Columns

• The science of safety: A conversation with Srikanta K Rath

  

  In this conversation, Srikanta K Rath, Chief Scientist & Professor at Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and Head, Division of Toxicology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, shares insights into the field of regulatory toxicology, its implementation from research to risk management, related key issues, and the role of researchers/scientists.

  Posted on Jul 07, 2025 in Biochemistry, Health & Medicine, Other & Ethics

  ---

• The case for a resounding framework for AI-biotech convergence

  

  The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with biotechnology has ushered in a period of innovation in healthcare. The interdisciplinary nature of AI enables it to analyse and interpret large data sets from multiple domains. In the case of the life sciences, AI-biotech convergence holds the potential to alter the landscape of diagnostics, monitoring of disease progression, precision medicine, and prediction of public health threats.
  

  Posted on May 16, 2025 in Health & Medicine, Biotechnology, Science, Policy, Interdisciplinarity & Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

  ---

• Active matter therapeutics: The science behind precision medicine

  

  In healthcare, effective drug delivery remains a key challenge. Traditional pills and injections offer relief but often cause side effects and have limited efficacy. Active matter therapeutics transform treatment by delivering medicines precisely to affected areas, reducing side effects and enhancing drug delivery.

  Posted on Feb 28, 2025 in Health & Medicine, Nanotechnology, Science & Policy

  ---

• Sustainable mobility: A public health imperative for urban India’s future

  

  Traffic congestion in Bengaluru is every man’s woe. To address this issue, the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST) promotes solutions centred around sustainable commuting alternatives. This approach not only tackles the traffic problem but also emphasises improving public health, offering a holistic strategy to make the city more liveable.

  Posted on Dec 16, 2024 in Science, Policy & Interdisciplinarity

  ---

• Water has its course: A unified scientific and social approach to tackle the water crisis in Bengaluru

  

  The Net Zero Water vision for Bengaluru, led by the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST), aims to address the city’s water crisis by developing scientifically sound, economically feasible, and practical solutions for water conservation.

  Posted on Oct 25, 2024 in Other & Policy

  ---

• How will BioE3 policy shape the Indian bioeconomy?

  

  The Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (BioE3) policy marks a pivotal moment for India's life sciences sector. By prioritising bio-manufacturing, it aims to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation. However, its success will depend on sustained funding, regulatory reforms, and the creation of interdisciplinary skill hubs.

  Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Other, Science & Policy

  ---

• Emerging biosecurity threats in the age of AI

  

  As artificial intelligence (AI) enables the transformation of biology into an engineering discipline, an effective governance model that uses threat forecasting, real-time evaluation, and response strategies is urgently needed to address accidental or deliberate misuse. This article talks about the risks at the interface of AI and biosecurity and what could India do to better prepare for potential AI-biorisks.

  Posted on Aug 12, 2024 in Other, Science, Policy & Ethics

  ---