H.V. Batra, Director of Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL), Mysuru, said on Tuesday that that India has the capability to detect any pathogen in a short span of time and will continue to develop low-cost, rapid detection kits. He was delivering the Ninth Annual Prof. J.V. Bhat Memorial Oration organized by the School of Life Sciences (SOLS), a constituent of Manipal University, here.
According to a press release issued by the University here, Prof. Batra highlighted the ways by which his research group in DFRL had ensured the reduction in detection time and cost for the many pathogens, which were unavailable elsewhere around the world.
He spoke of the contributions of the various young researchers in his team over the years in developing low-cost, rapid, yet reliable techniques to detect pathogens ranging from bacteria causing tuberculosis, plague, gastroenteritis, or malaria parasite to possible bio-weapons such as the anthrax causing bacteria.
Prof. Batra gave several instances of how to work with given resources to develop diagnostic methods for different pathological conditions that are of importance to public health.
H. Vinod Bhat, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Manipal University, presided over the function and presented the award, consisting of a certificate, award and a plaque, to Prof. Batra.
Prof. Bhat recalled the contributions of the scientist J.V. Bhat to the University and listed the recent achievements of the University in research activities including publications, patents and grants.
P.M. Gopinath, senior scientist, SOLS, welcomed the gathering. Manjunath Joshi, Assistant Professor, SOLS, proposed a vote of thanks. K. Satyamoorthy, Director of SOLS, was present.
