14 February 2004	Saturday	22 Zilhaj 1424

LAHORE, Feb 13: The Punjab University's Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology has developed a 13 loci DNA analysis technique for crime investigation. The new technique will also be applied in paternity identification cases.

This was stated by CEMB Director Prof Dr S Riazuddin while presenting a report on the centre's academic and research activities at an "extraordinary special meeting" chaired by vice-chancellor Arshad Mahmood here on Friday.

The meeting discussed the work of the centre on transgenic plant technology, bio-safety guidelines, rice and other plants developed by its scientists, and DNA for forensic uses.

Prof Riazuddin also told the meeting that the centre had completed four small yield trials on the rice, which were developed by the scientists of the centre. He said the rice had high yield and early maturing potential.

As Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute's director was present on behalf of the Punjab agriculture department secretary, the meeting also discussed further improvements to be made in the rice developed by the centre.

The meeting decided to establish a laboratory for genomic programme and stem cell research. The officials also decided to organize a training course for policemen on crime scene investigation early next month and an international symposium on application of molecular biology on agriculture and health later next month.