Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras have demonstrated how drugs injected into the human eye can be better delivered to the target region through “convection caused by mild laser heating”.
With nearly 11 million individuals afflicted with retinal disorders in India, indigenous original research of this nature holds promise for the development of laser-based treatments for various eye diseases. Laser-based retinal treatments are already being used to treat retinal tears and diabetic retinopathy. Since the retina contains blood vessels and nerves, such treatments must be performed carefully and with precision.
The research on laser irradiation of the retina was taken up for the first time in India nearly a decade ago by Arunn Narasimhan, professor in the department of mechanical engineering at IIT Madras, in collaboration with Dr Lingam Gopal of Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai. The current study was carried out by Narasimhan and IIT Madras graduate student Shrinivas Vibhute. They used a glass eye to demonstrate how heat-induced convection reduces the time taken for drugs injected into the vitreous region to reach the targeted region in the retina. In a separate study, the researchers have also shown that the required heating does not damage eye tissues. The findings of this experimental study have already been published in the journal, Wiley Heat Transfer.
Woman power
Recently, the ASMi Business School of Techno India University hosted an event titled Banijye Bosote Lokkhi. Here, entrepreneurs and industry experts discussed the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Bengal. Speakers included Dr Rupali Basu of Woodlands Hospital, Shirina Mukherjee of Vanilla Bean Bakery, Joita Sen of Senco Gold and Diamonds, and mentors Manoshi RoyChowdhury and Kaustav Majumdar.
As technology continues to evolve and global markets expand, women are increasingly seizing the opportunity to start their own businesses. However, they face challenges such as gender bias, societal expectations and limited access to capital. Despite this, women entrepreneurs in Bengal are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovation.
Majumdar highlighted the impressive academic performance of female students, even though they are often outnumbered by male students. RoyChowdhury emphasised the importance of empowering young women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Rishi Kumar Jha
ASMi Business School, Techno India University, Calcutta