CSIR Pioneers Research in Breast Cancer, Sickle Cell Anaemia, and Parkinson's Disease for 2024: Government
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New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has achieved remarkable scientific advancements in 2024, particularly concerning breast cancer, sickle cell anaemia, and Parkinson's disease, as announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology on Friday.
The CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB) and Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram, have developed a non-invasive blood test for the early detection of breast cancer.
This cost-effective method involves the analysis of MicroRNA (miRNA) signatures from hundreds of cancer samples, identifying 439 miRNAs associated with invasive breast cancer, with 107 identified as potential biomarkers for various types and stages of the disease, according to the ministry.
Additionally, the CSIR-CCMB has launched a unique initiative to create the Indian Breast Cancer Genomic Atlas (IBCGA), aimed at developing localized cancer resources. This Atlas focuses on mapping nearly 1,000 breast cancer tumor genomes across India.
The goal of this initiative is to pinpoint molecular characteristics unique to Indian breast cancer cases, which could improve clinical management and treatment options.
Researchers at CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, have also created a rapid test for identifying sickle cell anaemia, a collection of inherited blood disorders.
This test is not only accurate and fast but also affordable, employing indigenously developed reagents to better assess the prevalence of this genetic condition, which affects a significant segment of both tribal and mainland populations, as noted by the ministry.
Furthermore, the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech) has discovered a molecule that may lead to a potential cure for Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative disorder.
Preliminary studies, conducted solely on mice thus far, have yielded promising results for one molecule. The researchers have submitted an international patent for four molecules that show potential as a cure for the disease.
Based in New Delhi, CSIR is an autonomous organization founded in 1942 under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology. It ranks among the largest publicly funded research and development entities globally.
CSIR encompasses approximately 37 national laboratories engaged in research across diverse fields including oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering, and information technology.
In addition to healthcare advancements, CSIR has also embarked on projects such as developing India’s first indigenously built Fuel Cell Vessel, a national mission on sustainable packaging solutions, and creating a multi-millet bun in partnership with McDonald's, among other initiatives.
