Jorhat, Feb. 5: Scientists will discuss the recent trends in biochemistry, biotechnology and molecular biology and frame a road map of future research in the Northeast, based on the ongoing research at the annual meeting and special symposium, to be organised by the Society of Biological Chemists (India) (SBC-I), Northeast chapter, at CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology here on February 22.

B.G. Unni, convener and NEIST scientist said faculties from Assam Central University in Silchar, Tezpur Central University, Rajiv Gandhi Central University in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram University, Nagaland University, Regional Centre of Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development in Sikkim, Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati, North Eastern Hill University in Meghalaya, Dibrugarh University, Assam Agricultural University in Jorhat, University of Tripura, University of Manipur, Tea Research Association, Tocklai and NEIST would be attending the symposium.

“Discussions will focus on topics like the biochemical or molecular aspects of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, medicinal plants, crop improvement using genetic engineering, implications of toxic heavy metals in health, microbe and plant based bio-molecules and its application, genomics in biodiversity from Northeast tea and other related topics,” Unni said.

D. Chattopadhyaya, pro vice-chancellor of Calcutta University and president of the SBC-I, Bangalore and R.C. Borua, president of SBC-I, Northeast chapter and scientist at CSIR-NEIST along with other faculty members from SBC-I headquarters at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore will grace the occasion.