Students get insight on bio-tech tools

A 10-day hands on training programme was organised at ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun on “Augmentation of health and production through biotechnological and bioinformatics tools” for the B. Tech students of SETAM (Nagaland University), Dimapur, from March 21 -3. A total of 31 students have participated in the programme. 

Addressing the students at the inaugural programme, NRCM Director Dr. Abhijit Mitra opined that the knowledge of different tools of biotechnology and bioinformatics would definitely help the trainees to equip them for future challenges faced by the farming community. 

The programme was organised at the Bioinformatics Centre of National Research Centre of Mithun, established under the aegis of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. The aim of the Bioinformatics Centre is to impart trainings to the undergraduate and graduate students as well as academicians in the region about the basic and applied aspects of the bioinformatics and their applicability in biological research.

The training programme covered various aspects of isolation of DNA and RNA from different biological samples, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and real Time PCR,  ELISA, Agarose gel electrophoresis, SDS PAGE, Spectrophotometric analysis, analysis of partial and complete genetic sequences and establishment of their phylogenetic relationships among the sequences reported from different regions and species. The students were trained to use various online databases and statistical tools. 

Dr. DJ Kalita, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary & AH, Khanapara, was invited to as expert to sensitise the students about the basic and applied tools and techniques of bioinformatics in the area of biological sciences and their usefulness.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. KK Baruah, Co-ordinator, Biotech Hub; Dr. N Haque, Dr. Akhilesh Kumar, and Dr. Vidya Singh. Various other scientists of the Institute contributed in the training programme and delivered different lectures as well as practical classes.

The training programme concluded with the valedictory function on March 30 presided by Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Director of NRC on Mithun, and other scientific staff of NRCM.