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Science and technology museum planned
THE government is planning to establish a science and technology museum to promote science among students, according to chairman of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Dr N.A. Butt.
Speaking at the concluding session of a two-day workshop on rainwater conservation at the University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Dr Butt said the government was seriously trying to promote science and several initiatives had been taken up to encourage research in various disciplines.
The PSF planned to hold a science exhibition which would provide people with an opportunity to learn about modern technology. Several mobile caravans were working under the supervision of PSF to provide scientific know-how at the school level, he said. The caravans visit different schools and try to motivate students to take interest in science.
Dr Butt said a strategy was also being evolved to enhance interaction between Pakistani scientists and those in other countries.
Researchers at Punjab University’s School of Biological Sciences have claimed producing an anti-viral and anti-cancerous recombinant protein ‘Human Interferon Alpha2B’ — the first locally prepared drug to be used for hepatitis treatment.
“We have adopted the cloning technique to develop the recombinant protein, generally used to treat critical illnesses like hepatitis,” Nasir Mahmood, a member of the research team, said last week.
He said the development of the protein locally would go a long way in cutting down the cost of hepatitis treatment in Pakistan. The masses cannot afford the treatment for the time being.
“We are sure that it is the first time a Pakistani researcher has produced an anti-cancerous protein locally. The vaccines presently being used are imported,” team leader Prof Dr Naeem Rashid observed.
“We would like the product to be commercialised so that patients of hepatitis may get the antidote at an affordable price,” he added.
Experts at a seminar held on Sunday highlighted issues relating to heart diseases and called for an increased awareness of the problem. The seminar and a Health Mela were organised by the Aga Khan University’s cardiology section in connection with the World Heart Day, according to an AKU news release.
Speaking at the seminar, head of the cardiology section Prof Sajid Dhakam, highlighted importance of the day and gave an overview of the simple preventive measures required to prevent heart diseases.
Prof Javaid Khan, consultant chest physician at the AKU, said tobacco use was the most important among the risk factors leading to heart attack or stroke, as well as at least 30 other serious diseases, including lung cancer.
Citing a research study carried out in 52 countries, published recently in a leading medical journal, he pointed out that the use of tobacco in all its forms, including paan and gutka, was extremely dangerous for heart and lungs.
Prof Khan added that smoking was responsible for one-fifth of the cases of cardiovascular diseases worldwide and if the trend continued, the diseases caused by smoking might claim lives of 10 million people by 2030. Seventy per cent of such fatalities could occur in the developing countries.
Dr Aamir Hameed, a consultant cardiologist, said environmental factors, genetic make-up, and habits form a milieu exposed people to conditions leading to heart attacks.
As many as 18 research scholars have begun working in the areas of biomedical and agricultural biotechnology at the Dr A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Karachi, it was reported last week.
Three wings of the institute’s buildings have been furnished with international standard equipment through a grant of Rs198 million provided by the Higher Education Commission in 2003-05. A senior instructor at the institute said it was good to see all the equipment installed and research students busy in the laboratories.
The institute at the moment has 18 students who have been registered for MPhil-PhD programme of Karachi University and six more are in the process of developing their synopses.
Pakistan International Airlines last week launched a mobile reservation service and e-ticketing. According to a press release, the airline also plans to introduce ticket purchase and check-ins via cellphones. It has also launched an ATM through which customers can make reservations, purchase e-tickets and check fares and special offers. — Agencies
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