Hailing Harvard University’s stem cell research that led to production of insulin secreting beta cells in the pancreas as one of the major breakthroughs in science, former President and scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Tuesday expressed hope of finding a permanent cure to diabetes in the next three years.
Delivering the valedictory address of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering’s (SJCE) Golden Jubilee celebration here, Dr. Kalam said the destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas causes Type 1 diabetes. But, the scientists had successfully managed to produce the insulin generating beta cells, which will hopefully provide permanent cure for diabetes that afflicts a large population across the globe.
However, studies are still on into the reasons for the pancreatic cells to stop producing insulin, he added.
Dr. Kalam also identified the landing the European Space Agency’s (ESA) spacecraft Philae on a distant comet last year after travelling 6.4 billion kms from earth as another breakthrough in science achieved during 2014. “The data has just started coming in and will continue to come for the next few months,” he said.
