BRIC - CDFD

31/07/2026

Dr. Varsha Srivastava represented BRIC-CDFD at the Media and Public Communication Coordination Committee (MPCC) Meeting convened by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, bringing together representatives from Central Government organizations across Hyderabad.

The meeting focused on strengthening coordinated public communication, enhancing outreach, and promoting the effective dissemination of government initiatives. During the event, Dr. Srivastava also interacted with Mrs. Patil, Additional Director General, PIB, and Mrs. Gayatri, Public Relations Officer, PIB, highlighting the importance of collaboration in advancing science communication and public engagement.

Department of Biotechnology, India BRIC DBT Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

27/07/2026

Unlocking the Hidden Potential of Plant Genomes 🌱🧬

A new study published in Nature Plants marks an important advance in our understanding of how genetic recombination is regulated during plant meiosis.

The research identifies SPF2, SGO2, and CTF18 as key regulators that suppress crossover formation near centromeres in Arabidopsis thaliana. By uncovering multiple parallel pathways controlling crossover distribution, the study provides valuable insights into overcoming long-standing barriers in plant breeding.

These findings open exciting possibilities for:
✅ Enhancing genetic diversity
✅ Accelerating crop improvement
✅ Improving breeding efficiency for future agriculture

📖 Read the publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-026-02329-1

23/07/2026

🧬 Just Published | Advancing Peptide-Based Therapeutics for Precision Medicine

A significant step toward next-generation targeted therapies! A new study published in Methods in Enzymology reports the development of novel lysine-modified peptide inhibitors with enhanced intracellular delivery and potent SIRT1 inhibitory activity.

By conjugating these peptides with a cell-penetrating Tat peptide, the researchers improved cellular uptake, enabling effective inhibition of sirtuins key regulators of DNA repair, metabolism, cell growth, ageing, and cancer progression.

The study also establishes a robust experimental framework for designing and evaluating future peptide-based sirtuin inhibitors, opening new avenues for cancer therapeutics and precision medicine.

🔗 Read the paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bs.mie.2026.06.016

Department of Biotechnology, India BRIC DBT Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

23/07/2026

🧬 Just Published | Advancing Precision Genomics

A new study in Human Gene demonstrates how integrated whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing can uncover hidden disease-causing genetic changes missed by conventional testing.

The study identified a novel lncRNA fusion transcript associated with an apparently balanced chromosomal translocation, highlighting the power of multi-omics in improving the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Congratulations to the authors on this important contribution to genomic medicine.

📖 Scan the QR code to read the full paper.

Department of Biotechnology, India BRIC DBT Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

16/07/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Ms. Punam Bala on the successful defense of her Ph.D. thesis under the guidance of Dr. Rohit Joshi at the Laboratory of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, BRIC-CDFD.

Her research, titled "Understanding the role of SWI/SNF ATPase Brahma in regulating neural stem cell apoptosis in the Drosophila Central Nervous System," advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing neural stem cell biology and programmed cell death using Drosophila as a model system.

We wish Ms. Punam Bala every success in her future scientific endeavors.

Department of Biotechnology, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India BRIC DBT

16/07/2026

🌱 Celebrating scientific excellence in plant–microbe interactions!

We are delighted to share that Dr. K. B. Durga Bhavani, from BRIC–Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (BRIC-CDFD), has been featured in the IS-MPMI InterConnections – Spotlight series.

The feature highlights her scientific journey, research contributions, and insights into plant immunity, quorum sensing, and host–pathogen interactions showcasing the passion and perseverance behind impactful discovery science.

👏 Congratulations to Dr. Bhavani on this well-deserved recognition!

🔗 Read the full feature: https://ismpmi.org/interactions/volume-10-2026/interconnections-spotlight-on-dr-k-b-durga-bhavani/

Department of Biotechnology, India BRIC DBT Department of Science and Technology, Government of India

Meet Dr. K.B. Durga Bhavani and learn about her recent MPMI paper: Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Players in Plant Immunity Triggered by Diffusible Signal Factor (DSF), a Xanthomonas-Secreted Quorum-Sensing Molecule. An interview by AFE Ved Prakash.

16/07/2026

🦠 JUST PUBLISHED!

How do bacteria know when to stop cooperating?

Researchers at BRIC-CDFD have discovered that the stress alarmone ppGpp acts as a metabolic checkpoint, switching off quorum sensing during nutrient limitation. This prevents bacteria from spending energy on costly processes such as biofilm formation and virulence, helping them survive under stressful conditions.

Published in Cell Press iScience, this work advances our understanding of bacterial communication and highlights promising new directions for anti-virulence research.

📲 Scan the QR code to read the full publication.

Congratulations to the entire research team! 👏

Department of Biotechnology, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India BRIC DBT

10/07/2026

New Publication | Understanding How TB Outsmarts the Immune System

🔬 Just Published in the Journal of Biosciences

The study demonstrates that the bacterial protein PPE18 suppresses the production of nitric oxide (NO)- a key molecule involved in immune defence- and selectively reduces IgG antibody production, while leaving IgM responses unaffected. This reveals a previously unrecognized strategy by which the TB bacterium weakens long-term protective immunity.

These findings deepen our understanding of tuberculosis pathogenesis and may contribute to the development of improved therapeutic interventions and next-generation vaccines.

📖 Read the publication through the QR code or DOI featured in the post.

Congratulations to the research team on this significant contribution to tuberculosis research.

Department of Biotechnology, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India BRIC DBT

06/07/2026

🎭✨ Science meets theatre!

BRIC-CDFD was proud to be a Co-organiser of the inaugural Fifth Wall Theatre Festival at T-Works, Hyderabad.

The festival brought together science, theatre, art, and storytelling, inspiring meaningful conversations and making science more accessible through creativity. It was wonderful to engage with the public through our interactive science stall and celebrate the power of collaboration.

Thank you to all our partners, volunteers, artists, scientists, and the enthusiastic audience for making this event a memorable success!

24/06/2026

BRIC-CDFD extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. K. Thangaraj, former Director of Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), on being conferred the prestigious Padma Shri.

This distinguished honour is a testament to his exemplary contributions to genetics, genomics, and scientific research in India. We wish him continued success in his future endeavours.

CSIR, India Department of Biotechnology, India Department of Science and Technology, Government of India BRIC DBT



(Padma Shri, Dr K Thangaraj, BRIC-CDFD, CDFD Hyderabad, Indian Genetics, Genomics Research India, Scientific Excellence, Biotechnology Research, Biomedical Research, Indian Scientists, Science Leadership, Padma Awards 2026.)