GNDU organises webinar on biodiversity

Our Correspondent

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Amritsar, June 18

Guru Nanak Dev University, in collaboration with the Spinco Biotech Ltd, on Wednesday organised an international webinar on biodiversity and human health. Prof Saroj Arora commenced the proceedings and the theme was focused on biodiversity, ecosystem and the role they play in regard to the lives of infinite species that dwell on planet Earth.

The webinar, which included 700 participants, witnessed various takes of scholars on the topic from around the world. Dr Rajendra Mehta and Dr Rahul Manan, both based in the USA, were among the first ones to offer their take. Dr Rajendra Mehta, Professor (Emeritus) Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, deliberated on discovery of cancer preventive and therapeutic hits in which he discussed the role of natural products to cure the dreadful disease. While, Dr Rahul Manan from Michigan Centre for Translational Pathology, Michigan, spoke on the Michigan Legacy Tissue Program (MLTP) and novel biomarker discovery in kidney cancer. He familiarised others about the documentation of distribution of metastases and characterisation of tumor phenotypically.

Throughout the session, the scholars were unanimous in their opinion that health was the most important factor and the only key indicator of sustainable development. Also, they took into consideration the importance of integration of Ayurveda with the modern medical system.

Dr Ismat Dhala-Nathani, University of Bristol, Toronto, shed light on the psychoneuroimmunology immunity. She commented that natural medicines play an essential role in integration of various organs, senses and body systems.

Meanwhile, Prof Dr GG Gangadharan, Director, Ramaiah Indic Specialty Ayurveda Restoration Hospital, Bengaluru and Dr Arun Chandan, Regional Director, Research Institute in Indian Systems of Medicine (RIISM), discussed the role of ayurveda and medicinal plants in maintaining good health.

Dr Ajit Datar, Advisor, Shimadzu analytical Pvt Ltd, Thane, Maharashtra, expounded on the applications of analytical techniques in identifying phytochemicals from medicinal plants.