Biotechnology

SCIENTISTS SUCCESSFULLY TRANSFER LONGEVITY GENE

Researchers transferred the naked mole rat longevity gene HAS2 to mice, increasing high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that reduces cancer risk and inflammaging. The mice showed better healthspan and slightly longer lives. The discovery may enable human anti-aging therapies but raises ethical, safety, and equity concerns.

STEM CELL THERAPIES FOR MYELOMENINGOCELE

A Phase I trial reported in The Lancet shows in-utero stem cell therapy for myelomeningocele is safe and feasible. Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells applied during fetal surgery improved healing. For India, with high birth-defect incidence, it may reduce lifelong burdens and support early detection goals of RBSK.

Bio-based chemicals and enzymes: Opportunities and challenges

Bio-based chemicals and enzymes are industrial products derived from renewable biological resources such as crops, biomass, and agricultural residues through processes like fermentation and enzymatic conversion. They offer a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals by reducing fossil fuel dependence, lowering carbon emissions, and supporting a circular bioeconomy.

India has strong potential in this sector due to its large agricultural base, established fermentation expertise, and growing manufacturing capacity. The government has prioritised biomanufacturing under the BioE3 policy, and domestic companies are increasingly investing in bio-based production. However, challenges such as higher costs, feedstock supply constraints, limited infrastructure, and slow market adoption need to be addressed.

With appropriate policy support, shared infrastructure, and market incentives, bio-based chemicals and enzymes can strengthen India’s industrial competitiveness, promote agricultural value addition, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Strengthening CAR T-Cell Therapy

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have developed a gentler method to recover lab-grown T-cells, a crucial step in CAR T-cell therapy. Using the mild enzyme Accutase instead of harsher alternatives helps improve cell survival and preserve immune function. The approach enhances the reliability and efficiency of immunotherapy production, supports cost reduction, and strengthens India’s efforts to make advanced cancer treatments more affordable and accessible.

INDIA AND ARGENTINA STRENGTHEN TIES IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & TECH

The India–Argentina agricultural work plan (2025–27) strengthens their strategic partnership through joint research in biotechnology, sustainable farming, and value chains. It boosts India’s food security, especially edible oils, leverages Argentina’s climate-smart practices, deepens South–South cooperation, and complements collaboration on lithium, supporting India’s Aatmanirbharta goals.

INDIA BUILDS ITS OWN GENE EDITING SYSTEM TO SPEED UP GE CROP PRODUCTION

Indian scientists have created an indigenous, IP-free gene-editing tool using TnpB proteins, offering a cheaper alternative to CRISPR-Cas9. It enables precise edits without foreign genes, supporting resilient, nutrient-rich crops. Despite eased rules for SDN-1/2 crops, regulatory gaps, ethics, and public distrust after the GM Mustard debate remain major hurdles.

BIOTECHNOLOGY IN INDIA: GROWING FAST, EXPANDING SLOW

The Biotech sector in India is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by innovation, government initiatives, and international demand. However, challenges such as funding shortages, fragmented infrastructure, and outdated regulations impede its full potential. To become a global leader, India must streamline biotech clusters, attract late-stage investment, update regulations, and develop skilled talent for sustainable, innovation-driven growth.

GENE THERAPY FOR HUNTINGTON'S EXPLAINED

AMT-130 gene therapy reduces Huntington’s disease progression by 75% over three years via a single injection silencing the mutant gene. This breakthrough redefines treatment, inspiring hope while raising cost-accessibility challenges under India’s Rare Disease Policy.

WHAT IS SINGLE SHOT MICROSCOPE?: MEANING, PROCESS AND SIGNIFICANCE

California Institute of Technology researchers have developed Single Shot Microscopy (SSM), an advanced imaging technique that captures high-resolution images of molecules in nanoseconds. SSM offers benefits like speed, live-cell imaging, and clarity, and has the potential to revolutionize fields like biomedical research, materials science, and clinical diagnostics.