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Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 13

Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the journey of Amogh Kulkarni who is currently a  postdoctoral researcher. He is also a theater artist, director, and creator & host of the show series ‘PhD- The Philosophical Drama‘.

In this interactive session, he takes us through his professional journey, while speaking at length about his personal process of establishing a ‘work-life balance’, and talks about his passion of bringing about the amalgamation of arts and science. 

Could you summarize your professional journey so far?

I was always inclined towards mathematics, social sciences, languages more than science per say. But, by the end of my schooling it was clear that it was better to move towards science because of the many different career prospects it had; and arts might not be the ideal ground where I can have a very good or stable career (which was the prevalent societal thought process at that time). Thus, I went on to pursue an education in basic sciences during my junior college, when I was also preparing for all the famous engineering entrances in India. I got through a few, but my overall inclination was towards organic chemistry at that time and it was not a very core part of the many engineering programmes. That made me look for options that would allow me to pursue organic chemistry predominantly. And I turned towards the Bachelor of Science (BSc) course at Fergusson College in Pune. During this time, I also applied for internships and programs that I could do along with my undergraduate studies.

It was during this time that I also got to know about IISER Pune which was relatively new at that time and just on a simple hunch, I applied for the integrated PhD program at IISER Pune. I had already been runner up in MIMAMSA which is a national level quiz of IISER Pune which in fact had introduced me to IISER. Eventually, I got selected into IISER and being a quite young institute, I was in the 2nd batch of that program. But the entire experience at IISER led me to look for what I wanted to pursue in research, by providing me with opportunities to find interesting labs, meeting people from different places around the world, and introducing me to young faculty with fresh and innovative ideas who wanted to establish their own careers as well. So that led to having a very enriching experience and it  made me look forward to postdoctoral studies. Now I’m here in Switzerland to pursue my  postdoctoral studies and it has been a wonderful journey so far.

Do you have any comments on the education or research ecosystem in India vs abroad when it comes to nurturing scientists?

To comment on the education system is difficult because I have only been into the research setup here outside India. I have never completed any formal education abroad. All my education is in the Indian setup.

However, on the research front there are many things that one can comment upon-

Funding– almost everyone in India knows that we have issues with funding in basic sciences, research, for example in terms of getting fellowships for students. It’s been a cry for years or decades that students/ research fellows don’t get their salary every month which is basic/minimal that one can expect which is shocking. This might not be the situation abroad.

Facilities – institutes like IISc, IISERs and IITs are very much advanced and can be compared to the international universities. We do have all facilities/instrumentations in some of these prestigious institutions.

Cultural difference– in terms of the mindset Indians like to work 6 days a week. Europeans work 5 days a week, and Americans 6-7 days a week (depending upon the location). So, the work hours and the work-life balance is quite different but that is their perspective on what feels necessary to take science forward.

How could you maintain your interest in arts while being in (science and) academia? Is there any process to ensure that you keep pursuing your hobbies while doing research?

I’m a firm believer that whatever you do in your life in terms of your job or education, you need to definitely have one hobby and it can be anything. For me it was theater arts since right from school, I have been doing theater in annual programs. I was and still consider myself lucky to meet people at different stages who were like minded who wanted to collaborate with me, because theater is not something you can do alone. Having a background in theatre and being from the city of Pune which is already a budding theater place, helped me hone my skills. I directed my 1st theatre skit at the age of 9 at school. So, it has been a part of my growing up years and has stayed with me.

IISER Pune in that sense was a budding place for all kinds of arts (music, dancing, acting, script writing etc.). And when you have such people around you, it motivates you as well.

In terms of finding time, when you really want to have that breathing space between your work, you make a concrete effort to find the time for your hobbies. That was the main driving factor behind continuing to pursue theater or any other art in that sense for me- to allow my mind to relax and to give it a bit of fresh air. Additionally, I like to take initiatives. Whenever I take initiatives, there are people who join and take it forward. That helped me hone my leadership qualities over the years and helped me streamline the work-life balance better.

Art and Science are often perceived as two very diverse and different fields. What is your perspective on this?

I always say this on various platforms, as well as to colleagues- science is an art in itself and all art has a concrete science behind it. They are very much interconnected. They cannot be separated from each other.

If you are a scientist, and if you have a scientific way of looking at things, you start looking at art in a very different way. Researchers with an interest in the arts look at it in a scientific way. You start looking at art from a research point of view. For example, when I am a director, I look at the psychology of the character from a very researcher perspective in order to understand their depth or while trying to put forth my point in my plays. It is also the same with music. I think people who play different instruments end up understanding the physics behind how the instrument works which is nothing but basic concepts from Class 12. Even if they may not learn it in the theoretical manner, they learn it from their gurus.

In a way, everything has a core scientific base with it and everything is interconnected. People who are good at science as well as arts will perform in a much more creative and articulated manner. The only difference is this- Art comes from within you, but science needs to be understood to perform it in the right way.

Can you describe your journey in creating the show “PhD – The Philosophical Drama”?

‘’PhD – The Philosophical Drama” was a theater skit that I presented at IISER Pune. It was a skit done for the annual function of the chemistry department. I had this idea of presenting the different aspects of a PhD to the graduate students (as a satire), since they will relate to it the most. Interestingly, there was no script written for it. It was developed on-the-go and the total time required from the first rehearsal to the final performance was 8 days! I realized that it could have been possible because everyone involved in the play were themselves PhD students and connected to the topic in their own way.

This experience stayed with me and made me realize that I like to talk about aspects other than research. Sadly, in Academia, work life balance is a mess. That part always stayed with me. And I knew from my experience that when mental wellbeing is not compromised, one gets the best of the work done by themselves and also from the juniors or employees. So, I took the initiative to approach a few colleagues during the Covid-19 lockdown and see if they would be willing to share their journey on our platform. We were a bit worried because not everybody wants to come up and speak- most academicians are shy people and hesitate to talk about their strengths, weaknesses, struggles etc. or any other aspect apart from their research. An average science student/researcher will hesitate to discuss non-science stuff, as it is easy to explain their work and project. This motivated me to start the show series of which the main motive was to dig deeper into the real-time situations of graduate students in Academia.

Thus, with the help of my friend Sukanya, we started the first season of PhD – The Philosophical Drama with our friends and it has been a successful run so far with three seasons already published online. 

I call it a “Drama” because the entire journey of PhD itself is a complete drama package, it has the highs, lows, antagonists, protagonists, success, failure especially for me- from the perspective of a theater artist. There is a complete personality transition before and after PhD, recognizing different versions of yourself with character growth and the climax is different from what we expect.

(Watch all the episodes here)

Could you share some tough times during your PhD journey and what did you learn from them?

It is always that we have the toughest times where we have to balance career and hobby, given first choice to career. One such incident happened during my prime years in IISER as a graduate student where you are really stressed and looking for data all the time which most people agree to as a primary job of PhD student. Despite stress, the heart wants what it wants. So during my PhD, I would keep 9 to 8 as my lab hours, followed by dinner time and then rehearsal. This happened for 4 months in a stretch with 1 or 2 days off from rehearsal but not the lab. I chose Sunday’s to be my optional off day for lab work for my own mental health. That phase was challenging for me. When I look back to that time, I feel a bit exhausted but also proud that I did it. I was also having a role in the same play which I was directing. I had huge dark circles at the end of 4months where my makeup artist struggled to cover them up as my character does not demand that. At this point, I realized that I pushed myself to the extreme extent.

Another incident was towards the end of my PhD where I was working with the script of the great Padmashri Sharad Joshi ji and with the greatest  production unit of IISER. It’s a big thing in itself that working with such a great script and trying to put it into a play. At the same time, I was writing my research paper which had 90% of my PhD work and also writing my thesis simultaneously. I was also taking a German language course in the evenings. I was also hit by personal issues as well. It was the worst phase to do everything. The production partner wasn’t competent enough. So I had to take up that responsibility as well for 2 months. It was a huge production unit with 80 people in the team performing shows outside IISER for the first time. I pulled one of my juniors with me for help and at the end of everything, he commented that he was surprised to see me managing all the stuff without failures like a literal mad person. It was then that I realized I took up so many jobs. If I had acknowledged everything beforehand, I wouldn’t have taken it on my plate.

It was my choice to do it. Nobody forced me to do so. It was sanity within me to help myself accomplish everything, go through that phase, push myself and succeed in my tasks. It was one of the powerful lessons that I learned in my life. If I were asked to do the same again, probably I may not take the risk but I would say that it helped to survive through the toughest phase of my research life.

Similar situations were faced by fellow artists who were also in their PhD struggles. But we knew that we had to do things with a dedicated time window for each task. This practice helped us to improve our efficiency.

What suggestions would you give prospective PhD students?

Don’t do PhD for a Dr. label. Do it if you really love the topic and are willing to face the struggle and hardship. My love for organic chemistry was the reason that I did a PhD. Just like some people pursue theater because all they see is the limelight, but don’t realize that most of the hard work is done by the people backstage. In the same way, understand the difficulties that you may encounter and decide accordingly if you are really interested in the research part or you just chose it as there was no other option or for getting the doctorate tag. Thankfully, I was not one of the latter two as I have not gone with labels to that extent ever with my choices. And I hope nobody ever does that because a PhD will change your life. It is the prime 5-6 years of your life from early 20s to sometimes 30s. It is a big commitment and investment that you are making. So, don’t do it without understanding what you are getting into. All my efforts are now trying to convey to people what they might see in a PhD. There won’t be any template on the journey of PhD to design it as a ‘course’, since every PhD is unique, but I will feel good if my experience can help at least a few prospective students make an informed decision.

What would be your suggestions for youngsters who hesitate to take a step forward in pursuing their specific interests through a fear of ‘lagging behind’ in the competitive world of academia?

Our choices/decisions affect everyone who is close to us- I was also someone who felt the gravity of this reality at one point in my life. It’s difficult to give a blanket suggestion as each person comes from a different background- someone may not be financially stable to pursue their interests and someone might be. But when one chooses a career which is not their first preference, they should pursue something other than their job to make them feel alive. One has to put in extra efforts for it and it should come from the heart. You might not succeed or accomplish great things on your first try, but that shouldn’t discourage you from trying again. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. I have been in such situations and learnt from it – there are failed scripts that have not come out, and it takes a lot of effort to shelf them. But you have to do it. No one takes care of your personal space and your mental health like you do. If you give that charge to someone else, they are also going to be in charge of your life. So just find time and take the effort to pursue your own interests amidst anything that you do.

What is your vision in life?

It kept on changing over the last few years and I think that’s the part of growing up. But, at the fundamental level I’m always going to be someone who will try to have the amalgamation of science and art. I don’t see myself as a person who does anything specifically. That’s going to be a collaboration of my scientific expertise and artistic abilities and if I can get platforms to do both of these together, then that would be great. One such would be science documentaries which are developing in a good way these days on OTT platforms that reach out to a wide range of audience, while providing with decent financial remuneration as well.
Satya Santoshi Author
Science In Context

Synthetic Biology: the past, present & future

Academia Plus

The 21st Century is known as the era of technology and revolution. We witness something new every day and believe that this is the most that we can be surprised, but by the next day there is another remarkable discovery waiting for us.

From a massive supercomputer to a pocket size gadget, from letters that took days to reach their destination to delivering email in a few seconds, that era is not too far in which Howard Stark (of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) said that we would have “flying cars.”

Does the idea of creating ‘designer babies’, hybrids, glowing puppies that resemble jellyfish, flying elephants, or a completely new species seem attainable in coming years? Only time will tell…

For now, let us revisit the history of synthetic biology, for the story of synthetic biology has not only started with these ideas but has proved that it can be possible to redefine a lot of things that were previously considered unattainable- designing vaccines, drugs, and probiotics, creating milestones like the green revolution, the white revolution, and the list goes on. A decade ago, when biologists, bioengineers, computer scientists, and hardware developers came together, it was proposed that synthetic biology engineers should work with the same rhythm as computer scientists and should take inspiration from the earlier innovation in the microchip industry.

Synthetic biology is the branch of science that deals with modifying an existing organism to enable it to acquire new abilities for beneficial purposes. It does not completely restructure an organism, but rather harnesses the essential properties more effectively, while introducing some special elements. It’s like going to a hypermarket and buying all the requirements to make a dish and at last adding secret ingredients for the special taste. The secret ingredient here refers to the whole concept of synthetic biology.

In this area, everything starts from scratch, whether it’s DNA, RNA, or protein. Thus, the very first synthetic biology experiments were conducted to develop the recombinant DNA technology in bacteria, which led towards solving important problems in agriculture and healthcare. The approach for the design of models varies with different kinds of projects. One of them is natural selection which Darwin mentioned in his theory and is widely accepted till now by our scientific community. With the help of transduction and conjugation (a relationship between bacteria-virus and bacteria-bacteria to gain the benefit), ‘the magical gene’ gets transferred, and if it favors the bacteria, it becomes naturally selected. Later on, bacteria diversify to create a new army that has abilities that were not seen before.

RNA is considered as the main hero of central dogma because the process of transcription (DNA to mRNA) cannot be complete without it and the process of translation (mRNA to protein) cannot start without it. Engineering RNA with the aid of sensors and improving its efficiency is another approach to redefine biology

However, as Spiderman rightly said, ‘With great power comes great responsibilities.’ The same applies to this field as well. Along with the power, there are also several challenges that need to be tackled effectively.

One of the major challenges is to design specific models as they should mimic the biological problem for which they are designed. The problem increases especially with cell-based disease treatment.

Secondly, any project revolving around synthetic biology includes a hefty amount of investment of money, time, and brain, most of the time it’s not necessary that it gives satisfactory results. The constant war of product efficiency versus product cost is also another parameter to be considered.

Thirdly, designing immune cells that destroy cancerous cells, engineering microbes that create biofuels that can be put directly into a gas tank, and engineering food crops with higher yields per acre while using less fertilizer and water consumption are the ultimate goals of synthetic biology. But the question is, how easy or complex is it?

This talk by World Science Festival explains quite a lot about the past, present and future of synthetic biology.

But if we are to believe this will become a reality in a few years, then it also gives rise to a bigger question: what would be its consequences? Will it result in a similar situation like in The planet of Apes or the Netflix series Sweet tooth or the documentary Unnatural selection? If you haven’t watched them I would strongly recommend you to watch and make your brain a bit curious before diving into the synthetic biology field.
Nashrah Mubeen Writer

Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant for educational and creative purposes only, and will not be directly used for generation of profits. All rights and responsibilities, including the authenticity of the information presented in this article belong to the original authors and their publications (listed below in the Bibliography section), and there is no copyright infringement intended.

Bibliography

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 12

Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the journey of  Parichay Rao S.R. who is currently a BGCI-certified Senior Genetic Counselor at LifeCell International Pvt Ltd, South region. Previously, he was one of Hyderabad’s first onco-genetic counselor and advocate. He holds tremendous devotion to his field and aims for a work-life balance by indulging in finances or an occasional road trip!

In this insightful chat, he speaks at length about his nature of work and myriad of experiences that have transformed his career as a genetic counselor.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

Initially, I started as a clinical, oncogenetic counselor but have recently shifted to the role of a clinical laboratory genetic counselor as I wanted to learn and explore that. Officially, my day commences at 9:30 am and ends at 6:30 pm. At times I also take sessions as early as 6 am for telegenetic counseling. No matter where you work, the client’s requirement takes priority. 

Besides this, as a senior genetic counselor for the south region, I try to be online and available to take queries and/or support the sales team, who, by extension is associated with the clinicians. This is essential to prescribe the right test for the patients and to avoid an adverse cascade of events. 

How was your experience as a cancer genetic counselor considering that in this specialty, as opposed to others in genetic counseling, one is associated with families for a prolonged period of time?

Genetic counseling 101 begins with “rapport building” with the family. In cancer genetics, relationship building begins at the first or even the tenth visit. The genetic counselor has to keep putting in the effort to gain the family’s trust. A typical genetic counseling cycle in cancer is anywhere between day 1 of the visit to 6 months, which may include the time for their management/treatment process (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical advice) as well. 

To simplify, there are three modalities of allied services in cancer genetic counseling – an oncopsychologist (to deliver difficult-to-accept sensitive information or discuss certain taboo topics), a nutritionist (they know how to integrate the patients’ requirements along with support that the carer can provide), and the genetic counselor (provide support and information regarding surveillance, management, risk assessment, and genetic testing).

The role of an onco-genetic counselor gave me an insight into preventative genetic counseling along with the utilization of essential tools such as taking family history and analysis.

For instance, a 60-year-old female with cancer comes for counseling. On taking her family history, I find that a 19-year-old female (from that family) can take the HPV vaccine as a preventative measure. But, the family might be hesitant to accept the suggestion of the vaccine as it has to be taken in 3 doses and is also expensive. Hence, in follow-up sessions, I can highlight the benefits of taking the vaccine. Therefore, a continuous cycle of counseling is advantageous to more than one individual in the family. Similarly, with a proband currently undergoing treatment, eventually, I might introduce the idea of testing for other at-risk family members, based on the guidelines. 

I had a great experience pursuing genetics in cancer, contributing to the field, and creating a difference in health care in my own capacity.  

What is the role of ‘counseling’ in cancer genetic counseling?

At times, breaking bad news is one thing, and handling stages of grief is another. This is where an oncopsychologist comes into play. There is a term we use – “carer’s burden.” It can be defined as the load borne by a person who cares for chronically ill, disabled, or elderly family members, and in this case, a cancer patient. Genetic counselors, in association with oncopsycologists, must be sensitive to their situation and support them as much as possible. For example, the role of a nutritionist is similar. With experience and association with the family, they understand the family dynamics in terms of who has to cook and provide the recommended nutritious food which makes it a vital position in healthcare.  

Can you compare and contrast your responsibilities as a junior and now, as a senior genetic counselor? How has the growth been? 

In my previous job as an oncogenetic counselor, it was tough to get a genetic counselor since the field is so niche and requires immense proficiency. For five long years, I contributed to multiple centers all over Hyderabad. I was playing the role of a junior and a senior genetic counselor in my own capacity. I started with a meager salary but my outlook was to learn and explore. I would speak to genetic counselors and other professionals outside of the organization – networking and enhancing my command of the subject. 

Currently, I am a senior genetic counselor heading a team of six members. This hierarchy exists only on paper and not at work. In my team, we are all equal – “If I know, they know; if I do not know, they do not know.” I try to create a conducive environment and encourage the exchange of ideas. This improves dependability and the work trumps authority. For the team, I am an individual who is here to learn and practice genetic counseling just like them, alongside them. I always try to remind myself of my journey and where I came from. The moment one loses this, one loses everything. 

How do you manage the psycho-social aspects of genetic counseling in India with respect to patriarchy, gender sensitivity, ethnicity, etc. ?

In my practice, I am particular about having the couple together for counseling, even if it is over voice/video call. When we start addressing them as a unit, it helps them work together. Similarly, the head of the family cannot be the only one making a decision that influences a single member’s health. 

Patriarchy manifests from both aspects. To illustrate, when a couple is currently pregnant – the father might probe that the mother is the one responsible for any problems arising. Or, the mother might suggest that she and the genetic counselor talk separately so she can express her concerns, which in the presence of her husband or father-in-law may be hindered. 

It is important to break this dynamic during the initial sessions via conversation. I ask them to explain what happened in their own words. Likewise, when I talk about the future of their child and the implications of a genetic disorder, it gives them a practical insight into how they will have to manage – it activates the parental instincts and any discordance in the couple tends to end there as they see this as a team effort.

Now in case of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), for example, males are affected and females are carriers. The family tends to focus less on the therapy and supportive care for the affected child; but rather on blaming the mother for passing the disorder. Again, society also often encourages the couple to try for another child who has an equal probability of being affected. 

In such situations, hardly anyone thinks of what the mother is going through. They frequently forget that she alone is not responsible in a pregnancy, giving way to prejudices and stigmas. There are various Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) for the same, and if the couple lets go of societal conditioning and bias, they can channel their efforts into seeking help from genetic counselors and reproductive specialists.     

A principle followed in this field is non-directive counseling. Can this principle be followed with the aforementioned social stigmas and prejudices?

Non-directive counseling is an approach that aims to offer all available options of testing with pros and cons and encourages the individual/couple/family to make an autonomous decision. 

Directive and non-directive counseling, both work in India. I would say that when you have ample time for counseling and management, be non-directive, but when you see that there is a possibility of more harm than good, then being directive helps the couple to make their choice. 

To exemplify – if I suggest prenatal testing to a couple who would benefit from it, and they opt out and the pregnancy does not work out, they will probably return, but they will be emotionally broken. Now in this situation, if the testing had been done, I would have had a road map to support the family and they would also have had some clarity. It is essential to be mindful of their needs and offer genetic testing based on ethics as far as possible. In such a scenario, a direct approach is helpful. 

Sometimes giving too many options also makes the situation tough. In a country like India where literacy rates are inherently low, making a decision based on scientific facts can be difficult to comprehend and abide by.

Have there been any recent changes in policies related to genetic counseling and/or testing, nationally/internationally?

For instance, policy changes related to the inclusion of genetic testing of rare disorders in health insurance. Considering that it is not included in health insurance schemes, currently in India, and that individuals seeking help come from diverse economic backgrounds, are there any government-funded schemes to fill this gap? 

With reference to the GINA act (Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act), in Hyderabad, we are in conversation with clinicians to include demographic-based prevalent disorders like Thalassemia and Sickle cell anemia in the insurance policy that would cover testing. That said, there has not been much progress. In India, policy changes and stakeholders advocating genetic counseling still have a long way to go. 

For example – the drug for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a known genetic disorder, costs crores. This is where sensitization and awareness about genetic counseling come into play. There is less stress in testing the fetus prenatally than in funding a cure/treatment for the disorder after the baby is born. 

Nonetheless, depending upon the ailment and the geographical location, there can be various sources of funding support. For example, in Hyderabad, there is Helping Hand Foundation. There are also several disorder-specific funding and support groups nationally and internationally. Even labs can provide discounts if those in need can share the reason for the request of a subsidized test.

The recent introduction of NPRD (National Policy for Rare Diseases), in 2021 has provisions for the promotion of research and development for the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases.  

How do you keep yourself updated about current clinical trials, new research, and current affairs?

I am more of a digital person. My strong suit is searching the internet efficiently. Me and my brother (who has done his Ph.D.) have a knack for exchanging ideas and information regarding scientific advances. As children, we both wanted to embody the personality of a “mad scientist” working with beneficial research on the front and performing crazy experiments in the backyard (like creating an eight-legged peculiar organism.) 

My method of updating myself is to browse thoroughly through Science Direct articles, and Nature publications, and download these papers as well. I have a folder on my desktop namely “Ph.D. to be” that houses papers I have found interesting.      

I also believe in sharing the information that I have collected. It makes for great conversation triggers when you meet someone. As I said, networking is very powerful!

Along with this, how do you feed your interests like your curiosity towards the share market and finance?

Growing up, my family was not affluent. My siblings and I have been in a hostel since childhood. I have not asked my parents for money for over several years. 

I took it upon myself to educate the self on how to invest and to understand how banks work. Financial literacy makes you independent. At one point, you will have space to make mistakes, learn from them, and still be financially secure. 

To put things into perspective, imagine someone has to pay Rs. 30,000 for a genetic test. That is someone’s entire month’s salary. In this case, would you think of the money or the test that will help your health? No one can teach you finances in school or through a textbook. You can learn it yourself, step-by-step. 

How do you see the future of genetic counseling in India in terms of the following-

Acceptance by families and clinicians toward the field:

The future is now. It is already here. The families are aware of the field and are accepting to invest in testing to know more about their health. I even get queries from a salesperson on how he can get into genetic counseling as they see a huge scope in it. Similarly, clinicians now cut to the chase and directly lead with “What has to be done now?” The future is here, we just need more genetic counselors in number.    

Students pursuing this field:

There is great scope for a job and to make a difference in this field. There are eminent educational institutes in India offering world-class education in genetic counseling. Educate yourself first, make mistakes and learn from them. Begin your journey in a clinical setting where you can learn more. Keep track of other companies as well, it will come in handy when you wish to move jobs. But wherever you are working, be loyal to them and work hard and keep aside the monetary aspect. It is a misconception that the salary is meager. 

If you have pursued your education outside of India and have returned to practice here – you will feel a massive disparity in salaries. But fear not, just be humble and allow others to know you and your work. You will be noticed for your expertise. Network more, and marinate yourself in the Indian demographic and protocols.  

Statistical data on incidence/ treatment/ management of disorders:

For oncology, there are GLOBOCAN studies, ACMG guidelines, NCCN guidelines, ICMR guidelines, and MDCRC research work in x-linked recessive disorders. Apart from this, NCBI is a global ocean of knowledge. MERD, India founded by Vikas Bhatia is also involved in the advocacy of metabolic and rare disorders. Similarly, ORDI is also involved in spreading awareness and performing research for rare diseases.

Recently, even research labs in India are sharing their data as diagnostic yield. India is definitely catching up and collaboration is everywhere – you just have to plug and play!
Khyati Arora Author
Science In Context

Biosensors: The Whats, Whys & Hows

Academia Plus

A biosensor is a shortened term for ‘biological sensor’, a combination of biological components (an enzyme, an antibody or nucleic acid) and a detector element. The use of biosensors has become popular in recent years and the widely accepted definition of a biosensor is “a self-contained analytical device that incorporates a biologically active material in contact with an appropriate transducer for the purpose of detecting the concentration of activity of chemical species in any type of sample”.

A molecular biosensor is a specialised and compact device that measures specific components in relation to our health and disease. These measurable components are called biomarkers. A biosensor is operated through a biological sample taken from our body, for example, a drop of blood.

How do Biosensors work?

A biosensor has two main functional parts- 

  • A detection system called bioreceptor – this can be an enzyme, an antibody or even living cells
  • A physico-chemical transducer – which helps to transform the signal captured by the bioreceptor into a readable measurement 

Biosensors are mainly categorized on the basis of the type of signal that is generated. For example-

Electrochemical biosensors – which measure changes in electric current or ion concentration

Optical biosensors – which measure optical changes such as absorbance, fluorescence, etc.)

Piezoelectric biosensors –  which measure changes in sound vibrations.

The above types can be used to detect a wide variety of biological components such as enzymes (electrochemical detection), antibodies (optical detection), and so on. 

So how and why are biosensors relevant? Let us find out.

Lately, in cancer research, biomarkers and electrochemical biosensors are used for more accurate diagnosis and preventive treatment. Biosensors hold great potential in cancer detection and monitoring the progression of tumour growth. Biomarkers i.e., the biological components detected by the biosensors are significant indicators in monitoring and providing better a better treatment approach. 

Biosensing is also applied in understanding the development of cardiovascular diseases. For instance, identifying and measuring biomolecules in bloodstream at low levels helps in evaluating diseased conditions.

Apart from this, we use biosensors quite frequently in our daily routine. For example-

  • Glucometer is the most well-known and popular biosensor. It is a glucose monitoring device which measures the glucose concentration in the blood. 
  • Pregnancy strip is commonly used to detect the presence of a specific antibody in the blood or urine to confirm pregnancy.
  • Wearable biosensors such as smart watches, blood pressure monitoring devices, etc. have proven to be a boon to today’s lifestyle and allow us to track fitness on daily basis.
  • COVID-19 antigen test – the newest invention that almost all of us are aware of because of the pandemic is also based on the principle of biosensing. This test is designed to detect the presence of Covid19 viral components antigens in our body.

The use of such biosensors and their extensive medical applications makes it very helpful for patients and doctors to get immediate results and optimize the treatment plan on time, while enabling self-management of the disease. It also allows for an early diagnosis and provides successful treatment plans as the disease progresses.

With the many beneficial applications of biosensors, nowadays a number of disorders like diabetes can be effectively monitored at home. It provides a better interface between physicians and patients and also helps in better management, while promoting the approach of personalised healthcare. 

Their enormous applications in the field of pharmacy, biomedical and healthcare sectors further put them as one of the major focus areas for future innovations. We are only getting started!
Guneet Kaur Writer

Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant for educational and creative purposes only, and will not be directly used for generation of profits. All rights and responsibilities, including the authenticity of the information presented in this article belong to the original authors and their publications (listed below in the Bibliography section), and there is no copyright infringement intended.

Bibliography

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 11

Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the journey of Ankita Rathore  who is currently working as a Program Manager-Science Communication at Indiabioscience. In this candid chat, she details her transition from laboratory research to science communication research, shares some of her favourite blogs and also talks about all the meaningful lessons she has learned during her journey so far.

You pursued a Ph.D. at the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research in New Delhi, India. What motivated you to do a Ph.D. in science and technology communication? Could you briefly talk about your experience so far?

After completing my bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences in 2014 from the University of Delhi- which provided me with a strong background in the subject- I chose to shift my focus to studying science and technology communication in India. During one of my semesters, I studied toxicology and was inspired by the quote from Paracelsus, the Father of Toxicology, which states that “Dose defines Toxicity”. I took this to heart and applied it to my life in general.

Subsequently, I decided to pursue a masters in Toxicology from Jamia Hamdard and was fortunate to be offered a position as a Research Officer (Toxicology) at the Central Insecticide Board-Regulatory Committee in Faridabad, which was a valuable first step in my professional career after graduating.

My inclination was always towards pursuing higher education, so I prepared for the NET exam and cleared it with AIR-48, which gave me the option to begin another adventure. I moved to Mohali, Punjab, to work as a junior research fellow (JRF) at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology, where I investigated nanotechnology-based treatment methods for a type of brain cancer, glioblastoma. During my time as a JRF, I enjoyed reviewing/writing literature, planning experiments, and participating in outreach events, more than the lab bench work itself.

My experience in studying/understanding the public perception of nanotechnology during my PhD was a turning point in my life.

It has been a rewarding journey from being a lab researcher to a science communication researcher. Scientists want to help people, but sometimes they forget that perception of the truth and who is perceiving it is equally critical. My motivation throughout the journey has been to contribute to the science communication landscape in India.

I always quote this from my favourite book (Man’s search for meaning), “He who has a why to live for, can bear almost any how.”

Can you describe your journey/experience as a freelance content writer, including the most rewarding elements of your job as a science communicator? How similar or different are these experiences, and how have you improved your skill set in each of these? Also, when you began your work as a science communicator, what problem did you hope to solve?

A non-linear career path has helped me find roles and work that are a better fit for me with regard to my specific interests and skills. Being a scientist has helped me understand the scientist’s perspective, and my career as a science communicator has taught me invaluable skills needed to communicate science effectively to the general public.

I explored several internships before becoming a full-time science communicator. During my first internship as a Science Communication intern at DBT-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, I interviewed scientists and tried my hand at writing blogs and social media marketing. I learned that as a science communicator, one needs to wear multiple hats in the workplace and that every day is different. After this internship, I got another opportunity as a content writer for a small gardening business, which mainly honed my time management skills.

Apart from this, I also worked as a content writer for Cactus Communications and wrote a series of articles about the resources needed to navigate a research degree. Here, I mainly got acquainted with the process of editing and reviewing that an article typically goes through, before it’s published online.

In my career in science communication, my goal is to make people think before taking action. Career satisfaction is extremely important to me.

What is your favorite mode of communicating science to the general audience?

In my opinion, written content is the type I enjoy the most when it comes to communicating science. But, I’m a fan of all kinds of content- short pieces (microblogging) like Twitter threads, creative pieces that can be published as Instagram posts, as well as lengthy ones, such as blog posts and interviews.

Since I had long commute to work, podcasts became my go-to source of entertainment – you should definitely check out the Radiolab podcasts , if you haven’t yet done so.

But, since science communication is all about people: the most significant aspect while choosing a mode of communication, is to consider who your primary audience is.

Could you list some of your favourite SciComm blogs?

When I first began, I read a lot of Sophie Talks Science. She documented her life with science and talked to scientists from different areas. It was because of her that I tried to interview researchers in a blog series, which I called ‘Beyond Lab Bench’.

Have you ever heard of PhD comics? I’m a huge fan of them, especially for the amusing take they have on academic life.

This amazing project by Jorge Cham is almost like having a buddy in academia.

And if you’re looking for advice for writing the first review, or submitting a paper to a research journal, the Editage blog is a wonderful resource.

What advice would you provide to other ambitious science communication professionals wishing to change careers? What advice do you wish you had received when you first started out?

If you want to switch gears and become  a science communicator, great! But before you dive in headfirst, make sure it’s the right fit for you by starting on a part-time basis. Immerse yourself in the basics and get a solid grasp on the science behind communicating science to the public. And remember, simplifying complex scientific concepts is not the goal – it’s about making science accessible and understandable for everyone.

Starting out as a science communicator in India was a wild ride full of twists and turns. I faced numerous rejections, battled self-doubt, and even heard my lab colleagues question my chosen path. But then, a realisation hit me like a ton of bricks – my work and career don’t define me. Instead, it’s crucial to know when to set boundaries and prioritize our emotional well-being, even amidst tempting growth opportunities and extra tasks. This is something I wish I would have known before!

Don’t fall for the trap and remember, your worth is not tied to your job.
Raksha Sharma Author
Science In Context

Understanding the presence of life on the Red Planet

Academia Plus

What are the chances of Mars bearing life? Huge…one must say, because scientists have just discovered that life may exist beneath the layers of Mars- albeit, hidden.

Philosophers and scientists have often discussed and debated over the fact that life must have and may still exist on other planets in and out of our solar system; unaware to the humankind. One of the hottest topic of research in the scientific community is the existence of life on Mars, our very own Red Planet. One of the recent studies aims at understanding cross-contamination of planets during inter-planetary missions i.e. whether living organisms can be transferred to and from planets via spacecrafts. As observed from the Martian samples brought back during the inter-planetary missions, there is a strong possibility that some microbial species are indeed present on the surface of our nearest neighbour, dormant and invisible to us. With the increase in number of such inter-planetary missions cross-contamination is a strong and exciting and possibility.

However, Mars has an extremely low temperature of approximately 210K (or almost -60 degrees), and lacks a magnetosphere (the layer around the planet responsible for absorbing high radiations) of its own. Its surface is very much vulnerable to Ultra-Violet and galactic cosmic radiations. In such a scenario, it is difficult for most earthly species to survive on Mars. For example, if you were to be posted there without a protective gear, you would die of extreme cold as well as cancer pretty soon! 

How then, would microbial species be able to survive there, even if any cross-contamination occurs? In order to understand this, a group of scientists from the  North Western University along with others, replicated the conditions present in the Martian environment in a lab, and tested whether certain microbial species were able to survive them. Indeed, around 6 different types of microbial species were found to survive them, with a species called D. radiodurans being able to tolerate radiations as high as 140 kGy- this is equivalent to billions of years of radiations already present in the environment of Mars!

Now, this gives us a slight hint that some of these species may be alive on the Martian surface and buried deep between its rocks and crevices.

Amazing, isn’t it? Let’s implore more.    

In an extremely dry climate such as that present on Mars, water levels inside cells decrease sharply, leading to the drying of the cell, and the cell enters into a stage of dormancy or hibernation. These cells are revived only when the external aqueous environment is restored. This strategy of longer-duration dormancy and subsequent revival could also be used by microbes to survive the harsh Martian conditions, as although the Martian surface is dry frequent meteorite impacts have given rise to periodic melts of the surface, which can help in the revival of the microbes. Further, in some species, such as the D. radiodurans mentioned above, there is presence of phenomenon known as: Holliday junctions, in which two homologous or identical DNA strands are permanently linked together, facilitating the process of DNA repair and survival of the species.

Thus, in all probability, DNA-based life forms may exist, and may even be able to survive and thrive on Mars. Thanks to the above study, we now have a slightly wider perspective on the never-ending search for extraterrestrial life and a higher possibility of finding our nearest neighbours!
Malavika V Writer

Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant for educational and creative purposes only, and will not be directly used for generation of profits. All rights and responsibilities, including the authenticity of the information presented in this article belong to the original authors and their publications (listed below in the Bibliography section), and there is no copyright infringement intended.

Bibliography

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 10

Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the journey of Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta  who is a freelance science writer and consultant and believes in sharing the knowledge and power of science worldwide. After completing a stellar career in academia, she has turned to her current endeavour, associated with “News Medical” as a feature writer. She writes articles about myriad topics such as COVID-19, diseases, vaccines, physiology, health, etc. In this candid discussion, she talks about her research journey in biological sciences and how that contributed eventually to taking up a career in science communication.

Physiology is a broad subject of study and is definitely interdisciplinary, which you have pursued at the UG, PG, and doctorate levels. I’m really curious to understand the strong motivation behind this.

I studied human physiology as I was always fascinated to understand how many different physiological processes work in harmony to maintain our body’s homeostasis, and how some external or internal factors break this absolute synchronization to cause disorders/diseases.

You may wonder why I didn’t try pursuing MBBS. I never had the mindset to become a practicing doctor. I didn’t even sit for the entrance examination. Instead, I always wanted to become a researcher.         

How did a Bachelors and Masters in Physiology help you with your research stint and writing? Please enlighten us on the unique aspects of this.

I did a PhD in human physiology. I studied how a high-altitude environment affects the physical and mental health of soldiers. My area of research was hypoxia-induced oxidative stress and its outcomes. So, the knowledge I gathered during Bachelors and Masters had helped me immensely in understanding the concept of my research. However, I must acknowledge the huge difference between theoretical knowledge about a particular subject and its application in active research. The ability to apply your scientific knowledge in active research develops gradually over time. And, as always, experienced guidance is required.

What are the pros and cons of pursuing a doctorate & post-doctorate before venturing into science communication/ consultancy, immediately after the postgraduation?

My writing skills, which I fairly developed during my PhD and postdoc period, have helped me immensely to get a grip of my communication skills. Having said that, a student can choose to become a science communicator immediately after his/her Masters.

But what I feel is having some experience in active research definitely helps in understanding the subject from its core, which is a prerequisite for communicating science to the general audience. A science communicator should remember that a considerable proportion of the audience may not know the subject very well. So, a communicator should write an article in an easy-to-understand and flawless language, while keeping its scientific meaning intact. A reasoning mind and an ability to identify minute details of a subject are the qualities of a good science communicator. Having only theoretical knowledge of a subject is not enough to gain these qualities.    

How do you suggest young students/scientists explore their inclination towards science communication/consultancy?

In my opinion, if a student has a passion for writing, he/she can opt for the communication field right after his/her PhD. Having postdoctoral experience may not be required. 

How different is the research environment in defense-based research institutes like the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS, associated with DRDO), in comparison to other research institutes in India?

The main difference is the restricted environment wherein you must maintain the data privacy policy of the institute. Unlike other institutes, you cannot publicly disclose all your findings on account of national security.

How did you discover your passion for science communication? Please elaborate on any specific event(s) associated with this motivation.

I developed my passion for writing during my academic days. But honestly, I never thought of considering writing as a profession. After completing my postdoc, I had to take a short break from active research due to personal reasons. During this period, I started writing popular science articles and health articles for different organizations as a freelancer. This triggered my passion for writing once again and I thought of taking it up professionally.

Later, I got some offers to get back to active research, but I decided to continue as a science communicator. I think that the inspiring comments I received from eminent scientists about my articles have encouraged me to continue in this field.     

What skills do you think are necessary, from your experience, to establish oneself in the science communication field?

As I mentioned earlier, you should simultaneously have the ability to communicate science in layman’s language and have a mindset to maintain the decorum of science. 

Is freelance science communication quite lucrative in comparison to an equivalent job role associated with a company of repute?

Both are equally lucrative and each come with certain pros and cons. Company-based jobs are of course more financially secure, while in freelance jobs, you might not have a fixed earning. I think the major fun of being a freelancer is that you get a chance to choose your topic of interest and bring creativity to your work. This might not be possible in a regular company job. And, once you establish yourself as a good communicator, financial security should not be a problem anymore.    

What gives you the ultimate satisfaction in your current profession, with science communication and scientific consultancy?

Ultimate satisfaction comes from the fact that I can work on my own terms and conditions. And of course, the appreciation I get from companies motivates and energizes me to perform better in my profession.    

Madhura Kamat Author
Science In Context

The use of CRISPR in Neuroscience

Academia Plus

“The brain is the organ of destiny. It holds within its humming mechanism, secrets that will determine the future of the human race”

The above words by Wilder Penfield rightfully describe what a magical organ the brain is, and how important the field of neuroscience is to the advancement of the human race.

‘Neuroscience’ as a subject is quite vast, integrating principles from anatomy, molecular biology, developmental biology, chemistry, computer science, philosophy, mathematics, linguistics, and medicine, to study the functioning of our brain and to answer relevant questions in the field. Neuroscientists do not just study behaviour and emotions, but also understand the importance and relevance of essential body functions such as sleeping and breathing. Apart from this, the study of neurodegenerative disorders is a major part of this field. Several technological advancements have paved the way for a better understanding of this field, some of the latest being the CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

CRISPR-cas9 is a precise gene-editing technology that was discovered by Dr. Jennifer Doudna and Dr. Emmanuel Carpentier who won a Nobel prize in chemistry for the same, in the year 2020. CRISPR is the simplest, and the most versatile method of gene editing which has created a buzz in the world of science geeks by promising a wide range of future applications and solutions that did not exist before. Using CRISPR, scientists and researchers can remove, add or alter sections of DNA sequences which can change the overall functions of the entire genome (and therefore, human physiology and metabolism itself!). Due to its cost-effectiveness and an ability to edit DNA sequences in a relatively short amount of time, the CRISPR technology has totally revolutionised the field of biology.

Before we understand its specific use in the field of neuroscience, let us have a quick recap of how the technology functions. CRISPR-cas9 system is essentially made up of two key components:

  • Cas9 enzyme: This component is responsible for making ‘cuts’ at specific locations of the DNA, in a way that fragments or genes can be either added or removed at these particular locations. This component is therefore also referred to as a ‘molecular scissor’.
  • Guide RNA (gRNA): This component is a small fragment of a pre-designed RNA sequence that is complementary to the ‘target’ DNA sequence, and ‘guides’ the Cas9 to the appropriate location on the DNA, to introduce the ‘cut’.

After the cut is made, the cell recognizes this as damage that needs to be repaired and through this newly repaired molecule, permanent changes are introduced in the DNA sequence.

CRISPR-Cas9 has potential applications in different fields, especially in treating conditions that have a genetic origin, as well as gene therapy- in which a defective gene can be replaced with a ‘better’ gene.

Although the use of CRISPR in the field of neuroscience still sounds a lot like science fiction, it is slowly becoming a reality. CRISPR technology can not only be used for research but also as a potential tool for treating neurological disorders-

  • Identification of neural networks: CRISPR was used for the first time in 2020 to alter the transmission rate in neurons, which revealed important aspects of neural network behaviour that is seen in seizures and epilepsy. This gave hope that CRISPR could also be used as a potential treatment for epilepsy by altering neuron activity.
  • Identification of important genes: Some brain disorders such as schizophrenia and autism are suspected to have a genetic basis. Identification of the genes, possible mutations in them as well as the neural circuits that may be affected by the mutations leading to the development of these diseases, can be easily undertaken by the CRISPR technology. 
  • Potential treatment of hereditary disorders: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a hereditary disorder which leads to progressive degeneration of nerve cells. Combination of CRISPR technology with gene therapy is a promising approach towards treatment of such diseases.
  • Generation of model organisms: CRISPR has been successfully used in the rapid generation of model organisms, which can further lead to the identification of uncharacterized genes, as well as the study of specific proteins and their functions in neurological disorders. These model organisms can range from rats and mice to more complex primate models. This technology has been successfully used in the alteration of genes of species such as killifish and salamanders, which are popularly used to understand and examine ageing as well as tissue regeneration.

While all this sounds fancy and exciting, there are also limitations to the use of CRISPR in neuroscience, due to the following reasons:

  1. Stem cells or neurons have a very active response system to DNA damage which means that even when there is only a single cut from the Cas9 enzyme, there is a high probability that the cell will die as a result of toxicity.
  2. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses a major problem to CRISPR as the required reagents cannot enter the BBB and make changes at the genetic level.

As is the case with all technological advances, this one too comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and moreover, considering the degree of genetic manipulation introduced by this technology, it is necessary to ensure absolute specificity and precision.

However, it cannot be denied that CRISPR/Cas9 is a wonderful tool for neuroscientists all around the world, to unravel the working of the brain and to understand the magic that takes place within!
Sanjhi Sardana Writer

Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant for educational and creative purposes only, and will not be directly used for generation of profits. All rights and responsibilities, including the authenticity of the information presented in this article belong to the original authors and their publications (listed below in the Bibliography section), and there is no copyright infringement intended.

Bibliography

Career Stories

Career Stories: Chapter 9

Academia Plus

In this chapter of Career Stories, we bring you the journey of Abhijeet Bayani who is a Science writer at JoVE but well recognised as a conservation biologist. He was also an instructor in Ecology at IISc, Bangalore. In this candid chat, he talks about the joy in ‘Nature-ality’ and the things that one should keep in mind while venturing into ‘Ecology as a career pathway’.

Did you face any challenges while evolving into an ecologist and if yes, how did you encounter them?

There were numerous challenges that I faced when I started out  as an ecologist. For instance, I have been heavily interested in spiders and have studied them for more than 15 years now. I have also written a book on common spiders. But, when I started, there were almost no readily available resources on Indian spider species. Most of the available ones focused on spiders of other continents (Europe, North and South American regions). There were only a few, about a century old texts, that focused on Indian species. These texts needed a strong upgrade as the older information on species now has become obsolete. Another larger challenge I faced was inadequate training in the field methods. This included field identification of various taxa, locating the species and performing some basic quantitative field methods. Although the reading material was available, I did not have the privilege of working with the experts who could demonstrate these methods. To overcome this inadequacy, I experimented with some of the sampling methods. I also attempted to replicate some scientifically published methods on the same taxa (e.g. trees of specific region, wetland birds etc.) and observed if the data I collected were at least similar. I found all this quite challenging, but at the same time it was like learning from own experiences.

How did you motivate yourself to follow an unconventional career path in the field of your interest?

Studying spiders or the ecology of some other lesser known animals was a bit unconventional, indeed! I say that because the naturalists I knew 17-20 years back were experts in distinctly looking birds and butterflies, or only a few charismatic mammals. None knew about the spiders, birds such as pipits or warblers, or small mammals. So, I accepted this as a challenge and started recording the behaviors, life history traits, features for the field identification, natural history and so on. As my studies on spiders were purely driven by curiosity, I never gave up on my spider observations. I  enjoyed every step of learning about them. Here, I must say that although my focal taxon was spiders for a long period of time, I learnt many small and basic techniques (observation skills, behavioural sampling, quantitative sampling, collection methods, preservations techniques, dissection etc.) that are still helpful for me.

I always treated my undergraduate  years to be experimental years, where I explored various research fields such as neurobiology, biophysics, experimental evolution, X-ray crystallography, signal transduction, theoretical ecology etc. that I thought I was equally interested in. I ultimately decided to go for ecology; particularly conservation biology after my master’s degree. As a result, I studied urban ecology of Marsh crocodiles, reintroduction of Asiatic lions, human-wildlife conflict, and wildlife management starting from my undergrad to my doctoral studies. The sole driving factor towards choosing conservation biology, and working as an educator or a science writer-editor is curiosity.

Is there any interesting part of animal behaviour that very few people know about and that you feel should come into the limelight?

Animal behavior is a very-well studied branch in ecology. One aspect, although, I think that still lacks enough attention is the behavior (wildlife and human) in the human-wildlife conflict studies. The behavioral plasticity that the wild animals exhibit especially in the human-dominated landscapes is quite understudied. Other than that, there are several species about which we know almost nothing, not even the species distribution and the basic natural history (e.g. Wren-babblers). I think that the upcoming ecologists or even the amateur naturalists can take short-duration projects and progressively work towards understanding these unknown species. To many newer ecologists, animal natural history seems to be a ‘dead-end science’ or just a ‘hobby’, which is far from the truth! Natural history forms the basis of all natural sciences, and if done systematically, a person studying it would not only enjoy it but also be able to substantially contribute towards science.

I also strongly suggest that citizen science can help with this. I have been involved with Biodiversity Atlas-India, which is one such large, open-source and scientifically curated consortium of multiple Indian taxa dealing with their identification, natural history, distribution, behavior and so on, where every citizen can contribute their observations.

What are the different career opportunities to be explored,  if one would like to stay connected with nature and wildlife?

Why would one need to explore a “career opportunity” to stay connected to nature and wildlife? One can still stay connected with nature and wildlife having any (unrelated) career or job; it need not be in ecology always! There are numerous ways to do that.

Every urban scape is loaded with interesting species to be observed. There are gardens, backyards, reserved forests, lakes, wetlands, abandoned lands and buildings within the highly urbanized cities. For instance, one of the best places to spot and study the most secretive primate Slender Loris is the Bengaluru city! The marsh crocodiles in the Vadodara city are equally interesting from the same perspective. Also, as I have said before, the citizen science opportunities are plenty now, where a citizen having a zero idea about ecology can still contribute substantially. I strongly suggest and insist that one must not force to take a career in ecology, just for the sake of ‘staying connected with nature’ or because it sounds fancy!

Nevertheless, a person who is trained in ecology and allied streams of science in general, can find a good career as a professor, environmental consultant, writer, science illustrator, EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) expert, naturalist (with tourism companies), photographer, traveller, media person, blogger, teacher, scientist, policy maker, consultant to ministry (e.g. for MoEF&CC) or an academician. If a person is highly determined and begins preparation fairly early- maybe by the first year of UG, they can also opt to be a forest officer (state-level) or even go for Indian Forest Services through UPSC.

Being an editor and reviewer of scientific journals, what strategies (out of the box suggestions) would you suggest to authors to improve their chances of getting the manuscript accepted?  

I may not be the best person to talk about it. But acceptance of a manuscript in a journal depends on numerous things and that is beyond the scope of this question. However, I can share some major observations that I have made during my experience as an editor, and can suggest possible ways to fix those particular problems.

I have found that often the science in manuscript is great, but it lacks the writing flow and fails to convey the message. Many times there is an unnecessary extrapolation from the (original) results. The best way (in my opinion) to write an acceptable manuscript is as follows: every author must ask the following questions:

  • ‘Have I asked  a definite question in the introduction?’
  • ‘Do my results give definite answer(s) (let that be positive or negative) to the question?’
  • ‘Do I justify all the points, hypotheses, or knowledge gaps that I have mentioned in the  introduction, discussion and conclusion?’

This can help improve the flow of the manuscript. When it comes to writing reviews, make sure that you choose  appropriate literature and conduct your analysis of the data that you obtain from the literature. See if your analysis gives any new insights on the topic. I strongly recommend not to write a review with the sole intention of increasing the ‘number’ of your research papers. If not thought well, such reviews may very well turn into ‘scientific junk’.

If you can sum up your learnings in life so far in one sentence, then what would that be?

There is a substantial difference between an innate interest and a borrowed interest. For instance, while choosing a career in scientific research, people often cannot distinguish whether they really like the ‘research’ or just the ‘idea’ of research. In my case, I like the idea of studying the genetic basis of animal behavior, but my true innate interest lies in studying animal behavior on the field. Thus, field study or natural history is my innate interest, but the genetics of behavior is just a borrowed interest for me. I would like to emphasise that each person must identify his/her own innate interest and follow it. Do not run behind the fancy-sounding fields especially for the scientific research. In my opinion, along with reading meeting and talking to people in science helps the best.

What message would you like to give youngsters aspiring to pursue a career within nature and wildlife?

Every person aspiring to pursue a  career in nature and wildlife related fields must first and foremost, be a good observer. Be a naturalist first, then move on to study anything you like. One doesn’t require any fancy expensive equipment or specific permissions to observe species around you. Do not go behind the charismatic species only because everyone talks about it. I have also seen many people begin with photography, and then claim to be taxonomists, conservation biologists or ecologists without any adequate knowledge. Photography is a great tool crucial for documentation or to enhance the experience of observing the species. Nonetheless, without any systematic observation, study or data, you still remain a photographer, and not a scientist. I do not say that a photographer cannot become a scientist or vice versa. But it is important to identify whether you really like to study the species or only like photographing it.

In the end I would say, study wildlife scientifically and ethically and if you are not aware of the ethics, then get in touch with experts.
Satya Santoshi Author
Science In Context

Ageing: the Whats, Whys and Hows

Academia Plus

Ageing is a natural and inevitable process. But humans continue to carry a sliver of hope – “if only we could reclaim our youth and return to our childhood”. In order to turn this hope into a reality, we use different products that hide our age, consume foods that promote longevity – all so that we can look and feel young ‘forever’. We may even strive to lead the lifestyle of a monk, just to slow down the aging process! While current research shows that there is nothing that can actively cease the process of ageing or help one to become immortal, there is definitely a lot of progress in understanding the science behind the ageing process. In this short article, we shed light on some of these mechanisms.

Stem Cell Stories: Stem cells in our body have regenerative abilities and can be transformed into any cell type as per the body’s requirement. The hematopoetic stem cells are of particular significance since they have the ability to transform into any blood cell type and are therefore important in the immune system of our body. With age, there is a steady decline in this particular stem cell population, leading to pathological manifestations. In many ways, it is like steadily depleting your fixed deposit accounts with regular withdrawals, to ultimately lead you to bankruptcy. ‘T-cells’ are specialised cells in our body which play a significant role in maintaining a robust immune system. These cells are produced from the hematopoetic stem cells and a deterioration in their population leads to a weakened immune system that not only makes the human body susceptible to more infections, but also paves the way for a lot of autoimmune diseases- where the immune system, instead of attacking foreign particles, attacks the host tissues and cells.

Telomere Tales: Telomeres are the very distant ends of chromosomes which play a significant role in the process of ageing. As we age, the length of the telomere gets shortened, similar to the thread of a candle which gets shortened as long as it keeps burning. Telomerase is an enzyme in our body, which counters this shortening process by adding DNA molecules to the telomeres. In this dance of shortening of telomeres due to the natural ageing process and the countering by telomerase- there are dire consequences, no matter who wins. If the telomerase loses, the telomere shortening process continues, leading to a cell senescence, or cell arrest, preventing the cell from growing any further. If the telomerase wins, there could be activation of cancer-causing genes in cells. Thus, the consequences of aspiring for immortality can be deadly!

Faulty communication: Communication can be an effective solution to most of the human problems but it may not necessarily be so, in the process of ageing. Cellular communication is the backbone of the functioning of human body. With age, there is a greater tendency towards developing a faulty communication system in our body, either by production of faulty communication signals such as hormones or by altering the inherent communication lines ie. signaling pathways in the body.

Lack of decluttering: When our house gets cluttered, we need to take active measures to discard the unwanted material, or else it accumulates dust and leads to the ‘ageing’ of our house. Our body has similar mechanisms to discard the unwanted material- especially unwanted protein complexes that have long served their purpose. This is primarily done by a process known as autophagy and ensures homeostasis of protein population ie. a good balance between essential and non-essential protein complexes. Most of the ageing and age-related disorders have been shown to take place due to a disturbance in this homeostasis and lack of ‘decluttering’ of protein complexes.

While a lot of the studies have used this existing knowledge to produce targeted drug molecules that counter the mechanisms of ageing, it hasn’t necessarily stopped humans from getting any age-related diseases. We always come across this phrase which is, “Prevention is better than cure”. But ageing is something that cannot be prevented. Instead, ageing-related diseases may be managed (or in some cases even prevented) pharmacologically by understanding their true nature and cause.

Ageing biology is a complex research area, and we are just getting started!
Nashrah Mubeen Writer

Disclaimer: The content of this article is meant for educational and creative purposes only, and will not be directly used for generation of profits. All rights and responsibilities, including the authenticity of the information presented in this article belong to the original authors and their publications (listed below in the Bibliography section), and there is no copyright infringement intended.

Bibliography