RECENT NEWS

Besides important articles and recent advances in the field of biotechnology, we shall publish news of participation of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists in  important meetings, conferences as  a speaker or an instructor in a seminar or workshop. The news may also relate to any new appointment which a Bangladeshi biotechnologist has accepted. Members are requested to send in such pieces of information for posting in the home page at ahmadshams24@gmail.com or abidur@iwate-u.ac.jp  or sabrina.elias@gmail.com. e shall flash in the home page the news of any new member joining GNOBB.   
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Genetic dissection of the biotic stress response using a genome-scale gene network for rice Dhaka, 1st February, 2012. An intriguing network that can predict the relationship of rice gene perturbation with its neighbor under various stresses has been developed by Insuk Lee, Edward M. Marcotte, Pamela C. Ronald and their groups of University of California at San Diego and University of California, Davis. Rice, a vital staple food and a model monocotyledon, has accumulated diverse wealth of knowledge from "omics" technologies which may lead to identify the regulatory genes of desired traits and eventually will facilitate engineering of pathways critical to crop productivity. A comprehensive and interactive genome-scale gene network: RiceNet has been developed to predict of the functional linkage between pairs of genes and their interactive network neighbors. A total of 24 different types of data, of five different organisms including plants, animals, yeast, and humans, is quantitatively integrated into a single statistical framework depending on their functional annotation and orthologus score. Eventually, these provide a gene network using Bayesian log likelihood scoring scheme. Linkage of genes to the trait is established by using guilt-by-association, predicting gene attributes on the basis of network neighbors. An agronomic trait, the biotic stress has been targeted to evaluate the framework. Using guilt-by-association followed by focused protein–protein interaction assays, in planta, two positive regulators, LOC_Os01g70580 (Regulator of XA21; ROX1) and LOC_Os02g21510 (ROX2), and one negative regulator, LOC_Os06g12530 (ROX3) has been predicted and validated. RiceNet has also shown high gene function prediction accuracy in another monocotyledonous crop species, maize thus enabling the identification of genes regulating important crop traits. GNOBB members Convey Heartiest Congratulations to Mr. Sajib Chakrabarty 27th January, 2012. Heartiest Congratulation to Mr. Sajib Chakrabarty, lecturer, BMB, DU for his success in getting a PhD scholarship at German Cancer Research Center based on Heidelberg in the Dept. of Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, headed by Prof. Dr. Ursula Klingmüller. Mr. Chakrabarty  will work on the analysis of the phospho-protein interactome pathway of intracellular signaling mediated by erythropoietin and TGF-beta in lung cancer cell lines and erythroid progenitor stem cells. Specifically the main focus will be to quantify the mRNA expression level of various signaling components such as proteins/phosphop-proteins using microarray platform and also measuring the abundance of those in protein level by HPLC coupled Mass spectrometry using SILAC (Stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell cultures for the generation of high resolution quantitative data to create the complete interactome network of this signaling pathway. The project is a collaboration with the EMBL at Heidelberg. Mr. Sajib has done MS from UCL, UK with commonwealth scholarship and has been an asset for the Department.  GNOBB wishes him every success in his future endeavors.   A Happy New  and Successful Year new to All Members and Well-wishers .   31st December, 2011. It’s  time that we review our past activities and promise  ourselves not to repeat  our lapses. When the website was launched five years back there was a lot of enthusiasm among members. It culminated a couple of years back in the holding of a grand function in which GNOBB members took part in large numbers both from home and abroad. Now that passion is gradually wearing out. Is it too much for the association to expect that its learned members each  contributes a write-up about his/her research activity or bring to the attention of its members  some new development/s in his/her area and publish it in its website?  Let us face hard facts. The members who could originally give time toward running the website cannot do so now because they get committed elsewhere either in moving on a new job or on a scholarship to do Ph.D. Obviously we require urgently on an urgent basis at least one staff member with expertise in composing the news and in posting them on the webpage; and then for hiring web space in the Internet.  An association cannot run without finances. We do hope that all members pay up their dues which per member is only $10 for expatriates and Taka 700/- for local members.   GNOBB greets all its members and well-wishers a very happy and prosperous new year and sincerely hope that all join their efforts to revamp this organization with whatever contribution we can make towards its uninterrupted march to a successful New Year 2012. USDA Borlaug Fellowship Program for Bangladesh The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is pleased to announce the 2012 Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program (Borlaug Fellowship Program) for Bangladesh. The Borlaug Fellowship Program promotes food security and economic growth by increasing scientific knowledge, advancing the transfer of new agricultural technology, and encouraging collaborative research to improve agricultural productivity. It offers training and collaborative opportunities to agricultural scientists, faculty and policymakers. Each Fellow works one-on-one with a U.S. mentor who coordinates the Fellow’s training. After completing the U.S.-based portion of the fellowship, the mentor visits the Fellow’s home institution to continue collaboration.The application deadline for the 2012 Borlaug Fellowship Program for Bangladesh is January 4, 2012. Please click here for more details.

The First Nobel Laureate in Biology to Get the Unique Award from the Subcontinent Passes Away Dr. H. Gobind Khorana, the Nobel Laureate died of natural causes in Concord, Massachusetts last month on November 9 at the age of 89.   He shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1968 with Marshall W. Nirenberg and Robert W. Holley. For the first time he and his team succeeded in synthesizing a synthetic gene consisting of 77 nitrogenous .

bases. It was double stranded helical like the natural DNA. It was neither seen replicating nor found to synthesize the alanine t-RNA. Finally the molecular biologists were able to activate it when the necessary components of the gene were supplied. Now with sophisticated equipments a gene can be sequenced, synthesized, replicate and function. The present generation of mol. Biologists does not realize how difficult it was to synthesize a gene and made to work only forty years ago. GNOBB has the pleasure of reproducing a letter from Dr. Autar Mattoo (written to Prof. Zeba Seraj) in appreciation of the great qualities of the Nobel Laureate. The purpose of reproducing this letter is to enumerate qualities  of great men which the present generation of scientists may like to emulate in order to achieve success in their scientific career. Pl. click here in order to read the letter.

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Heartiest Congratulations to Sabrina

Dhaka, 15th Dec ' 11.  After having completed a training fellowship for six months from June to November '2011  Ms. Sabrina Elias, Research Associate, Plant Biotechnology laboratory, DU, has returned from Australian National University. During her stay there,  she worked on elucidation of structure of Rubisco in different wild rice specie under the guidance of Prof. Jill Gready at computational Proteomics Group. The results of the study may enable rice breeders to produce high yielding varieties of rice suitable for different agro-climatic zone

Heartiest Congratulations to Dr. Kamal  for his Recent  Contributions to Plant-made Vaccines
 

Dhaka 18th Nov. ’11. GNOBB always feel happy to know that its member has published  papers containing their research results or contributed a book chapter in a recent  book or delivered a lecture in a plenary session as a invited speaker or joined a new or promoted to a higher post. Recently a well-known GNOBB member, Dr. Kamal Chowdhury Associate Professor  at the Department of Biology, Claflin University,  gave an interesting talk entitled, "Current Status of Plant-made Vaccines: Challenges and Opportunities”  at the Biotechnology session of the 10th International Symposium titled “Perspective of the 3rd Millennium Agriculture” held  at Cluj, Romania from Sept 29 – October 01. Earlier Dr. Chowdhury  made a presentation on a similar topic, namely, “plant-made pharmaceuticals/vaccines” at the Society for In Vitro Biology  meeting in Raleigh, NC, June 4-8.

Heartiest greetings for Eid Ul Adha

Dhaka, 6th Nov, 2011. GNOBB wishes a very joyous EID Ul Adha to all its members and well wishers. May this Eid enlightened with sacrifices bring happiness and blessings to all.

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Launching Ceremony of ,"Bogshogatbiddyar Mulkatha O Gene Prokaushal" 1st October,2011, Dhaka. As announced earlier, the launching ceremony of the much awaited book, entitled,"Bogshogatir Mulkatha O Gene Prokaushal" was lauched this afternoon, the Ist of October at 3 p.m. in the Hall of the Center of Excellence Building, Dhaka University. Professor AAM Arefin Siddique, the VC DU. was the Chief Guest. Special guests were Pro-vicechancellor of Jatiya Bishwbidyalaya and the Dean of the Biological Science Faculty, DU. A number of distinguished and notable professors including Dr. Anwar Hossain, Professor Haseens Khan,  Prof. Rakha Hari Sarker commented on the book favorably saying such text books will indeed fill the void that has resulted from lack of suitable textbooks in Bengali. The VC in his remarks on the book said that Professor AS Islam has already shown his talents as an author through his earlier publication, "Smritir Pate Jibabchhabi" in which he has vividly narrated different episodes that he faced in his life. In an informal discussion after the ceremony was over, Professor Nurur Rahman Khan offered his services as Head of publications of DU Press to reprint the book with colored photographs without printing errors and small additions, if any.

Mahdi Moosa is now at Scripps Research Institute at La Jolla, California
"GNOBB members are familiar with Mr. Mahdi Moosa's name who contributes regularly summary of interesting scientific news to enrich GNOBB website. He is now doing Ph.D. in one of the most prestigious research Institutions of the world, namely, The Scripps Research Institute at La Jolla, California. He has contributed much to enrich GNOBB Website by writing summaries of important discoveries. He is already a coauthor of two important publications in two foreign journals. GNOBB wish him Godspeed and brilliant success on his onward march to achieve his cherished goal."

Gamers Succeed Where Scientists Fail: Molecular Structure of Retrovirus Enzyme Solved, Doors Open to New AIDS Drug Design At long last the molecular structure of HIV retroviral protease was unraveled. Concerned scientists were baffled over 10 years to construct this intriguing Retrovirus. As the complicated work went on without success for several years,it occurred to some of scientists to jointly work out this problem by joining  hands with gamers. To solve a puzzle, gamers try various permutations and combinations until they find a

solution to the structure of the protein moleculethey look for. Luckily the group searching for the molecular structure of HIV came up with a satisfactory solution only in three weeks’ time. The gamers played a game called, ‘Foldit’, and generated models to determine the enzyme's structure. Luckily they were also able to find out  targets for drugs that de-active the enzyme. The exciting results reported in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology on the 18th September, ‘11 offer exciting opportunities for the design of AIDS drugs. It may be mentioned here that no vaccines have hitherto been discovered which could cut the enzymes to deactivate it. As a result drug designers were unable to control the AIDS virus. Our hats are off to the gamers who recently unfolded the 3-structure through their intuition by generating models of the HIV enzyme through online computer games. Soon the scientists got a hint about determining the 3-D structure of this baffling enzyme. Figuring out the shape and misshape of proteins contributes to research on causes of and cures for cancer, Alzheimer's, immune deficiencies and a host of other disorders, as well as to environmental work on biofuels.The current report in the Scientific weekly of the online gamers' molecule solution has opened new avenues for anti-viral drug research. The results show that gaming, science and computation can be combined to make advances that were not hitherto possible.

Heartiest Congratulation to Dr. Zeba I. Seraj and her team

Heartiest Congratulation to Dr. Abed Chowdhury

Dhaka, 9th sept, 2011. GNOBB express heartiest congratulation to Dr. Abed Chaudhury for the innovation of  rice that can be harvested twice. After 4 year of research he has generated four lines of rice for boro and aus season  that can be harvested twice a year. The concept is very old and was in nature itself but observing and implementing that old concept with new technology with proper care has made the success. Usually not all of the panicles of a rice plant emerge after reaching the reproductive stage. If the plant is cut 35 cm upper from the soil and not from the root, there remain chances that the un emerged panicles may emerge later with application of urea as fertilizer and proper care. He is doing the experiment in kanihati fields in Maulavibazar. The production of rice was 6.4 metric ton per hectare which is much larger amount than the usual. Please click here for more details.

To Fight Dengue Fever with  a Bacterial Parasite, Wolbachia

In the most recent issue of Nature magazine published on the 25th August, ’11, news about controlling Dengue fever by a bacterial virus has raised hope that in future Dengue fever transmitted by  a kind of mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti may be contained as in the case of malaria. At present as many as 50 million people spread over 100 countries fall prey to this dangerous scourge. Recently a way has been found to keep the Dengue virus out of the mosquitoes under control. The technique consists of infecting the mosquitoes with a bacterial parasite called Wolbachia that may block transmission of Dengue fever. The strain of Wolbachia used in this research work uses a somewhat different twist on this: when infected males mate with uninfected females, all their offspring die. On the other hand, when they mate with infected females, the offspring survive, but all carry a Wolbachia infection. This helps ensure that the bacteria spread quickly within a population. The strain of Wolbachia used in the new work uses a somewhat different twist on this: when infected males mate with uninfected females, all their offspring die. When they mate with infected females, the offspring survive, but all carry a Wolbachia infection. This helps ensure that the bacteria spread quickly within a population. Please click here to follow the news.
 

Best wishes for Eid-ul-Fitr

GNOBB wishes a very joyous and prosperous Eid Ul Fitr to all its members and well wishers. After the holy month of Ramadan, may this Eid bring every happiness and peace in your life. Eid Mubarak!

Exciting Job opportunities at IRRI

MS and PhD studentship in Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

Potato Genome sequenced by a Consortium of 16-institutes

In the issue of July 10, 2011 of Nature, the news that the potato genome has been sequenced by a 16-member consortium has just been published in  Nature. The Consortium consists of 26 research institutes of which the Scottish Crop Research Institute in Dundee, UK is one. Authored by 5 scientists, the title of the article is, “A single domestication for potato based on multilocus amplified fragment length polymorphism genotyping.” 

The key to their success was that the group used a diploid South American potato wild variety called DM (after the name of a potato systamatist, DM Spooner) derived from tissue culture of a tetraploid cultivar  They followed marker assisted selection process as well as they used next-generation sequencing technologies which helped them save considerable time and money. Since potato is highly heterozygous and vegetatively propagating, any true breeding type characterized and controlled by a single gene pair will breed true. In contrast to all prior hypotheses, the recently (July7, 2011) reported data support a monophyletic origin of the landrace cultivars from the northern component of this complex in Peru, rather than from multiple independent origins from various northern and southern members.

Parallel on-chip gene synthesis and application to optimization of protein expression

Dhaka April 28, ’11. It has been a great pleasure to learn a paper of  the above title has appeared in the latest issue of  Nature Biotechnology. The second of eight authors Ishtiaq Saaem is a Bangladeshi. The contribution of the first and second author is equal. Below is the summary of the article.  Long DNA molecules were harvested from a plastic DNA chip containing thousands of shorter DNA molecules that were amplified and pieced together enzymatically on-chip. Thousands of codon-usage variants of lacZα and 74 challenging Drosophila protein antigens were harvested and then screened for expression in Escherichia coli. This technology could provide a much needed boost in enabling the affordable realization of an engineered design and may facilitate systematic investigation of macro-molecular machines, metabolic networks and synthetic cells. More

Congratulation to Prof. M. Tofazzal Islam and his team

Dhaka, 26th April. Prof. M. Tofazzal Islam of Department of Biotechnology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur and and co-workers from University of Goettingen, Germany have recently been published an article titled "Protein Kinase C is Likely to be Involved in Zoosporogenesis and Maintenance of Flagellar Motility in the Peronosporomycete Zoospores in Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions of American Phytopathological Society. The motility of zoospores is critical in the disease cycles of Peronosporomycetes that cause devastating diseases in plants, fishes, vertebrates and microbes. In this paper, Islam et al. (2011) elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms of zoosporogenesis and maintenance of motility of zoospores of the most notorious peronosporomycete phytopathogens. Through a series of experiments, they found that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved as a signaling mediator in both these essential processes related to the pathogenesis and virulence of the pathogens. Interestingly, their finding parallels earlier works on the role of PKC on flagellar motility of mammalian sperms (including human sperms) and spermatozoa of aquatic vertebrates. These findings suggest that the requirement of PKC activity may be a common mechanism of maintaining of all these cross-kingdom specialized cells. As motility of zoospore is critical for the life cycle and pathogenicity of peronosporomycete phytopathogens, elucidation of the detail signal transduction pathways might help to design strategies for biorational management of these notorious Peronosporomycete phytopathogens. 

	Heartiest Greetings for the Bengali New Year, 1418 Dhaka. 13th April, 2011. GNOBB express heartiest greetings for the Bengali New Year 1418 to all its well wishers and members. Let the fresh year bring new hopes, it will be a year with peace, happiness, and joy, a new year with a new beginning.

DUMAA newsletter published

Dhaka, 31st March, 2011. GNOBB proudly announce the publication of Dhaka University Microbiology Alumni Association's first newsletter on 30th March 2011. DUMAA was established more than 10 years ago. This association is serving as a good platform for maintaining the communication between alumni and also involved in many voluntary helpful  activities. In this issue this newsletter has included a tribute to Dr. Anwarul Azim Chowdhury's memory,  the profile of Dr. A.S. Islam, and they have also focused on the pharma sector of Bangladesh. Please click here to avail the newsletter.

First Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Camp

Dhaka, 28th February, 2011. The first Bioinformatics and Biotechnology camp of the country was successfully held at Chittagong on February 18^th, 2011. This timely initiative was taken by the YoungBBs (Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh) which is the organization of young minds of Bangladesh involved in Biotechnology related education and applications. The focus of this camp was to introduce students with various software and tools needed in Bioinformatics research. Students of University of Chittagong and USTC took part in the camp. The program was segmented into various sessions entitled “Introduction to Bioinformatics from laboratory to PC”, “Tools of Bioinformatics”, ”Generating research idea for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology” and was concluded  by an open discussion. The sessions were conducted by Mustak Ibn  Ayub, convenor, YoungBB and lecturer, GEB, DU, Mahbubur Rashid, lecturer, GEB, DU, Mahdi Moosa, researcher, Swapnojaatra, Jute Genome Project and Adnan Mannan, Lecturer USTC. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Nurul Absar former Dean RU and Chairman, Biotechnology Department, USTC. Dr. Mahmud A. Chowdhury, Genetic Disorder Researcher, C. M. Cbu Ahmed, Chairman, Genetic Engineering Dept, University of Chittagong, NasirUddin Haider, subeditor, Prothom Alo, Rasel Wadud, CEO of Biotech Concern was present in the program. The event was sponsored by Biotech Concern an organization providing Biotechnology products.

The Ethnobotanical Database of Bangladesh

Dhaka 27th February, 2011. An online database consisting searchable information on the plants of Bangladesh is launched. Congratulations to Md. Salahuddin, a Masters from Chittagong University. Feeling the lack of this kind of database on our indigenous plants the young scientist has taken the initiative to collect information and build this searchable database. The database captioned “Ethnobotanical Database of Bangladesh” was built mainly through collecting information from literature, herbaria etc with the help of national and international researchers. A user friendly interface has been
provided to allow easy access of data using different query options. Detailed information of plants profile and their uses are depicted along with photos. Plant details consist scientific names, tribal names, morphological characters, taxonomic information, phytochemical constituents, traditional uses of the plants etc. This is a bold step to classify and conserve the knowledge on indigenous plants and biodiversity and allowing those data accessible to for all. The organizer invites your valuable suggestions are most welcome to this address to improve the quality  and widens of the scope of the database.  Please click here to access the online database.

Science reports novel method of plant clonal reproduction

Dhaka, 25^th February, 2011. Many of the hardiest, most productive crops are hybrids of two genetically disparate cultivars. But the beneficial combination of genes that makes the hybrids so robust disappears in the next generation because the genes are shuffled into new combinations during sexual reproduction. Agricultural researchers have sought a way to clone prized hybrids in bulk, and have looked particularly at apomixis — asexual reproduction through the production of seeds. Some plants, including blackberries and dandelions, do this naturally, but most crops do not. In a recent article that appeared online in Science (Vol. 331 no. 6019 p. 876), a research group comprising members from India, USA and France report a novel method of production of exact genetic replicas of plants. In the study, the research group crossed Arabidopsis MiMe and dyad mutants that produce diploid clonal gametes to a strain whose chromosomes are engineered to be eliminated after fertilization. Results of the study shows that up to 34% of the progeny were clones of their parent, demonstrating the conversion of clonal female or male gametes into seeds.  Such an advance could allow farmers to propagate their own crops, rather than buying costly seeds each year. It would also speed up the time it takes for commercial seed companies to generate new hybrid seeds..~~Summarized by Mahdi Moosa (DU).

Dr. Apala Farhat Naved is no more

Dhaka, 19^th February, Dr. Apala Farhat Naved, Professor, BMB, DU passed away yesterday 18^th January, 2011. Dr. Apala was a dedicated and determined Scientist/Biochemist, an active culturist, vocal artist in BTV as well as Bangladesh Betar and an honorary teacher in the “Chhayanat shangeet Viddyaatan”. But beyond all these she was a great humanitarian worker with a bold and vivid personality.  Her dedication to science and the community is reflected in her decision to donate her body for advancement in medical research. She has been working on filariasis and other mosquito borne diseases for quite some time and was involved in educating mass people on parasitic diseases. There was a place in her heart for the poor, needy and helpless people. She was actively involved in many charity works, administrating schools for children. Her passionate dedication in collecting funds and distributing relief to the Sidr-affected people will keep her memories alive among many. She was suffering from Cancer but this devastating disease could not take away her spirit and enthusiasm for work. GNOBB members express their profound sorrow at her untimely demise.  The void left by her loss to our community will be impossible to fill. We would like to share our respect and admiration for Dr. Apala as a person, as a scientist and lastly to her departed soul. May her soul rest in peace till eternity. There will be a Sharan Shova for Dr. Apala on the 22nd of February at 7:00 pm in Chayanot. All well wishers are welcomed to join. Attached are some of the glowing tributes paid to her memory. If you have your own pl send it to the address by clicking here.

Congratulations to Dr. Hemayet Ullah and his lab mates.

The research work of Dr. Hemayet Ullah at Howard University has been highlighted in the US National Science Foundation (NSF) Homepage. The project entitled “Arabidopsis Receptor for Activated C Kinase1 (RACK1) Proteins: Role of Protein-Protein Interaction in Environmental Stress Signaling Pathways” secured NSF funding for the fiscal year 2006-2009. Subsequently his lab has received two more grants from NSF. The work of this project deduced the first crystal structure of a RACK1 protein, which suggests that highly conserved residues played a role in the interaction of RACK1 with its many partner proteins. Genetic knock-out of the RACK1A implicates the gene in diverse environmental stress response pathways. The discovery of this structure provides the framework for elucidation of various environmental stress response pathways including drought.

For details please click here. Congratulations to Dr. Hemayet Ullah and his lab mates.

Special Issue on Bioinformatics Education in Briefings in Bioinformatics

Dhaka February 07, 2011. Bioinformatics competency has become a key element in much of contemporary biology. The increasing potential that is to be realized with modern technologies, such as ‘next-generation’ sequencing, parallel and ‘cloud’ computing, and continually increasing data banks, requires a fundamental understanding of bioinformatics concepts and applications. On par with the complexity of biological inquiry, acquiring bioinformatics competency can become a complex endeavour of undecipherable jargon, mathematics and frustration. The requirement for bioinformatics training affects the full range of budding biologists to seasoned professionals. With a view to discuss issues related to Bioinformatics education, Briefings in Bioinformatics published a special issue on “Education in Bioinformatics” with the goal of providing a resource for biologists and bioinformatics educators alike. Interested individuals can access the issue through the following link: http://bib.oxfordjournals.org/content/11/6.toc                                            

Abridged by Mahdi M Moosa from the editorial by Indra Neil Sarkar.

Two New Journals in the area of Natural Sciences
“Dhaka, the 10th of January, 2011.  On behalf of the International Network of  Natural  Sciences (INNS) - a Bangladesh-Australia based new publishing house in the area of natural sciences, GNOBB is pleased
to announce that the above organization is publishing two peer reviewed journals in the area of natural sciences. The INNS is welcoming the submission of manuscripts that meet the general criteria of significance and scientific excellence. They are currently calling papers for two journals: Web: www.innspub.net E-mail: info@innspub.net (INNS)  ijb@innspub.net (Editor-in-chief, IJB)   jbes@innspub.net (Editor-in-chief, JBES) Web: www.innspub.net
1) International Journal of Biosciences (ISSN: 2220-6655): Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences, Fisheries, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Aquatic Biology and Agricultural Sciences.
2) Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (ISSN: 2220-6663): Environmental sciences, Biodiversity, Ecology, Environmental Chemistry and Conservation of Natural Sciences.They guarantee fast, fair and peer-reviewed publications according to the international research publishing standard. For more information, please visit: www.innspub.net.

Wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2011.

Dhaka,  December. 29, ‘10. On behalf of GNOBB and on my own behalf we wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. May the coming year 2011 bring more and more laurels to your eventful career and fulfill all your cherished desire. To old and new members, we wish to tell how much we depend on them for all round success of this web based organization which is slowly but surely gaining popularity among its members and well-wishers. Pl remember that GNOBB is your site and any improvement of the medium is our combined effort and  NOT any individual’s.

We need to make the website more user-friendly and attractive and for this we need your cooperation and regular payment of your membership fee. We know that payment of yearly subscription is not a big deal and you require us to remind you. So here is the kind reminder.

You will be glad to know that one of the members, Dr. Fatima Ashrafi –a gynecologist from New Zealand donated a sum of $500 to make the site user-friendly. Interestingly we never approached her to join our organization. Dr Ashrafi saw our website and being happy with it applied for membership. On behalf of this web-based organization we appeal to you to follow the noble example of Dr. Fatima.

Again we convey to you all Godspeed and all the best for the coming New Year. May your research output turn out to be more innovative and enrich the biotech world making us all proud of you?

New HYV Onion Variety Developed  by BARI. Soon to Meet the Country’s Requirement
Dhaka the 28th December, ’10.  It is a welcome news that  BARI has come up with an onion variety  that will go a long way to meet the deficit of onion thus  bringing  down the price from nearly Tk. 100 per Kg within the buying capacity of common man.  According to a press release that the newly evolved BARI Onion-5 yields three times more than the existing varieties.  Furthermore to the satisfaction of both farmers and consumers the new variety can be grown both in  the summer and winter.  The total requirement of the country is 16 lakhs but the production of the country is only 9 lakhs half of what the country requires to meet its demand.

Prospects of GM Crops in view of fossil fuel shortage
22nd December, 2010. While the acrimonious debate goes on about the benefits and dangerous effects of GMO crops, the European Commission published the results of research projects funded by the organization. According to this report, “there is no scientific evidence associating GMOs with higher risks for the environment or for food and feed safety than conventional plants and organisms". Please click here to read more

READS: A database for plant non-coding regulatory sequence analysis

11th December, 2010. GNOBB announces the launching of READS  (Regulatory Element Analysis DatabaSe) a web-accessible database of plant non-coding regulatory sequences. According to the READS authors knowledge, this is the first database created by young researchers in Bangladesh containing biological sequence and expression information. It contains more than 300 known and putative promoters of constitutive as well as stress inducible genes belonging to various plant species and has been linked with useful biological information .A user-friendly interface has been provided to allow easy access and analysis of data using different query options. The database can be utilized as a useful resource for identification of important putative regulatory cis-elements in promoters  by analysis of upstream regions of hundreds of co-regulated or co-expressed genes. Current version of READS is available here. Suggestions are welcome (reads@pbtlabdu.net) to improve the quality of the database so that it can serve its purpose properly making it a grand success.
 

The 6^th International PTC & Biotechnology Conference is over

5^th December, 10. The 6^th International PTC & Biotechnology Conference concluded successfully. Including 32 foreign delegates there were 200 participants. When contacted some foreign delegates expressed their satisfaction at the arrangements. In the concluding session a set of recommendations were prepared. It is almost at the final stage of drafting and will be published at the GNOBB website as soon as it is completed. Dr. Andrew F. Roberts from the USA emphasized on the importance of focusing on a few recommendations rather than on many in order to derive maximum benefit out of these recommendations.

Prof. Hans-Peter Muehlback underscored the need of arranging training tailored to the need of commercial people so that the private companies and the NGOs’ turnout of tissue culture derived products meet the local needs and export a sizeable chunk to the outside world. The poster-session drew applause from the visitors. Three posters were chosen as ranking first, second and third place.

The 6th International Plant Tissue Culture  and Biotechnology Conference

		Dhaka, 3rd December, 2010. The Sixth International Plant Tissue Culture  and Biotechnology Conference was held today the 3rd of December in the Dhaka University Senate Bhavan. Honorable Minister for Agriculture Begum Matia Chowdhury inaugurated the Conference.special Guests were : Professor AAMSArefin Siddique, VC of the prestigious University of Dhaka and Dr. Wais Kabir, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council graced the occasion as special guests.The participants were from India (22), Pakistan (6), Malaysia (1), Germany 2), Nepal (2), USA (3). The plenary talk entitled, "Designer
of Crops in Response to Climate Change delivered in the inauguration session enthralled    the audience.  Professor A.S. Islam, the Founder President of BAPTC &B  was awarded a Gold Medal for his outstanding contribution toward the development of Biotechnology in the country. In his acceptance speech Prof. Islam said his motto all his life has been, "Work is worship". Begum Matia Chowdhury underscored the need for all scientists to work together without hassle and not be divided on any particular issue such as GM crops.She said, "we cannot afford to ignore any technology unless it is proved to the contrary that it is unproductive or hazardous to human health.

Professor M. Akhtaruzzaman passes Away

Dhaka, 2nd December, 2010. Professor M. Akhtaruzzaman has breathed his last this morning at the BIRDEM Hospital after a protracted illness. He served the Department of Botany, University of Dhaka for many years till his retirement. Besides being a popular and conscientious teacher he guided as many as ten students in their Ph.D. under his sole or joint supervision. He was famous as a dedicated and a popular teacher. He published over 100 papers either as a sole- or single author 15 of which were published in international Journals such as ‘Cytologia’ and ‘Caryologia’. He wrote as many as five text Books in Bengali showing his deep-seated love for his mother tongue, Bengali. The title of these books  are “Koshvidya” (Cytology),  “Kosh-bongshobidya” (Cytogenetics), “Biborton bidya” (Evolution), “Projatir Biborton” (Darwin’s “Origin of Species” a Bengali Translation of the famous book on evolution. He has been vocal in establishing the rights of teachers. For a number of years, he served as the President of Bangladesh College and University Teachers’ Association.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the death of Professor Zaman. GNOBB conveys to his bereaved family members their deepest condolence at the death of Professor Zaman

Eid Ul Adha Mubarak to all GNOBB members   Dhaka, 17th Nov. 2010. GNOBB wishes a very joyous EID to all its members and well wishers. May this Eid enlightened with sacrifices bring happiness and blessings to all.

Post Doctoral opportunity at Winship Cancer Institute

Launching Ceremony of 'Smritir Pote Jibonchhobi' : Autobiography by the moderator

Dhaka, 31st october. The inaugural ceremony  of the autobiogrpahy of Professor Ahmad Shamsul Islam was successfully held on 30th October Sunday at the Senate Auditorium of University of Dhaka. Vice Chancellor of DU, professor A.A.M.S.Arefin Siddique, Dr. Rafiqul Alam from Dhaka Ahsania Mission, Professor Rafiqur Rahman Supernumerary Professor in DU along with past students and well wishers of Professor Islam was present in the ceremony to make it successful.

This autobiography is published by Matribhasha Prokash. This is a harmonious collections of Professor Islam's views on many incidents of his life. The experiences of his life is an asset for the next generation. Heartiest Congratulation to him on this occassion.

Personal Experience at the Lindau Meeting with Nobel Laureates
Dhaka Oct. 27, The following is a brief account by one of the Bangladeshi participants, Mahdi Moosa at GEB, DU at the Lindau Conference held in Germany some time back. The Coordinator contacted Moosa and requested him to narrate his personal experience and the following  interesting account has been provided by the scholar. click here to read

Two Drought tolerant rice varieties evolved by the Combined Research of IRRI & BRRI

Dhaka, 26th Oct., 10. Adverse impacts of low rainfall and increased temperature demand development of drought tolerant rice varieties. A joint effort of BRRI and IRRI resulted in the development two drought tolerant and short duration varieties that gave satisfactory yield without irrigation in the drought prone area of Bangladesh. The field level research was carried out in the Barind area for the last three years.

The average yield of IR 74371-70-1-1 variety is reported to be 4.03 tonnes and the 7873-5-51-HR6 variety is 3.74 tonnes per hectare. These two nearly new varieties are likely to bring positive results in boosting rice yield in the large drought prone areas of Bangladesh which will have a great impact on ensuring food security in upcoming days. Heartiest Congratulations from GNOBB to the researchers involved in this research study.

Professor Nurul Haque Khan has passed away

Dhaka, 17th October,Dr. Nurul Haq khan, professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, DU has passed away. He was suffering from Alzheimer disease and was about 85 years old. He had lost coherence in his voice and was also suffering from chest congestion. He was a very good teacher as well as a good person. May Allah bless his departed soul. Our heartiest condolence to his wife and family members.

Heartiest Congratulation to Dr. S.M. Faruque: Bangladeshi Scientists uncover evolutionary mechanisms of the Cholera Pathogen

Dhaka, 14th october. With Great pleasure GNOBB announce the outstanding work made by GNOBB member Dr. Shah M. Faruque  and his team. who have discovered the evolutionary pathway for the most virulent strain of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes epidemic outbreaks of cholera. A team of researchers led by Dr. Faruque at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) published their recent findings in Nature, the leading science journal that publishes outstanding discoveries. This fascinating work describes how a group of viruses (called bacteriophages) interact with apparently harmless environmental strains of V. cholerae and convert them to a dreadful pathogen which produce cholera toxin, and  cause severe cholera outbreaks. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about a million people are infected with cholera each year and that more than 100,000 are killed by the disease. Please click here to access the article. Read More about the article.

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GENEROUS DONATION BY A GNOBB MEMBER BASED IN AUSTRALIA

September 27, 2010. It is with great pleasure that GNOBB bring to the kind attention of its members that  former Dhaka Medical College Graduate, Dr. Fatima Ashrafi DGO (Dub), FRCS (Edin.), MRCOG(Lond.), FRANZCOG, now serving in Rockhampton base Hospital in Australia has made a a liberal donation of AU$ 500 toward improvement of GNOBB in all its aspects. After having discovered about the web-based Internet Organization, she filled an  online application expressing her desire to become a member. With the forwarding letter she commented as follows: "I am dedicated to my patients. . It is a pleasure of being a part of miracle of Allah to bring a new life

into this world; to help women and their families alleviating their suffering and health problems. The dedicated service brings me a tremendous sense of satisfaction and I do it ritually as a part of my daily schedule."

We do sincerely believe that other NRB GNOBB members will emulate the  noble example of Dr. Fatima who was not even approached to become a GNOBB  member. Dr. Abidur Rahman, cofounder of this organization has this to say regarding opening an alternative , "I agree with Prof. Azad that some of the NRBs may like to contribute more. The reason I thought about 100$-150$ as the "Life time membership fee" is to keep this within the reach of every member. My idea is this option will be open to all local and NRB members and I believe that 100-150$ is a reasonable amount for everybody. Those who are willing to support this noble mission can contribute any additional amount as donation."

An article "Need to Know "by Ahmed Abdullah Azad

Dhaka, 8th September, 2010. Bangladesh needs to beef up its research capabilities, argues Ahmed A. Azad in Daily Star Forum. Please click here to read the full article.

A position is available at South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Bio-fuel Project (Plant Biotechnology)

Dhaka, August 9, 2010. A Research Associate Position is available at South Carolina Center for Biotechnology, Bio-fuel Project (Plant Biotechnology). MS or equivalent in Biology, Plant Biotechnology, Horticulture or Agriculture.  Prior experience with plant tissue culture, transformation, molecular characterization of transgenic tissues and plants, field evaluation and molecular biology methods is necessary. Please click here to read more

World's first chemically synthesized genome controlled cell created
Dhaka. August 5, 2010. In the 2^nd June 2010 issue of Science, Gibson et al. report the creation of first chemically synthesized genome controlled bacterial cell. The team led by J Craig Venter and Hamilton O Smith, worked for more than a decade synthesizing a customized genome, namely Mycoplasma mycoides

JCVI-syn1.0, based on its natural counterpart’s genome information. The synthetic genome was transplanted into a M. capricolum recipient cell to create new M. mycoides cells that are controlled only by the synthetic chromosome. This new method is a significant breakthrough since the approach stands in sharp contrast to various other current approaches to genome engineering that modify natural genomes by introducing multiple insertions, substitutions, or deletions. With further development in DNA synthesis technology, this method can become a starting point for design and creation of synthetic cells capable of carrying out commercially important biochemical transformation processes more efficiently than ever before. Despite being a scientific success story, the work opened up a new philosophical dilemma having broad societal and ethical implications. Summarized by Mahdi M Moosa (GEB, DU).

Dhaka, July 20, ‘2010. The Department of Microbiology. Dhaka University, Bangladesh is arranging  an international Conference to be held December, 26 through 28, 2010. The theme of the Conference is "Microbiology of food, health and environment: problems and prospects in developing countries". A good number of participants from Japan, Korea, India and Pakistan along with a large number  of local scientists are expected to brainstorm the meet over the three days. For details please visit the website : 

Four-day Workshop on Food Biosafety by SABP in the BRAC-Inn from 16^th July
Dhaka, the 15^th July, ’10. Arranged by South Asia Biosafety Program (SABP)  in collaboration  with the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Department of Environment, Government of Bangladesh a 4-day hands-on training workshop program is being held  in the city at the BRAC-Inn in Dhaka from the 16th to the 20th of July. The Theme of the worskshop is, “Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Genetically Engineered Crops”. The faculty  from India, the Philippines and North America are running the course. They will use their experience to guide participants through GE food safety assessment consistent with the Codex 2003 Plant Guideline. The goal of the workshop is to provide the participants with some practical experience in reviewing a product dossier and how the information and data provided therein can be used to reach a scientific opinion on the safety of a product.

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Sixth PTC&B International Conference at the End of the year in Dhaka

GNOBB are pleased to inform its members that the Sixth International Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology Conference will be held third through fifth December 2010. The theme of the conference is, “Role of Biotechnology in Food Security and Climate Change.” The last date of registration is 30^th September, ’10 by which time the registration form along with $75 for SAARC countries along with their abstract(s) must reach the conference secretariat. For local members, the registration fee is Tk. 1000/ and non-Bangladeshis is $150. For details pl. contact Professor M. Imdad Hoque, Phone 880-2-967-3387. mobile 01711-224-350

 

 

Heartiest Congratulations to Professor Tafazzal Islam

4th July, 2010. GNOBB feel very happy to convey to all its members that Dr. M. Tofazzal Islam after having served 16 years in Bangladesh Open University has joined Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University as Head and Professor of Biotechnology.

 

He appeals to all educational and research institutes to extend their help and support to strengthen his department as one of the best of its kind in the country. Let all his dreams come true.

Professor Ahmed Azad's Latest DS article on Biotechnology,"A Catalyst for Technological Development"

Dhaka, 2nd July, 2010. GNOBB readers appreciate very much that Professor Azad has been a regular writer to promote the cause of biotechnology in BD. Today's issue of DS has another article of this kind which has advanced the cause of BT and GNOBB feel confident that others will follow suit to rouse further interest among bureaucrats and public. GNOBB feel that the interest of PM and Minister of Agticulture has been the result of our relentless joint stuggle to enhance the cause of BT in our beloved motherland. Please find the link of the latest articles of Professor Azad.

BAPTCB June 2010 issue published

Dhaka,1st July, 2010. Bangladesh Association of Plant Tissue Culture has published the latest issue of BAPTCB journal Please click here to access the issue.

 

Heartiest Congratulations to Dr. Abidur Rahman on his Promotion as an Associate Professor.

Dhaka, the 30^th of June, 2010. GNOBB take immense pleasure in  informing the members that Dr. Abidur Rahman has not only obtained tenure but  promotion to  Associate Professorship in the same university. After moving to Iwate University from the USA, over the last three years, he together with his colleagues has published 9 articles (contribution from his lab and collaborating labs) in prestigious journals such as Plant Cell, Plant Physiology and Plant Journal. His latest article   under the title, “Gravitropism of Arabidopsis thaliana roots requires the polarization of PIN2 toward the root tip in meristematic cortical cells” has appeared online in Plant Cell . Another laurel to his already successful career is the invitation he received from the Editorial Board of “PLoS ONE” in October 2009. He has been  serving there as an academic editor for Plant Biology section of said journal since then."

 

Meeting of Swapnojaatra team with Honorable Prime Minister

Dhaka, 25th June, 2010 Swaapnojaatra the team that decoded the genome sequence of Jute met honorable prime minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban on 24th June. Researchers from Dhaka University, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute and a Software Company DataSoft in collaboration with Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Science, Malaysia and University of Hawaii, USA have decoded the genome. The prime minister assured that total support to the Jute Genome Project until final results of the studies are completed.Among others, the Agriculture

 Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury, the team leader of  genome sequencing Professor Maqsudul Alam, the Director of the Joint Genome Institute, DOE  Dr. Chris Detter and the Chairman of the Board, University Sains Malaysia Professor Emeritus Dr. Mohammad Zawari Ismail were in the delegation. Among others, the Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, theFood Minister Dr. Abdur Razzak, the State Minister for Science and ICT Architect Yeafez Osman, the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof. A A M S Arefin Siddique, the former DU VC Prof. S M A Faiz, the renowned Computer Scientist Prof. Jafar Iqbal, Prof, Haseena Khan and Dr Kamal Uddin were present on the occasion (The photo was taken at the Sonargaon Heotel in a dinner reception arranged privately by the Swapna Jaatra group and not at the Gonobhavan.  Most of the guests who attended the reception at the GonoBhavan were present at the dinner.)

 

 

Responses from Bangladeshi Biotechnologists regarding the Jute Genome decoding

 

Dhaka, 18th June, 2010 The epoch making event for Bangladeshi biotech scientists making headlines in the Genomic world for decoding jute genome has elicited a flood of comments from the scientific community of Bangladesh. We will publish these comments in the GNOBB Home page. Pl send your comments including what the jute scientists in collaboration with their counterparts should do to utilize this knowledge to further improve the Golden fiber for the greater glory of the country and raising the status of Bangladesh among middle group income countries. Behind each successful story lies many background activities who have tirelessly worked towards the success of this seemingly impossible task. We congratulate each one of them for their part of contribution. Please follow some of the responses by Dr. Azad, Dr. Faruqe and Dr.Tofazzel.

 

BANGLADESH DECODES THE JUTE GENOME

 

Dhaka, 16th June, 2010.  Bangladeshi researchers have successfully decoded the genome of Jute plant. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made the announcement of the Bangladesh's scientific adherence in the parliament on Wednesday amidst cheers and thumping desks by lawmakers.Researchers from Dhaka University, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute and software company DataSoft in collaboration with Centre for Chemical Biology, University of Science Malaysia and University of Hawaii, USA have decoded the genome.With the successful sequencing of jute genome, Bangladesh becomes a second country after Malaysia among the developing nations to achieve such a feat.Experts said this gene sequencing would help improve the length and quality of fibre, including colours and strength; and develop high yielding and saline and pests tolerant jute varieties through genetic engineering.

 

 

 

National Biotechnology Policy Guidelines on Crops 2010

Dhaka, the 24^th March, ’10. GNOBB has much pleasure in posting the above important document provided by the NIB Director General. This is a great opportunity for GNOBB members to give their valued opinion. Leave it to GNOBB to edit your composition. That will save your precious time. Click here to read the much awaited document just released.

 

Thanks to Begum Matia Choudhary for her Support to Proven GM Crops  

Dhaka the 15^th Dec. ’09. The remarks  by  Begum Matia Choudhary,  Minister for  Agriculture, GoB will be welcome by the proponents of GM  Crops. She declared at the 24^th Foundation Day of SAARC held recently that  the Government would support  research and development activities on GM   crops if any of the crops  developed using this modern technique proves to enhance crop production and alleviate chronic food crisis in Bangladesh. Countering the opposition by GM activists she said the Government is open minded in the use of suitable GM crops provided they benefit the farmers and pass all the safety tests to human health hazards. She said that it is high time that concerned scientists and the Institutes to strengthen their  research  efforts to develop disease, salinity and drought tolerant crops for farmers' use. The Minister outlined her Government's oncoming 5-year plan that will facilitate sustainable agricultural development.

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 Comments on the Natl Biotech Policy by Dr A. Azad now at Oxford University  

 

Dhaka, 12th Dec.'09 Good to know all about NIB. Several years before i went through the policy of NIB. Although it's good to have  a policy but so far i remember some of them are highly ambitious. In our country it is always difficult to do something.  As you can see it took 16 years to get cabinet approval. It is better to start with something possible  and  hopefully at some point it will take a spin. I can see some of the priority area of research from your list at GNOBB page. I would like to add one more area for consideration. This is the production of various Antibody against various human protein related to Cancer. In UK, around Cambridge area there are several Biotech company whose sole business is the production of Antibody. Germany and Belgium, are two leading countries in these areas. Recently i developed an antibody against one of my protein from a company in Germany at a cost of £2000. Antibodies are very expensive and Scientist are often to buy it from a company for their research. It is one of the highly consumable stuff. If NIB can do it successfully I am pretty sure that it will open a new window for the country in Biotech sector.

 

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 Agric. Minister Takes a Keen Interest in DU Biotech Research Work on Rice and Jute

4th Nov, '09 The Hon’ble Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury was the Chief  Guest at a presentation ceremony on stress tolerant rice and jute cultivars by two eminent scholars at Dhaka University, Professor Haseena Khan and Professor Zeba Seraj held at the auditorium of the Centre of Excellence, Dhaka University. The Hall was packed to capacity including those from electronic media listening to the professors who are well known for their work both inside and outside Bangladesh. Pls click here to read more.

While expressing satisfaction at the quality of research work at DU, the Minister advised the scientists not to be self-complacent but extend the horizon of their research activity covering other crops such as stress tolerant maize, drought tolerant rice, more salt tolerant rice cultivars so that rice seedlings can grow in a cup of salts. The Minister assured the scientists that she would be looking into the difficulties faced by scientists to carry out their research work and redress their grievances. She also assured the audience that she would contact eminent NRB sicentists such as Professor Maqsud Alam of a Hawaiian University seeking his cooperation in jute genome project.                                                                                   ______________________________________________________________

 

 Comments by GNOBB Members and its Well-Wishers:

 

GNOBB welcome your valuable comments on the approval of NIB act by the Cabinet. Please click here to view the comments of  (1) the GNOBB Coordinator.

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 The NIB Act with Autonomy Approved by the Cabinet
2nd Nov., ’09. The long awaited NIB Act has been approved in today’s Cabinet Meeting of Ministers presided over by the Prime Minister. It may be mentioned here that the feasibility paper recommended by a committee of experts under the leadership of Dr. Desh Pal Verma, Professor of Molecular Genetics at the Ohio State University, USA, was submitted to the Ministry of S&T in 1993. It took 16 years for the act to be approved. The Parliament is yet to pass the bill which is now a mere formality.

This is indeed a good news for the biotechnology community which has been struggling for over two years to get the NIB Act approved.. Grateful thanks to all those especially to Profesor Haseena Khan, Prof. Zeba Seraj at the Department of Biochemistry and Mol. Biol., DU, Dr. Saidul Islam, DG, NIB and young BB members whose relentless efforts went a long way to transform our dream into reality. Special thanks are due to Professor Ahmed Azad and the ST State Minister Yeafesh Osman whose joint endeavor catapulted the whole process. Following the transfer of NIB to the Revenue Budget, GNOBB sincerely hope that all the vacant posts including those of Heads of the Divisions will be soon filled up and the research work relating to economic development of the country will be launched in full swing before long. The autonomous status of the institute will enable it to offer higher salary to the NRB’s in commensurate with their qualifications and experience under the umbrella of public-private-partnership program.

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Nobel Prize Winner in Peace Norman Borlaug Passes away

 

Dhaka, 13th Sept., 09. The great Plant Breeder Nobel Prize winner in Peace and the world renowned Agricultural scientist passed away in Texas at the age of 95. He is regarded as the father of green revolution which increased the yield of bread wheat to an unprecedented level. He joined CIMMYT (the International Wheat and Maize Research Institute) in Mexico as its first DG – a prestigious appointment offered to him by CGIAR (Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research). During his tenure, Mexico turned into from a wheat deficit country to a wheat exporting one.
Wheat Plant breeders were looking for a gene that will allow yield increase by application of heavy dosage of fertilizers without concomitant increase in plant height. In other words, Borlaug and his associates developed lodge resistant wheat varieties by dwarfing the plant height through introduction of Rht (reduced height) genes from the Japanese wheat variety Norin 10 (source of Rht1 and Rht2 genes). Many Asian countries such as India and Pakistan were immensely benefited by his research. The hungry populations in these countries were saved from starvation. The International Rice Research Institute at Los Banos in the Philippines adopted this principle, namely introduction of dwarf gene in rice varieties evolving HYVs. Borlaug helped more people than anyone else in Human history and will be remembered by the hungry people of the world. May his soul rest in peace.

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An important article  to GNOBB Readers interested in the Development of Biotech in BD 

Dhaka, Sep. 9, 2009. GNOBB readers are familiar with the relentless endeavors Professor Ahmed Azad has been making to develop Biotech to an international level excellence. Toward achieving that end he has been writing a series of articles in the Daily Star and has been the prime driving force behind organizing one international  conference and another transcontinental symposium in Dhaka. 

In the preparations of the  recommendations of the two international Meet, it is he who contributed most. So read the article published in the DS available in the Link  that follows. http://www.thedailystar.net/ forum/2009/september/study.htm

 

We know that scientists both at home and abroad remain extremely busy with their daily agenda and do not find time to write their views even though in their heart of hearts, they like to espouse the cause by their rich viewpoints. While fully realizing their difficulties to spare time, GNOBB feel that the request of the biotech community will fall flat in the ears of the authority unless backed by a number of GNOBB members in the form of supporting documents of endorsement.
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An Extremely User-friendly website launched by the Nature Magazine
Dhaka 31 Jan, '09. GNOBB member Mahdi Moosa has brought to our attention about a very powerful website recently launched by Nature Publishing Group. The site called Scitable  provides a free science library and personal learning tool. It currently concentrates on genetics, evolution, variation and the rich complexity of living organisms.  It’s not only user friendly but explains diverse themes related to genetics, biotechnology and related topics. Undergraduate-, graduate students and researchers fresh to the field will find the website extremely helpful

As years pass by the information technology is at the door step of anyone seeking knowledge regardless of the country of the Internet browser. Gone are the days when people from developing countries would have no access of recent information without buying expensive latest text books and scientific journals. Now there are a number of open access journals and  almost all journals provide abstracts of their contents. To equip oneself with  the latest information on scientific and technological advancements does not pose a formidable knowledge. This website is only a click away from you
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An Extremely Useful Site for Active Research Worker
Dhaka 21 Jan, '09.GNOBB member, Dr. Ariful Haque a postdoctoral fellow in ICGEB, Trieste whose specialization is in CERES elements that take part in the splicing regulation process of CFTR exon 9 and exon 12, provides information about an extremely useful website maintained by the Oxford University Journals. This site summarizes the services provided by INASP, HINARI:, AGORA, OARE:, TEERAL: and eIFL as follows: INASP: The International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publications collaborates with publishers in the developed world to facilitate access to research within developing and countries. More. …

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 Nine Years Ago, this Poem was presented before the BAPTC&B Intl. Conference.
Dhaka 5th Sept.,'08. The Poem, captioned, "Some Thoughts to Ponder Over as We Cross to the 21st Century" was presented before the Third Intl Conference in Tissue Culture and Biotechnology nine years ago. The situation stands now exactly as it was in December 1999.Pl read the Poem.
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What is a Gene? History and Updated Definition.
Austin, March 15, '08. An open access article is available under the title, “What is a gene, post-ENCODE? History and updated definition,” published  in Genome Res. 17: 669-681 (2007), written by ten experts, eight belonging to different departments at Yale University, one of the ten at  Stockholm  University and the other at European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Germany. Describing the gene as conceived in pre- and post-Mendelian era until the discovery of the Structure and Function of a DNA molecule, the article elucidates the changing definition of a gene pointing out that the classical  concept that genotype determines phenotype still hold good and  has not changed over time and that at the molecular level one DNA sequence still codes for one protein or RNA: which means that DNA sequences determine the sequences of functional molecules..  A part of the concluding paragraph quoted from Falk is reproduced here:  ‘‘. . . the gene is neither discrete  nor continuous, nor does it have a constant location, nor a clear cut function, not even constant sequences nor definite borderlines.” And now the ENCODE project has increased the complexity still further. In the most general case, genes can be defined “consisting of sequence modules that combine in multiple ways to generate products. By focusing on the functional products of the genome, this definition sets a concrete standard in enumerating unambiguously the number of genes it contains.” Click here to read the whole article.

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Forum Members  are requested to Air their Views
GNOBB readers and well-wishers of the Forum are invited to air their views, particularly on the first article.  The first article has been written keeping  in view that a lot remains to be done to fine tune  our ethics to be acceptable in the world scientific community.

1. Codes of Conduct in Science and Technology

2. What Individual Scientists can do to Influence the Attitude of their Governments toward Science

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BioAsia 2007 – The Global Bio-Business Forum
 (See archive: GM Crops: Latest Development))

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(SEE ARCHIVE  below for  viewing your or  your friends' earlier publications.)
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Condolence Messages and  Important News including donor list on Late Md. Shahabuddin.
(See archive below in this page)
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Watch an Awe-Inspiring Video on Cell Functioning 
Austin Oct 2, '06. We have enjoyed this animated video describing the intricate highly complex processes that  go on inside a cell. The animation is awesome and soul inspiring. We wish that the video had an audio description to make it more vivid to the viewers. Click the title.
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Air Your Views before the Next Meeting of the NECB
(See archives below in this page)
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Viet Nam's Progress  to Establish Millennium Institute in their Country
Austin Sept. 12. The PPT presentation on MSI establishment in Viet Nam should be an eye opener to us. A well-planned and well thought-out  proposal was submitted last year.  Please view the presentation and air your views as to what should be our modus operandi in the establishment of such an institute in Bangladesh.
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An Article of Interest to GNOBB Readers and well-wishers
Austin July 4, 2006. Right from the launch of GNOBB, its members have been expressing a keen interest about  promoting and further strengthening molecular biology  activity related both basic and applied sides in the country. Although not directly related, attached is an article on this issue. Please click here or the Title to retrieve it. If you endorse the idea, pl write about it in any dailies of your choice, English or Bengali.
Pl click here to read the comments of Professor Ahmed Azad on the creation of the NRB Ministry. His comments appeared on the 18th July edition of the Daily Star.
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"DNA and the Brain" - Nobel Laureate James Watson speaks at Google Rally
Austin June 26, 2006. GNOBB readers may be interested to see a video entitled, “DNA and the Brain”  where one of the two discoverers of DNA, Nobel Laureate James Watson, Chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory  speaks at a Google rally on April 20.  The video has been provided by the CSHL Net-Letter June 2006 Edition. The latter half of the talk is devoted to autism and the prospect of a cure in the near future,   as more and more information are unraveled on characterizing genes and their base sequence located in chromosome 15  (segment 15q11-13 ) and possibly 7. It takes quite sometime to download the video. So pl. do not give up until the video starts playing for you. You will enjoy the talk punctuated by a lot of witty remarks such as he couldn’t get admission into the university of his first choice.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8220394453782681101&q=watson
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Would You Like to Join the Forum? It is Easy!
You can  view your profile on the GNOBB website immediately after it's moderated.  Click  here  to view the Form. We have great pleasure in informing existing  members that you can update your profile by adding new information including replacing your latest publication with one of the earlier ones. [We only allow a maximum of five of your publications.]  However, you cannot leave any column blank.  Whatever information was provided earlier should also be furnished. Since there would be only ONE entry  for each Forum member, the moderator will delete the old one. That is the reason why your new profile page will remain incomplete, if  you keep some columns empty. What is time-saving of the new arrangement is that as soon as one clicks the submit button, it is automatically uploaded and the name is listed in an alphabetical order in the section, "Member's profile" after the moderator okays it.  One could retrieve important information also immediately about the new participant using  the box marked "search scientist"  on the top right hand side of the home page.
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GNOBB Membership strength is now 361

Dhaka July 14, ’09. The  last two months saw 8 more members in  the GNOBB forum bringing the total of membership tp 361. They are:  Dr. M. M.  Hamiduzzaman, (mmdhamid@yahoo.com), Researcher at the University of Guelph, Canada Website, He is an Environmental Biologist; Dr.Md. Asadulghani (asadu@med.miyazaki-u.ac.jp,he is now the Assistant Professor, Division of Bioenvironmental Sciences, in the University of Miyazaki, Japan; Mazharul  Aziz, Asaduzzaman Prodhan, Md. Mahmud  Hasan at NIB, Narayan Chandra  Paul   a Ph. D student at CNU Republic of Korea, Dr. Imtiaz  Khan Research, (wpciak@cf.ac.uk), a Ph.D. from Cardiff University is  Fellow in bioinformatics in the same department ;  Ms. Shamima  Nasrin

, We welcome all the eight members and fervently request them to contribute to the success of this forum by contributing popular articles in their subject of specialization . We welcomed earlier 10 new members. They were: Dr. Mohammad  Al-Mamun, Mst.  Khaton, Md.  Shaik, Md Nazmul  Bhuiyan, sabina  yesmin, Ahmad Humayan  Kabir, M A Yousuf  Akhond, Ferdous  Seraj. 

The immediate earlier period witnessed the participation of Dr. Sharif  Akhteruzzaman, Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, DU, Md. Abdul  Karim, Assistant Professor, Ehime University, Japan, Md. Golam  Sharoar, Md Mahmudur  Rahman and Md.Shahidul  Islam.

During the end part of the last year 16 members joined GNOBB. The members are Partha Pratim Dhar, Dr. Md Badrul Hasan, Mohammad Nurul Islam, Muhammad Hoque, Md. Maruf Hassan, S.M.Minhaz Ud-Dean,  Md. Montasir  Elahi, Md. Riajul  Hossain, Firoz  Anwar, Md. Rafiqul  Islam, Fardous Mohammad Safiul  Azam and nazneen  Rahman Those who joined earlier were: Abu Ashfaqur  Sajib, Manujendra, Narayan  Saha, S. M. Nashir  Udden, Sumaiya Farah  Khan, Dibyendu  Biswas, Subroto  Das, Ehsan  Uddin and Muhammad  Islam. Of them seven are M.S working in the BD Universities and Dr Saha is a Ph.D from Dept. of Virology and Preventive Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan and now working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, at the Dept. of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Click the individual link to know more about the new members.

 

What a profound joy to discover that talented young scientists  of our country are either pursuing  higher studies in prestigious institutes  or working there as postdoctorals or research associates all over the world. One such new member is Dr. Md. Taufiq-ur-Rahman. An M.Pharm  from DU,  M.S in  Molecular Pharmacology from University of Manchester, UK, he did his  Ph.D. in Natural sciences from University of Cambridge, UK. After his postdoctoral in Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, UK he is now employed as a Research Associate in the same department. The other is Ms Munia Amin. Ms Amin is doing MRes in Life science in the College of Medicine & Veterinary medicine studentship in the University of Edinburgh. Her plan is to do Ph.D. in cancer genetics. The other recent members are Mr. SM Kaisar Shikder, Mr. Ahmad Humayan Kabir, Mr. M. Nazrul Islam  and  Dr. MWhile Mr. Kaisar, an MS in Entomology is  an Assistant Information Officer (crop production, Mr. Humayan is a Masters Student in Molecular Biology at the University of Skövde and Stockholm University, Sweden, Mr, Nazrul Islam, an M.Sc. in Microbiology is a senior Research Officer in ICDDR,B.

To view the rest of recently archived  members  please. click here
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Archive Contents
Austin Nov. 11, '05. In order for the members to look for previous postings, they have been archived under different headings.  For making the archived news items more user-friendly, any suggestions are most welcome.  Click the section/s to find out the news item you are interested in.
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For the past  issues of SABP and December  issue of ABSPII Newsletters  (See Newsletter section under Archive Contents)

*Are GM Crops more dangerous than planting mutanized varieties or growing exotic horticulture plants or population of wide crosses?
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*** View an Animated Tour through the Process of RNA Interference
RNA Interference is the talk of the day in the world of molecular Biology. However, many of us do not have an in depth conception about what it is. For GNOBB viewers  RNA Interference Quick Time Movie is presented through the courtesy of Nature  (www.nature.com). The animation was specially created for Nature Reviews by Arkitek Studios. Enjoy the Movie by clicking the Title.  Pl. click the word in blue font to download the Quicktime to view the movie.
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Objectives of GNOBB
A little more than a year ago many of us working in the multitude of fields of biotechnology felt that it was high time that we have had our own website giving  consolidated formation regarding our activity on the following lines: a) where we are working; b). in which area of biotechnology; c) major findings listing a maximum of 5 most significant publications;  d) current and future program of the scholar e) email, website (if any) and postal addresses  with  a passport size photograph (in JPEG).
We thought we would all benefit from such information in as much we would be in a position to establish contact/liaison with fellow brothers/sisters working in the same area. We also thought that it might be possible for us to  use this medium as a forum to express our views on important issues such as GM crops, vaccine biotechnology, transgenic animals, poultry and diagnostic kits and may be able to advise the Government in important matters regarding various facets of biotechnology. We feel extremely happy to report to the community that the forum which we have named, "Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists" which is in short GNOBB (www.gnobb.org), is  marching forward toward achieving the goal which it set at the time of launching the forum. beginning October last week 2004.  
"Prothom Alo", one of the leading Bengali Dailies (http://www.prothom-alo.com)  published from Dhaka has  congratulated GNOBB on the occasion of its first anniversary. Click here to read the English translation of the featured article.
Future Prospect of GNOBB: The Biotechnology community do not have the overall picture  as to how many Bangladeshi are working overseas in biotechnology related areas and what contribution they have been making in these fields.   So a well planned website, giving relevant information on the line suggested above will go a long way towards the utilization of expertise of Bangladeshi expatriates towards launching any united effort to bring important issues to the attention to of the Government of Bangladesh and public.  Expatriates will also benefit by knowing their counterparts by exchanging views with them.
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Scope for advanced studies overseas leading to higher degrees: One of the aims of this website will be to post from time to time such important pieces of information so that more and more students from Bangladesh can avail of the opportunities that are offered by various overseas universities. (Click Fellowship section.)
For scientists below 30 years of age. Please find out whether any of the scholarships listed in the website is suitable for you.
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