Long assumed as mere fat reservoirs, lipid droplets (LDs) are recently gaining attention for their association with cellular metabolism to many diseases. Siddhesh S. Kamat, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune studies lipid signalling. He notes "Lipid metabolism is central to most physiological processes and LDs are emerging as important cellular organelles."

LDs are also induced by pathogens. For instance, LDs are found to be abundant in macrophages after tuberculosis infection. Following inhalation, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is engulfed by macrophages, our professional killer cells. But these notorious mycobacteria have developed counterstrategies too. The survivors thus reside within those macrophages and reprogram the cellular lipid metabolism to ensure their food supply. The resultant fat-filled macrophages are the primary cause of tissue destruction and lung cavities observed in tuberculosis patients.

“There is, however, very little understanding of the role of LDs in macrophages” comments Sheetal Gandotra, Principal Scientist, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi. In collaboration with researchers from the Ecole Normale Supérieure de Paris, France, and CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi, Gandotra Lab recently discovered ARL8B (ADP-ribosyltransferase (Arf)-like 8), a small GTPase as the first player mediating the lysosome-dependent lipid degradation in human macrophages.

Gandotra studies tuberculosis infection and her group previously discovered that lipids found in LDs regulate the immune response to tuberculosis infection. While LD turnover by lysosomes is known, none of the mediators involved in the process have been identified yet. Initially, they explored the known cellular processes of lipid degradation to identify the potential mediators. Gandotra says, “Unable to find any in our large-scale screens of proteins on LDs from infected macrophages, we wondered if the transport machinery could be another way of mobilising lipids from LDs.”

The researchers became interested in ARL8B, as known to have role in cellular cargo delivery to lysosomes, they found its abundance on the surface of LDs from infected macrophages. These GTPase proteins, acting as molecular switches in cellular signalling, depend on their shape when bound to either a GTP (Guanosine triphosphate) or GDP (Guanosine diphosphate) molecule. For instance, GTP-bound ARL8B binds lysosome, helping in its movement inside cells. Gandotra says,

When we pick a protein most of the time we rely on a priori knowledge, but sometimes you just have to go with the hunch.

Through extensive analyses, the researchers here vividly show that GDP-bound ARL8B can bind to LDs and the complex formed by both GTP and GDP-bound ARL8B is necessary for establishing contact between LDs and lysosomes, enabling the transfer of lipids from LDs to lysosomes. Using inhibitors for both cytosolic and lysosomal lipid degrading enzymes, coupled with silencing ARL8B expression, they further confirmed that the ARL8B-regulated lysosomal pathway is the primary route for the turnover of resident lipids of LDs, They thus demonstrate that ARL8B is crucial for the turnover of the long-chain unsaturated fatty acids associated with immune response.

Kamat comments, “Here, the authors report a new biological mechanism by which the protein ARL8B regulates the metabolism of LDs, via enhancing their transport to lysosome.” He also thinks that, though preliminary at this stage to say, the interesting findings in this paper might have important biomedical applications in fighting pathogenic microorganisms such as M. tuberculosis, which hijack diverse lipid pathways and LD metabolism to evade and survive in our immune system.

To understand the mechanism better, the group is now planning to identify the external stimuli and other proteins regulating the function of ARL8B. Gandotra adds,

We also hope that this study will pique the interest of researchers working in the area of fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, and other conditions where lipid accumulation is part of the pathology.

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (OPSA) and IISc, Bengaluru, organised Dialogue 2023 on 18 November 2023 at the Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway. This exclusive summit unfolded its intellectual tapestry before a handpicked assembly of participants, heralding an exploration into the frontiers of science and technology.

The curtain rose with the inaugural session, “Shaping Technological Futures,” where Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc, Bengaluru, set the stage with a profound welcome address. His words echoed with pride as he showcased the remarkable innovations birthed by IISc and its pivotal role in shaping national policies.

This session was followed by the keynote address by Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India on “Expanding Science and Technology Horizons: Within and Beyond”. Chaired by TA Abhinandan, Professor, IISc, Bengaluru, this session became the harbinger of a series of enlightening dialogues. While discussing the four pillars of sustainable development — education, science, technology, and innovation, Sood highlighted the startup ecosystem’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Delving into disruptive technologies like quantum computing, Sood envisaged their pivotal role in the nation’s development. He also explored the societal impact of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs), exemplified by the revolutionary United Payments Interface (UPI) system.

Ethics, trust, and being future-ready

In the next session, “Ethics of Disruptive Technologies,” Sharad Sharma, Co-Founder, iSPIRT Foundation and Nimmi Rangaswamy, Professor, International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, participated in a discussion. It was set as a “Dialogue between a technologist and an ethicist regarding the ethical principles that should steer anticipatory governance strategies when dealing with disruptive technologies,” stated the event schedule pamphlet. Animesh Jain, Policy Fellow, OPSA-PAIU, IISc, Bengaluru, moderated this session. Sharma advocated for a “virtuous way” of identity, citing the positive use of Aadhaar, while Rangaswamy cautioned against the inherent biases and values embedded in technologies like AI. The session concluded with a dynamic exchange, echoing the importance of ethical considerations in steering anticipatory governance strategies.

In session 2, Abhishek Singh, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, President and CEO, National e-Governance Division, MD and CEO, Digital India Corporation, CEO, Karmayogi, Government of India, delivered his special address on “India’s Digital Transformation and Global Positioning: Imperatives through G20 and GPAI”. Singh underscored the importance of collaboration, cooperation and co-leading global innovations with other countries. Singh was then joined by Alex Ellis, High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to India, Nivedita Mehra, Managing Director, US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), and Wiebke Dörfler, Managing Director, The Bavarian-Indian Centre for Business and University Cooperation, for a panel discussion on “Charting Global Technology Competitiveness: A Strategic Imperative”. Rohan Singh Barad, Program Manager – Initiatives, OPSA-PAIU, IISc, Bengaluru, moderated the discussion.

Ellis pointed out the role of trust and negotiations in the science and technology domain and the need for global approaches to unite all countries. Mehra mentioned that the government is trying to become future-ready by developing specific skillsets among its citizens and applauded the skillset India brings to the technology domain. Dörfler highlighted the requirement of taking up innovations from India globally and said that the paradigm shift in the education system in India today is well recognised — the country is already teaching translational skills thoroughly.

Acknowledging traditional knowledge and the people who developed them

The event resumed with session 3, moderated by Dakshata Lingayat, Policy Fellow, OPSA-PAIU, IISc, Bengaluru, and it had two segments of lightning talks. The theme of this session was "Diversity of Knowledge: People and Practices," with the first segment focusing on the Practices. Wiebe Bijker, Professor Emeritus, Maastricht University, the Netherlands, delivered the first talk in the segment. His speech was titled “Plurality of Knowledge”. Bijker joined the event online and shared his insights virtually. The two following addresses were prerecorded — “Handloom as Socio-technology” by Annapurna Mamidipudi, Post-doctoral researcher, Technical University of Berlin, and Trustee, Handloom Futures Trust, and “Towards Green and Sustainable Future – Story of Handloom” by Uzramma, Co-Founder, Handloom Futures Trust, Hyderabad. They instilled the importance of indigenous knowledge in developing new technologies.

The second segment focused on the People. Anil K Gupta, Founder, Honey Bee Network, SRISTI, GIAN, and NIF Visiting Faculty, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, and Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, delivered the first talk titled, “From Sink to Source”. The next was by Viswajananani Sattigeri, Head, CSIR-Traditional Knowledge Digital Library Unit, who spoke on the “Diversity of Knowledge – from Policy Lens”. The next talk by Anamika Dey, CEO, Gujarat GIAN Visiting Faculty, IIM, Ahmedabad, started with a movie clip depicting the first long-distance travel in a car.

Highlighting how women face significant discrimination in developing technologies, Dey mentioned that people called Bertha Benz (who first rode a car for long-distance travel) a witch!

Her talk was titled “Diversity of Knowledge – from a Gender Lens”. Bijker then virtually joined all three speakers from the second segment in an open discussion. Together, they pointed out the role of traditional knowledge in developing new technologies and the requirement of acknowledging the people who are the authentic sources of such indigenous knowledge.

How can scientists and science communication break boundaries?

B Chagun Basha, Chief Policy Adviser, OPSA-PAIU, IISc, Bengaluru, moderated the closing plenary session and the following discussion. In this session, Shubha Tole, Senior Professor and Dean, Graduate Studies, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, delivered a popular talk titled “Public Perception of Science”. The session was chaired by Navakanta Bhat, Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, IISc, Bengaluru. In her recommendations for public outreach, Tole proposed,

A well-funded science communication office must be part of every institution that engages in scientific research, and the institutions must assign a value to the outreach work — this must count when they evaluate their scientists for promotions.

She also said that students must be introduced to outreach through a mandatory course, and we must communicate science in the vernacular languages besides English. In conclusion, she highlighted the need to reach out to the public more and think “beyond outreach”.

In essence, Dialogue 2023 transcended the traditional boundaries of a scientific summit, bringing together a diverse spectrum of thought leaders, policymakers, communicators, and visionaries. It not only celebrated the current achievements but also sowed the seeds for a future where science and technology play an ever-expanding role in shaping the nation’s destiny.

On Wednesday, 15 November 2023, the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) announced the laureates of the esteemed Infosys Prize 2023. Established in 2009 by Infosys board members, the ISF aims to rekindle the essence of romance in science and research by bestowing the recognition it truly deserves. This year signifies the 15^th anniversary of the Infosys Prize, which is conferred upon exceptional research scientists across six categories— Engineering and Computer Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences.

Earlier this year, the nomination council recognised 224 candidates of the world class researchers under 55, in India and abroad. The distinguished jury for each category then deliberated and solicited insights from the world-renowned experts on the contribution of the shortlisted candidates to ensure they were on par with the best in their respective field. The awarded candidates receive a citation, a gold medal, and a prize money of USD 100,000.

The Jury 2023 included Arvind (Engineering and Computer Sciences), Akeel Bilgrami (Humanities), Mriganka Sur (Life Sciences), Chandrashekhar Khare (Mathematical Sciences), Shrinivas Kulkarni (Physical Sciences), Kaushik Basu (Social Sciences).

The 2023 Laureates

Sachchida Nand Tripathi | Engineering and Computer Sciences

Professor, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur

Sachchida Nand Tripathi has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to understanding and mitigating air pollution by deploying large-scale sensors to analyse air quality and develop effective air quality forecasting systems.

One of his key findings involves the discovery of new pathways of aerosol formation and expansion responsible for haze formation in New Delhi. Tripathi notes, “The prize will provide much required attention to the issue of air quality. This may help galvanise more momentum to solve the problem of deteriorating air quality in India; and it also implies there will be greater expectations.”

Jahnavi Phalkey | Humanities

Founding Director, Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB)

Historian Jahnavi Phalkey has been honoured for her insightful contributions to the histories of scientific research in modern India, particularly through her book, ‘The Atomic State’, and numerous articles shedding light on India’s nuclear science research and the global history of scientific discoveries in the postcolonial contexts.

This award brings visibility to my discipline, the history of science, which is relatively marginal in Indian academia. Personally, this news provides the motivation to finish writing my next research-based book. Finally, it adds further credibility to the work I am doing at SGB.

Through her pioneering efforts at the SGB, she provides a creative platform to communicate science to a broader audience. For instance, her documentary film, Cyclotron (2020), showcases the story of the longest-running particle accelerator in India and the scientists behind the work.

Arun Kumar Shukla | Life Sciences

Professor, IIT Kanpur

Arun Shukla has been awarded for his ground-breaking research on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), crucial in cell-cell signaling. His research in synthetic antibody technology has provided emerging tools for probing GPCR activation and control, offering novel insights into GPCR biology.

Recalling the moment he learned about the award, Shukla stated, “It was an amazing feeling to hear that our work is recognised for this award. I felt incredibly proud for the students and fellows in our team and the host institution, IIT Kanpur. This will motivate more young researchers to expand on fundamental science and improve the infrastructure in this research area in India.”

Bhargav Bhatt | Mathematical Sciences

Fernholz Joint Professor, Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton University Gehring Professor, University of Michigan

Bhargav Bhatt has been awarded for his distinguished contributions to arithmetic geometry and commutative algebra, uncovering unexpected connections between these two areas of mathematics. His theory of prismatic cohomology, co-developed with Scholze, represents a fundamental discovery in arithmetic algebraic geometry with the potential to become a standard toolkit for mathematicians in the field.

Bhatt’s pioneering work has garnered recognition through several prestigious prizes, including Clay Research Award (2021), New Horizons Prize in Mathematics (2021) and Nemmers Prize (2022).

Mukund Thattai | Physical Sciences

Professor, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru

Mukund Thattai has been awarded for his exceptional contribution to the field of evolutionary biology, particularly investigating one of biology’s central mysteries— the origins of endomembrane organelles and their evolution from a primitive cell. He says, “While this award won’t change my scientific direction— we have many exciting projects on eukaryotic evolution underway— it will definitely increase the visibility of the field, helping us expand the community of researchers working in this area, especially in India.”

When asked how this award impacts his research, Thattai addressed,

If you read the citation, it talks about the ‘Physics of Life’. I think this is excellent, as it places the study of living systems within the core of physics, where it really should be. That is quite forward-thinking by the jury.

Karuna Mantena | Social Sciences

Professor, Columbia University, USA

Political theorist Karuna Mantena has been awarded for her extraordinary insights on the theory of imperial rule and how its ideology became one of the important factors in shaping modern social theory in India. Her book, ‘Alibis of Empire’, elucidates the post-1857 shift in imperial policy towards custodial conservatism instead of the liberal notion of preparing ‘natives’ for self-rule.

Mantena expressed surprise upon receiving the award, stating, “I initially thought of the Infosys Prize as a lifetime achievement (which it is not). I thought it was, thus, premature as I had not yet completed and published what I consider as my most important work. But I am extraordinarily honoured by this recognition. This award will help me build the international organisation I help run, the Conference for the Study of Political Thought, and establish more associations with students, faculty, and institutions in India.”

Sharing his thoughts at the ceremony, Narayan Murthy, the founder of Infosys, emphasised on the importance of adaptive thinking and being daringly inventive to tackle the daunting and persistent problems of today. He highlighted the contributions of the awardees and congratulated them on winning. The felicitation ceremony will be held in early 2024.

Height is an important feature of an individual, besides being a risk factor for the future development of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Children in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) show more stunting than those in high-income countries (HIC). While as many as 12,000 genetic variants are known to be associated with human height, these variants only correlate with a person’s height around 40% of the time, and that too largely in the HIC such as Europe. Giriraj R Chandak, Chief Scientist, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, and his collaborators shed light on what might be happening in other cases, especially in LMICs, in their recent study published in Nature Communications.

This study involved scientists, clinicians, and public health researchers who have been a part of long-term longitudinal studies examining the effect of maternal nutrition on children’s health. They had previously observed positive correlations between the mother’s nutritional status before and during pregnancy on their child’s height and future non-communicable disease risk. DNA methylation, a gene modification in response to various environmental conditions such as nutrition, can either enhance or inhibit the expression of various genes. This control of gene expression by chemical modification of genes is called epigenetic regulation. In this latest study, the group sought to find out if height is controlled epigenetically during childhood.

The scientists collected blood samples of people, categorised them by their age groups, and looked for methylation signatures on 850,000 known sites of DNA methylation, and 650,000 known genetic variants. They checked for independent genetic and epigenetic association with a person’s height. “Our study pinpointed to altered methylation in three DNA regions, all of them are known to be a part of the Suppressor of Cytokine Signalling 3 (SOCS3) gene. This gene is known for its role in bone formation and skeletal development in humans.

And this study shows an inverse relationship between SOCS3 methylation and stunting; more the methylation at this site, lesser are the chances of stunting. Further, DNA methylation at SOCS3 was also associated with height of individuals aged 21 years suggesting a causal role of SOCS3 DNA methylation,” said Chandak. He added,

We had known that stunting in childhood is associated with onset of many non-communicable diseases and health issues such as increased cardiometabolic risks during adulthood. And we have now systematically shown that height is not only shaped genetically but also by epigenetic factors.

Interestingly, all 12,000 genetic variants were also associated with height in Indians but their effect was significantly lower in this study compared to the European and American counterparts. The study also shows a greater epigenetic influence due to environmental reasons in LMIC children than in HIC children. This underlines the possible early-life interventions that LMICs can particularly develop to alleviate future non-communicable diseases risk.

“Our analysis suggests that factors operating in early life such as parental socio-economic status and maternal micronutrient status may play a role in deciding children’s heights, and thus, the future health risks. While further work is required to understand the molecular mechanisms, our findings add to the literature highlighting the importance of interventions in early life to improve infant and childhood growth, and metabolic health,” added Kalyanaraman Kumaran, Professor, University of Southampton, a collaborator in the study. The authors of the study hope that such childhood and pre-birth interventions will also help alleviating future health risks in adulthood.

Anura Kurpad, Professor, St John’s Medical College and Research Centre, Bengaluru, an expert in population-wide studies on nutrition and metabolism, and not associated with this study, commented on the significance of its findings. He said, “The primary reason for investigating epigenetic modifications in relation to childhood growth is that, unlike genetic variation, these are modifiable by environmental factors such as maternal nutrition, hygiene, etc. This study successfully identified a key epigenetic modifier of height at an early age (5 years), something that was not robustly shown before, and which was well-replicated in multiple cohorts from both LMIC and HICs.”

In August 2023, I began my role as the Program Manager - Digital Initiatives at IndiaBioscience. Surprisingly, just a month into my journey here, an exciting opportunity unfolded—to participate as a workshop trainer for the Crafting Your Career (CYC) workshop slated for the Regional Young Investigators' Meeting (RYIM) Meeting in Srinagar. This 3-day meeting took place against the breath-taking backdrop of Srinagar and was hosted by the University of Kashmir in collaboration with the Central University of Kashmir and Cluster University Srinagar. RYIM Srinagar marked the second iteration of the RYIMs 2023-2024, held from 19 to 21 September 2023.

Under the theme, ‘Igniting curiosity and training young scientists of J&K for a sustainable future’, the RYIM Srinagar offered a vibrant platform for early-career scientists hailing from all across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. RYIM Srinagar was organised by the lead organiser, Bilal Ahmed Mir along with conveners Zahoor A Kaloo and Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri, all from University of Kashmir, Srinagar. The co-organisers, including Aijaz Ganie and Nazima Rasool from the University of Kashmir; Javid A Parray from Cluster University Srinagar; and Nisar A Wani and Owais M Bhat from the Central University of Kashmir, contributed to creating a welcoming and well-structured meeting.

On 21 September 2023, I along with Ankita Rathore, Program Manager - Science Communication from the IndiaBioscience team conducted the CYC workshop specifically tailored for the PhD researchers and postdoctoral fellows participating in RYIM Srinagar. The workshop was designed to focus on exploration of career strategies, funding opportunities, and the hurdles encountered by early-career researchers, presenting a distinctive layer to the overall scientific gathering. In this article, we highlight the key takeaways from the CYC workshop held at RYIM Srinagar.

CYC workshop — our flagship initiative

Crafting Your Career (CYC) workshops, a flagship initiative by IndiaBioscience since 2019, stand as a deliberate endeavour to empower master’s students, PhD researchers, and postdoctoral fellows with essential knowledge and skills needed for navigating their career trajectories effectively. Although typically CYCs comprise full-day workshops integrating various hands-on activities and interactive sessions, our approach at RYIMs involves more focused 2-3 hours sessions specifically tailored to address particular needs.

IndiaBioscience has spearheaded ‘Careers in Science’ (since 2017) and CYC workshops, curating comprehensive courses and training modules that encompass a multi-faceted format, including videos, podcasts, presentations, reading material, and worksheets. The workshop content covers a wide spectrum, ranging from nurturing essential skills and fostering career development to guiding through job application processes, facilitating effective scientific networking, and engaging discussions on professionalism, work ethics, role models, and mentors. The overarching goal of these workshops is to raise awareness among students about the plethora of career paths within the scientific domain, equipping them with the tools needed to make informed choices as they progress in their careers. You can also check out the recordings of the CYC webinars and podcasts here.

Before knowing your career, know yourself

The significance of self-awareness in choosing a career, especially in the field of science, cannot be overstated. Understanding one's skills, interests, and values forms the cornerstone of determining a fitting career path. Personal values, whether centred on financial gain or geographic preferences, significantly influence career decisions. Aligning these personal values with individual skill sets becomes pivotal in making informed choices.

In the evolving scientific ecosystem of India, numerous opportunities await those aspiring to forge careers in science. Yet, there’s a pressing need for professional guidance to assist students and researchers navigating this dynamic terrain effectively. Creating awareness about the diverse career paths available post a science degree remains an essential undertaking. In our CYC sessions, we've got this fun yet engaging activity that helps you figure out your skills, interests, and values. After going through it, you can list your must-haves, should-haves, and nice-to-haves. Eventually, you'll zero in on your top skills, areas for improvement, and what really sparks your interest. The participants loved this activity in the workshop and said it gave them a bunch of clarity about themselves.

Having personally explored different career avenues both during and after my science degrees, I firmly advocate for a shift in perspective regarding non-academic careers.

Instead of labelling them as 'alternate' or ‘non-science’ these paths should be recognised as integral components of 'science careers.' This change in perspective is crucial as it empowers individuals to make informed choices aligned with their unique skills, interests, and values.

What to do during an interview?

In our sessions, we explored interviewing etiquettes, creating an engaging space where participants not only absorbed theoretical knowledge but also actively experienced the art of effective communication through immersive hands-on activities. We believe that true mastery of interviewing skills comes from practice, and our workshop provided just that. We conducted mock interview sessions, allowing participants to navigate the intricacies of interview dynamics. We covered essential aspects, discussing what a participant should do during an interview to leave a lasting impression and also shared effective strategies to gracefully handle inappropriate questions if they were ever thrown their way.

Our approach went beyond the conventional lecture-style learning, emphasising the importance of practical application. By simulating real interview scenarios, participants gained invaluable insights and honed their abilities to articulate thoughts, showcase strengths, and navigate challenging situations. The hands-on experience not only enhanced their interviewing skills but also instilled confidence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the nuances of the professional interview landscape. Also, we addressed post-interview etiquette, guiding participants on the optimal timing for follow-ups and equipping them with strategies for successful salary negotiations, ensuring a comprehensive preparation for every aspect of the job application process.

Practice your elevator pitch

As the workshop facilitator, I had the pleasure of witnessing incredible enthusiasm during our interactive session: practice your elevator pitch. We divided the participants into groups, assigning them unique situations and roles for elevator pitch simulations. In these lively sessions, each group had a brief 2-minute window to practice, resulting in a mix of laughter, valuable insights, and a strong sense of camaraderie among everyone involved. The activity became a fun exploration, allowing participants to identify successful techniques and learn from different enactment approaches.

Similarly, our hands-on practice session for informational interviews added a layer of practicality, making the workshop not just informative but deeply engaging. To show our appreciation, we awarded science books sponsored by Taylor & Francis as prizes, further enhancing the participants' connection with the scientific community. It was an enriching experience that blended learning, interaction, and fun, fostering a supportive environment for skill development and networking.

Feedback from the Participants

The majority of participants, comprising approximately 70%, hailed from The University of Kashmir. The remaining participants represented various institutions, including Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; the Wildlife Research and Conservation Foundation, J&K; the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIM), as well as CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow among others. This diverse array of affiliations underscores the broad spectrum of backgrounds contributing to the event.

The feedback following the workshop left a profound impact, notably expressed by a participant who exclaimed,

I felt alive after the workshop.

This feedback perfectly captured the vibrant energy that filled the room. As the facilitator, these words struck a chord, emphasising the personal connection formed through the immersive learning experience.

When participants were asked about their new learnings, responses varied:

“I learnt that there is a vast scope of science beyond academics.”

“It helped me identify my strengths.”

“The interactions with diverse researchers were fantastic!”

The overwhelming positive feedback not only highlighted the workshop’s success but also underscored the meaningful connections formed. It transcended mere learning; becoming a shared journey of growth and self-discovery, making the Crafting Your Career workshop a cherished memory for us.

Leaving the city, we were inspired and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of these budding scientists during our three-day RYIM journey in the scenic embrace of Srinagar.

The highly contagious Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 and led to the severe COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of novel virus variants emphasises the importance of targeted efforts to identify inhibitors that can halt viral multiplication and treat coronavirus infections.

A team of researchers from Indian institutes, namely, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence (SNIoE), Noida, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, the Regional Centre of Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, along with Srikara Biologicals, Tirupati, has identified a new molecule, named STL522228. STL522228 is also known as 4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1-isopropyl-1H-benzofuro[3,2-b]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyridin-3(2H)-one. This molecule can inhibit a crucial protein responsible for the multiplication of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus. Deepak Sehgal, Professor, SNIoE, believes that the discovery holds promise for this molecule to be used as a drug candidate to combat different coronaviruses, pending validation by clinical trials.

Recently published in the peer-reviewed journal, ​‘The FEBS journal,’ the study addresses concerns about recurring coronavirus outbreaks, the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rapid emergence of novel variants of concern. While vaccinations provide defense against coronavirus infections, the need for antiviral treatments remains to be discovered.

Marceline Côté, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Virology and Antiviral Therapeutics and Director, University of Ottawa Centre for Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, says,

The development of antiviral treatments against SARS-CoV‑2 and various coronaviruses is crucial to manage the pandemic and enhance preparedness for future pandemics.

The study aims to use the major protein of SARS-CoV-2, known as Mpro, as the drug target, which plays a critical role in viral replication through the processing of the viral polyprotein. The reported inhibitor halts the enzyme activity and subsequently controls virus replication. Since this protein is present in coronaviruses but not in humans, it becomes an attractive target for antiviral drug development. The inhibitor identified in the present study targets Mpro and subsequently halts the production of functional enzymes, arresting virus multiplication and thus controlling the infection.

To discover potential inhibitors against Mpro, the researchers screened compounds from several databases and finally identified STL 522228 as a potent inhibitor using computational docking. This compound exhibited effective interactions with critical residues of the protein, specifically Cysteine and Histidine in the active site of Mpro. They also identified domains of the enzyme where the drug interacts with the protein, stabilizing the complex. Techniques involving computational simulations, binding, and biochemical assays were used to study the inhibitor-target interaction, marking the first step to halt viral multiplication.

The team confirmed how well the Mpro inhibitors worked by testing them in a protease cleavage inhibition experiment. Aditya Trivedi, the first author of the paper, mentions, “Since there was no defined assay for studying the activity or inhibition of Mpro, our biggest challenge involved devising an in-house assay to assess the enzyme activity and its inhibition.”

Further, cell-based antiviral assays against SARS-CoV-2 were also conducted using the Human Coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) surrogate system. Sehgal, Professor, SNIoE, explains, “Since we could not culture the virus in our lab due to safety reasons, we used the surrogate HCoV-229E system, as there is a high structural similarity between the Mpro structures from HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2. The validated inhibitors were further studied for their effect in the SARS-CoV-2 culture system at RCB, Faridabad. Surprisingly, the effect of the inhibitor was comparable to Remdesivir, the reference drug that can stop virus multiplication. The researchers reported a 97% reduction in the viral load when treated with a biologically safe amount of STL522228.”

The research group also found that this compound strongly interacts with the Mpro of viruses across various groups within the Coronaviridae family, suggesting it could be a potential drug for multiple coronaviruses. They observed that STL522228 meets most of the criteria outlined in the Lipinski drug design rules. Sehgal, Professor, SNIoE, states,

The efficacy of the STL522228 can be further increased by generating analogs of the compound via structural changes, helping in the development of a therapeutic drug against the coronavirus in future.

Côté added, “This compound might also work against other coronaviruses.” They're optimistic about advancing this research toward clinical trials to test its effectiveness in treating various coronavirus infections.

Tuberculosis, a potentially deadly infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), generally affects the lungs. Even today, about a quarter of the global population is estimated to have been infected with Mtb, and about 5-10% can develop the disease. Besides the general drug regimen of tuberculosis that contains several antimicrobials, there has been a strong interest in developing host-directed therapies (HDTs). In contrast to antimicrobials targeting microbes, HDTs empower the body’s defence systems to fight pathogens effectively. Administering HDTs in combination with regular antimicrobials could help in curing tuberculosis faster.

In a recent collaborative study published in PLoS Biology, scientists have identified a host protein, nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR1), playing a crucial role in the progression of tuberculosis within the human body. NCoR1 significantly affects the development of tuberculosis in specific immune cells known as myeloid cells. Mtb particularly thrives within macrophages, a type of myeloid cell, by inhibiting the formation of the autophagolysosome, which are vital components of the autophagy process. Hence, reinforcing the autophagy process — the body’s natural defence mechanism — could prove beneficial in eliminating Mtb infection.

Sunil Raghav, Scientist F, Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, who is also the lead and co-corresponding author of the study, mentions that, based on their previous studies, they noticed that removing NCoR1 from immune cells like dendritic cells or macrophages, can make the immune system less active, leading to reduced ability to fight infections. In this study, the researchers found that when they removed the NCoR1 gene from the myeloid cells of mice (NCoR1 knockout mice) using gene editing techniques, the mice had a weakened immune system and were more prone to infections. Raghav explains,

From there, we got the idea that NCoR1 might play a role in pathogenic infections like that of Mtb or Salmonella.

The authors then checked this notion using macrophages extracted from the bone marrow of NCoR1 knockout and control mice and infected them with Mtb. The bacteria survived better in macrophages obtained from the knockout mice. This was further validated in vivo in NCoR1 knockout mice.

With this intriguing observation of Mtb’s survival advantage in NCoR1 knockout mice, the group started looking into different signalling pathways. They found that in the absence of NCoR1, genes that induce autophagy were expressed at low levels and lysosome biogenesis (the process by which cells make and regulate lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles responsible for cellular waste disposal) was also impaired. Kaushik Sen, PhD student at ILS, Bhubaneswar, and co-first author of the study, says, “We looked at how cells use energy and autophagy pathways, trying to find a connection and how it affects Mtb survival. We noticed that without NCoR1, cells produced more ATP, the primary energy source. So, we argued that this excess ATP might influence a cellular signalling pathway called the AMPK-mTOR pathway.”

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a cellular energy sensor activated at low energy levels. Activated AMPK suppresses mTOR activity, leading to the subsequent movement of transcription factor EB (TFEB) to the nucleus. TFEB then activates genes responsible for initiating autophagy and creating lysosomes. This also results in increased cellular energy levels.

The researchers found that increased NCoR1 expression in myeloid cells following Mtb infection affects the auto-phagolysosomal pathway through the AMPK-mTOR-TFEB signalling cascade. This modulation ultimately regulates the progression of Mtb infection.

“Though the authors showed that NCoR1 regulates autophagy and lysosome biosynthesis, the interacting partners involved in sensing ATP levels during Mtb infection in myeloid cells need further exploration. NCoR1 domain-based informatics studies may provide clues and certain leads to substantiate these findings,” mentions Ranjan Nanda, Group Leader, Translational Health Group, ICGEB, New Delhi, who was not associated with this study.

Although it was known that Mtb can control autophagy, NCoR1’s involvement in the process is a new finding. Raghav says,

This is the first time we report that NCoR1 is somehow playing a role there. So, if we can identify how NCoR1 controls autophagy, it could pave the way for potential host-directed therapies.

As NCoR1 levels are crucial for modulating Mtb infection, Raghav believes that the variation in its levels among individuals could potentially elucidate why some people are more susceptible to acquiring pathogenic infections like tuberculosis. His group is currently conducting experiments to explore such a connection.

The National Post Doctoral Symposium (NPDS) is an initiative aimed at providing a platform for networking and collaboration among senior PhD scholars and postdoctoral fellows, also known as early career researchers (ECRs), in the field of Life Sciences from diverse universities and institutes in India. This student-led symposium coordinates a range of events to introduce ECRs to various career prospects, develop skills for professional growth, and offer networking opportunities with experts from different sectors of society. The platform's goal is to support and amplify the voices of ECRs, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative scientific community.

NPDS is a significant initiative that serves as a unifying platform for ECRs in India. Since its inception in 2016, NPDS has evolved into a vital conduit, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional growth among aspiring researchers. Each year, the event is organised by Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC) ECRs in collaboration with a partner institute in India that hosts the event. After traveling around India for the first five iterations, NPDS was hosted by the Trivedi School of BioSciences, Ashoka University, Sonipat, from October 12-14, 2023.

The theme for this year was "Science and Society: Vision to Transition". NPDS 2023 brought together speakers from diverse backgrounds to share different perspectives and expertise with the participants. Over three days, the symposium hosted various events, including expert talks, student flash talks, panel discussions, skill development workshops, and interactive sessions to encourage mentor-mentee interactions. The symposium was divided into three sub-themes: (1) Vision for life science research in India, (2) Transitions in academia, and (3) Transition to industry & entrepreneurship.

Vision for science and society

The symposium commenced with Dhananjay Chaturvedi, a founder member of NPDS currently at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), who discussed the history of NPDS and the platform's relevance in fostering scientific collaborations. Dhananjay emphasised the impact NPDS has had on the career development of life science researchers, stating, “NPDS is a unique platform for ECRs in India, by ECRs.”

Following the introduction, K VijayRaghavan, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) addressed the need for sustainability. He emphasised on the pursuit of personal aspirations without compromising on biodiversity and survival of the future generations. He also highlighted that scientists, leveraging their domain expertise, bear the responsibility to advocate for government policies that prioritise environment friendliness, sustainability and responsible use of technology.

Karishma Kaushik, IndiaBioscience, then detailed the various ways IndiaBioscience facilitates the interaction between science and society. IndiaBioscience acts as a facilitator for life science research in India by providing in-depth, timely information on funding opportunities (both academic and non-academic), alerts on new job openings, mentorship programs for young principal investigators, and a platform for young scientists to communicate their science to the public.

LS Shashidhara, NCBS, shared thoughts on National Research Foundation for the Indian ecosystem. He discussed how effective governance and science policy can influence the science and technology sector. Lipsa Panda, Elsevier, challenged stereotypes and stressed the importance of inclusion and diversity across various facets of scientific endeavours, including editorial review and boards.

A panel discussion was then conducted on bridging gaps between science and society, bringing together scientists who play unique roles in society. VijayRaghavan, NCBS; Sravanthi Uppaluri, Azim Premji University, APU; Nandita Jayaraj, author of the book Lab Hopping; and Priyamvada Chugh, India Health Foundation, shared insights about their contributions at the science-society intersection. The discussion was skilfully moderated by Sneha Khedkar and Neelanjana Ray.

Transitions in academia

NPDS participants represent diverse career stages. The ‘Transitions in Academia’ session was specifically tailored to aid those aspiring to transition into independent faculty roles or academia-related professions.

On day two, Shubha Tole, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai, passionately emphasised the self-driven approach in research pursuits. She addressed hurdles arising from mental incapacitation within mentors and the broader scientific infrastructure, highlighting the necessity for a more supportive and understanding system. Tole stressed that research shouldn’t be the sole focus of a researcher's work—there needs to be a work-life balance. Following Tole, Somak Raychaudhury, Ashoka University, delivered an engaging talk on interdisciplinary interactions, the joys of discovery, and mentor-mentee relations. Hema Thakur, Cactus Communications, provided an insightful discussion on the use of AI in research for authors, publishers, and the public.

Sravanti Uppaluri, APU, discussed context-based learning, highlighting the importance of understanding one's surroundings to develop fundamental capacities through reading, writing, and interpretations. With her team, she developed iThinkBiology, a dynamic web learning resource designed for undergraduate teaching that is accessible, self-contained, and prioritizes essential capacities over content. On a similar note, Chandana Basu, Banaras Hindu University, shared her journey as a researcher who nurtures young scientific minds through creative art and illustrations.

Discussions on academic and allied careers would be incomplete without a focus on publishing. Arun Khemariya, Elsevier, discussed the numerous opportunities in publishing houses. Summing up the day, an engaging panel discussion on the practical aspects of starting a lab was led by Mridula Nambiar, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune; Shubha Tole, TIFR-Mumbai; Imroze Khan, Ashoka University; and Dhananjay Chaturvedi, CCMB, Hyderabad. The panellists recounted their individual journeys, struggles, and strategies, offering insights on building an effective team, securing funds, and the importance of good mentorship. Faizan Uddin and Shivangi Verma expertly moderated the discussion.

Transition to industry and entrepreneurship

The last day kicked off with an empowering fireside chat featuring Anand Anandkumar, Bugworks, moderated by Aditya Kamat. AnandKumar, with substantial experience in academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, elaborated on the cross-communication among these sectors and how ECRs can actively engage in this dialogue. Drawing examples from his personal journey, he inspired the audience to maintain a continuous vision and consider the real-world applications of research conducted in laboratories every day.

Praveen Vemula, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), offered a distinct perspective as he reflected on his journey in both spheres- as a scientist and an entrepreneur. He discussed numerous innovations resulting from research in his lab, each with a direct impact on society. Following this, Pradip Nair, Syngene International, Biocon, delved deep into the drug development process, providing insights into industrial job opportunities.

Vishal Bhardwaj, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), shared his perspective on transitioning from academia to industry, specifically focusing on entrepreneurship. He highlighted C-CAMP's role as an incubator for successful startup ventures. His insights and recommendations regarding various funding opportunities in India were highly beneficial for participants seeking to embark on this career path.

Aditya Parekh, FaFaFo Project, discussed factors to consider when choosing a career path. While advocating for seeking clarity through self-reflection, he acknowledged the difficulty of this process alone. He emphasized the role of discussions with senior professionals and friends in addition to self-reflection.

Concluding the last day, a candid panel discussion on the practical aspects of transitioning brought together the experiences of scientists who have made remarkable transitions to the industry. The panel included Smita Jain, Cactus Communications; Sarah Hyder Iqbal, Foundation of Advancing Science & Technology (FAST India); Debjani Saha, Premas Life Sciences; and Anirban Chakraborty, TCG CREST, Kolkata. They shared their experiences and insights with the audience and moderators Rahul Kumar and Shailya Verma, providing guidance on making the right career decisions.

Workshops

During the symposium, three skill-building workshops were conducted by IndiaBioscience, India Alliance, and Nucleate India. These workshops aimed to better equip participants for their academic and non-academic career pursuits.

Karishma Kaushik, Ankita Rathore and Arushi Batra from IndiaBioscience led the Crafting Your Career (CYC) workshop. This workshop facilitated the identification of core strengths and weaknesses and guided participants in aligning them with personal interests and priorities to discern a suitable career trajectory.

Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Grant advisor, India Alliance, conducted a workshop on writing an effective grant proposal. Participants engaged in a grant writing exercise on their research topics, followed by discussions on key elements such as research title, relevance, and structure. Ghosh encouraged applicants to initiate the process a year in advance and highlighted the key aspects that granting agencies look for in proposals.

Heer Joisher, Shree Padma Metur, and Nidhi Khurana from Nucleate India hosted a workshop on the fundamentals of venture creation in Life Sciences. They emphasised the key ingredients for a successful startup and helped participants strategize for a successful launch. This session also touched upon the importance of building a personal brand.

Participation and accessibility to NPDS

NPDS 2023 hosted 45 participants, including PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, and newly recruited PIs from across the country. The selected participants presented exciting flash talks about their research and engaged in vibrant discussions with the audience. Additionally, 31 speakers from various domains and career stages attended the event to deliver talks, participate in panel discussions, and conduct workshops. The symposium boasted a well-balanced gender ratio and welcomed participants from diverse geographical regions within the country. It is an essential mandate of NPDS to support and provide accessibility to early career researchers in India in every possible manner. With support from funding agencies, all requests for travel support, reimbursements, and medical requirements were thoroughly evaluated and duly considered.

Conclusions and future directions

Participants have expressed the desire for a dedicated poster session in the upcoming NPDS, open to 'all' attendees interested in showcasing a poster highlighting their research and ideas. These posters will encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from immediate research work to future visions for early career researchers (ECRs) in India. Dhananjay's talk ignited the idea of inviting Indian ECRs based outside the country to participate in NPDS, fostering both national and international collaborations on research, action plans, and strategies to cultivate a conducive research environment. NPDS stands out as a distinctive initiative led by ECRs in India. The organisers gain comprehensive experience in orchestrating an event, working in teams, and executing a national event of this magnitude. PhD students and postdocs in India are encouraged to step forward to organise the next NPDS and carry the baton forward.

Living organisms face a multitude of challenges that can harm their genetic code and impact the fitness of future generations. To safeguard against this, organisms use a set of mechanisms called the DNA Damage Response (DDR) which helps in repairing DNA damage or triggering cell death when the damage is too severe. While we understand how reproductive cells handle damage, Arnab Mukhopadhyay and his team at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, asked a fundamental question:

how does DNA damage in other body tissues affect reproductive cells and their development?

Mukhopadhyay’s team studies C. elegans, a tiny nematode or worm, to learn about the molecular mechanisms underlying longevity in organisms. They are interested in understanding how pathways that sense nutrients, the link between diet and aging, affect egg cell production and reproductive age.

The team discovered that cdk-12, a gene that helps in copying information from DNA to RNA (transcription), is crucial in maintaining genomic integrity. Reducing the activity of CDK-12 weakens the DDR, leaving the genetic material vulnerable to damage, which is similar to what happens in mammals. In their experiments with C. elegans, inducing DNA damage in the worm's body tissues resulted in poor-quality egg cells and increased infertility in the worms. “What happens in the worms that have high resilience to stress and delayed reproductive aging? Is their germline quality equally susceptible to the somatic DNA damage or do they have mechanisms to protect their offspring better”, adds Mukhopadhyay.

Digging deeper, the researchers used worms with a genetic mutation that leads to lower insulin signaling, mimicking a situation of reduced nutrient availability. Lowering insulin signalling increased the worm’s lifespan, stress resistance, and improved the quality of eggs. Under low insulin signaling, reducing cdk-12 activated FOXO/DAF-16 (a key transcription factor) prevented egg formation, consequently avoiding the production of faulty offspring during compromised genomic integrity.

In the words of Anindya Ghosh Roy, Scientist & Professor, National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, “The authors discovered a signaling mechanism between uterine tissues and germline involving Insulin signaling, controlling the quality of the oocyte during the DNA damage response (DDR). This opens up a new avenue to dissect the crosstalk between the somatic and germline tissues in detail."

This study also showed that when DNA damage occurred in somatic tissues, FOXO/DAF-16 stopped germ cell development by reducing a signaling pathway called ERK/MPK-1. This signaling pathway takes crucial decisions during the progression of egg cell development. Further, the group found that reducing cdk-12 specifically in the uterine tissues of the worm led to this arrest in germ cell development.

K. Subramaniam, Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras appreciates the authors' efforts to reveal “a novel role of FOXO (DAF-16) as the soma signal sensor in the regulation of oocyte/egg cell development”. He adds rather hopefully,

It will also be interesting to test if this germline-soma communication (i.e., between cells responsible for passing heritable information and rest of the body) of DDR has been conserved during evolution.

The study emphasised that defects in DDR can result in reduced fitness of offspring, infertility, and chromosomal abnormalities. Activated FOXO/DAF-16 was identified as a key guardian preserving the quality of germ cells and the fitness of future generations when somatic DNA damage occurs. The work also highlights the crosstalk between somatic and germline cells to tackle threats to genomic integrity.

The lead authors, Gautam Sarkar and Umanshi Rautela, explain, “From an evolutionary perspective, such inter-tissue crosstalk likely helps an organism sense intrinsic or extrinsic stresses more efficiently and accurately. This may aid in ensuring optimal survival as well as fitness across generations.”

Looking ahead, the research group plans to investigate how FOXO regulates the development of egg and sperm cells from outside of the cells where it is expressed. This study is an important step in understanding how nutrient-sensing pathways regulate developmental processes in response to environmental stressors like DNA damage.

IndiaBioscience launched the Regional Young Investigators' Meetings (RYIMs) as a platform for scientists and science enthusiasts to connect and collaborate locally. Born out of discussions at the 10th Young Investigators' Meeting in 2018, the first RYIMs in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Jodhpur, and Delhi-NCR were highly successful, addressing local scientific needs through engaging sessions on topics like resource sharing, mentorship, industry partnerships, and diversity in science. To formalise and further expand the RYIMs' impact, IndiaBioscience introduced RYIM grants for 2023-2024, awarding seven grants instead of six due to an enthusiastic nationwide response. Or as our executive director aptly puts it,

This reflects the flexibility and adaptability that define IndiaBioscience.

The first stop in the RYIM journey took us to the bustling state of Uttar Pradesh—and to the nawabi city of Lucknow. RYIM Lucknow found its home at the serene campus of the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), an institution with roots dating back to 1951, in the early days of independent and vibrant India. The event was organised by a dedicated team consisting of Bhawana George, CSIR-CDRI, Amit Lahiri, CSIR-CDRI, Chandana Basu, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi,Anjali Bajpai, IIT Kanpur, Jalaj Gupta, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, and Atul Kumar, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal.

RYIM Lucknow, which took place from September 13 to 15, 2023, focused on the theme 'Towards building a research community: Connect, collaborate, and accomplish.' In this report, we highlight the key takeaways from the various talks and discussions held during the conference.

Celebrating diversity and inclusivity

The RYIM Lucknow witnessed unprecedented participation from individuals representing diverse research and academic institutes, including central and state universities, and medical colleges. The sheer diversity of the participants and their affiliations set the meeting off to an exhilarating start, aligning perfectly with the RYIM Lucknow theme of "connect, collaborate, and accomplish."

In total, there were 106 participants, with representation from seven states and two union territories. While the majority of participants came from Uttar Pradesh, as organisers, we were thrilled to welcome attendees from far-flung regions like Ladakh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal, each bringing valuable perspectives and enriching the event.

Also, to promote inclusivity, gender parity, and support young parents, RYIM Lucknow offered child-care grants, which included registration waivers and child care facilities for participants. Participants mentioned that child care services provided definitely facilitated their participation.

Insights from key speakers

The event kicked off with a welcome address from Radha Rangarajan, CSIR-CDRI, who appreciated and emphasised the significance of such gatherings, bringing together young scientists, researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals to foster networking and advance scientific research. Karishma Kaushik, IndiaBioscience, also shared her excitement about how Regional YIMs are contributing to the development of local communities and gave a peek into the work IndiaBioscience is doing bridging the gap between science and society.

L.S. Shahidhara, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, encouraged the participants, especially young investigators, to embark on an academic journey with conviction, determination, belief, and rational thinking, stressing the importance of unbiased mentorship and giving back to the community. He underlined that the concept of "Inside the lab, I am a scientist, and outside I am an individual" is fundamentally flawed. The inaugural session featured a spectacular talk by Arun Shukla, IIT Kanpur, who emphasised the importance of team science and collaborations while sharing tips on navigating common stereotypes in Indian academia.

Empowering skills and communication

The day two commenced with skill-building sessions, including an overview of the essentials for successful grant applications presented by Sanjay Batra, CSIR-CDRI, which was enthusiastically received by the participants. Recognising the need for individuals to equip themselves for a prominent presence in the digital space, Smita Jain, Cactus Communications, discussed how to effectively utilise various social media platforms to make an impact with one's research, emphasising the importance of efficient communication.

Sandhya Koushika, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai, conveyed her insights by drawing parallels to movie titles like 'Mission Impossible,' which underscored the unrealistic expectations imposed on scientists, requiring them to work without other responsibilities and fulfil all their obligations.

She advocated for setting boundaries and discarding the feelings of inadequacy, emphasising her message of self-belief: "You are enough."

Additionally, the meeting featured flash talks and poster presentations, enabling young researchers to discuss their findings and engage with fellow participants. There were fourteen flash talks short listed presented by young investigators and forty three poster presentations which provided an opportunity to the young researchers to showcase their research as well as interact with participants.

The fireside chats

Pertinent topics, such as "The art of establishing and maintaining collaboration" and "Cross-talk between researchers and clinicians," were thoroughly explored by the stakeholders, which included scientists, pharmacists, and clinicians.

This panel discussion featured Radha Rangarajan, CSIR-CDRI; L.S. Shahidhara, NCBS, Bangalore; Uday C Ghoshal, SGPGIMS, Lucknow; Satyendra Kumar Singh, King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow; and Jagavelu Kumaravelu, CSIR-CDRI as moderator. These conversations emphasised the importance of involving clinicians in study design, recognising them as more than just sample providers, and promoting clear communication before taking research to the bedside to prevent conflicts down the road.

Another panel discussion delved into the "Challenges of early career researchers (ECRs) in Indian academia" with an open and sincere approach. This women-led STEM discussion featured Saman Habib and Niti Kumar from CSIR-CDRI, Koushika from TIFR Mumbai moderated by Anindita Bhadra, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata. They discussed the value of mentorship for newcomers, advising them to identify role models early in their career paths. They also stressed the inseparability of teaching and research and urged participants to view them as complementary tasks rather than a separate load. Break-out sessions provided informal settings for participants to discuss their individual situations with mentors and seek solutions to their challenges at their institutions or universities. Two key takeaways from this session were: First, everyone, including a PhD student, has the power to make a difference or effect change. Second, it's essential to look beyond metrics and discover one's own version(s) of success.

Navigating core facilities

The organisers held a strong belief that one of the pivotal steps in fostering a local community was to create awareness about the core facilities accessible to researchers in the vicinity. Consequently, a dedicated session was conducted to outline the core facilities available at institutions such as Department of Science and Technology - Sophisticated Analytical & Technical Help Institute, BHU; Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility, CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow; IIT-Kanpur; Centre of Bio-Medical Research, Lucknow; National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli; King George Medical University, Lucknow, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal and National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow. Resource persons were also present to facilitate networking, thereby ensuring the optimal utilisation of available resources in the future.

Crafting your career

The third day featured the "Crafting Your Career" workshop, organised by IndiaBioscience. This workshop attracted numerous participants at career crossroads and proved to be an enlightening experience for many, enabling them to identify their unique skill sets and gain insights into what it takes to excel in interviews. The highlight of the workshop was a group activity focused on practicing elevator pitches, which participants greatly enjoyed. We were also fortunate to have Sanjay Mishra, Senior Advisor, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), who conducted a comprehensive session on the numerous fellowships and grants available, shedding light on the various rewarding and alternative career paths within the field of science.

Reflecting on the CYC workshop's format, a participant expressed,

The interactive nature of CYC made it easy for me to engage. The tasks assigned were thoughtfully crafted and significantly contributed to my self-awareness, enabling me to pinpoint my strengths and weaknesses.

Another attendee shared that the workshop equipped them with an arsenal of tools and strategies eagerly anticipated for implementation in their future pursuits. They expressed confidence in the knowledge and insights gained, recognising their pivotal role in shaping their professional journey.

Science meets art

Science and art are two facets of the same creative force, and embracing this belief, RYIM-Lucknow also curated a sci-art exhibition where a range of pressing topics, including climate change, gender parity, and artificial intelligence, were expressed artistically. Four outstanding illustrations that excelled in content, theme, and depiction were recognised as winners, with two of them sharing the top spot. In keeping with the spirit of creativity, the invited speakers and panelists were honoured with handmade paintings created by DISCC (DEVA International Society for Child Care, Varanasi), an NGO dedicated to supporting specially abled children, as a token of appreciation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these talented artists whose creations were genuinely admired by everyone.

The success of RYIM-Lucknow was a collaborative effort, generously supported by funders and sponsors, including IndiaBioscience, DST-Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance, DST (WISE-KIRAN division) via Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) and industry partners. Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) and CSIR-JIGYASA collaborated as educational partners. The dedicated advisory committee and an army of volunteers played a pivotal role in the event's success. RYIM-Lucknow proved to be a remarkable learning experience for all involved, from organisers to participants.

Heavy metal contamination poses a significant risk to one’s health. Most heavy metals, like cadmium, arsenic, lead, mercury, etc., accumulate over time in living organisms (bioaccumulation) and are lethal even in small amounts. They can be found in mining, industrial production, untreated sewage sludge, and coal-burning power plant combustion byproducts. Cadmium is one of the accumulative toxicants with carcinogenic properties, which, when released into water bodies, can accumulate in aquatic life and enter the food chain.

A recent study led by Jesu Arockiaraj, Professor, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, identified the protective action of a natural compound, cordycepin, against cadmium-induced toxicity in zebrafish.

Cadmium exposure in humans induces an inflammatory response, oxidative stress, tissue damage, and disruption of the intestinal lining, leading to increased cadmium absorption. Its prolonged exposure in the gut can lead to the development of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and Itai-itai disease, which are characterised by osteomalacia (bone softening), causing severe bone pain and kidney dysfunction.

P. Snega Priya, graduate student and the first author of the study, believes that though several treatment options, such as chelation therapy, antioxidant supplements, and probiotics, are available for cadmium toxicity in the gut, finding a remedy using natural compounds seems promising as it can aid in cost-effective treatment by avoiding adverse side effects.

The researchers screened several plant-derived compounds against cadmium-induced gut toxicity and found cordycepin to be the most efficient compound. Cordycepin is a bioactive agent found in a fungus, Cordyceps militaris. This compound is known to have a wide array of therapeutic roles, including anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing, anticancer, and antiviral activity.

The authors observed a decline in developmental deficits caused by cadmium exposure in zebrafish embryos when cordycepin was used.

Primarily, cadmium causes inflammation by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress and, in turn, tissue damage in zebrafish larvae, which was significantly alleviated by cordycepin. It also reduced the expression of inflammation-related genes and reversed the effect of cadmium, thus demonstrating its anti-inflammatory role.

Cadmium exposure led to the shrinkage of tissues and intestinal damage in zebrafish larvae, which was primarily reversed upon treatment with cordycepin. It also reduced the cadmium absorption in the larvae, suggesting a possible cadmium-chelating role.

Kavita Dubey, research scholar at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, who was not associated with the study, said,

Contamination of heavy metals has been observed across the nation. Since cadmium accumulates in the gut, the toxicity study done using zebrafish larvae is important to understand its impact.

As cordycepin is a natural compound with known antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective roles, Dubey thinks it can also recede the use of conventional chelating drugs. However, “Studying DNA damage and chromosomal aberration in zebrafish larvae could have added more impact to this study,” she added.

“This study can be helpful in treating a plethora of diseases caused by heavy metal toxicity, such as gastrointestinal and kidney malfunction, nervous system abnormalities, skin lesions, etc. Early detection of diseases caused by toxic metals can aid in medical planning and saving valuable lives,” said Ishfaq Ahmad Mir, Senior Geologist, Geological Survey of India, Bengaluru, who was not associated with the study.

“Cordycepin’s ease of incorporation into food or oral administration renders it a highly promising avenue for combatting cadmium-induced gut inflammation,” said Snega Priya. Thus, this study demonstrates that cordycepin could be a potential therapeutic agent in inflammatory disorders.

In our heyday, we host trillions of microbes in perfect harmony. But some of our resident microbes are opportunistic and can become potential threats, especially to infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. Thus, Candidiasis, caused by pathogenic fungi of the Candida family, is a major cause of infections in hospitalised patients undergoing immunosuppressive drug therapies.

Candida infections are aggressive due to their ability to form slimy aggregates called biofilms. In the biofilm mode, they can colonise diverse surfaces, escape host defences, and even show enhanced resistance to targeted drugs by sequestering them. As a result, Candida biofilms can grow on medical devices, like vascular catheters, prosthetic heart valves, and joint prostheses. Left untreated, it leads to life-threatening whole-body infection requiring the removal of the devices as well.

Biofilm research is mostly done in vitro, in artificial conditions for better control and ease of work. Nonetheless, it requires a close simulation of the natural environment. Anil Thakur, Assistant Professor, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, recently reported an in vitro method for culturing fungal pathogens of the Candida family on gelatin-coated coverslips.

Candida auris is an emerging pathogen of global concern. Initially, the research group found that known growth platforms are not producing the ideal multi-layered biofilm of C. auris. So, the first challenge was to create the necessary platform that closely mimics human skin. Thakur says, “Existing research methods often fail to capture the full spectrum of biofilm development and its interaction with a human-like environment.”

Hence, driven by the compelling need to unravel the intricacies of C. auris biofilm formation, our journey began with the goal of introducing a robust methodology that mirrors the conditions C. auris encounters in the human host.

Following rigorous screening, they selected a gelatin-based platform with several advantages. Derived from bovine skin, gelatin closely mimics human skin without requiring the cumbersome biosafety permissions necessary for working with biological skin. Besides being cost-effective, it can interact with water — a desired quality absent in currently used materials. The method they reported is user-friendly. It involves limited handling which reduces the chance of technical errors and the need for expert hands. These qualities make the method robust and novel. It can thus speed up the entire process of large-scale screening experiments necessary for keeping a line-up of new drugs handy.

Susan Thomas, Scientist, National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, studies Candida species to identify novel antifungal drug targets. She comments, “C. auris is one of the four fungal pathogens that has been classified by World Health Organisation as "critical" in the fungal priority pathogens list released last year. It is a major cause of hospital-acquired multidrug-resistant infections with high associated mortality."

Cost-effective, robust models that can mimic clinical biofilms can be immensely useful for the identification of novel therapeutics.

Biofilm researchers working with C. auris also notice varying colony characteristics with varying growth conditions and this heterogeneity was the second challenge to address. Thakur notes, “Our study needed to account for this variability while ensuring the reproducibility and consistency of our results and comprehensive understanding of C. auris biofilm heterogeneity and its implications for infection management.” He mentions that this also necessitated sophisticated imaging and analytical techniques to capture and analyse the subtle nuances of biofilm structure and development, pushing the boundaries of existing technological capabilities.

This study was done in collaboration with researchers from Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Thakur notes, “With our collaborators, we have discussed the concepts, optimisation, and tweaking of the system that has helped us to make this substratum a success.” They further showed that the biofilms of other pathogenic Candida species like C. albicans and C. glabrata could be grown successfully by this method. This demonstrates the wider applicability of this approach in probing the defence strategies of pathogenic Candida species.

What is the moon made of? How do you tie a tie? Why do we dream? The answers to our questions are just one search away. With information at our fingertips, the question arises: how do we foster and sustain curiosity? To deliberate on the critical role of curiosity in learning, the Curiosity Lab,Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), India, in partnership with the Center for Curiosity, USA, hosted the 'Curiosity Conference' on August 12 and 13 at IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

This interdisciplinary conference brought together around 200 educators, researchers, students, science communicators, and industry professionals from various fields to explore curiosity. The two days event featured a series of specialised talks, hands-on workshops, interactive poster presentation sessions, and an exhibition on curiosity.

In this article, we summarise key takeaways from the different talks in the conference.

What is curiosity?

"Curiosity is fundamentally social, not individualistic. It is relational," says Perry Zurn, Provost Associate Professor, American University. Curiosity deserves more careful attention as it encompasses the exploration of one's emerging identity. The essence of curiosity lies in its social nature, shaped by the people around us and our cultural background. Our questions and approach are influenced by our surroundings and the societal context in which we were raised.

Lynn Borton, the host of the ‘Choose to be Curious Podcast’, defines curiosity as an intellectual mindset. She encourages people to embrace curiosity, stating, 'I want people to choose to be curious. By changing my point of view, I can see new things.' When we approach circumstances with an open mind and curiosity, the unknown becomes an adventure rather than an insurmountable barrier—powerful stuff indeed. Curiosity can be nurtured in our daily routines. Lynn urges everyone to step outdoors and welcome curiosity, whether it's observing everything that's red, listening intently for birds, or paying attention to various scents.

As Kushal Sacheti, Founder and President of the Centre for Curiosity, emphasises, "It's crucial to embody curiosity in its truest form, not just in a utilitarian manner."

Creating chaos in classroom

Fostering a sense of curiosity among students is a vital aspect of education, as it plays a crucial role in facilitating effective learning. "As teachers, we must embrace controlled chaos in the classroom. We must learn to manage it effectively as it can transform learning into a truly immersive experience," says a teacher from the audience. Inviting educators to think collectively, Jaison Manjaly, Jasubhai Memorial Chair Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science and Organiser of the conference, IITGN, raises the question:

How many of us actually step out of our comfort zone to engage kids?

The responsibility for cultivating curiosity within students predominantly falls upon educators. Manish Jain, founder of Center for Creative Learning (CCL), IITGN, shares insights gained from more than a decade of working with children. “If the child doesn't observe, then we, as educators, must make them. The students do not learn by just reading or writing. They learn by seeing, touching, smelling, and playing. Only then do inquiry, curiosity, and all the good stuff happen.”

Educational technology and innovative strategies in classrooms can improve hands-on and active learning, such as the use of social robots. "Social robots create empathy and engagement in children," says Aditi Kothiyal, Assistant Teaching Professor, the CCL, IITGN. She presented some of her research findings on social robots and introduced the audience to robot buddies (Nao, QT, Thymio, and Cellulo) that assist children in learning.

“We need to reflect on the challenges that plague education in India. By being mindful of these problems, we can leverage curiosity-based research and its recommendations," notes Manjaly. There are numerous challenges and significant hurdles in education and learning. Considering the economic constraints faced by many students, it becomes crucial to identify approaches that are both accessible and affordable.

A robust public education system is imperative to strengthen community engagement. Social challenges, as illustrated by the caste system's divisive impact, significantly shape classroom dynamics and the shift from traditional teaching to a more facilitative learning approach. Parimal Bhattacharya, a writer, recounts his encounter with the Kol tribe, a forest-dwelling community in Orissa: “In a place where there is so much sunshine, bird songs, breeze, and freedom, their school building is like a cage, unplastered and without windows. The children are communing with the nature surrounding them, eating mushrooms, tamarinds, and mangoes.” He further laments,

Their textbooks continue to teach them that A is for Apple. The education system kills rather than fosters their knowledge and curiosity.

Curiosity Exhibition

The Curiosity exhibition, skillfully curated by Argha Manna, Artist-in-Residence and Faculty member, Humanities and Social Sciences, IITGN, served as a vibrant celebration of science, creativity, and the enduring spirit of inquiry that unites us all. This artistic showcase featured the creative works of Ipsa Jain, a faculty member from the Shristi Manipal Institute of Art Design and Technology, Bengaluru. Additionally, it proudly presented 'Superheroes Against Superbugs (SaS),’ represented by Somdatta Karak, Science Communications and Outreach Officer, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Center for Creative Learning, IITGN.

Ipsa Jain's interactive art installation prompted viewers to ponder the process of scientific inquiry: How do scientists practice their craft? Where do their ideas originate? Can curiosity be ignited within a public space? In a visually engaging manner, SaS conveyed the looming global health crisis of antimicrobial resistance through the lens of compassionate schoolchildren.

The CCL dazzled attendees with captivating creations that illustrated mathematical and physics concepts, including Stellated Polyhedrons and Geodesic Balls, among others. Meanwhile, Manna's artistic contributions took the form of a 'wall of curiosity,' adorned with hand sketches of 100 objects from throughout human history that either sparked human curiosity or were borne out of curiosity. Manna's collection also featured portrait drawings of 50 individuals known for their unwavering curiosity, including a vibrant depiction of luminaries like Marie Curie in fluorescent green, JC Bose, and Alan Turing. This intersection of art and curiosity beautifully encapsulated the essence of the Curiosity Conference.

Curiosity as a research discipline

Within the framework of the current education systems, there exists a glaring absence of room for exploration and a failure to nurture a child’s innate curiosity. Ihsan K, a Ph.D. scholar studying the role of curiosity in enhancing knowledge acquisition, emphasises the significance of curiosity and exploration. He states, “At the Curiosity Lab, through cutting-edge research, we seek ways to reintegrate curiosity to transform learning into a joyful experience for all.”

The Curiosity Lab is dedicated to rigorous cognitive science research, focusing on rekindling curiosity in various ways. Their research spans diverse facets, such as investigating the effects of information gaps and uncertainty on curiosity, leveraging curiosity to improve learning outcomes in schools, exploring the connection between mindfulness and curiosity, and examining the role of feedback in nurturing curiosity.

Michiko Sakaki, Professor, University of Tubingen, Germany, challenges the notion that curiosity is limited to children. She points out that although aging is often linked to memory decline, recent research suggests that curious older adults actually experience less cognitive decline and enjoy better physical health. Her research findings also indicate that older adults can exhibit even more curiosity than younger individuals when exposed to stimulating stimuli.

It is crucial for students to be intrinsically motivated by their own curiosity. This intrinsic motivation accumulates over time and profoundly impacts their learning journey. Kou Murayama, Professor, University of Tübingen, Germany, sheds light on this topic. He explains, "The process of rewards is intricate. While gamifying learning often yields positive results, offering external incentives to students for their behaviour can sometimes lead to an undermining effect. When rewards are absent, students may lose their initial interest in the task. However, when students are driven by their innate curiosity, free from the need for external incentives, they learn to savour the joy of learning, creating a positive feedback loop."

Reflecting on her experience at the conference, Garima Shah, a recent graduate in Clinical Psychology from the National Forensic Sciences University, shares,

When IITGN announced the Curiosity Conference, I struggled to envision what discussions on such an abstract concept would entail. But, the event unfolded as a treasure trove of new perspectives and 'lightbulb' moments.

The Curiosity Conference brought together a diverse range of perspectives and insights, highlighting the growing significance of curiosity as a research discipline with profound implications for education and cognitive science.

To summarise, curiosity is more than a passing whim; it's a drive to connect and weave an intricate web of knowledge. Curiosity beckons us to peer into the spaces between knowledge, to grasp not only what we see but what lies beyond – the threads that tie it all together. It's the whisper that urges us to ask, to seek, to connect, and in doing so, to embrace the boundless horizons of human curiosity.

A hundred new species of frogs, some as small as a thumbnail, were discovered in India in the past decade. The Zoological Society of India continually updates the biological details of these amphibians and defines their conservation status. Historically, it has been seen that active public engagement is necessary for a stronger push for conservation. To spark and sustain this engagement at a foundational level, Seshadri KS, Maria Antony, and Vidisha MK from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) have planned interactive games and puzzles for students and amphibian enthusiasts. Their efforts will be augmented by the acknowledgement and monetary support of the IndiaBioscience Outreach Grant (IOG).

The IOG, in its 4th edition, offers a reward of 1 lakh to the grantees and publicises the achievements of the project and their architects. TNQ Technologies and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) support the grant.

The recently announced winners of the 4th IOG grants are motivated by the community they serve. Reeteka Sud and Anant Bhan, one of the winning teams, aim to bridge the mental health gap they have observed as neuroscientists. They regularly interact with mental health patients and their families at the Center for Brain and Mind, NIMHANS. Sud and Bhan are partnering with Project Encephalon, Vijay Nallawala (Bipolar India), and Shriya Naidu (FAST India) for this initiative. Sud says,

Open dialogue around mental illnesses reduces the stigma that invariably accompanies a psychiatric diagnosis.

The IOG grant selection team has selected some brilliant ideas with experience in social welfare. Peer Abdul Haseeb Shah, Ajaz Ahmad Wani (University of Kashmir), Saima Beigh (Govt. Degree College Anantnag Kashmir, J&K), and Syed Mubarak Hussain (University of New Mexico, USA), scientists volunteering with a non-profit organisation, JK Scientists, hope to introduce a glimpse of the many professional opportunities available to students from Jammu and Kashmir. Shah adds, "This mentorship program will expose students to the scholarships, internships, networking events, and job fairs that will help them navigate their educational or professional paths."

One way to ignite ideas for social welfare is to enable thought-provoking discussions. Pankaj Koparde (MIT World Peace University) and Arijit Jere (Center for Environmental Education) plan to tease out previously unheard angles on conservation in their podcast - People of Nature. Koparde is an evolutionary ecologist and an expert in the biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Through the work at his lab, cleverly named the Chatur Ullu Lab, he has catalysed discussion on marginalised communities' contribution to conservation and research efforts. His ideas on intersectionality in conservation offer hope. The podcast will cover optimistic stories of people working in remote areas and challenging environments. Koparde says,

The social themes of our podcast include tribal conservationists, women and transgender wildlife biologists, scientists belonging to economically backward classes, and conservationists from under-represented regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast India.

Another team of winners proposes an exponential and sustainable change by teaching the teachers. Pallabi Mitra, Gayatri Ramachandran (both from the University of Hyderabad), and Mustafa Inamadar (Biotech Talks) focus on developing scientific temper. Their target audience includes high school and undergraduate teachers, who will be the active agents of this development. They plan to introduce a novel pedagogical approach by enabling collaboration between teachers and science communicators, illustrators, and life science industry professionals. Mitra says, "A workshop series on 'Advances in Life Sciences' will help the teachers upskill and benefit the student community."

4th IndiaBioscience Outreach Extension Grants

Two awardees will continue the momentum of their outreach activities. They have been awarded an extension grant of 1.5 lakhs to sustain their excellent work.

Chandana Basu and Garima Jain, founders at Genetiks4U and scientists at Banaras Hindu University, offered some exciting activities and released a magic advent calendar at the India Science Festival. The initiative was so successful that the team is planning to scale up. Nandini Chilkam, Co-founder of Learn with Comics, has enjoyed the experience, "When our comics reached the children, their happy faces and explanations in their own words encouraged me and my team to work more."

Aamchi Prayogshaala, a winner of the 3rd IOG, achieved the feat of bringing practical science to school kids in the Mumbai/ Thane region. With this extension grant, they plan to launch a "Friends of Aamchi Prayogshaala Program'' to involve dynamic changemakers to develop resources and conduct hands-on sessions in regional languages. Aamchi Prayogshala, a team of Mayuri Rege, Mugdha Belwalkar, and Sachin Rajagopalan from the Ramnarain Ruia College, is working towards awarding its volunteers college credits for their time. Rege, the founder, says,

This initiative will underscore the importance of empathy and scientific social responsibility in future citizens of our nation.

All the winners present fresh ideas that resonate with the sensibilities of their audiences. Grants like IOG have a robust and multiplying impact on public engagement and science outreach. With plenty of scientific ideas to be communicated, IndiaBioscience hopes to bolster more such innovations and innovators of public outreach in the coming years.

Birth defects significantly contribute to childhood morbidity and mortality globally, manifesting as congenital anomalies that lead to severe disabilities in children. These anomalies are the major drivers of infant death rates, prompting extensive research aimed at determining their underlying etiologies to facilitate pre-or-postnatal treatments. However, a clear understanding of the observed abnormalities seen in affected patients remain elusive. To address this gap, a team of researchers at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, have generated an animal model through targeted deletion of a key developmental gene in mice.

“The cumulative burden of rare genetic disorders affects millions of people worldwide” says Anju Shukla, Professor and Head, Kasturba Medical College and Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. She further adds,

Though several genetic disorders lack a definitive cure, there has been immense progress in the recent times, as more and more of these disorders are becoming amenable to therapy.

In Asian countries, congenital anomalies account for 8-15% of perinatal deaths and 13-16% of neonatal deaths. Among these birth defects, musculoskeletal congenital disorders stand out due to their capacity to cause severe disabilities in the survivors and impose substantial economic burden on affected families. These musculoskeletal anomalies refer to abnormalities affecting the skeletal and muscular systems present at birth. The reasons behind congenital anomalies vary, and genetic changes are a significant factor. One particular gene, known as MYH3, can undergo mutations that contribute to various human congenital musculoskeletal conditions like Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, Sheldon-Hall syndrome, multiple pterygium syndrome, and spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome (SCTS).

“We aimed to understand the functions of the MYH3 gene by creating a knockout model where this gene is not-functional,” explains Sam J Mathew, Associate Professor, RCB and corresponding author of the study. He adds,

This approach would also help us to understand and develop potential therapies to target MYH3-associated congenital diseases.

The MYH3 gene provide instructions for making a protein called myosin-3, which belongs to a protein family responsible for movement and the transport of materials within and between cells, known as myosins. Muscle fibers are primarily composed of thick filaments made up of myosin and thin filaments called actin, involved in muscle contraction. Muscle fibers containing myosin-3 are primarily present in the foetus before birth, playing a vital role in early muscle development. Myosin proteins function when they are part of a complex. Each such complex consists of two pairs of myosin light chains (produced from other genes), that regulates the complex, and one pair of myosin heavy chains produced by the MYH3 gene.

In this study, the team of researchers developed a mouse model by knocking-out or deleting the MYH3 gene and studied how it affected the adult mice. Their findings revealed that the adult mice displayed traits similar to SCTS, like scoliosis and vertebral fusion. In addition, the adult mice showed reduction in body weight, muscle weight, myofiber size, and grip strength. They also observed changes in the muscle fiber types and increased muscle fibrosis in the mice. Anushree Bharadwaj and Jaydeep Sharma, the authors of the study, explain, “Mutations in skeletal muscles expressing myosin genes lead to various congenital musculoskeletal disorders like SCTS. These conditions are not well understood due to the lack of appropriate animal models. While MYH3 expression is primarily seen during embryonic development, our research highlights that its loss of function has significant implications during adulthood as well.”

The authors used a range of cellular and molecular biology assays, along with mass spectrometry experiments. Their study revealed a notable activation of a transcriptional regulator called Yes-associated protein (YAP) within the skeletal muscle of the knockout mouse model. Looking ahead to future research directions, Mathew adds, “This identification of the YAP signalling pathway as a potential therapeutic target in MYH3 associated musculoskeletal disorders is novel and of immense interest, which should be further explored using human patient samples and clinical studies”.

“The work carried out by Mathew and his team is an important milestone in advancing our understanding of rare genetic disorders,” says Shukla. She expresses optimism about witnessing impactful contributions from Indian institutes in this field.