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Dec 13, 2019 (New Delhi)
CSIR's herbal drug has therapeutic value for treating Type 2 diabetes
BGR-34, an anti-diabetes herbal drug developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been found to have therapeutic efficacy for treating newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes. This has been shown by an independent clinical trials conducted in Varanasi-based Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Union Minister of Ayush, Shripad Naik said recently in Parliament.
"The CSIR through its labs-- Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), both Lucknow- based has developed scientifically validated herbal product NBRMAP-DB as anti- diabetic formulation," said the Minister adding that the knowhow for the product has been licensed to AIMIL Pharma Ltd, Delhi which is manufacturing and marketing it as BGR-34 across the country.In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, he further said that the trial of the clinical study has been registered in clinical trial registry of India.
In fact, said the Minister, as the diabetic population in the country is close to hitting the alarming number of 69.9 million by 2025, the Central of Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry is conducting research- oriented Ayurveda based on integrative health care services for the management of Madhumeha or Diabetes Mellitus.
The CCRAS in collaboration with Directorate General of Health Services under the Union Health Mministry has implemented a programme integrating Ayush (Ayurveda) component with NPCDCS. (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases & Stroke ) programme in three districts in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar to cater health care services and to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases including diabetes by combining the strength of Ayurveda and Yoga, said Naik.
The ongoing programme is now successfully functional in 52 centres (49 CHCs and 3 district hospitals) of the all the three identified districts, through AYUSH- NPCDCS clinic/lifestyle modification clinics, set up for prevention and management of selected NCDs by ayurvedic intervention, lifestyle modifications and yoga advice, he added.
Dec 6, 2019 (Vishakhapatanam)
Development of S&T research plays key role in increasing growth rate: expert
'Scientists can create new business to support economy;
The development of science and technology research plays an important role in increasing the growth rate of economy and Indian scientists can create new business to support economy, said Atal Bihari Vajpayee Vishwavidyalaya Vice-Chancellor G.D. Sharma, at GITAM-Deemed-to-be University here on Friday.
He participated as a chief guest to inaugurate the five-day DST-INSPIRE Internship Science Camp at GITAM Institute organised by the Biotechnology Department.Addressing the students, he said that research can spur economic growth, but in India spending on higher education is very less and that is leading to low enrolment in science programmes in universities and colleges.
He observed that the country was slowly changing its objects towards science, particularly to bring all inventions and innovations on to business platform. He advised the students to utilise the programs like INSPIRE.GITAM president M. Sribharath said that research in science is a major vehicle for enhancing the quality of human life.He pointed that there is a wide scope for scientific inventions, especially by giving solutions for present day problems like global warming, new diseases and plastic waste treatment.
GITAM Vice-Chancellor K. Sivaramakrishna said that the university was initiating an innovation centre to encourage the students to think about innovations through science and technology.He informed that the university will encourage start-ups, entrepreneurs with proper guidance and motivation.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee Sandip Basu (Radiation Medicine Centre, Mumbai) inspired the students with his lecture on cancer treatment through radio pharmaceuticals.GITAM Institute of Science Principal M. Sarathchandra Babu said that INSPIRE, was initiated by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, to attract talented people to the field of science at an early age.
Dec 6, 2019 (New Delhi)
CSIR Developed Anti-Diabetes Medicine
The diabetic population in the country is close to hitting the alarming mark of 69.9 million by 2025, which denotes that the country is expected to witness an increase of 266%.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through its constituent laboratories namely CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow; and CSIR- National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow developed scientifically validated herbal product NBRMAP-DB as anti-diabetic formulation and the knowhow for the product was licensed to M/s AIMIL Pharma Ltd., Delhi who are manufacturing and marketing it as BGR-34, across the country.
M/s AIMIL Pharmaceuticals, the licensee carried out the clinical study of BGR-34 and the trial was registered in clinical trial registry of India (Registration number: CTRI/2016/11/007476). Further, the formulation has shown therapeutic efficacy for treating newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, as found in independent clinical trials conducted at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi.
The Central of Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), and autonomous body under Ministry of AYUSH has been engaged in extending research oriented Ayurveda based on integrative health care services for the management of Madhumeha which is Diabetes Mellitus. The following are the core activities
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Nov 29, 2019 (New Delh)
CSIR signs MoU for upgradation of advanced technologies
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), an autonomous Scientific Society of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The MoU is for pursuing cooperation related to upgradation and modernization of the CSIR-TKDL Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and allied platform(s), including advanced technologies such as Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, mobile applications, Information Processing Tools, Techniques and Language Technology Standardization covering both Indian and foreign languages.
Through this cooperation, CSIR and C-DAC shall jointly work towards updating and modernizing the CSIR-TKDL ICT infrastructure to align with the demands of the time, while also looking towards positioning the TKDL for easy adaptation to emerging and futuristic technologies. It is an initiative of India to prevent misappropriation of country's traditional medicinal knowledge at International Patent Offices.
CSIR jointly with Department of AYUSH in 2001, developed the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), an internationally recognized proprietary database on Indian traditional knowledge for preventing bio-piracy and misappropriation. The TKDL contains in a digitized format, information from books related to Indian systems of medicine and health - Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Sowa Rigpa available in public domain, and is available in five international languages (English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese).
The TKDL is a global first and has been serving effectively as a prior art database of traditional knowledge for preventing wrongful grant of patents related to traditional knowledge. In 2005, the TKDL expert group estimated that about 2000 wrong patents concerning Indian systems of medicine were being granted every year at international level, mainly due to the fact that India's traditional medicinal knowledge which exists in local languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, Arabic, Urdu, Tamil etc. is neither accessible nor comprehensible for patent examiners at the international patent offices.
It is a collaborative project between CSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology and Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The MoU was signed by Col. A.K. Nath (Retd), Executive Director (Corporate Strategy), C-DAC and Dr. Viswajanani J Sattigeri, Scientist-H and Head, CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (CSIR-TKDL) Unit in the presence of senior officials from both the organizations.
Nov 26, 2019 (New Delhi)
Researchers develop method for manufacturing optical components
Freeform optics is a emerging field of optics and it has a great potential in many fields. A group of researchers from Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIR-CSIO) Chandigarh and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have developed a method that would help in manufacturing of optical components including simple shape optics to freeform optics by ultra- precision machining process and various related issues.
Currently manufacturing of complicated optical components such as freeform optics is very difficult due to its complicated shape and required high precision. Many other components are imported from other countries due to lack of research in optics fabrication domain in India. Ultra-precision machining is one of the optics fabrication techniques. "This research work would help in understanding the various issues affecting the performance of ultra-precision machining process. The work is helpful to develop the freeform surface with nanometric surface finish and sub-micron profile accuracies" said Dr Vinod Mishra, researcher from CSIR-CSIO.
With the help of developed process precision molds can be fabricated which can be utilized for mass production (molding is the process to develop the large quantities) and to cater the future needs of indigenous development of such optical components. Where ultra-precision machining process is used to make the material is removed from the surface in very controlled manner usually micrometre scale. "The material is removed with very sharp diamond cutting tool. Various parameters like vibrations, thermal issues, environmental conditions, machining conditions etc are affecting the surface quality. We have to minimize the effect of all these factors while we are targeting the nanometric surface quality", told Dr Mishra.
Freeform optics is a technique that is used in development of high-quality optical systems. Conventional lenses and mirrors have a simple shape that is either concave or convex and they have their limitations too. They cannot produce certain light- beam paths so lenses and mirrors with a more complex aspherical or freeform surface are needed. These shapes could be a lens shaped like a saddle or a banana.
These are also used in various other fields like medical, defense, data storage and aerospace industries. Freeform optics is an advanced version of optical fibers. The basic difference between freeform optics and optical fibers is that optical fiber is a cylindrical shape dielectric waveguide (nonconducting waveguide) that transmits light along its axis, by the process of total internal reflection. Whereas freeform optics has asymmetrical shapes and they have no translational or rotational symmetry.
Optical fiber is used by many telecommunications companies to transmit telephone signals, Internet communication and cable television signals. It is also used in a multitude of other industries, including medical, defense/government, for data storage, and industrial/commercial. Freeform optics his method can also be used to develop smaller, lighter, high-resolution lenses and mirrors. New systems containing these components can be made smaller and lighter, which is a big plus for aerospace instruments, medical instruments and other fields.
Nov 26, 2019 (Nagpur)
CSIR, CCRI harvester collects cotton without damaging bolls and plants
About 12 million hectares of agricultural land in India is under cotton cultivation while 50 lakh ha in Maharashtra grows it, mainly the Bt Cotton. The gigantic task of harvesting the crop from such large number of plants is done manually, involving huge manpower and several days.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), through its West Bengal-based Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) and city-headquartered Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), have developed a prototype to harvest the crop within a couple of hours with minimum human effort.
CMERI's senior scientist Ajay Yadav, who is the brain behind the prototype, told TOI that the harvester will not only save time but also prevent damage to plants and immature bolls. The machine also allows more than one picking for late maturing bolls. The speed will protect standing crops from sudden change is weather too. In October, farmers in Maharashtra suffered damages to standing crops when unseasonal rains lashed their farms.
"For single head picking, the productivity is 0.25 hectare per hour. It is purely mechanical picking and suitable for Bt cotton plants having 3 to 4 foot height," said Yadav. Normally, more than one day is required to collect cotton from mature bolls from a same size field.
The trials were held at CCRI's campus in Nagpur. "The machine has 432 spindles which rotate at 3000 to 4000rpm. The cotton gets sucked in and the doffer pads wipe the spindle before sending the cotton on one side. For now, we used simple mesh baskets," he said.
The prototype was attached to a tractor and it was taken over the plants. "To use the machine, farmers will have to grow plants by leaving some space for the wheels of the machine and its vehicle. A bigger machine can take in three to four rows at a time," Yadav said.
The scientist, under the central government's science and technology department, is trying to design a tractor mounted machine. "This prototype is attached to the tractor. The tractor-mounted cotton picking machine will have an inbuilt cotton picking head collection system and storage," he said.
Yadav said the prototype can be converted into a big machine - a complete cotton harvester. "This was for demonstration. The machine was developed in Ludhiana and brought to Nagpur," he said.
The research bodies are now planning to introduce a conveying system to collect cotton from large fields. The cost for prototype was Rs10 to 12 lakh for a single head. "Industrial production will bring down the cost of a complete harvester. Yet, it can be used on a rental basis rather than owning it," Yadav said.
HOW IT WORKS
"Machine picks only mature cotton bolls while unopened ones and plant are not damaged bolls
Other CSIR participants in Agrovision 2019
Nov 21, 2019 (Hyderabad)
DRDO offers 450 patents for free access to industries
In a bold move, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has put its over 450 patents for free access to industries for commercial exploitation. The unprecedented move is intended to provide a boost to domestic industries, especially in the strategic sector through free access to patents held by the DRDO, which has a network of over 50 national laboratories, involved in research and development.
As per a new policy, the DRDO, under the Ministry of Defence will offer complete access to its patents filed in India without any licensing or royalty fees. It has displayed both the procedure and the complete list of technologies on its website.
The technologies, relating to missiles, life sciences, electronics and communications, naval and aeronautics systems, combat engineering, electronics, armaments. among others, have military applications and some have spin offs that can be transferred to commercial market.
The DRDO has taken the lead as other leading R&D bodies like the Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Space, National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which have portfolios of national and international patents offer them for a fee and royalty.
It is welcome step for start ups, entrepreneurs and industries. "It's better to offer some patents free than keeping them in the shelf and pay hefty protection fee for its lifetime. After all, commercial exploitation is the key factor that should determine patents", experts told BusinessLine.
'Not the first time'
In 2000, when George Fernandes was the Defence Minister and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government, the DRDO in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised a major industry meet to transfer technologies in the DRDO laboratory network. The CII members were given access to potential technologies of the DRDO labs for commercial exploitation. The move was promising, but did not yield much result.
Over 15 years ago, Dow Chemicals, the global multinational chemical giant had in a similar move put out thousands of its patents for access to Universities in a bid to encourage further developments and commercial utilisation.
How to Apply:
The industry must apply with a fee of Rs.1000, along with relevant technical and financial details. It will then be screened by an expert committee and if eligible a non-exclusive license for one year will be granted.
Earlier, the Defence Ministry had formulated Transfer of Technology Policy, Make in India initiative, and Defence Production Policy to encourage domestic industries.
DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet
A one day "DRDO-Industry Synergy Summit 2019" will be held at the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad on Friday. Nearly 300 small, medium and large industries are expected to take part.
The topics of discussions include latest policy framework and opportunities created, high technology collaborations and defence manufacturing, defence export and a Panel discussion on challenges and opportunities for Indian industries.
Nov 18, 2019 (New Delhi)
Smart microscopy solution for better diagnostics from CSIR lab
Given the current health burden and scarcity of health professionals in rural areas, the Indian health system is in need of innovative and affordable solutions. There is lack of diagnostic labs and trained pathologists in many areas. In such a situation, it is necessary to develop smart solution for diagnostics.
To address these challenges, a smart microscopy solution has been developed by researchers at Chandigarh-based Central Scientific Instruments Organization (CSIO) of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It can acquire microscopic images or use stored microscopic images of blood sample under study for the quantification of Red Blood Cells (RBC) and White Blood Cells (WBC).
"It is a telepathology based technique, which can be operated by any technician and the reports can be send to the experts. It can be a very useful tool particularly for remote and inaccessible rural areas which lack diagnostic facilities," said Dr Suman Tiwari, the lead researcher, while speaking with India Science Wire.
This microscopy technique is based on the deep learning algorithm. It uses the mathematical formulation which can be used as optimised model for optimal outputs. It uses software that calculates red and white blood cells using microscopic images of blood samples. The existing methods are visual, manual methods but this technique will use automated visual method. In this, the microscope will have a camera mounted on it and from that camera images will be acquired. These images are then read in computers where the backend algorithm can produce tell the results. In this approach, detection and quantification for RBC and subtypes of WBC has shown 93% accuracy. The software can be mounted on a digital microscope developed by CSIO.
Dr Tiwari said "the system has been trained on data obtained from different clinical centers for lab-specific quantification. It can be developed an integrated approach and automated solution for real-time quantification of blood cells in diagnostic inferencing." This microscopy technique was demonstrated in the Medical Innovations category at the Health Research Conclave held recently under the India International Science Festival-2019 in Kolkata, where the technique has won first prize.
CSIO Director Prof. R. Sinha congratulated the researchers who developed this microscopy technique, saying that "limited access of equipment and experts for diagnostic testing of diseases to India's vast population and people living in remote areas is a major problem. This smart technology can be useful in ensuring access to affordable and accessible diagnostic services. "
The technology of this digital microscope has recently been transferred to a Hyderabad-based company.
Oct 31, 2019 (Kolkata)
No room for irrationality in science: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research chief
There is no room for 'pseudo-science' in any scientific pursuit, and Indian scientists are committed to methods and enquiry that have nothing to do with irrationality, according to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) director general Shekhar C Mande.
Speaking at a curtain raiser for the 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) that begins in the city on November 5, Mande - who is also secretary of the department of scientific and industrial research, Government of India - stressed that the basic principles of science can never be compromised to accommodate illogical theories.
"We believe in science and enquiry and there are methods that our scientists follow. There is no need to debate anything and you can see the way our scientists are working," Mande said when asked to comment on remarks regarding the use of science in ancient India made by ministers in the recent past.
"Everyone has the right to speak but it's also true that many great discoveries have been made in India in the past. It has taken a long time for the world to accept them. J C Bose was not credited for many of his works that he did here in Kolkata. While the zero was discovered in India, the famous dancing girl figurine of the Mohenjodaro civilization was made of cast alloy that proves India had the technology to mix metals then. There is no pseudo-science in these, and they should be known to the world," said Mande.
He added that science didn't exclude the common man. "A lay person can discover something which scientists may have overlooked. That is the true spirit of science."
The CSIR director general added that Kolkata had a great talent pool in science and the standard of science here had not gone down. "Other than great scientists from other places like Ronald Ross, JBS Haldane and CV Raman who have done great work in Kolkata, there have been stalwarts like J C Bose and S N Bose who have done the city proud. That apart, there are countless scientists from Kolkata who are not known but continue to contribute to science. This is why we have chosen Kolkata as the IISF venue," said Mande. He added that Kolkata is still a centre of excellence in science.
The IISF will feature 28 events across six venues that include Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, SRFTI, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Science City and Bose Institute. A large contingent of scientists and technocrats, and ministers are expected to attend from around the country.
A global Indian Scientists' and Technocrats' meet and an International Science Film Festival of India are among the events. There will also be a start-up conclave, a Nav Bharat Nirman conference on ideas in science and an agricultural scientists' meet. More than 250 films have been selected for screening. Several science filmmakers, science communicators and storytellers will attend the festival.
Reiterating Mande's views, Vigyan Prasar director Nakul Parashar said science was 'binary in nature' and there was no room for baseless views. "There can only be a zero or 1 in science. It's that simple and everything in science is plain," he said. Vigyan Prasar is the nodal agency for IISF.
