Dimapur, Oct. 3 (EMN): The department of Botany, Kohima Science College KSC), in collaboration with the Nagaland Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), organised a one-day national seminar on the topic ‘Drug discovery and research as a career,’ on September 30 in at the college conference hall.
Director, NIST, Dr. Zavei Hiese, in his introductory note stressed the need for researchers and encouraged the students present to pursue research as a career, while also calling upon the passionate few to join the institute.
Eminent scientist and president of Aayam Therapeutics, San Jose, California, Dr. Sundeep Dugar in his key note address spoke on his 14 years of research on mitochondria and the discovery of a new drug Code Name- ATX001, which is also found in Cacao.
“The new drug is found to heal damage tissue, build endurance and improve muscle structure. The findings were presented to the audience with results of muscle structure changes using electron microscopic evidence, noting their potential to slow ageing and extend human life span. The discovery was realised and identified by studying Mayan history and their use of cacao,” it stated.
Dugar, also former vice president of Johnson & Johnson, encouraged the students as well as the research scientists present in the seminar to broaden their perspective in viewing the natural resources present in Nagaland and to also study and research on Naga ancestor’s lifestyle, which could lead to new drug discoveries.
Earlier, principal of Kohima Science College, Dr. Temjenwabang, delivered the welcome address. Assistant professor, department of Botany, Dr .Wenyitso Kapfo, chaired the programme and HoD (Botany), Vesa Hiese, proposed vote of thanks.