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Tag: #polymerase

Young minds explore gene clon­ing at CCMB

Young minds explore gene clon­ing at CCMB

For a group of Hyderabad schoolchildren, the New Year began not with fireworks, but with microscopes and lab benches. Students from Classes 8, 9, and 10, representing both government and private schools, conducted gene cloning experiments at the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) for the first time as part of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP).

The five-day programme offered participants a rare opportunity to experience life as scientists. “Five of us from our school took the entrance exam. On the first day, we observed fruit flies and zebrafish. Later, we worked on bacterial cultures and polymerase chain reaction,” said Yash Ashwatha P, a Class 10 student from Telangana Model School, Suryapet.

Selected as the only government school student in this year’s cohort, Yash added that while he aspires to become a civil engineer, the programme has also encouraged him to seriously consider science-related courses in the future.

For many participants, the experience proved transformative. “We truly felt like scientists during these days. From observing bacterial growth to performing gene cloning, we gained microscopic insights into DNA and how these nearly invisible strands replicate,” said Nishka Joshi.

J. Nathan, a Class 9 student from St Andrews School, said the programme broadened his understanding of how artificial intelligence can support experiments in chemistry and biology. “I already use AI tools such as Gama AI,” he added.

Another participant, Bal Soham Banerjee, noted that the practical sessions covered topics typically taught in Classes 11 and 12, going far beyond the limited textbook exposure available at school.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr Somdatta Karak, Senior Scientist and Head of Science Communication at CSIR-CCMB, said the 13th edition of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP) included 25 to 30 students. “This year, our focus was on hands-on training in molecular biology, including gene cloning. Due to laboratory capacity, participation is limited, but we hope to explore ways to include more students next year if adequate funding becomes available,” she said.