Geosciences Division Seminar
Title : From Suppression to Reprogramming: Precision Nanomedicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Beyond
Date : 02-09-2025
Time : 16:00:00
Speaker : Dr. Ashutosh Kuma
Area : Geosciences Division
Venue : Ground Floor Lecture Hall
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and certain cancers, remain among the most challenging conditions to treat. Conventional therapies often work broadly across the body, suppressing the immune system in ways that can cause serious side effects and fail to provide lasting benefit. My lab is pursuing an altered path: nanomedicine designed to bring treatment directly to the source of inflammation. My lab engineer long-circulating lipid nanoparticles, including immunoliposomes, that selectively accumulate in inflamed tissues. These carriers allow us to deliver RNA-therapeutics like siRNA and miRNA, along with anti-inflammatory drugs, precisely where they are needed, reducing systemic toxicity and expanding the therapeutic window. This targeted approach not only calms harmful immune activity but also reprograms immune cells toward reparative states, offering the possibility of rebuilding tissue function rather than merely suppressing disease. Our work addresses multiple levels of immune regulation, including silencing key cytokines, modulating the NF-κB and JAK–STAT pathways, and investigating PAD inhibition to prevent early autoimmune triggers. Beyond treatment, the lab is developing early detection strategies to identify disease before irreversible damage occurs. By tracking biomarkers such as protein modifications driven by PAD enzymes, we aim to capture the earliest molecular signals of autoimmunity. At the same time, we are making efforts to integrate laboratory findings with retrospective patient data to understand how inflammation, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors shape treatment responses. Together, these efforts outline a translational roadmap that links mechanistic insight with clinical application.
Title : Accelerator Mass Spectrometry - Current Understanding, Recent advancements and the way forward
Date : 09-09-2025
Time : 16:00:00
Speaker : Mr. A Shivam
Area : Geosciences Division
Venue : Ground Floor Lecture hall
Abstract
Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) has revolutionized ultra-sensitive radio isotopic analysis across scientific disciplines. PRL Houses state-of-the-art 1MV Accelerator Mass Spectrometer for analysis of radioisotopes like 14C, 10Be and 26Al. This seminar explores the current understanding of AMS principles, highlights current status and recent developments in PRL-AURiS (PRL-Accelerator Unit of Radioisotope Studies) and the session will conclude with perspectives on future directions, exploring the possibilities of new isotopic targets, and broader interdisciplinary impact. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of AMS, its functioning principles, its evolving capabilities, and critical developments shaping the field. The seminar shall be in most general language - and shall be able to cater to a wide audience working in any field.