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Progression of genetics from traditional to modern advancements

By Azman Zakaria

Photo by Nor Azreen Awang

SERDANG, March 21 - Research in genetics has been progressing well, right from traditional selective breeding of plants and animals to modern genetics of DNA sequencing, genetic manipulation and gene therapy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof. Dato’ Dr. Husaini Omar said.

He said research had created advances in technology and would further boost future development of the disciplines while contributing towards human well-being.

He said the use of the term genetics was first recorded in the early 20th century even though the knowledge on inheritance had been known for centuries.

“Ever since then, we have progressed from traditional selective breeding of plants and animals to the modern genetics of DNA sequencing, genetic manipulation and gene therapy and so on,” he said when opening the Genetics Society of Malaysia (PGM) Seminar 2017, themed “Towards Excellence in Genetics” in conjunction with PGM’s 22nd Annual General Assembly (AGM) here today.

Three speakers – Senior Fellow and Director, Centre for Science and Environment Studies, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia, Dr  Shaikh Mohd Saifuddeen Shaikh Mohd Salleh; Prof Dr. Fong  Mun Yik from the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya (UM); and Head Biotechnology & Breeding, Research and Development, Sime Darby Plantation, Dr. David Ross Appleton – talked on a range of topics in the diverse fields of genetics.

Prof. Dato’ Dr Husaini said UPM was honoured to have hosted the event where speakers could share their expertise and experiences in their respective fields of genetics.

“The expertise you bring from your respective areas will function as a guide and living example for all, especially younger scientists. You will also provide an invaluable networking for all,” he said.

Meanwhile PGM President, Prof. Dr. Mohamad Osman said genetics was a rapidly expanding field with a far-reaching impact in almost every horizon of life, from agriculture to industry to medicine, and has made many invaluable contributions towards human well-being.

“This seminar is, therefore, a good platform to highlight these wide-ranging topics. I hope this seminar will provide yet another opportunity for members and non-members alike to touch base with new developments,” he said.

Two new publications of PGM - “A Practical Compendium 3 on Advances on Plant Breeding” and “Transactions of PGM Number 4, Current Advances in Plant Breeding” -  and PGM’s refurbished website www.persatuangenetikmalaysia.com were launched at the event by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Husaini. - UPM

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Input: 22/03/2017 | Updated: 22/03/2017 | hairul_nizam

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