SciTech Express

India has taken a significant step in the fight against diabetes by establishing its first-ever diabetes biobank in Chennai. This landmark initiative, launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), aims to advance diabetes research and improve treatment outcomes. What is a Biobank? A biobank is a facility that collects, processes, stores, and distributes biological samples, such as blood, tissues, and DNA. These samples are essential for conducting scientific studies and developing personalized medicine approaches. Biobanks play a crucial role in understanding the genetic and molecular basis of diseases, enabling researchers to find targeted therapies. Significance of the Diabetes Biobank The diabetes biobank in Chennai is a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the rapidly growing diabetes burden in India. It will store biospecimens from individuals with different types of diabetes, including Type 1, ...

Biomarkers: The Future of Precision Medicine What is a Biomarker? A biomarker (biological marker) is an objective indicator of biological processes occurring in a cell or organism. These markers are typically detected through biological molecules found in blood, body fluids, or tissues. Types of Biomarkers Diagnostic Biomarkers – Used to detect diseases early (e.g., cancer biomarkers in blood). Prognostic Biomarkers – Predicts disease progression and outcomes. Predictive Biomarkers – Helps determine a patient's response to specific treatments. Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers – Measures how well a patient responds to treatment. Key Applications of Biomarkers ✔ Disease Diagnosis: Non-invasive cancer detection using metabolites. Early detection of conditions like Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. ✔ Personalized Medicine: Tailors treatments based on an individual's genetic or molecular profile. Identifies which patients will benefit most from a particular t...