A BREAKTHROUGH

GENE THERAPY MAY REGROW BONES

                          computer-driven bioplotter to fabricate 3D gene therapy scaffolds

Scientists claim-ed to have developed a new method which can mimic real bone tissue and regenerate bones using gene therapy.

Researchers from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) have developed a method of repairing bone using synthetic bone graft substitute material, which combined with gene therapy, can mimic real bone tissue and can regenerate bone in patients who have lost large areas of bone from either disease or trauma.
The researchers have developed an innovative scaffold material made from collagen and nano-sized particles of hydroxyapatite which acts as a platform to attract the body’s own cells and repair bone in the damaged area using gene therapy.
The cells are tricked into overproducing bone producing proteins known as BMPs, encouraging regrowth of healthy bone tissue. The method has potential to be applied to regenerate tissues in other parts of the body.
“Previously, synthetic bone grafts had proven successful in promoting new bone growth by infusing the scaffold material with bone producing proteins,” Professor Fergal O’ Brien, Principal Investigator on the project said in a statement.
“These proteins are already clinically approved for bone repair in humans but concerns exist that the high doses of protein required in clinical treatments may potentially have negative side effects for the patient such as increasing the risk of cancer,” O’Brien added.

Telugu girl gets US Prez award

As per The news in Deccan Chronicle dated 25-07-12

Telugu scientist Sridevi Vedula Sarma, an assistant professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Computational Medicine at the John Hopkins University, has been awarded the prestigious Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers in the US. This is the highest honour given by the US government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research careers.

US President Barack Obama named four Indian-American scientists among 96 researchers as recipients of the awards. The three other Indian recipients are Pawan Sinha, Parag A. Pathak and Biju Parekkadan.

“Discoveries in science and technology not only strengthen our economy, they inspire us as a people,” Mr Obama said. Ms Sarma, who is a second-generation immigrant from Andhra Pradesh, obtained her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University in the US and went on to receive her Ph.D from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2006. She was also a post-doctoral fellow at the MIT. She develops software that help doctors treat Parkinson’s disease. Ms Sarma was trained in electrical engineering, but she was drawn towards neuro-medical sciences. She conducted a case study of her aunt who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

JRF Post in University of Hyderabad

                                                                University of Hyderabad
                                  (A Central University established in 1974 by an act of the parliament)
Department of Biotechnology
School of Life Sciences
HYDERABAD 500 046
INDIA
Tel: +91-40-23134505
Fax: +91-40-23010120
UH/BT/JSSP/DBT-BT/PR13616/BRB/10/774/2010 Dt: 17-8-11

NOTIFICATION

Applications are invited for the following JRF position in DBT sponsored project entitled: “Unraveling the conserved stress responsive mechanism using Synechocystis sp PCC 6803 as a model”.
 Candidates interested are requested to send their Biodata with contact information to the Principle investigator  (above address) on or before 6-09-2011.
Work involves Targeted mutagenesis and application of DNA micro arrays to unravel the functions
of Hypothetical genes.
Suitable candidates will be called for interview to appear before
selection committee intimating the date and venue.
No TA/DA will be paid for attending the
interview.
Project Position :JRF
Qualification and experience: M.Sc(Plantsciences/Microbiology/Biotechnology/Biochemistry/Lifesciences),M.Tech
(Biotechnology/Life sciences)
Preference will be given to UGC/CSIR-NET or Gate qualified candidates
Pay per Month:12000+HRA
Duration:Till the project ends (DBT)
 Principal Investigator: Dr.J S S Prakash

GM mosquitoes may be released in Hyderabad

Genetically Modified (GM) mosquitoes could soon be unleashed in the country to control the population of their own dengue and chikungunya virus transmitting species. British company, Oxitec, which developed the technology, partnered with a company in the country to test and evaluate GM mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), dengue is a fast emerging pandemic-prone viral disease in many parts of the world. According to the ministry of health and family welfare, there were 1,209 dengue cases and six deaths in the state last year while this year there have been 96 cases and one death. About 70 cases of chikungunya have been confirmed this year.

Dengue and chikungunya are primarily transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti, also called the yellow fever mosquito. Oxitec’s procedure is primarily population control, but after allowing the vectors to reproduce. Mosquitoes are genetically modified so that they need a diet supplement, tetracycline, during larval development. These GM vectors are released in the open after which they mate with the female mosquitoes. And since they want the supplement, their offspring die in the early stages. The males are also short-lived.

Luke Alphey, chief scientist, Oxitec and a visiting professor in zoology, University of Oxford, said in an email, “Remember that our sterile males do produce sperm; these transmit the lethal gene to the offspring which then die.” But since only the male is GM, the question of the female re-mating and reproducing normal offspring arises. To this, he answered, “In general females mate only once.”

” He thinks this is why non-sperm producing males wouldn’t work. The company said it has released GM mosquitoes in Brazil and the Cayman Islands and reported “suppression of target wild populations of Aedes Aegypti in both Brazil and Cayman by 80 per cent or more”. The process would need about four releases of GM mosquitoes every week in some target areas which will be around 20-100 males per week per resident in a particular area.

For more information click this link   http://oneinsevenpeople.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/gm-mosquitoes-buzz-off/

Nanobodies - the new concept in antibody engineering

Hi friends , i found this review article very interesting and like to provide some other additional information and Pictures about the topic .I am providing the link for the  review article which was  published in African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 8 (12), pp. 2645-2652, 17 June, 2009.

Pdf  link of the article
click here   www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/viewFile/60807/49020

Picture 2 Camelid (Lama) and Picture 4: cartilagenous Fishes (wobbegong).

•ABLYNX in Belgium which is a biopharmaceutical company is engaged in discovery and development of Nanobodies in therapeutic programs including major disease areas such as thrombosis ,inflammation, oncology and Alzheimer’s disease.

•Ablynx’s vWF Nanobody programme was granted orphan drug designation by both the U.S. FDA and the European Commission for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

•Nanobodies  with specificity to other targets of biological relevance will be another future challenge.

Vacancies for Junior Analyst posts in Department Of Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology invites applications for filling up the five posts of Junior Analysts (Tech.) on contractual basis. The contract will be initially for a period of one year and extendable thereafter. The following are the details of the post and the requisite qualifications:-

• Name of the Post                    Junior Analyst (Tech.)
• Scale of Pay:                           35000/- (Consolidated)
• No. of vacancies:                     05
• Essential Qualifications : Masters degree in Sciences from a recognized University or equivalent or Bachelors degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized University or equivalent.                                                                    The maximum age limit for appointment shall not be exceeding 30 years as on the closing date of receipt of applications.

 The application in the prescribed proforma along with necessary certificates may be sent to

 Smt. Beena E. Chakravarty, 

Under Secretary,

 Department of Biotechnology, 

Block–2, 8th Floor, CGO Complex,

 Lodi Road,

 New Delhi–110 003

 within 30 days of the publication of this advertisement in the Employment News. It may be noted that at the top of the application form the name of the post for which application has been submitted may be mentioned.

Sd/-

(Beena E. Chakravarty)

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India

Tel.No.2436 2363

 Application Proforma:

PROFORMA

1.                              Post Applied for

2.                              Name of the Applicant (in BLOCK Letters)

3.                              Date of Birth (DD/MM/YY)

4.                              Date of superannuation

5.                              Post Address (with email id.)

(a)                                                    Residential Address with telephone number

(b)                                                    Official Address with telephone number

6.                              Educational Qualification (Graduation and above)

Exam Passed	University	Year of Passing	Subjects	Division	%age of marks obtained

7.                              Details of Employment in chronological order

Office/Instt. Orgn.	Post held	From	To	Scale of pay and basic pay	Nature of duties

8.                              Nature of present employment.  Ad-hoc/Temporary/Permanent

(a)    Details of research work done, if any

(b)    Professional training undergone, if any, and details thereof

(c)    Publications, if any

9.                              Any other relevant information that you may like to furnish

(Signature of the candidate)

CERTIFICATE OF BE FURNISHED BY THE EMPLOYER

1.                              The service  particulars of Shri/Dr. ________________ given above have been verified from the service record of the applicant and found correct.

2.                              Certified that no vigilance enquiry is pending or contemplated against the applicant.

3.                              Certified that officer will be relieved immediately in the event of his/her selection.

Place                                                                            Signature

Date:                                                                           Designation with Office seal 

Novel Anti-Malarial Drug Target Identified

An international team of scientists, led by researchers from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, have identified the first reported inhibitors of a key enzyme involved in survival of the parasite responsible for malaria.

                         Their findings, which may provide the basis for anti-malarial drug development, are currently published in the online version of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

Tropical malaria is responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths annually. Severe forms of the disease are mainly caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, transmitted to humans by female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria eradication has not been possible due to the lack of vaccines and the parasite's ability to develop resistance to most drugs.

The researchers conducted high-throughput screening of nearly 350,000 compounds in the National Institutes of Health's Molecular Libraries Small Molecule Repository (MLSMR) to identify compounds that inhibit an enzyme which plays an important role in parasite development: Plasmodium falciparumglucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (PfG6PD) is essential for proliferating and propagating P. falciparum.

"The enzyme G6PD catalyzes an initial step in a process that protects the malaria parasite from oxidative stress in red blood cells, creating an environment in which the parasite survives," said senior author Lars Bode, PhD, assistant professor in the UCSD Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. People with a natural deficiency in this enzyme are protected from malaria and its deadly symptoms, an observation that triggered the reported research.

The parasitic form of the enzyme (PfG6PD) is what contributes the majority of G6PD activity in infected red blood cells. Because the parasite lives in the blood of a malaria-infected person, the scientists aimed at identifying compounds that inhibit the parasitic form but not the human form of the enzyme. "We didn't want to interfere with the human form of the enzyme and risk potential side effects," Bode explained.

Scientific testing had previously been limited by a lack of recombinant PfG6PD. Team members in the lab of Katja Becker, PhD, at the Interdisciplinary Research Center at Justus-Liebig-University in Giessen, Germany produced the first complete and functional recombinant PfG6PD, and researchers led by Anthony Pinkerton, PhD, at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute used it to identify the lead compound resulting from their efforts, ML276.

ML276 represents the first reported selective PfG6PD inhibitor, which stops the growth of malaria parasites in cultured red blood cells -- even those parasites that developed resistance to currently available drugs. "ML276 is a very promising basis for future drug design of new anti-malarial therapeutics," said Bode.

MY ENCOUNTER WITH TRUTH

Hi Friends,
                I am back again with another experience. ( I think the word " Enlightenment" would  be appropriate than experience.)This was  happened a few days back.
                 When i was checking the older posts of helpbiotech website  , i had come to see an  ad  post asking for faculty positions  in biotech for degree college .As i am taking coaching for GRE , i thought i can spare time for teaching as part time.So i had started my search in google, writing down the whole list of biotech, microbiology, biochem course offering colleges in Hyderabad and secunderabad (Both degree and PG) and their contact numbers.There were almost 13 colleges.
                  Later I started making calls to each of them asked whether there were any faculty position Vacancy.These were  some of the answers i got from them.
a.)   Sorry , We have already recruited in summer.
b.)   no, wrong number.
c.)   sorry , we do not offer that course.
d.)   We have taken out that course, (this is the most amazing answer.)
                    The only positive response i got,  was from a college named 'Mythri Degree college" located in an area i have never heard of.Then had not told me they have vacancies.but they had asked me bring my resume and meet the principle.On hearing that , i felt as if have already got the job and planned to go their the very next day.
                     The searching of college was very hectic and i have to admit that the pollution and traffic here was unbearable.At last , i fount the college and met the principle.She is a fine middle aged women , humorous and elegant.She had checked my resume and gave me this kind of look which said  like" oh poor girl".Let me put the conversion in her words.
                     " You know in biotechnology , there were only 3 to 4 students who  had joined in our college.The only life science teacher we have is from microbiology, she is also teaching for biotechnology.So we cant afford for another one.See even i am a microbiologist, earlier there was a boom for this applied branches especially biotechnology and i have came through all that period and faced hurdles.This is a bad time for science people.All i can say is that, y dont u prefer learning some practical things like bioinformatics, molecular modelling , drug discovery and something like that . I suggest that it will provide u  a job and good future.Many of the institutes like GVK and NTHRYS were offering such like of courses.try them all the best."
                       You should have seen my face then .and the last word she said was " if you are still desperate for the job i can hire u as teacher  for high school."
                        ( oh god thats enough i am not that desperate , iam out of here).I said "  thank you for your advice madam , I will  surely think about it" and came out without saying an another word.

               All i wanna say is that " THIS IS THE POSITION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN INDIA"

PROJECT ASSISTANT POST in National Institute of Nutrition - Hyderabad

National Institute of Nutrition, conducts Walk-In-Interview for the post of Project Asst www.freshersworld.com Qualification : M. Sc. in Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Life Sciences. OR 1st Class B.Sc. in life sciences with wet laboratory experience and /or handling laboratory animals for 1-2 years. Desirable : Experience in handling laboratory animals and routine biochemical laboratory work. No. of Post : 2 Nos. (UR) Age : Below 30 years Consolidated Pay : Rs.8000/-Tenure : Initially for one year and extendable by two more years. National Institute of Nutrition, conducts Walk-In-Interview for the post of Project Asst www.freshersworld.com Qualification : M. Sc. in Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Life Sciences. OR 1st Class B.Sc. in life sciences with wet laboratory experience and /or handling laboratory animals for 1-2 years. Desirable : Experience in handling laboratory animals and routine biochemical laboratory work. No. of Post : 2 Nos. (UR)Age : Below 30 years Consolidated Pay : Rs.8000/- Tenure : Initially for one year and extendable by two more years. 

How to apply 

The candidates should bring all original certificates of educational qualification (from SSC onwards), experience and caste along with a photo and set of Photo copies duly attested for attending the Walk-in-Interview on 24-07-2012 at 9.30 A.M. sharp at NIN, Hyderabad

Genetically modified apple kicks off row in US

Report as per the news in Deccan Chronicle date 14/7/2012

A small company is trying to bring to market a genetically engineered apple that does nt turn brown when slice or bruised .But it has much of the rest of the apple industry seeing red.
   The company , Okanagan Speciality Fruits , says the non browning apple will prove popular with consumers and help increase sales of apples  , in part by making sliced apples more attractive to serve or sell.
   While Americans have been eating genetically modified engineered foods since those have been mainly processed foods .The Arctic Apple , as it is being called could become one of the first genetically engineered versions of a fruit that people directly bite into.
    But the US Apple Association , which represents the American apple industry , opposes introduction of the product , as do some other industry organisations.
   They say that while they dont believe that genetically engineering is dangerous , it could undermine the fruit's image as a healthy and natural food , the one that keeps the doctor away and is as well , apple pie.
"we dont think it's in the best interest of the apple industry of the united states to have that product in the market place at this time " said Christian Schlect , President of the Northwest Horticultural Council, which represents the tree fruit industry in and around Washington state .
     Neal Carter , the founder and president of the company which is based in the Okanagan Valley of the British Columbia , said the non browning apples could improve industry sales much as baby carrots did for carrot sales.
 " If u had a bowl of apples at a meeting people wouldn't take an apple out of the bowl , But if u had a plate of apple slices , everyone would take a slice" the company President said.

SRM University Invites Applications for Junior Research Fellows and Post-Doctoral Fellows

SRM University is a multi-stream and top ranking University in the country having world-class quality infrastructure, excellent computational and experimental facilities and passionate faculty members. SRM Research Institute is a part of SRM University. The vision of the SRM Research Institute is to encourage and promote Basic and Applied research resulting in Intellectual Property (IP), Patent and Products that will advance the frontiers of Science and Engineering and beneficial to humanity. Applications invited from highly motivated candidates for Junior Research Fellowship Program and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program starting in September 2012 in the broad areas of Engineering & Technology, Sciences and Humanities, Management, Medical and Health Sciences. Other Details Location : Chennai Opportunity for collaborative research with prestigious national and international universities/institutes. Minimum Qualification for Junior Research Fellowship : M.Tech / M.Sc., in relevant subject and first class or equivalent at the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree levels. Those who have appeared for Master’s degree examinations and awaiting the results can also apply. The selected candidates will be offered a fellowship of Rs. 16,000/- per month for two years. After 2 years, the fellowship will be enhanced to Rs. 18,000/- based on the academic review. Minimum Qualification for Post-Doctoral Fellowship : Ph.D., degree, in the relevant subject. Those who have submitted the Ph.D, thesis and awaiting the award of the degree can also apply. The selected candidates will be offered a fellowship of Rs. 35,000/- per month.  For details and online application  :http://www.srmuniv.ac.in/home/popup/applications_invited.php

WALK -IN -INTERVIEWS IN IICT, HYDERABAD

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY , Hyderabad is conducting interviews for the positions of Project assistants ,  JRF  and Research Assistant on 17 th and 18 th july 2012.

Project Assistant I 
Qualification : 1st class B.Sc ( BZC or Biotechnology)
PA II
Qualification : 1st class M.Sc in Chemiatry/physical chemistry/microbiology/biochem/biotech with experience and 1st class M.L.I.Sc with computer diploma /degree
PA III
Qualification: 1st Class M.Tech in Biotech/environmental Biotech
JRF 
Qualification : 1st class M.Sc nano biotech / Life Sci/ Biotech    ( NET QUALIFIED )
RA  -
Qualification:M.Sc Ph.d with experience in photocatalysis

For more details visit  www.iictindia.org 
Address : CSIR -IICT
                Tarnaka , Uppal Road , Hyderabad - 500607

My experience in JRF post interview II

Hi friends,
             I am back again with another experience (which have a conclusion of an  another failure) .This time it was in a VERY REPUTED UNIVERSITY in Hyderabad ( ok .. I am gonna reveal the name now ....i.e . HCU    aha.. but not about the department.)
            The project is about " carbon sequestration efficiency among four biofuel trees under elevated CO2"
( Yes .. i think the project is very interesting and not like the boring title that i have mentioned in my last experience... oh anyways i thought whats the use sam ..)
              I went  there exactly at the time they have mentioned to  me in the appointment.This time i was  confident as i did a decent background study on the project as well as basics.  I had known that they are almost 16 students selected for the interview and among them 13 students belong to the campus.(  ohoooo .. my bad luck is back..)and the most shocking rumor is they have already selected THE ONE   ( and that's called recommendation my friends)
               The questions asked by the professors are very silly and indicated their partisan.I immediately got out of their without any intimation after my turn of being interviewed .( as i understood the poor situation).
               So friends , all i wanna say is dont ever waste ur time in such kinda positions unless u have a very well known person in so and so university or institute or unless  u have a urge to get an  experience in interview.
               GOOD LUCK

             

Laboratory Assistant post in Histogenetics , Chennai

Histogenetics is a pioneer and global leader in high-resolution HLA Sequence-based Typing (SBT) services.Histogenetics is a dynamic and growing company always looking for talented, experienced and highly creative professionals in genetics research and computer engineering. We respect and value our employees and offer competitive compensation with excellent benefits packages. Our diverse team of talented people love what they do and do what it takes to meet our clients’ needs.

Laboratory Assistant

Position title: Laboratory Assistant

Number of openings: 5

Location: Ossining, NY – 10562

Position summary: Works in Laboratory, using bio-robotics, handling specimens, Data analysis, using in-house developed computer applications.

Minimum education: B.S. or M.S. degree in life sciences. Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply. Previous lab experience is not a requirement.

To apply, mail resume to:
Attn: HR, HistoGenetics, 300 Executive Blvd., Ossining, NY 10562; or send email to Jobs2011@histogenetics.com

Project Associate/Research Associate Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics(CDFD) Hyderabad

CDFD invites application for the post of Project Associate/Research Associate in Hyderabad. Job Profile:Candidate should be Ph.D. in Physics / Chemistry / Life Science / Biotechnology / Genetics / Biochemistry / Microbiology / Bioinformatics. OR Candidate Should be M.V.Sc./ M.Pharm./ M.E./ M.Tech. having three years of research, teaching and design and development experience. This position is purely temporary during the period of one year. How to apply: Interested candidates can Complete the application form online at (www.cdfd.org.in) and take the print out of the filled form. Applications may also be made on plain paper as per the format displayed on our website.  The printout of the completed application form alongwith the certificate in support of date of birth, educational qualifications, caste and NET fellowship etc. and fee of Rs. 200/- by way of Demand draft / IPO drawn in favour of "The Director, CDFD" payable at Hyderabad should be sent to The Head-Administration, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Office Block: 2nd Floor, Bldg. 7, Gruhakalpa, 5-4-399/B, M. J. Raod, Nampally, Hyderabad . 500 001". The online facility of application will open on 21.06.2012 and will be closed on 20.07.2012. Last date for receipt of the printout of the applications is 23.07.2012 About Employer The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) is an autonomous organization funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.