PM Narendra Modi shows interest in how stem cell research can treat brain diseases

BENGALURU: Researchers with the Bengaluru Biocluster at the GKVK campus found an audience in PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday as he enquired about progress being made in stem cell research and genetics.

Keen to understand how stem cells could help treat untraceable brain diseases, the PM spent nearly an hour interacting with researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms, which together for m the Bengaluru Biocluster.

“Disorders of the brain pose a major and growing health challenge to India. We are teaming up with Nimhans to build a comprehensive research program in translational neuroscience to accelerate the discovery and delivery of effective therapeutics,“ said Sumantra Chattarji, co-ordinator, Centre for Brain Development and Repair at inStem. The PM also sought to know more about current efforts aimed at preserving India's natural heritage, specifically on species facing extinction. Modi was informed that researchers were using genomics and gene sequencing to look at the past, present and future of tigers, plants, birds and other species.

During his interaction, Modi reiterated the need for supporting “Indian discovery science“ in order to boost national economy .

During his interaction, Modi reiterated the need for supporting “Indian discovery science“ in order to boost national economy . Later in the day, attending the 19th convocation of Nimhans, the Prime Minister urged students to live and work for the benefit of the poor and underprivileged sections of society .

Calling for empathy towards the mentally ill, he said: “The field of mental health faces the triple challenges of lack of knowledge, lack of awareness, and superstition, and people have to understand that mental illness can be treated, and is curable scientifically.“

IISc Dons Could Not Meet Modi

Researchers with the Indian Institute of Science, who launched an indefinite protest in coordination with institutes in other parts of the country, could not meet the PM who visited their campus on Wednesday afternoon. “But he told one of the students that he is aware of the fellowship hike issue,“ said Pankaj Jain, secretary (aca demic affairs), IISc Students' Council.Scholars are up in arms over the non-implementation of stipend hike and have called for a shutdown of research activities on February 20.Over 1,000 students had gathered near the main building on the IISc campus while #HikeFellowship was trending on Twitter.