Day: December 7, 2023

On World Diabetes Day, the Department of Medicine & Allied and the Departments of Research & Molecular Medicine organized a conference at Ziauddin University auditorium. The event aimed to raise awareness and educate about diabetes management and living with the disease. Multidisciplinary diabetes experts, including doctors, nurses, dieticians, and research scientists, discussed various aspects of diabetes management. Prof. Dr. Talat Mirza, executive director of research and head of the Department of Molecular Medicine, highlighted the alarming rate of diabetes patients in Pakistan, with the majority affected between the ages of 35-64. She also introduced new drug targets and drugs, highlighting the potential of OMIC technology and precision medicine.

Professor Dr. Masood Hameed Khan highlighted insulin resistance as a primary cause of diabetes development, emphasizing continuous blood glucose monitoring, lifestyle modifications, increased physical activity, and the consumption of an organic balanced diet. Prof. Dr. Uzma Ghori highlighted a holistic person-centered approach for Type 2 diabetes, emphasizing timely screening and new diagnostic criteria. Dr. Fatima Jhangir discussed treatment options, focusing on patient-based approaches and the importance of dietary choices. Dr. Abdul Hameed highlighted the need for new anti-diabetic drugs and the importance of weight loss for diabetes remission. Dr. Fasiha Sohail discussed ethical approaches for prescribing antidiabetic drugs, including conflict of interest and patient preferences.

Unlocking Molecular Biology Techniques: From DNA Extraction to PCR

The Department of Molecular Medicine and Department of Research conducted a hands-on workshop, “Unlocking Molecular Biology Techniques: From DNA Extraction to PCR”, on 15th and 16th Nov, 2023. The workshop aimed to provide participants with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of molecular biology techniques essential for advancing research in the field.

The Chief Organizer, Dr. Yamna Khurshid, extended a warm welcome to the participants and shed light on the profound significance of the workshop. Prof. Dr. Talat Mirza, Executive Director Research and HOD Molecular Medicine, provided a comprehensive overview of fundamental concepts and the latest advancements in the field.

Dr. Yamna Khurshid delivered a lecture on DNA extraction methods and gel electrophoresis followed by hands-on session facilitated by Mr. Moazzam Shahid. Dr. Shumaila Usman then talked about RNA isolation and provided a training session also.

On day second, Dr. Shumaila Usman delivered a lecture and lab session on cDNA synthesis. Dr. Yamna Khurshid conducted a thought-provoking session on PCR and primer designing. In the closing ceremony participants shared that they gained valuable knowledge during the workshop. Prof. Dr. Abbas Zafar, Dean FHS appreciated the efforts of facilitators and distributed certificates among the participants.