
SURAT, Jan 25: After green and white revolutions it will be gene revolution, said Dr V K Vinayak, advisor to the government8217;s department of biotechnology said here on Monday, while speaking at the 17th National Conference of the Society for Reproductive Biology and Comparative Endocrinology SRBCE.
Delivering the key-note address, Dr Vinayak said the country will have to prepare for the gene revolution by the turn of this century. While expressing concern over problems of population explosion, infectious diseases and ageing, Dr Vinayak exhorted the scientists to use modern tools like molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology to combat diseases.
He hoped that the total map of draft human genome8217; will be available to provide the platform for functional genomics8217; which will pave the way for genetic clinics8217; for forecasting many diseases at prenatal level.
Dr Vinayak stressed the need for setting the priorities, utilise the techniques of molecular biology and provide the lead for developing suitable, acceptable and long acting male and female contraceptives and anti-fertility herbal products. He cautioned about the necessity of extensive basic work before jumping on to clinical trials.
Dr Vinayak assured the scientists that funds were never a constraint for the right kind of work, which was oriented towards developing new products and processes.
Earlier, inaugurating the conference, Surat Mayor Savita Sharda expressed hope that with the congregation of renowned scientists and doctors some revolutionary conclusion will emerge for the benefit of the whole society. The highlight of the programme include a a symposium on Clinical Application of Reproductive Technology8217; including in vitro fertilisation tomorrow.