Latest news with #TamilNaduScientistAward


Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
MKU prof to receive TN scientist award in biological sciences
Madurai: An associate professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology at the School of Biotechnology at Madurai Kamaraj University, Varalakshmi Perumal, has been selected for the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) 2023 by the Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology in the discipline of Biological Sciences. According to a statement, Varalakshmi's primary research interests focus on exploring algal metabolites for therapeutic and bioenergy applications. For the past decade, her major research thrust at MKU was on 'Unveiling bioactive metabolites of underexplored algae and their associated bacteria from the coastal regions of South India', particularly investigating their potential against non-communicable diseases (NCDs). While current treatments for NCDs largely rely on bioactive molecules derived from terrestrial plants, marine sources remain largely untapped. This has driven her search for multimodal-acting compounds from marine macroalgae, especially brown algae, which are rich in complex bioactive metabolites such as phlorotannins with strong pharmacological potential. So far, Varalakshmi characterised more than 10 novel compounds from marine algae with therapeutic potential against diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, and cervical cancer. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !


The Hindu
6 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
T.N. Scientists Awards for 2022 and 2023 announced
The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology has announced the awardees of the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award for 2022 and 2023. The award is given to scientists from various disciplines including agriculture, biology, chemical sciences; environmental sciences; engineering and technology; mathematics; medicine; physics; social sciences and veterinary sciences. The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 and a citation. Heads of the research and educational institutions in the state nominate candidates for the awards. The council has constituted an advisory committee of experts for the award in each discipline. TNSCST member secretary S. Vincent said as many as 73 nominations were received for 2022. For the year 2023, the council received 96 nominations. The advisory committee has selected 12 scientists, one from each discipline.