculty from different departments of CU Jammu. The workshop co-convenor, Dr. Shelly Sehgal, CMB, introduced the chief guests to the participants.
Prof. Yashwant, Registrar, CU Jammu, highlighted the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in advancing the field of molecular biology. He underscored their growing significance in addressing contemporary challenges in biomedical and agricultural research. Prof. Yashwant Singh further encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration with the Department of Computer Science to enhance the understanding and effective application of AI-driven technologies in molecular research. Prof. AK Nanda highlighted the role of hands-on training sessions in the skill development of the students and congratulated the CMB faculty and students organising the pertinent workshop.
Dr. Narendra K. Bairwa, Director, Centre for Molecular Biology, and convenor of the workshop, provided an overview of the three-day hands-on training session focused on molecular biology tools. The session aimed to equip participants with practical skills relevant to current biotechnological applications. He emphasised the importance of experiential learning in strengthening foundational and advanced concepts in molecular biology. Over three days, participants engaged in a series of interactive lectures, demonstrations, and practical sessions conducted by experts from reputed institutions and research organisations.The practical component of the workshop was a major highlight, designed to offer participants real-time exposure to crucial molecular biology techniques. Key hands-on training sessions included Isolation and culturing of microbes from soil samples, Blood smear preparation and blood grouping, DNA isolation from blood and yeast samples, and quantification techniques, Gel electrophoresis and PCR techniques, Plasmid isolation and bacterial transformation, Guide RNA designing and in silico CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing strategies, Haemocytometer-based cell counting and analysis. These sessions were carefully curated to ensure participants gained practical proficiency and a better conceptual understanding of modern molecular biology tools used in research and diagnostics.
The training program witnessed enthusiastic participation from in-house scholars and various esteemed departments/institutions such as Central University of Himachal Pradesh, University of Jammu, Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, Vidai Labs, and Central University of Jammu.
The workshop was further enriched by the presence of eminent guest speakers, whose lectures provided valuable insights into cutting-edge research and emerging trends. The notable speakers included Dr. Mritunjay Suar, Professor and Director General R&D, KIIT School of Biotechnology, Bhubaneswar, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on "Changing the Mindset: Creating an Innovative-Enabling Ecosystem", inspiring attendees to approach science with creativity and entrepreneurial vision, Dr. Raghuvir Singh Tomar, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, spoke on "Epigenetic and Metabolic Regulation of Cellular Copper Homeostasis", shedding light on the complex molecular mechanisms governing trace element regulation, Dr. Samer Singh, Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, discussed "Prospecting Plants for Antimicrobial Activity - Identifying Anti-Bacillus anthracis Activity", emphasizing the significance of plant-based bioactive in combating infectious diseases, Dr. Admas Berhnau Berisso, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, USA, delivered an engaging session on "Metagenomic Analysis of Heat-Distributed Soil Microbial Communities", introducing participants to advanced metagenomic tools and microbial ecology. |
