28 May 2024

Himalayan School of Biosciences Establishes Protocol for Culturing Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps militaris

Himalayan School of Biosciences Establishes Protocol for Culturing Medicinal Fungus Cordyceps militaris

The Himalayan School of Biosciences at Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jollygrant, Dehradun, has achieved a milestone in the field of medicinal mushroom research. The institution has successfully established a protocol for culturing Cordyceps militaris, a valuable medicinal fungus renowned for its numerous health benefits, including anti-aging and anti-tumor properties. This achievement is a testament to the school’s commitment to advancing bioscience research and education. The protocol emerged after four rounds of intensive trials.

Cordyceps militaris (A species among 750 species of Keeda jadi identified in the world), a species
f fungus within the family Cordycipitaceae, is known for its bioactive compounds such as cordycepin and adenosine, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties. The research team at the Himalayan School of Biosciences, led by Dr. Vikash Singh Jadon, Dr. Geeta Bhandari, Dr. Nupur Joshi, Dr. Archna Dhasmana, and Prof. Sanjay Gupta, has developed a robust and reproducible protocol for the in vitro culture of this fungus. This protocol ensures consistent and high-quality fungal growth, making it scalable for larger research projects and potential commercial ventures.

The successful culturing of Cordyceps militaris opens up new possibilities for studying its pharmacological properties and developing new therapeutic agents for various biomedical applications, including cancer and neurocognitive disorders. The team's ongoing pre-clinical trials focus on the active components of Cordyceps militaris, with trials being conducted on cell cultures and animals. This novel research highlights the potential for industrial-level replication, which could significantly benefit humanity in treating cancer and neural conditions.

Cordyceps militaris is one of approximately 750 identified species of Cordyceps, found primarily in South Asia, Europe, and North America. The species' unique medicinal properties have made it a focal point for bioscientific research globally. The establishment of an effective culturing protocol by the Himalayan School of Biosciences positions the institution as a leader in medicinal mycology and underscores SRHU's commitment to innovation and new ideas.

In addition to Cordyceps militaris, the research team at the Himalayan School of Biosciences is exploring other medicinal mushrooms, including Morchella (true morels) and Lion’s Mane. These mushrooms are known for their potential therapeutic benefits, and the team aims to uncover their bioactive compounds and medicinal properties.

With state-of-the-art facilities and 12 high-tech labs, the Himalayan School of Biosciences continues to lead in scientific discovery and innovation. This recent achievement marks a significant advancement in their research capabilities and reinforces their role as a premier institution in the field of biosciences.

The establishment of a protocol for culturing Cordyceps militaris by the Himalayan School of Biosciences is a major milestone in medicinal mushroom research. This success story reflects the institution's dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and its potential to contribute significantly to global health through innovative research.

28 May 2024

Guest Lecture on ‘Ecology of the River Bhagirathi-Ganga and Phyto-remedial measures to clean it’ at HSBS 27 May 2024

Guest Lecture on ‘Ecology of the River Bhagirathi-Ganga and Phyto-remedial measures to clean it’ at HSBS 27 May 2024

Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, organized a guest lecture on “Ecology of the River Bhagirathi-Ganga and Phyto-remedial measures to clean it” on 27th May, 2024. The lecture was delivered by eminent speaker Prof. B.D. Joshi (Retd.) UGC BSR Fellow, Professor Emeritus, Gurukula Kangri University, Haridwar.

Dr. Joshi talked about the current scenario of Ganga River and impact of anthropogenic activities on the health of the water body. He highlighted many issues pertaining the pollution status of the river Ganga and its changing ecological pattern for the last 50 years. The study was scientifically validated by his research where his team was actively involved in various national projects related to study on Cleaning of Ganga River under the ages of National Mission for Cleaning Ganga Phase I & II supported by Govt of India, New Delhi. He shared his vast knowledge on ecological conservation of river Ganga by scientific research intervention. He further emphasize the various indigenous species of plants which earlier grown on the banks of Ganges and its river bed were capable enough to clean up and rejuvenate the river water. The gradual indiscriminate exploitation of the natural resources for the developmental studies were responsible for waning out the native biodiversity of river resulting in the severe deterioration of the river ecology. The best solution as suggested by is Phytoremediation strategy for resorting ecological health status of River Ganges. In the end, the Speaker wished all the students for their bright future and encouraged them to share knowledge with society.

Prof. Sanjay Gupta (Principal, HSBS) accompanied by Dr. Vivek Kumar, and Dr. Vishal Rajput felicitated the speaker. The event was attended by all the faculty members and students of HSBS.

24 May 2024

(HSBS) and (HSPS) students visit HIMALAYA WELLNESS COMPANY

(HSBS) and (HSPS) students visit HIMALAYA WELLNESS COMPANY

Bridging theory and practice the Students of Himalayan School of Biosciences (HSBS) and Himalayan School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (HSPS) gained real-world insights during an industrial visit to HIMALAYA WELLNESS COMPANY, preparing for the future of science hand in hand with Ayurveda.

21 Sep 2023

World Ozone Day Observed at Himalayan School of Biosciences, SRHU

World Ozone Day Observed at Himalayan School of Biosciences, SRHU

Himalayan School of Biosciences marked 'World Ozone Day' by raising awareness about ozone depletion and its environmental consequences. The event commenced with a tribute to Swami Rama, following upon the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Dr. C. S. Nautiyal and Professor Sanjay Gupta, alongside the faculty members. Dr. Sanjay Gupta delivered an inspiring speech underscoring the critical significance of preserving the ozone layer on a global scale, urging individuals to take action.

Dr. C.S. Nautiyal, Scientific Advisor, provided a comprehensive scientific perspective on ozone depletion.

World Ozone Day established by the United Nations, commemorates the acceptance of the Montreal Protocol 1987, signifying international collaboration in reducing ozone-depleting substances. The theme for 2023 is "Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone layer and reducing climate change."

The event featured engaging student competitions such as poster making, model building, and collage creation, aimed at fostering creativity and ozone protection awareness. Dr. Archna Dhasmana and Dr. Nupur Joshi organized the event, which was conducted by proactive student Ritika Wadhwa and attended by various faculty members, including Dr. Vivek Kumar, Dr. Vikash Jadon, Dr. Geeta Bhandari, and Dr. Vishal Singh Rajput.

22 Aug 2023

A Patent’s Success Story

A Patent’s Success Story - Swami Rama Himalayan University granted valuable Patent

An apparatus for spreading microbial culture on a petri dish developed by the university has been granted patent by The Patent Office, GOI.

A new invention by the Department of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University has added another feather to its cap. This invention relates to a novel method and invention of an apparatus for spreading microbial cultures on a Petri dish.

The procedure has utility in evenly spreading the microbial culture on a soft microbiological growth medium in a Petri dish without damaging the agar surface.

Traditionally, skilled laboratory technicians using a hand tool known as spreader, made up of glass, plastic, metal, or any inert material, have performed the isolation of bacteria manually. Now this newly invented hand-tool or spreader typically includes a terminal loop to make multiple streaks.

Such microbial inoculation and streaking on Petri dishes are highly repetitious and, in many pathologies or diagnostic microbiology laboratories the process is usually conducted in very high volumes, such as in volumes as high as 1,000 to 15,000 plates per day. It is a tedious and laborious work, for which reason is prone to error and inaccuracies.

Another drawback of manual method of use of spreader by different persons can significantly affect the counting of microbes, which leads to variable results. Since different persons use diverse force and techniques to spread the microbial culture using a spreader on an agar Petri dish.

Due to the use of force and pressure, a significant reduction in microbial cell count has been reported. This reduction in microbial cell occurs during spread plating due to the physical impact of the spreader on the solid microbial media, and this causes injury to microbial cells. Even bacterial spores have been reported vulnerable to injury during spread-plating due to physical impact.

Therefore, to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, the present invention will greatly help. The procedure has utility in evenly and uniformly spreading the microbial culture on a soft microbiological growth medium in the Petri dishes without damaging the agar surface in a reproducible manner.

The apparatus is made up of a tripod stand having a central vertical rod, connected to a handle. Rotation of handle moves the central rod, which in turn rotates the horizontal smooth metallic rod. This horizontal rod moves softly on the agar medium surface in the Petri dish. This evenly and uniformly spreads the diluted microbial sample. Four to five rotations are sufficient to spread the microbial culture evenly. Spreading of microbial cultures with the help of this novel apparatus does not physically harm the microbial cells, thus leading to accurate and errorless results. The use of novel apparatus also saves tedious and laborious work of a technician.

Chancellor SHRU, Dr Vijay Dhasmana stated that, “At SRHU we nurture creative thinking to discover new vistas of inventions in the quest of knowledge. The recent patent awarded to us is a utility patent based on a novel microbiology method to isolate a single microorganism. In future we will endeavor to focus on more discoveries, which will open up new frontiers for human welfare. I congratulate the researchers for their commitment and recognize their accomplishment with pride.”

“Universities are increasingly being looked as leaders in scientific research, innovation and economic development. At SRHU working for new inventions with continue to be the driving force.” - Vice Chancellor, Dr Rajendra Dobhal

“The utility patent awarded to us is based on a novel method and an apparatus used for spreading microbial cultures on a Petri dish without damaging the agar surface and microorganisms, leading to precise and reproducible results.” Dr. Vivek Kumar, Associate Professor

3 Jun 2023

Guest Lecture on Sustainable Development HSBS

Forum on Sustainable Development held at SRHU

Securing a Resilient Future: Sustainability in Reference to Uttarakhand’ on May 31, 2023

Himalayan School of Biosciences, a constituent unit of Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun organized a one day ‘Forum on Sustainable Development: Securing a Resilient Future: Sustainability in Reference to Uttarakhand’, on May 31, 2023.

The Form was organized in reference to G-20 Summit to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development in the Himalayas and help in identifying new approaches and strategies to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.

The Sustainable Development Forum provided a platform for collaborative discussions and knowledge exchange to cover various topics related to sustainable development in the Himalayas, including climate change adaptation, ecosystem services, renewable energy, community-based conservation, and sustainable tourism.

Patron of the forum Chancellor Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dr. Vijay Dhasmana introduced the participants to the motto of the University and conveyed his best wishes for the success of the program.

Vice Chancellor Dr. Vijendra Devisingh Chauhan acquainted the participants about his practical experience with H.H. Swami Rama, especially relating to scientific and yogic aspects and also apprised about his core philosophy.

Dr. K.K. Pant, Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IITR), was the Key Note speaker. He discussed in detail the contribution of IITR in sustainable development of Uttarakhand.

Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Director Strategic Planning, Research and Development, shared his views about the concept of sustainable development with reference to the state of Uttarakhand.

Dr. C.S. Nautiyal, Scientific Advisor sensitized the participants about research and development for sustainable growth of the state.

Convener of the Forum, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Principal Himalayan School of Biosciences was instrumental in planning, managing and successfully executing the program.

In total 265 students from different schools of SRHU actively participated in the program.

2 Jun 2023

SRHU Bioscience Assistant Professors earn accolades- Bag Prestigious awards at Agriculture Conference in Pokhra

SRHU Bioscience Assistant Professors earn accolades- Bag Prestigious awards at Agriculture Conference in Pokhra

Dr. Archna Dhasmana and Dr. Geeta Bhandari, Assistant Professors, Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, have bagged the ‘Best Oral Presentation’ and ‘Best Poster Presentation’ respectively at an International conference.

The prestigious conference on ‘Agriculture and Allied Sciences for Improving Environment and Food Security’ (AASIEF-2023), was held from 26 to 28 May, 2023; it was organized by Maharaja Agrasen Himalayan Garhwal University at Pokhra, Garhwal.

With exceptional expertise and remarkable presentation skills, Dr. Archna Dhasmana and Dr. Geeta Bhandari garnered accolades by winning the prestigious awards for their work at SRHU.

The AASIEF-2023, a renowned gathering of professionals, researchers, and experts from MAGHU, ICFRE-ERC, ICAR, FRI, in association with G20 and Namami Gange, showcased the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field of environment and food security.

Participants from around the globe convened to exchange knowledge, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and present their cutting-edge research.

Dr. Archna Dhasmana, whose passion for Nanotechnology was clearly evident, delivered an outstanding oral presentation on “Evaluation Of Biogenic Nano-Coating As Cost-Effective And Eco-Friendly Approach For Agronomic Application.” The compelling and insightful presentation captivated the audience, effectively communicating the significance of green nanotechnology and its potential impact on crop protection and food security. The judges acknowledged Dr. Archna Dhasmana's eloquence, depth of knowledge, and ability to articulate complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner.

In addition to the remarkable poster presentation, Dr. Geeta Bhandari also received accolades for her exceptional poster presentation on “Cultivation Of Newly Isolated Microalgae, Pesudochlorella Pringsheimii For Simultaneous Hospital Wastewater And Biomass Production.”

The visually appealing and informative poster showcased application of algai technology for wastewater treatment, capturing the attention of conference attendees and expert evaluators alike. The innovative approach and comprehensive execution exhibited in Dr. Geeta Bhandari's poster were highly praised, further solidifying the recognition and marking her as a standout participant.