Indus Vitals

IV Report  KARACHI: In a significant development, the federal government and the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, signed an agreement to establish a national reference laboratory. The signing ceremony took place on January 6, in the presence of Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research (NFSR), Rana Tanveer Hussain. Under the agreement, the ICCBS will provide testing facilities for pesticide residue and related analyses through its Industrial Analytical Centre (IAC) at the HEJ's research unit. The project is expected to be completed within 36 months, with the federal government providing timely funding. The testing facility can be extended for an additional three years with further federal funding. The agreement was signed by Director General of Plant Protection Waqas Alam and ICCBS Director Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, in the presence of Minister Hussain, Federal Secretary NFSR Waseem Ajmal Chaudhary, Federal...

IV Report KARACHI: The Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the University of Karachi has revolutionised crime solving, increasing convictions by 11% and resolving around 8,000 DNA and serology cases since its establishment in 2019. At a training ceremony on "Utility of Forensic DNA in Disaster Management and the Criminal Justice System," experts highlighted SFDL's impact. ICCBS Director Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen welcomed representatives from the armed forces, Sindh Police, law enforcement agencies, rescue services, medico-legal and prosecution departments to the training session. "The specialised training aims to equip participants with essential strategies and tools," Dr Shaheen said, adding that SFDL excels in both routine DNA forensics and cutting-edge research. Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed attributed the increase (4% to 15%) in convictions to  to SFDL's high-quality forensic reports. "SFDL plays a vital role in solving sexual...

IV Report KARACHI: The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (KU), concluded its 17th Summer Internship Programme (SIP), training 135 students from 30 universities nationwide in chemical and biological sciences. Over 1,800 BS and MPhil graduates applied for the programme, with 135 selected for training in ICCBS's various sections, including diagnostic labs.  At the certificate distribution ceremony, ICCBS Director Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen praised the students' hard work, dedication, and valuable contributions. “Students have shown their perseverance, adaptability, and willingness to learn and grow during their stay at ICCBS.” She further remarked: "SIP aims to motivate students toward scientific research, providing hands-on experience for the real-world scenario." The internship programme organiser, Prof Dr Asmat Salim, of Dr Panjwani Centre of Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), noted that participant...