NSTDA takes part in BIO 2008

NSTDA takes part in BIO 2008 to promote Thailand as "Medical Hub of The World"

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) is joining the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), the Board of Investment (BOI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to show off Thailand’s medical potential at the international convention of biotechnology or BIO 2008 held in San Diego, USA, on 17-20 June 2008.

Thailand’s exhibit at BIO 2008 will showcase recent advances in biotechnology research that have interesting applications in medicine, agriculture, energy and public health. Many of them have already attracted the attention of scientists around the world, such as the development of disease-free breeding shrimp, the development of new breeds of rice and seeds for the food export industry, and the establishment of a microbe bank for research. The exhibit will also include information on Thailand’s readiness to act as ”Medical Hub of the World”, thanks to the great strength of Thailand’s medical service industry, which is as advanced as any of other countries in the world. Some of the medical advances shown at the exhibit include the compilation of a database of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms or SNPs (pronounced “snips”), which shows the differences in the genetic code that cause physical differences in people and make some people more susceptible to certain diseases; rapid model building technology that can be used, for instance, to make artificial skulls for preparing facial surgery for accident victims; and new diagnostic kits developed in Thailand like a white blood count test kit for HIV/AIDS patients.

Thailand’s participation in BIO 2008 will not only allow Thai scientists to show off their capabilities in genetic engineering and biotechnology, it will also be a forum for creating ties for international collaboration in research and sounding out opportunities for joint investment in biotechnology projects.

BIO 2008 is one of the largest and most important biotechnology conventions in the world. It is well respected by researchers and industrialists. The BIO convention is held once a year in different cities in the USA and each year about 20,000 people attend, including high-level executives from the genetic engineering and biotechnology field all over the world.

Thailand's "Shocking Pink Millipede" Recognized as One of the Most Exciting New Species in the World

Thailand's "Shocking Pink Millipede" Recognized as One of the Most Exciting New Species in the World

On 23 May 2008, the new species selection committee of the International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) at University of Arizona, USA, announced its list of the ten most exciting new species in the world discovered in 2007. Thailand’s Shocking Pink Millipede made number three on the list. It was discovered by Professor Dr.Somsak Panha and his colleague from the Animal Systematics Research Unit of the Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Science, who were working on a research project funded by the National Center for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (BIOTEC)’s Biodiversity Research and Training Program (BRT).

The Shocking Pink Millipede is found only in Thailand in the moist fertile rainforest area between the northern part of the central region and the southern part of the northern region. Its scientific name is Desmoxytes purpurosea. The millipede has a striking pink color and interesting spikes resembling a dragon. It can release cyanide to defend itself.

This discovery of the Shocking Pink Millipede demonstrates the great biodiversity that Thailand possesses. Millipedes are small creatures that help decompose organic matter to make the soil fertile. They are very important in the eco-system.

This is IISE’s list of the ten most exciting new species in the world discovered in 2007 :

1. A Sleeper Ray with a Name that Sucks (an electric ray from Africa)
2. 75-Million Year Old Giant Duck-billed Dinosaur (found as a fossil in the USA)
3. Shocking Pink Millipede (from Thailand)
4. Rare Frog Off the Shelf (found in Sri Lanka)
5. One of the Most Venomous Snakes in the World (discovered in Australia)
6. Fruit Bat Crosses the Line (from the Philippines)
7. New Fun Guy on Campus? (a fungus discovered in Imperial College)
8. Jellyfish Named After Its Victim (Robert King Jellyfish found in Australia)
9. Life Imitates Art: “Dim” Rhinoceros Beetle (discovered in Peru)
10. Michelin Man™ Plant (discovered in Australia)

# # #

We are focused on research linkages

Thailand is making concerted efforts to promote its life sciences industry. The country’s National Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (BIOTEC) is pursuing the objective of inducing research, development and application of biotechnology to support technology development and adoption in both public and private institutions. In an interview with BioSpectrum, BIOTEC’s Executive Director Dr. Kanyawim Kirtikara, who has recently taken charge elaborates on the BIOTEC goals and what they are doing to accomplish it.

What are your immediate priorities at BIOTEC?
BIOTEC’s mission and vision follow that of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). We will continue to promote research, development and application of biotechnology to support technology development, transfer and adoption in both public and private institutions in areas critical to national economic and social development. To accomplish these goals, BIOTEC will emphasize the partnering with both private and public sectors.

Our growth in the last 10 years has been slow because of small number of researchers. However, the number of researchers is increasing since we began to receive returning PhD holders who have received research grants from Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) to study overseas. In addition, we collaborated with public and private sector researchers from both domestic and regional institutions to synergize the country’s capability in R&D. The immediate priority is to select projects that yield the most impact for the country—be it socio-economic or academic impact. We need to be very careful on our selection and prioritizing of projects since our resources are limited.

Do you have any research collaboration with any other international organization?
It would be incorrect to call ourself a national research center and not collaborate with international partners. Hence, we work hard and enjoy the research collaborative partnership with international organization such as Oxford University, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (Japan), and Novartis to name a few. In addition, BIOTEC extensively collaborates with Vietnam, Taiwan and China. The HRD program we initiated for our neighboring countries Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV) also serves as a means to foster future collaboration.

What is your strategy to make Thailand competitive with other counterparts in the APAC region?
Our strategy is quite simple. We prefer not to compete but to work as an equal research partner. Each APAC country has its strengths and weaknesses. It is beneficial to share our knowledge and also learn from others. This may sound superficial but I think if we all try to look at competition from this light, we may achieve more. At least we gain more friends who are willing to help.

How good is the R&D set up in Thailand? How BIOTEC supports the industry?
Compared to other R&D advanced countries, Thailand’s embracement of R&D dates back only a few years. We are considered a newcomer to the R&D arena. However, many initiatives have been set up to bring Thailand up-to-date on R&D. For example, the Thailand National Biotechnology Policy Framework 2004-2009 was initiated in late 2003 to act as a catalyst to promote biotechnology investment and create new bio companies. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has initiated for the first time in Thailand’s history a tax incentive scheme to attract foreign biotechnology investment. In addition, over the years BIOTEC has focused on promoting research linkages between universities—NSTDA—private sector. This shift in focus has greatly assisted in promoting university and private sector partnerships conducive to building an R&D environment.

How is the talent pool in Thailand for life science industry?
As I mentioned, Thailand still needs to produce a significant number of researchers in various masteries, including life science industries. The government has taken a number of policy initiatives as well as legislative and administrative measures with a view to provide support and creating an environment conducive for the growth of the life sciences sector. These include promotion of human resources and technological development, such as through the establishment of the “Science Park”, and support for innovative researches and the development of research and development centers. In addition, NSTDA has many programs to reach out to talented youth in order to attract them to science and technology including biotechnology. This is to prepare younger generations for the future in S&T in both academic institutes and industry. Through these various programs such as the Junior Science Talent Project and the Young Scientist and Technologist Program students gain experiences from working with scientists in laboratories and are mentored and fostered to be scientists in the future.

Are there any recent achievements from BIOTEC’s research labs that you would like to elaborate on?
Besides generating international publications of high standards to contribute to scientific arena, our researchers also work closely with industry to cater to their needs. Two outputs, one with an immediate application and the other for future use will be good examples. In the first case, the Enzyme Technology Laboratory has developed a low cost enzyme screening kit that includes an effective cell-permeabilizing reagent. This kit can be easily used by anyone wishing to determine enzyme activities without having to send their samples to a testing laboratory. The procedure is easy. Hence, small and medium size industries that need to do enzyme testing will be able to conduct it themselves. This is a direct translational of results from our own research to users in Thailand.

The other output is a collaboration effort between BIOTEC researchers and researchers at the Rice Gene Discovery Unit, Kasetsart University. The collaborative researchers led to an identification of a gene controlling the fragrant aroma of Thai jasmine rice. This discovery has been granted a US patent to protect its intellectual property.

In our future plan, we aim to build a platform technology of “Cell Factory”, which includes the study of many types of cells and how to manipulate them to efficiently produce valuable products we want such as enzymes, valuable compounds and biologics, among others. We are looking at building up the capability of the whole process from laboratory and pre-pilot scale to a pilot plant, which is the point when the technology will be ready for industry.

# # #

BIOTEC-Novartis join to produce medicine from micro-organisms found in Thailand

BIOTEC is joining Novartis, a leader in pharmaceutical research and development, to make use of research done by Thai scientists and develop new medicines from natural substances. The main goal is to help sufferers of heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. So far the partners have already discovered 2,500 new kinds of micro-organisms in Thailand that are medicinally active.

Dr.Kanyawim Kirtikara, Director of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), said that BIOTEC and Novartis of Switzerland were building on their research results with the continuation of the second phase of a project to develop medicines from natural substances. In the first phase the partners were able to discover 2,500 new types of microbes in Thailand and isolate 70 new substances from microbes. Many types of microbes that have not yet been discovered and researched, have the potential to produce biologically active substances.

During the first phase of the joint project, Novartis granted training fund for six researchers from BIOTEC for three months. The researchers learned new techniques so they could perfect their work and improve BIOTEC’s system for chemical extraction and screening as well as identifying and isolating different strains of micro-organisms. That is why they were then able to discover 2,500 new kinds of microbes.

The second phase of the project will last for three years, from June 2008 to May 2011. The research will focus on bacteria, whereas in the first phase the emphasis was on fungi. More training will be provided for researchers in the field of microbiology, bacteriology, mycology and other related areas so they can expand their knowledge and skills.

Dr. Frank Petersen, Sr. Unit Head Natural Products at Novartis, said that the company would choose the microbes that are most medically effective to research further. The major emphasis is on finding substances to treat the world’s most common diseases such as, heart disease, cancer, infectious diseases, and osteoporosis.

Since Thailand has high biodiversity, being home to about 10% of all the different kinds of microbes in the world, up to 20% of the microbes that Novartis is using in its research to develop medicines from natural substances come from Thailand. The microbe bank run by BIOTEC has recorded the genetic identifying data of over 10,000 types of microbes.

# # #

Thai researchers unveil world's first white leaf sugarcane test kit

Thai researchers unveil world's first white leaf sugarcane test kit

Singapore, August 6, 2008: The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) of Thailand and Mitr Phol Research and Development Center, a progressive research and development arm of the Mitr Phol Sugar Group claim to have developed world’s first White Leaf Sugarcane Rapid Test Kit for the sugarcane plantation. The technology is expected to help reduce the amount of financial loss to the sugarcane sector as a result of white leaf disease, which is estimated at $30 million per year.

According to Dr.Morakot Tanticharoen, BIOTEC senior advisor (member of NSTDA), Thailand is one of the major producers of sugar for the global market. Therefore, it is necessary for the national Agricultural and Food Cluster to give serious consideration to helping maintain this status quo. The joint collaboration with Mitr Phol R&D Center provides an opportunity to better understand the need of the sugar industry. “We will continue to collaborate to explore and improve other options for white leaf disease eradication such as breeding technology to build disease resistance,” added Dr.Tanticharoen.

“White leaf disease is often compared to cancer or HIV virus in human. You never know if or when you will contract it, until it is often too late,” said Dr.Pipat Weerathaworn, R&D Director for Mitr Phol Sugarcane Research Center in Chaiyaphum province. “The rapid test kit is very efficient as it only take ten minutes to detect if the sugarcane plant has the disease or not.”

The rapid test kit is expected to go on sale locally prior to the end of 2008 and will also target overseas clients. Initial introduction to clients in India was very positive. The technology has been transferred to Innova Biotechnology of Thailand for mass manufacturing.

# # #

Thai students win global award for high-tech business plan

“Business plan to develop cattle breeds using biotechnology” by students from Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University (the champions of the national-level business plan writing contest for university students) won the grand prize at 2008 Global TIC in Taiwan.

Technology Licensing Office of the Technology Management Center (TMC) sent the Phumjai Farm Team from Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University, to represent Thailand at Global TIC 2008 (Talentrepreneur Innovation & Collaboration Association) , held in Taipei, Taiwan. Phumjai Farm Team won the top award in the Best Social Entrepreneurship category, taking home certificates, a medal and US$ 3,000 in prize money.

Phumjai Farm Team wrote and presented a business plan to produce high-quality beef encompassing ways of improving the efficiency of livestock farms with a closed farm system, promoting cattle raising among small-scale farmers through contract farming, and ways of improving the quality of frozen beef products to sell in the world market at competitive prices. Their plan showed a way to add value to Thai beef products and raise the standard of living of farmers in Northeastern Thailand. Also, the team introduced artificial insemination technology to improve the local breed of cattle in order to yield the better marbled quality of meat and embryo transfer technology to increase productivity by allowing the best females in the breeding program to produce more than one calf per year.

The goal of the business plan is to produce high quality frozen beef for sale in the domestic market and for export. The plan could be practically implemented at an investment cost of about Bht65 million. If all went well according to plan, it would generate profits of 20% the first year and reach the break-even point in two years, assuming the price of high-quality beef remains about Bht1,500 per kilogramme. The strong points of Phumjai Farm Team’s plan are that it could create a new business while providing a good career and increased income for farmers. By comparison, the business plans submitted by other teams relied so much on advanced technology that they would be difficult to put into practice.

The members of Phumjai Farm Team are Sarawut Panyasarn, Satit Chatiphod, Nont Duangpakdee, Kaneungnit Tongkliang, and Waleerat Suktawee. Their academic adviser was Thanakorn Rachapila.

Phumjai Farm Team won the first runner-up prize (the grand prize was not awarded) in New Technopreneur Search 2007 organized by TMC.

# # #

Beam me up, Jakrada

Deaf scientist uses lip reading in a second language to probe viruses.

A young woman is about to take her first steps toward a childhood dream of becoming a biochemist. She’s won a scholarship to study in the US. But, she will be learning by reading lips-in English.

Jakrada Attarataya, 23, is deaf. She’s been communicating through lip reading since kindergarten.

Now she’s taking her Civil Service scholarship to Wisconsin, where she will complete her masters and doctorate in biochemistry and biotechnology. When finished, she hopes to research protein structures using radiation.

Jakrada is the first deaf woman to compete with hearing people and win the scholarship. “It is a dream of my family to see me study abroad. My parents helped me so much to teach me to communicate with others, and live with them,” says Jakrada.

Job back home
After her six years of studies in the US, Jakrada will return home for a job at the National Synchrotron Research Centre.

NSRC chief Dr.Weerapong Pairsuwan says when she graduates she will apply radiation to proteins to discover the molecular structure of food, viruses of herbs.

This will help researchers find ways of making cooking food safer, discover how viruses work and to understand the exact properties of herbs so we can tackle viruses better.

“My daughter’s success will open up opportunities for other disabled people,” says mother Ubonrat.

Jakrada communicates by reading lips and speaking. Surprisingly, she knows very little about sign language.

Ï used to think being deaf made me inferior. I decided I would read lips,” Jakrada says.

She has a science degree from Chulalongkorn and has worked as a researcher at The National Centre for Genetic and Bioengineering and Biotechnology.

# # #

Former BIOTEC Executive Director awarded the ASEAN Science and Technology Meritorious Service

Prof. Dr. Morakot Tanticharoen, Assistant President of NSTDA and Former Executive Director of BIOTEC was named the recipient to the 2008 ASEAN Science and Technology Meritorious Service Award. The Award was presented on 7 July 2008 as part of the 8th ASEAN Science and Technology Week held in Manila, the Philippines on 1-11 July 2008.

The prestigious award is given in recognition to her efforts and significant contributions towards the promotion and development of regional cooperation in the scientific and technological fields, and the upgrading of the regional, scientific and technological capabilities in Thailand.

# # #

Prof. Dr. Morakot started her teaching career at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Thonburi (presently King Mongkut’s University of Thonburi – KMUTT). She became the main driving force for teaching and research in the field of energy generated from biomass, biomass production, energy balance of biomass production, bioproductivity and bioleaching. She was instrumental in founding the School of Energy and Materials and the Division of Biotechnology within the School of Energy and Materials at KMUTT. Biotechnology Division was later transformed into the School of Bioresources and Technology, which included the Division of Biotechnology, Natural Resources Management, Postharvest Technology and Biochemical Technology. From over two decades of contributing to KMUTT, Prof. Dr. Morakot has served as Dean of the School of Bioresources and Technology, as well as the School of Energy and Materials, and in so doing has provided guidance as advisor or co-advisor to over one hundred post-graduate theses and dissertations.

Prof. Dr. Morakot herself is a leading researcher in Thailand in the field of microbiology and biotechnology. Her specialty includes research and development of an anaerobic wastewater treatment for biogas production and algae technology research, and she is also a pioneer in biosensor research in Thailand. She is also well recognized for her involvement at the regional and international level, being an active member and working on the executive of several societies and organizations, as well as serving on the editorial board of a number of noted international journals. Under her directorship, BIOTEC has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the UNESCO Regional Network for Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology in Southeast Asia since 2002. She served as a Chairperson of the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Biotechnology (SCB) during June 2005- June 2008.

Prof. Dr. Morakot served as Deputy Director of the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) during 1994-2000. She was elected the President of Thailand Society of Biotechnology and served from 1999-2003. She was Executive Director of BIOTEC for two terms from 2000 to 2008 and currently serves as an Assistant President of NSTDA and Senior Advisor to BIOTEC.