Investigators at Children's Hospital Boston (MA, USA) and their collaborators at Genocea Biosciences, Inc. (Cambridge, MA, USA) used a powerful proteomic screening protocol to identify protein antigens from S. pneumoniae that would stimulate the immune system's TH17 cells (CD4+ T cells) to secrete the potent cytokine IL-17A.
In their paper published in the February 17, 2011, issue of the journal Cell Host & Microbe, the investigators reported that the identified antigens were effective mucosal immunogens that protected mice from nasopharyngeal colonization by S. pneumoniae in a CD4+ T cell- and IL-17A-dependent manner. The identified antigens stimulated IL-17A secretion from splenocytes isolated from mice previously exposed to live pneumococcus, indicating that the antigens were effectively presented during mucosal colonization. Similarly, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) secreted IL-17A when stimulated with the antigens, indicating similar TH17 responses were primed during natural exposure to pneumococcus.
"By combining advances in molecular biology, immunology, and bioinformatics, the strategy we use at Genocea allows comprehensive, rapid, and unbiased screens of every protein produced by an infectious agent to identify the most effective T cell- stimulating antigens," said contributing author Dr. Jessica Flechtner, vice president for research at Genocea Biosciences. "We look forward to our continued collaboration and the development of an improved pneumococcal vaccine."
The identified antigens represent strong candidates for a protein subunit vaccine designed to prevent colonization by S. pneumoniae. "The next steps, already in motion, are to optimize the formulation of this vaccine, confirm its efficacy and safety in animals, and then proceed to human trials," said senior author Dr. Richard Malley, associate professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital Boston.
The findings of this study suggest that the proteomic screening method described here will be a powerful tool for vaccine development against pathogens where infection of the human host begins with mucosal colonization.
--
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Mahantesh.I.B
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www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
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Saturday, March 5, 2011
Customized Cancer Cell Lines Should Boost Development of Drugs for Personalized Medicine
A commercially available catalog of genetically modified cancer cell lines is expected to boost research efforts to develop drugs for personalized medicine.
Initial offerings of cell lines that model colorectal and lung cancer are already being supplied by Sigma Life Science (St. Louis, MO, USA). These cell lines were created using Sigma's proprietary CompoZr Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN) technology.
Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are a class of engineered DNA-binding proteins that facilitate targeted editing of the genome by creating double-strand breaks in DNA at user-specified locations. Double-strand breaks are important for site-specific mutagenesis in that they stimulate the cell's natural DNA-repair processes, namely homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Using well-established and robust protocols, these cellular processes can be harnessed to generate precisely targeted genomic edits resulting in cell lines, including somatic cell lines, with targeted gene deletions (knockouts), integrations, or modifications.
Sigma's CompoZr Oncology Disease Model cell lines are designed to enable basic research and high content, high throughput screening of compounds and biologics. Sigma believes that these cell lines will accelerate the development of personalized medicine through target validation, identification of mechanistic actions of drugs, and investigation of disease development, progression, and remission.
"CompoZr Oncology Disease Model cell lines are our latest addition to what we anticipate will become the most comprehensive collection of modified human cell lines with a significantly higher degree of predictability for drug function and biological responses than conventional cell lines," said Supriya Shivakumar, global marketing manager at Sigma Life Science. "By harnessing the power of our award-winning CompoZr ZFN technology, we have generated cancer cell lines with precise, stable, and heritable gene knockouts and knockins, providing scientists with innovative tools to enable the development of drugs for personalized medicine."
Next in the pipeline is a panel of genetically modified cell lines that model breast cancer.
--
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Mahantesh.I.B
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www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Initial offerings of cell lines that model colorectal and lung cancer are already being supplied by Sigma Life Science (St. Louis, MO, USA). These cell lines were created using Sigma's proprietary CompoZr Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN) technology.
Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are a class of engineered DNA-binding proteins that facilitate targeted editing of the genome by creating double-strand breaks in DNA at user-specified locations. Double-strand breaks are important for site-specific mutagenesis in that they stimulate the cell's natural DNA-repair processes, namely homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). Using well-established and robust protocols, these cellular processes can be harnessed to generate precisely targeted genomic edits resulting in cell lines, including somatic cell lines, with targeted gene deletions (knockouts), integrations, or modifications.
Sigma's CompoZr Oncology Disease Model cell lines are designed to enable basic research and high content, high throughput screening of compounds and biologics. Sigma believes that these cell lines will accelerate the development of personalized medicine through target validation, identification of mechanistic actions of drugs, and investigation of disease development, progression, and remission.
"CompoZr Oncology Disease Model cell lines are our latest addition to what we anticipate will become the most comprehensive collection of modified human cell lines with a significantly higher degree of predictability for drug function and biological responses than conventional cell lines," said Supriya Shivakumar, global marketing manager at Sigma Life Science. "By harnessing the power of our award-winning CompoZr ZFN technology, we have generated cancer cell lines with precise, stable, and heritable gene knockouts and knockins, providing scientists with innovative tools to enable the development of drugs for personalized medicine."
Next in the pipeline is a panel of genetically modified cell lines that model breast cancer.
--
Thanks&Regards
Mahantesh.I.B
www.biotrack.yolasite.com
www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Resveratrol Increases Ability of Rapamycin to Kill Breast Cancer Cells
Cancer researchers have found that when the red wine compound resveratrol was added to the chemotherapeutic agent rapamycin, the combination of drugs was more effective in killing breast cancer cells than was rapamycin alone.
Investigators at the Cleveland Clinic (OH, USA) tested the anticancer properties of rapamycin and resveratrol on three different lines of breast cancer cells growing in culture. The cell lines included a rapamycin resistant cell line, MDA-MB-231, as well as a rapamycin sensitive cell line, MCF-7.
Results published in the December 17, 2010, online edition of the journal Cancer Lettersrevealed that the combined use of resveratrol and rapamycin resulted in modest additive inhibitory effects on the growth of breast cancer cells, mainly through suppressing rapamycin-induced AKT (v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog) activation.
This approach introduced a novel drug combination whereby resveratrol potentiated the growth inhibitory effect of rapamycin, with the added benefit of preventing eventual resistance to rapamycin, likely by suppressing AKT signaling.
"Rapamycin has been used in clinical trials as a cancer treatment. Unfortunately, after a while, the cancer cells develop resistance to rapamycin," said senior author Dr. Charis Eng, chairperson of the Genomic Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. "Our findings show that resveratrol seems to mitigate rapamycin-induced drug resistance in breast cancers, at least in the laboratory. If these observations hold true in the clinic setting, then enjoying a glass of red wine or eating a bowl of boiled peanuts – which has a higher resveratrol content than red wine – before rapamycin treatment for cancer might be a prudent approach."
--
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Mahantesh.I.B
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www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Investigators at the Cleveland Clinic (OH, USA) tested the anticancer properties of rapamycin and resveratrol on three different lines of breast cancer cells growing in culture. The cell lines included a rapamycin resistant cell line, MDA-MB-231, as well as a rapamycin sensitive cell line, MCF-7.
Results published in the December 17, 2010, online edition of the journal Cancer Lettersrevealed that the combined use of resveratrol and rapamycin resulted in modest additive inhibitory effects on the growth of breast cancer cells, mainly through suppressing rapamycin-induced AKT (v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog) activation.
This approach introduced a novel drug combination whereby resveratrol potentiated the growth inhibitory effect of rapamycin, with the added benefit of preventing eventual resistance to rapamycin, likely by suppressing AKT signaling.
"Rapamycin has been used in clinical trials as a cancer treatment. Unfortunately, after a while, the cancer cells develop resistance to rapamycin," said senior author Dr. Charis Eng, chairperson of the Genomic Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic. "Our findings show that resveratrol seems to mitigate rapamycin-induced drug resistance in breast cancers, at least in the laboratory. If these observations hold true in the clinic setting, then enjoying a glass of red wine or eating a bowl of boiled peanuts – which has a higher resveratrol content than red wine – before rapamycin treatment for cancer might be a prudent approach."
--
Thanks&Regards
Mahantesh.I.B
www.biotrack.yolasite.com
www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Elevated Levels of Neuron-Produced Cytokine Protect Against Parkinson’s Disease
A cytokine produced by neurons has been found to block the inflammatory activity - which has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease - of other brain cells known as microglia.
Microglia, which constitute 20% of the total glial cell population within the brain, function as the resident macrophages of the brain and spinal cord, and thus act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are capable of producing neuronal damage through the production of bioactive molecules such as cytokines, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO). The inflammatory response in the brain is tightly regulated at multiple levels. One form of immune regulation occurs via substances produced by the neurons. Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a large cytokine protein of 373 amino acids produced by neurons that suppresses the activation of microglia. It is also commonly known under the names fractalkine (in humans) and neurotactin (in mice).
In the current study, investigators at the University of South Florida (Tampa, USA) used a rat Parkinson's disease model to determine if the CX3CL1 pathway could be a therapeutic target to prevent excessive microglia activation that contributes to neurodegenerative disease. To this end, a group of these animals was treated for 28 days with recombinant CX3CL1, which was delivered to the striatum by an osmotic minipump.
They reported in the January 25, 2011, online edition of the Journal of Neuroinflammation that CX3CL1 was able to suppress microglia activation. The reduced microglia activation was found to be neuroprotective, as the CX3CL1 treated rats had a smaller lesion volume in the striatum and, importantly, significantly fewer lost neurons.
"In the brain, one aspect of immune regulation occurs through neurons," said senior author Dr. Paula C. Bickford, professor of neurosurgery at the University of South Florida. "Immune cells called microglia can damage neurons by producing bioactive molecules. On the other hand, a neuron-generated signaling chemical, or fractalkine, also called CX3CL1, suppresses the activation of microglia. Our study examined whether adding CX3CL1 beyond normal levels could decrease microglial activation and, therefore, play a neuroprotective role by helping prevent the loss of important neural cells in an animal model of Parkinson's disease."
--
Thanks&Regards
Mahantesh.I.B
www.biotrack.yolasite.com
www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Microglia, which constitute 20% of the total glial cell population within the brain, function as the resident macrophages of the brain and spinal cord, and thus act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are capable of producing neuronal damage through the production of bioactive molecules such as cytokines, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO). The inflammatory response in the brain is tightly regulated at multiple levels. One form of immune regulation occurs via substances produced by the neurons. Chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is a large cytokine protein of 373 amino acids produced by neurons that suppresses the activation of microglia. It is also commonly known under the names fractalkine (in humans) and neurotactin (in mice).
In the current study, investigators at the University of South Florida (Tampa, USA) used a rat Parkinson's disease model to determine if the CX3CL1 pathway could be a therapeutic target to prevent excessive microglia activation that contributes to neurodegenerative disease. To this end, a group of these animals was treated for 28 days with recombinant CX3CL1, which was delivered to the striatum by an osmotic minipump.
They reported in the January 25, 2011, online edition of the Journal of Neuroinflammation that CX3CL1 was able to suppress microglia activation. The reduced microglia activation was found to be neuroprotective, as the CX3CL1 treated rats had a smaller lesion volume in the striatum and, importantly, significantly fewer lost neurons.
"In the brain, one aspect of immune regulation occurs through neurons," said senior author Dr. Paula C. Bickford, professor of neurosurgery at the University of South Florida. "Immune cells called microglia can damage neurons by producing bioactive molecules. On the other hand, a neuron-generated signaling chemical, or fractalkine, also called CX3CL1, suppresses the activation of microglia. Our study examined whether adding CX3CL1 beyond normal levels could decrease microglial activation and, therefore, play a neuroprotective role by helping prevent the loss of important neural cells in an animal model of Parkinson's disease."
--
Thanks&Regards
Mahantesh.I.B
www.biotrack.yolasite.com
www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Tips for PhD Aspirants.
Tips for PhD Aspirants.
Do think about whether you really want to do a PhD. Being a PhD student is not the same as being an undergrad, nor like working as a research assistant. A PhD is extremely hard work requiring a lot of discipline and dedication.
Do choose your supervisor well. The quality of your supervisor will have a direct impact on how much you get out of your PhD and how good (or bad) an experience it is. Don't choose your PhD supervisor because he/she is the leader in his/her field, in fact that's the most likely way to find a bad supervisor. Talk to the PhD students already working in the lab, find out whether they are happy and get information about the supervisor's personality, level of attention (too much/too little?) and how well they plan their projects.
Don't leave the responsibility for your project to others. Don't leave it to your supervisor to tell you how to work, what to read or plan your project. This is your learning experience: Get involved and take responsibility as early as possible.
Do get support from other PhD students. When things get tough, the only people who can understand what you are going through are other PhD students (or former ones!). If there are other PhD students around you, arrange to go for regular coffee/lunch breaks with them. If not, try an online forum such as the Postgraduate Forum.
Don't waste your first year. It is easy to think that you have a long time to complete your PhD, but don't be lulled into a false sense of security… time has a habit of disappearing fast. Start out as you mean to go on. Establish a strict work and study routine, and stick to it.
Don't spend long hours in the lab for the sake of it. Make sure that when you are in the lab, you are working and not just hanging around. Many people spend 16 hours a day in the lab, but they only actually work for eight hours or less. An 8 hour day, with time away from the lab to relax your body and mind will keep you sharp and focused.
Do summarise your results as you go. From the beginning, get yourself into the discipline of writing a monthly summary of experiments performed, results andconclusions and include all lab book references/data/images. The monthly reports will link up to make a story of your research and make your write-up much easier.
Don't underestimate how long it will take to write up. However long you think it will take you to write up, double or even trebling it will be closer to the truth. The write-up is the hardest part of your whole PhD.
Do take every opportunity to practice and learn. Treat your PhD studies like an intensive training program. Listen to and learn from those around you, take every opportunity to try new techniques, present data, meet other scientists.
Most importantly… have fun…coz "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy."
--
Thanks&Regards
Mahantesh.I.B
www.biotrack.yolasite.com
www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Tips for Scientific Writing
Tips for Scientific Writing
Dear friends here are a few tips to be followed while writing projects, dissertations and research papers I hope that these tips will be beneficial to you.
Abbreviations:
You should avoid abbreviations by writing out the full word (minimum, October, Virginia, first, temperature, with...). Exceptions include common biological terms like ATP and DNA, units of measure (m, g, cm, °C), and mathematical or chemical formulas. Sentences should never begin with an abbreviation or an acronym.
Acronyms
You may wish to introduce an acronym for a term that is repeated often: if your paper deals with soybeans, Glycine max, you may use the full scientific name once and substitute G. max thereafter. If you are writing a paper about tidal freshwater marshes, the first time the terms appear, you can introduce an acronym: "Tidal freshwater marshes (TFM) are important transitional zones in the landscape." Throughout the rest of your paper, you would refer to TFM.
Chemical elements are not proper nouns, so do not capitalize them. Only the first letter of the symbol is a capital letter: nitrogen (N), carbon (C), calcium (Ca).
Contractions
In formal writing, you should never use contractions (didn't, can't, haven't...).
Direct quotes
Direct quotes should be avoided, unless you are presenting another author's specific definition or original label. You can usually paraphrase the writing effectively and more concisely, taking care to properly attribute the sources of your statements.
Read and re-read the References
It is obvious when students do not understand what they are writing about, and their grades suffer as a result. Read and re-read your references. Consult a textbook or another reference to help you resolve any aspects of the paper you do not understand before you start writing.
Run-on sentences
You should review your writing to make sure that each sentence presents one or two clear ideas. This will also help you organize sentences within paragraphs in a logical order.
Scientific names
Scientific names consisting of genus and species, should be underlined or italicized, with only the genus capitalized: Homo sapiens or Ilex opaca.
Significance
In science, the word "significant" implies the result of a statistical test. It cannot be used to say, "The number of root nodules on red clover plants increased significantly when nitrogen was added," if you did not perform a statistical test to determine significant differences. You should analyze your results to determine whether they are statistically significant and report the test you used, the significance level (p=0.05), calculated statistic (tcalc), and degrees of freedom.
Slang
Do not use slang. Try to use precise, scientific terms where possible (without unnecessary jargon) and avoid colloquialisms and figures of speech: "somewhat" rather than "sort of," "many" or "a great deal" instead of "a lot."
Spell-check
Your word processor's spell-check and/or grammar-check function is not error-free. It cannot tell you when to use "it's" and "its," and it cannot tell you that a particular sentence does not make sense. Give yourself enough time to proofread and correct your paper.
Tenses
When describing methods and results, you should use the past tense. The present tense is appropriate for accepted facts, such as the background information presented in the Introduction. In addition, you may use the present tense when you discuss your results and conclusions. Looking over other scientific papers may help you answer questions you might have on this topic.
Units
All units of measure must be metric or SI (international System).
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Mahantesh.I.B
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www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
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How to write Statement of Purpose
Writing the Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the personal statement is to convince the Admissions Committee members that you belong at their school and, eventually, in their profession.
Things to Keep in Mind:
1. What the admissions committee will read between the lines: motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student.
2. Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a passive, voice.
3. Demonstrate everything by example; don't say directly that you're a persistent person, demonstrate it.
4. You don't want to make excuses, but you can talk about the mistakes you've made as a learning experience.
5. If there is something important that happened (poverty, illness, excessive work, etc.), which affected your grades go ahead and state it, but write it affirmatively, that is, in a way that shows your perseverance.
6. Make sure everything is linked with continuity and focus.
7. The essay should be 500-600 words (1 to 1½ pages) single-space, typed, 12pt. font size.
Do's and Don'ts
Do's:
• Do start early and allow plenty of time for several drafts and multiple revisions.
• Do choose one theme/thesis that unifies your essay.
• Do think about your values and motivation before writing the essay.
• Do be as specific as possible about why you want to study for and join your chosen this profession.
• Do use the word "I" if you want to, but don't if it makes you uncomfortable.
• Do talk about how your uniqueness makes you a good candidate.
• Do use examples of personal struggle to highlight character traits or accomplishments.
• Do provide the reader with insight into what drives you.
• Do evaluate your experiences, rather than simply recounting them
• Do write in your own voice. Be yourself rather than trying to be the ideal applicant.
• Do think about the impression you are making on the reader.
• Do use active verbs. It is good to sound confident (without sounding obnoxious or pretentious).
• Do use a spell checker. Schools detest misspelled words and bad grammar.
• Do enlist others to read and proofread your essay.
• Do get feedback on your draft(s) from your advisor before your submission.
• Do take your essay to the Writing Center before you submit it to schools.
Don'ts:
• Don't use the word "dream."
• Don't write an expanded resume; avoid repeating information that you've provided elsewhere in your application.
• Don't lie, cheat or steal. Embellishing your personal stories to make them try to sound "better," having your friend the English major write your essay for you, or "borrowing" ideas from other essays you've read are obviously bad ideas. You want this to be your own work, and something you'll be able to talk about at your interviewsin an honest and detailed manner.
• Don't try to cover too much.
• Don't talk about emotionally-charged experiences if you cannot do so in a fairly professional manner at an interview.
• Don't use clichés or tired metaphors ("It was a dark and stormy night…")
• Don't talk about how bad all current health professionals are and how much better you will be.
• Don't mention "hot topics" like abortion, managed care, or assisted suicide.
• Don't talk about salary and how much money you would like to make.
• Don't talk about how wonderful you are. Let the Board take care of that.
• Don't list the qualities that you believe make you a good candidate. Rather, it should be selfevident from the essay what positive character traits you gained from your experiences.
• Don't say that you want to be a doctor because your mother/father is a doctor.
--
Thanks&Regards
Mahantesh.I.B
www.biotrack.yolasite.com
www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
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How to become a parasitologist..?
Parasitologist - How to Become a Parasitologist?
Parasitology is a subdivision of biology. Aspirants who have completed the various courses in Parasitology can become Parasitologists. These professionals are actually scientists who scrutinize the inter connection between parasites like vermins, fleas and their hosts. They study the characteristics, lifestyle, and life cycles of various animal parasites so as to reach at conclusions on the undiagnosed human infections, and possible parasitic invasion, which is the cause of the ailments. Parasitologists work profile also includes initiating techniques and mediators to combat parasites.
Qualifying Exam
Aspirants have to complete post graduation in Parasitology or related fields and the doctoral degree in the same so as to turn out to be a Parasitologist. They should have done the course from a certified University. Aspirants who have completed the program can seek out for jobs as research analysts or assistants. These professionals can expect remunerations around $51,020 p.a. The emoluments may vary extensively depending up on the job experience and the area of research.
Who is eligible to apply?
The eligibility criterion to apply for the Masters' course in Parasitology is a graduation in any of the Biology subjects from an acknowledged University. They have to attend PG entrance tests also so as to get admissions for the Masters' programs. Those who have completed the post graduation in the respective fields are qualified to pursue the research programs in Parasitology.
Key Points in the process
- Earn a degree in any Biology subjects
- Do the Masters' program in Biology / Parasitology / microbiology
- Pursue the PhD programs in Parasitology
- Gain work experience in the related fields
- Apply for Government as well as private jobs
How to prepare for exam and interview?
It is important for the candidates to be well aware of the qualifying exam syllabus so as to clear the test. They can obtain particular books from leading bookstores for reference. Aspirants can also get hold of preceding year's papers from various sources and can work out the same by fixing a time. By doing so, they may be able to get rid of exam fears. By self-evaluating their solved papers, they may be able to be familiar with their tougher portions
--
Thanks&Regards
Mahantesh.I.B
www.biotrack.yolasite.com
www.sitbiotech.blogspot.com
+91 9611558989
+91 9037652343
Friday, March 4, 2011
Balasinor: Dino tourism in India’s Jurassic park
A tiny town called Balasinor in Gujarat is home to the one of the largest dinosaur fossils sites in the world.
There's a fossilized dinosaur nesting ground and a prehistoric burial ground, but you don't know about it because no one is bothering to set it up as a UNESCO Geo Park.
According to the Geological Survey of India's Director of Palaeontology, D N Mohabey, the Gujarat Tourism Department and Gujarat Ecology Commission showed no interest in providing details on the site for a recommendation to UNESCO to set up a park around it.
“I met members of the Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) and the Tourism Department for giving me the necessary data on the various areas including Ravioli in Balasinor taluka, where unique dinosaur fossil beds exist. But they made me run from pillar to post,” Mohabey told the Indian Express newspaper.
Paleontologists believe that at least seven species of dinosaur lived here and researchers have uncovered fossils of about 10,000 dinosaur eggs, making Raiyoli the third largest hatchery in the world.
In 2003 they also discovered a new species here, which belonged to the Tyrannosaurus Rex family. It was given the name Rajasaurus narmandensis, meaning princely reptile from the Narmada.
The site was discovered accidentally in 1981 when geologists were conducting a mineral survey of the area. Since then, the finds have attracted scientists and tourists from around the world, triggering off what the Gujarat state calls "dinosaur tourism."
The Dinosaur Princess
Aaliya Sultana Babi, the former princess of Balasinor, is an enthusiastic promoter and protector of the dinosaur legacy. Known as the Dinosaur Princess, she conducts tours to the site (contact details below).
Sultana Babi is the only English-speaking guide around and has an expert's knowledge of all the fossils.
At the site you can see part of a limb embedded in a rock, supposed fossilized remains of skin and other bones, fossilized egg rings and even a real dinosaur egg fossil.
It is the only site in the world where tourists can actually touch the dinosaur remains, and hold a 65 million year old egg fossil in their hands.
The ignored wealth
Unfortunately, the state of Gujarat has not shown much interest in developing the site as a mega tourist attraction.
It has taken five years to build a museum next to the site, which has still not been completed.
The site feels abandoned, with only one watchman protecting the site from villagers and grazing cattle.
It is a pity to see such neglect, as Gujarat is one of the few states in India with such a wealth of fossilized dinosaur remains.
The fossils were discovered two decades ago, yet they have not received due importance from state officials and most Indians do not even know of the existence of the site.
Where to stay
Balasinor is about one and a half hours drive from Ahmedabad. While visiting, tourists can stay in the Garden Palace, a heritage hotel property run by the former rulers of Balasinor, the Babi family. In fact this was their royal family home.
The palace has eight rooms, each one done up in a different color scheme, furniture and decor. If you feel like roughing it out, you can even stay in Camp Dinosaur tents on site.
Garden Palace, Palace Road, Balasinor, district Kheda, Gujarat; +91 (0) 26 9020 0111/ 9026 7786; Garden Palace website or email palacebalasinor@gmail.com; Rs 6,000-8,000 per room, per night
Camp Dinosaur tents, Palace road, Garden Palace compound, Balasinor, district Kheda, Gujarat; +91 (0) 26 9020 0111/ 9026 7786; Rs 7,000-8,000 per night; Camp Dinosaur website or email web@campsofindia.com
About the author: Tascha Eipe is a filmmaker based in Mumbai. She directs TV shows for a travel and lifestyle channel called TravelXP, a job that takes her to many remote and exotic locations. She is also a scuba diver and adventure sports junkie. Visit her blog for more details.
M I B S I T B T
There's a fossilized dinosaur nesting ground and a prehistoric burial ground, but you don't know about it because no one is bothering to set it up as a UNESCO Geo Park.
According to the Geological Survey of India's Director of Palaeontology, D N Mohabey, the Gujarat Tourism Department and Gujarat Ecology Commission showed no interest in providing details on the site for a recommendation to UNESCO to set up a park around it.
“I met members of the Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) and the Tourism Department for giving me the necessary data on the various areas including Ravioli in Balasinor taluka, where unique dinosaur fossil beds exist. But they made me run from pillar to post,” Mohabey told the Indian Express newspaper.
Paleontologists believe that at least seven species of dinosaur lived here and researchers have uncovered fossils of about 10,000 dinosaur eggs, making Raiyoli the third largest hatchery in the world.
In 2003 they also discovered a new species here, which belonged to the Tyrannosaurus Rex family. It was given the name Rajasaurus narmandensis, meaning princely reptile from the Narmada.
The site was discovered accidentally in 1981 when geologists were conducting a mineral survey of the area. Since then, the finds have attracted scientists and tourists from around the world, triggering off what the Gujarat state calls "dinosaur tourism."
The Dinosaur Princess
Aaliya Sultana Babi, the former princess of Balasinor, is an enthusiastic promoter and protector of the dinosaur legacy. Known as the Dinosaur Princess, she conducts tours to the site (contact details below).
Sultana Babi is the only English-speaking guide around and has an expert's knowledge of all the fossils.
At the site you can see part of a limb embedded in a rock, supposed fossilized remains of skin and other bones, fossilized egg rings and even a real dinosaur egg fossil.
It is the only site in the world where tourists can actually touch the dinosaur remains, and hold a 65 million year old egg fossil in their hands.
The ignored wealth
Unfortunately, the state of Gujarat has not shown much interest in developing the site as a mega tourist attraction.
It has taken five years to build a museum next to the site, which has still not been completed.
The site feels abandoned, with only one watchman protecting the site from villagers and grazing cattle.
It is a pity to see such neglect, as Gujarat is one of the few states in India with such a wealth of fossilized dinosaur remains.
The fossils were discovered two decades ago, yet they have not received due importance from state officials and most Indians do not even know of the existence of the site.
Where to stay
Balasinor is about one and a half hours drive from Ahmedabad. While visiting, tourists can stay in the Garden Palace, a heritage hotel property run by the former rulers of Balasinor, the Babi family. In fact this was their royal family home.
The palace has eight rooms, each one done up in a different color scheme, furniture and decor. If you feel like roughing it out, you can even stay in Camp Dinosaur tents on site.
Garden Palace, Palace Road, Balasinor, district Kheda, Gujarat; +91 (0) 26 9020 0111/ 9026 7786; Garden Palace website or email palacebalasinor@gmail.com; Rs 6,000-8,000 per room, per night
Camp Dinosaur tents, Palace road, Garden Palace compound, Balasinor, district Kheda, Gujarat; +91 (0) 26 9020 0111/ 9026 7786; Rs 7,000-8,000 per night; Camp Dinosaur website or email web@campsofindia.com
About the author: Tascha Eipe is a filmmaker based in Mumbai. She directs TV shows for a travel and lifestyle channel called TravelXP, a job that takes her to many remote and exotic locations. She is also a scuba diver and adventure sports junkie. Visit her blog for more details.
M I B S I T B T
Secret of success: Get the mind-set of an ant!
Sometimes the biggest lessons in life come from the smallest folks around us.
All of us tend to look up to big people for lessons on how to get better. We are keen to learn the secrets of their success. But we forget that sometimes the biggest lessons in life come from the smallest folks around us. Now that’s a good lesson to remember!
Take ants for instance. Would you believe those small creatures can teach us how to live a better life? Jim Rohn - the great motivational guru – developed what he called the ‘Ants Philosophy’.
He identified four key lessons from the behaviour of ants that can help us lead better lives. Jim Rohn is no more – but his messages continue to inspire. Here then, are the four lessons from Rohn’s ‘Ants Philosophy’.
1. Ants never quit. Have you noticed how ants always look for a way around an obstacle? Put your finger in an ant’s path and it will try and go around it, or over it. It will keep looking for a way out. It won’t just stand there and stare. It won’t give up and go back.
We should all learn to be like that. There will always be obstacles in our lives. The challenge is to keep trying, keep looking for alternative routes to get to our goals. Winston Churchill probably paraphrased the ant’s mindset when he offered this priceless advice: “Never give up. Never, never give up!”
2. Ants think winter all summer. Remember the old story of the ant and the grasshopper? In the middle of summer, the ant was busy gathering food for the winter ahead – while the grasshopper was out having a good time. Ants know that summer - the good times – won’t last forever. Winters will come. That’s a good lesson to remember. When the going is good, don’t be so arrogant as to believe that a crisis or a setback cannot happen to you. Be good to other people. Save for a rainy day. Look ahead. And remember, good times may not last, but good people do.
3. Ants think summer all winter. As they suffer through the unbearable cold of the winter, ants keep reminding themselves that it won’t last forever, and that summer will soon be here. And with the first rays of the summer sun, the ants come out – ready to work, ready to play. When we are down and seemingly out, when we go through what looks like a never-ending crisis, it’s good to remind ourselves that this too shall pass. Good times will come. It’s important to retain a positive attitude, an attitude that says things will get better. As the old saying goes, tough times don’t last. Tough people do.
4. Ants do all they possibly can. How much food does an ant gather in summer? All that it possibly can! Now that’s a great work ethic to have. Do all you can! One ant doesn’t worry about how much food another ant is collecting. It does not sit back and wonder why it should have to work so hard. Nor does it complain about the poor pay! Ants just do their bit. They gather all the food they can. Success and happiness are usually the result of giving 100% - doing all you possibly can. If you look around you, you’ll find that successful people are those who just do all they possibly can.
Follow the four simple steps of Jim Rohn’s ‘Ant Philosophy’ – and you’ll see the difference. Don’t quit. Look ahead. Stay positive. And do all you can.
And there’s just one more lesson to learn from ants. Did you know that an ant can carry objects up to 20 times their own weight? Maybe we are like that too. We can carry burdens on our shoulders and manage workloads that are far, far heavier than we’d imagine. Next time something’s bothering you and weighing you down, and you feel you just can’t carry on, don’t fret. Think of the little ant. And remember, you too can carry a lot more on your shoulders!
Prakash Iyer is MD, Kimberly-Clark and Executive Coach.
M I B S I T B T
All of us tend to look up to big people for lessons on how to get better. We are keen to learn the secrets of their success. But we forget that sometimes the biggest lessons in life come from the smallest folks around us. Now that’s a good lesson to remember!
Take ants for instance. Would you believe those small creatures can teach us how to live a better life? Jim Rohn - the great motivational guru – developed what he called the ‘Ants Philosophy’.
He identified four key lessons from the behaviour of ants that can help us lead better lives. Jim Rohn is no more – but his messages continue to inspire. Here then, are the four lessons from Rohn’s ‘Ants Philosophy’.
1. Ants never quit. Have you noticed how ants always look for a way around an obstacle? Put your finger in an ant’s path and it will try and go around it, or over it. It will keep looking for a way out. It won’t just stand there and stare. It won’t give up and go back.
We should all learn to be like that. There will always be obstacles in our lives. The challenge is to keep trying, keep looking for alternative routes to get to our goals. Winston Churchill probably paraphrased the ant’s mindset when he offered this priceless advice: “Never give up. Never, never give up!”
2. Ants think winter all summer. Remember the old story of the ant and the grasshopper? In the middle of summer, the ant was busy gathering food for the winter ahead – while the grasshopper was out having a good time. Ants know that summer - the good times – won’t last forever. Winters will come. That’s a good lesson to remember. When the going is good, don’t be so arrogant as to believe that a crisis or a setback cannot happen to you. Be good to other people. Save for a rainy day. Look ahead. And remember, good times may not last, but good people do.
3. Ants think summer all winter. As they suffer through the unbearable cold of the winter, ants keep reminding themselves that it won’t last forever, and that summer will soon be here. And with the first rays of the summer sun, the ants come out – ready to work, ready to play. When we are down and seemingly out, when we go through what looks like a never-ending crisis, it’s good to remind ourselves that this too shall pass. Good times will come. It’s important to retain a positive attitude, an attitude that says things will get better. As the old saying goes, tough times don’t last. Tough people do.
4. Ants do all they possibly can. How much food does an ant gather in summer? All that it possibly can! Now that’s a great work ethic to have. Do all you can! One ant doesn’t worry about how much food another ant is collecting. It does not sit back and wonder why it should have to work so hard. Nor does it complain about the poor pay! Ants just do their bit. They gather all the food they can. Success and happiness are usually the result of giving 100% - doing all you possibly can. If you look around you, you’ll find that successful people are those who just do all they possibly can.
Follow the four simple steps of Jim Rohn’s ‘Ant Philosophy’ – and you’ll see the difference. Don’t quit. Look ahead. Stay positive. And do all you can.
And there’s just one more lesson to learn from ants. Did you know that an ant can carry objects up to 20 times their own weight? Maybe we are like that too. We can carry burdens on our shoulders and manage workloads that are far, far heavier than we’d imagine. Next time something’s bothering you and weighing you down, and you feel you just can’t carry on, don’t fret. Think of the little ant. And remember, you too can carry a lot more on your shoulders!
Prakash Iyer is MD, Kimberly-Clark and Executive Coach.
M I B S I T B T
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