Research consumables supply center inaugurated at AIC-CCMB in Hyderabad; it cuts waiting time to get chemical agents
A special 'supply center' providing accessibility to essential research consumables for the life science research community in and around the (AIC-CCMB) Atal Incubation Centre-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology campus at Uppal in Hyderabad was inaugurated on Wednesday (June 18, 2025).
CSIR-CCMB Director Vinay Kumar Nandicoori dedicated the centre set up by 'Thermo Fisher Scientific' to the researchers in the area including those working at Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics (CDFD), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and others, in the presence of AIC-CCMB CEO N. Madhusudana Rao.
Steady supply of chemical agents
Dr. Kumar said the supply centre promises to reduce the usual time lags in getting the necessary chemical agents like enzymes for research purposes, as steady supply will now be available. 'It will be good for the entire eco-system as procurements otherwise could be cumbersome,' he said.
Thermo Fisher's director Jayabharath Reddy said they are committed to support scientific innovation and the new supply center will enable start ups and researchers at CCMB and surrounding institutions to gain access to critical research consumables. 'Specialised consumables have always been a challenge for researchers, sometimes losing months in the process of ordering to delivering. Our centre will be putting essential materials right on campus, enabling faster scientific breakthroughs,' he said
The new centre is located adjacent to the company's Centre for Innovation (CFI) established at the AIC-CCMB. The CFI was set up for fostering collaborations and advancing scientific breakthroughs in life sciences. Earlier, AIC-CCMB and Thermo Fisher are also holding a three-day workshop on 'Cell Health Analysis' to enhance technical skills of the researchers in cell based assays used in biomedical research and drug discovery.
'Cell analysis is crucial in developing therapies for cancer and other diseases. This workshop gives researchers hands-on exposure to advanced tools,' said Dr. Rao.
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The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Research consumables supply center inaugurated at AIC-CCMB in Hyderabad; it cuts waiting time to get chemical agents
A special 'supply center' providing accessibility to essential research consumables for the life science research community in and around the (AIC-CCMB) Atal Incubation Centre-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology campus at Uppal in Hyderabad was inaugurated on Wednesday (June 18, 2025). CSIR-CCMB Director Vinay Kumar Nandicoori dedicated the centre set up by 'Thermo Fisher Scientific' to the researchers in the area including those working at Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics (CDFD), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and others, in the presence of AIC-CCMB CEO N. Madhusudana Rao. Steady supply of chemical agents Dr. Kumar said the supply centre promises to reduce the usual time lags in getting the necessary chemical agents like enzymes for research purposes, as steady supply will now be available. 'It will be good for the entire eco-system as procurements otherwise could be cumbersome,' he said. Thermo Fisher's director Jayabharath Reddy said they are committed to support scientific innovation and the new supply center will enable start ups and researchers at CCMB and surrounding institutions to gain access to critical research consumables. 'Specialised consumables have always been a challenge for researchers, sometimes losing months in the process of ordering to delivering. Our centre will be putting essential materials right on campus, enabling faster scientific breakthroughs,' he said The new centre is located adjacent to the company's Centre for Innovation (CFI) established at the AIC-CCMB. The CFI was set up for fostering collaborations and advancing scientific breakthroughs in life sciences. Earlier, AIC-CCMB and Thermo Fisher are also holding a three-day workshop on 'Cell Health Analysis' to enhance technical skills of the researchers in cell based assays used in biomedical research and drug discovery. 'Cell analysis is crucial in developing therapies for cancer and other diseases. This workshop gives researchers hands-on exposure to advanced tools,' said Dr. Rao.
NDTV
13-06-2025
- 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
- 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.
