Indian-origin scientist's team create genetic tool to predict heart disease! September 26, 2016 12:09
A new tool to calculate the generic risk score of people likely to develop coronary heart disease in advance has been created by an Indian-origin scientist and his team of researchers. The invention may pave way for early and personalized preventive interventions. Genetic factors have long been known to make a significant contribution to CHD risk. Recent advances in genetics have led to the identification of many Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) very small differences in our DNA that vary from person to person. According to the researchers, they created a score by looking at over 49,000 SNPs, known as a genomic risk score (GRS) and showed that the higher the GRS the higher the future risk of CHD. The study was conducted by the University of Leicester in the UK. It is the first to look at a much larger number of SNPs to give a fuller picture of an individual's genetic risk of developing CHD. Nilesh Samani from the University of Leicester, said that, "This is the first really large study showing the potential benefits of using a genetic risk score over and above current methods to identify people at increased risk of coronary heart disease," "We already know that CHD starts at an early age, several decades before symptoms develop, and preventative measures should ideally be applied much earlier, especially to those who are at increased risk," he said. "Current clinical risk scores are not good at evaluating risk until middle-age. On the other hand the GRS, which is based on your DNA, can be applied at any age," Samani said. "Earlier identification of people who would most benefit from lifestyle changes and medication to reduce their risk of a heart attack could save countless lives," he added. Also Read: One Indian-American, Two Indians among 17 UN Young Leaders! - Nandini
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Indian-American bar owner helped catch New York bombing suspect! September 22, 2016 10:22
An Indian-American bar owner, Harinder Bains is being hailed as a hero for helping capture the 28-year old Afghan-American suspect wanted for the bombings in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Bains owns a bar in Linden found Ahmad Khan Rahami sleeping in the doorway of his bar. He said he was watching news on TV on his laptop from another business across the street. According to the Bains, at first, he thought he was some "drunk guy" resting in the vestibule but then recognized Rahami and called police. Bains said that, "I'm just a regular citizen doing what every citizen should do. Cops are the real heroes, law enforcement are the real heroes," The PTI reported, Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra said that, Bains "dared to honour his Oath of Citizenship to protect & defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic - and it's turns out that the Chelsea Pressure Cooker Bomber suspect, a naturalized citizen, is caught by another immigrant, an Indian-American Hero-Sikh." The National Sikh Campaign said in a said in a statement, that this was brave and courageous act by Bains. "A Sikh helps police get to the terrorist involved in New York and New Jersey bombing over the weekend," it said. "He heroically helped save many innocent lives and yet gave credit to law enforcement officers. Harinder Bains certainly did what every responsible citizen in America ought to do. Brave and courageous act!" said the National Sikh Campaign. Also Read: Indian-Origin Peer Wins 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in UK! Nandini
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One Indian-American, Two Indians among 17 UN Young Leaders! September 22, 2016 10:08
The list of 17 Young Leaders appointed as the inaugural class of UN Young Leaders for Sustainable Development Goals includes two Indians and one Indian-American. The young leaders have been recognized for their leadership and contribution to the achievement of the 17 Global Goals. The goals are also known as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to end poverty, fight inequality and injustice, and tackle climate change by 2030. The UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, Ahmad Alhendawi, “We are proud to announce this group of young global citizens who are already transforming their communities.” “At the same time, the selection process was an important reminder of the great potential and talent of so many young people around the world, who are making immense contributions to peace, development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement delivered by Mr. Alhendawi, that, “Today I am pleased to join in welcoming the inaugural class of UN Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals.” “These 17 young change-makers are a testament to the ingenuity of youth and I congratulate them for their exceptional leadership and demonstrated commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added. The complete list of the UN 17 young leaders includes, Trisha Shetty (India), Rita Kimani (Kenya),Anthony Ford-Shubrook (the United Kingdom), Rainier Mallol (the Dominican Republic), Vincent Loka (Indonesia), Edda Hamar (Iceland/Australia), Samar Samir Mezghanni (Tunisia/Iraq), Carolina Medina (Colombia), Lutfi Fadil Lokman (Malaysia), Jake Horowitz (the United States), Samuel Malinga (Uganda), Shougat Nazbin Khan (Bangladesh), Safaath Ahmed Zahir (the Republic of Maldives), Nikki Fraser (Canada), Ankit Kawatra (India), Tere Gonzalez Garcia (Mexico) and Karan Jerath (the United States). Also Read: Indian-origin businessman joins Business and Sustainable Development Commission! Nandini
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Indian-origin scientist bags Lemelson-MIT in US! September 15, 2016 10:29
A scientist of Indian-origin earned the prestigious Lemelson-MIT Prize worth $500,000 in the United States for his groundbreaking innovations to create solutions to improve lives globally. The 46 years old Ramesh Raskar, who hails from Nasik, India is founder of the Camera Culture research group at the MIT Media Labs and an Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences. A media release said that, "Raskar is the winner of the 2016 $500,000 Lemelson-MIT Prize for his groundbreaking inventions, commitment to youth mentor-ship, and dedication to improving our world with practical yet innovative solutions." According to the announcement, seeking to catalyse change on a massive scale by launching platforms that empower inventors to create solutions to improve lives globally, Raskar combines the best of the academic and entrepreneurial worlds to achieve milestones in improving the lives and health of people in industrial and developing societies. Raskar is the co-inventor of radical imaging solutions, who has Raskar is the co-inventor of radical imaging solutions including Femto-photography. Stephanie Couch, the executive director of the Lemelson-MIT Program, said that, "Raskar is a multi-faceted leader as an inventor, educator, change maker and exemplar connector. In addition to creating his own remarkable inventions, he is working to connect communities and inventors all over the world to create positive change.” "Everyone has the power to solve problems and through peer-to-peer co-invention and purposeful collaboration, we can solve problems that will impact billions of lives," he said. The annual Lemelson-MIT Prize honors outstanding mid-career inventors improving the world through technological invention and demonstrating a commitment to mentor-ship in science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Also Read: Indian-origin businessman joins Business and Sustainable Development Commission! - Nandini
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Indian-origin businessman joins Business and Sustainable Development Commission! September 14, 2016 10:49
A Singapore-based Indian-origin businessman joined the Business and Sustainable Development Commission, which aims to help accelerate sustainable growth in agri-business. Indian-origin Sunny Verghese is co-founder and CEO of Singapore's agri-business group Olam International Limited. He joins a host of leaders from the private sector, academia and civil society, who are committed to accelerating the world's transition to inclusive and sustainable growth. Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, Chair of the Business Commission, said that, "The world cannot achieve sustainable development without the full engagement of the food and agriculture sectors, which are critical to achieving not just one, but the majority of the Global Goals." "Sunny's leadership in agri-business will be essential to increasing the number of leaders who understand the incredible opportunity for both growth and sustainability in this sector." Verghese said that, "One of the meanings of the word Olam is 'enduring' or 'everlasting'. I believe the only way we can build an enduring business is to put sustainability at the heart of our business. This is reflected in 'Growing Responsibly', our core purpose, which guides us to pursue profitable growth in an ethical, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable way." "I am excited to join the Business Commission, as it seeks to inspire and catalyse companies to embed sustainability at the core of their businesses and aims to foster collaborations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030," he added. The SDGs was launched in 2015. It aims 17 ambitious targets to end hunger and poverty, reduce inequality and tackle climate change by 2030. Also Read: Indra Nooyi 2nd most powerful woman in Fortune list! Nandini
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Indian-American teenager's open letter to PM Modi on Kashmir unrest! August 03, 2016 10:21
An Indian-origin teenage girl in the United States has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi pleading that the voices of agitating Kashmiris be heard. A 17-year-old NRI Fatima Shaheen, based in Georgia state of the US, wrote in the letter, that, "Dear Mr PM, if we cared for Kashmir people, we wouldn't find ways to turn off all communications in the Valley only to further deprive them of freedom, we'd open up all means for their voices to be heard. Because isn't that all Kashmir people are asking for? (sic)." "Everyone wants Kashmir, but no one cares for the people of the land. Because if we cared for Kashmir people, we wouldn't care of people's opinion on whether Burhan Wani was a militant or a martyr, we'd try to understand why an ace student chose to continue his career holding a gun rather than a pen (sic)," she wrote. "Mr PM, I see the newsflash, the attack in Nice, France, is screened followed by the attempted military coup in Turkey, along with the report on the monsoon rains in southern India. But where is the news on Kashmir? Is this why I never knew what was going on in my hometown for such a long time, Sir? (sic)" she asked. Also Read: Kashmir violence: Modi chairs high-level meeting, Rajnath cancels US visit Nandini
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NRI architect launches bamboo structure design in Australia! July 29, 2016 10:31
An Indian-origin architect launched the designs of Australia's largest bamboo structure, that will be used for festival processions in the country. The renowned NRI Bijoy Jain designed the 12-metre-high tower in the Queen Victoria Gardens of the Melbourne city, Australia. The creation will reflect a connection between "earth, sky and the shared gravity". Naomi Milgrom Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports various public design and architecture projects said in a statement that, "MPavilion 2016 would be similar to tazia (a ceremonial tower structure used in festival processions in Bharuch)." Jain said while displaying the design, that, "MPavilion 2016 structure would use basic elements like bamboo, earth, stone and rope. The pavilion is in itself a gesture reflecting this internationally recognised architects' interest in the connection between earth, sky and the shared gravity that connects all humans." "The idea is not to guide observers but to allow discoveries through visual layers of thinking, making and seeing," he said. Jain and his craftsmen were working in Mumbai over the past six months. They have tested and designed MPavilion 2016 through a series of models and full-scale prototypes. "I wanted to create a space that connects the entire culture of the land," he said. Naomi Milgrom AO, the founder of MPavilion, said that, "Bijoy's practice is unique in that. It focuses on honouring age-old crafts and building-techniques which resonate strongly in this technologised world.” "Mpavilion has become one of Australia's most significant architectural and design projects, playing a leading role in celebrating and promoting good design and sparking a public conversation about its value," Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said. Also Read: Indian-origin scientist leads team to develop drones that navigate like birds Nandini
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PIO invented chains of magnetic nanoparticles to control soft robots December 22, 2015 19:04
Sumeet Mishra, PhD student from North Carolina State University has been invented a new technique to control soft robots. Soft robots can be controlled by remote through this technique. The technique is based on chains of magnetic nanoparticles which manipulate elastic polymers in 3D. According to the view of researchers, the way the nanocomposite moves can be controlled through the applying magnetic field. Soft robots can be used in biomedical technologies as well as in manufacturing processes if the motion and flexibility controlled. Sumeet Mishra, PhD student and lead author of the paper said that, “Using this technique, we can create large nanocomposites, in many different shapes, which can be manipulated remotely. The nanoparticle chains give us an enhanced response, and by controlling the strength and direction of the magnetic field, you can control the extent and direction of the movements of soft robots,” he described. According to the novel technique, first they disperse magnetite’s nanoparticles, which is an iron oxide into a solvent to dissolve the polymer into the mixture. Then, the desired shape can be made as the mixture is poured into the mold. After that, magnetite nanoparticles make parallel chains with arranging themselves when the magnetic field applied. “Electrical control can raise safety issues for some medical applications, Magnetic fields, on the other hand, pass through easily — and pose fewer safety challenges,” Mishra mentioned. Nandini
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Indian-origin wrestler nominated to represent Canada in Rio Olympics December 08, 2015 17:41
An Indian-origin wrestler has been nominated among six players who are going to represent Canada in Rio Olympics. Arjun Gill, has won the Canadian wrestling team trials, through the qualification process for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Arjun Gill, 24, won the 97-kg freestyle category at a three-day top-calibre freestyle and Greco-Roman. Wrestling Canada Lutte is the national sport governing body for Olympic style wrestling in Canada. The body works to select and train Canada's teams that participate in international competitions. According to Wrestling Canada Lutte’s authorities, the trial competitions has been concluded on Sunday and now they will focus on qualification tournaments. Tamara Medwidsky, executive director of Wrestling Canada Lutte said,"With weight class rankings completed, Wrestling Canada Lutte staff can now concentrate on team preparations for the upcoming international qualification events in order to guarantee Canadian entries for the 2016 Olympic Games." The international qualifying events are set to begin from March. The first two-day international qualifier event will start in Mongolia from 22nd April. On the other hand, the final international qualifying event will take place in Istanbul, Turkey during 6-8 May. The Pan American Olympic qualifier is scheduled to be held from March 4-6 in the US. The 2016 Olympic Games will be organized between August 5 – 21ST.10,500 Athletes from 206 countries are going to compete for 306 medal events said Olympic authorities. -Nandini
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PIO developed New 3D software tracks embryo’s brain development December 07, 2015 19:03
A Person of Indian-origin (PIO) scientist has developed a new, open-source 3D software which is able to track the embryonic development and movement of neuronal cells throughout the body of the worm. This technology is now accessible to scientists. According to Hari Shroff, head of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) research team “Understanding why and how neurons form and the path they take to reach their final destination could one day give us valuable information about how proteins and other molecular factors interact during neuronal development” Shroff said, it will be useful in understanding the fundamental mechanism by which all nervous systems assemble. “We do not yet understand neurodevelopment even in the context of the humble worm, but we’re using it as a simple model of how these factors work together to drive the development of the worm brain and neuronal structure,” said Shroff. “We are hoping that by doing so, some of the lessons will translate all the way up to humans,” he added. The worm is known as C elegans which has 302 neurons in which 222 form while the worm is still an embryo Although, scientists have acknowledged a number of important proteins that can determine how neurons navigate during the time of formation, but it is largely indefinite that how all of these proteins interacts in a living organism. -Nandini
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NRI businessman won, ‘person of the year’ award December 07, 2015 15:47
An NRI businessman has been selected for the ‘person of the year’ award this year by a newspaper in London. KT Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeulla, managing director of the Jeddah-based Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group, got this honour for his exceptional contribution to the community welfare. Jeddah-based Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group is one of most sought healthcare providers in the Middle East. A London based Asian Lite newspaper has chosen this medical group for the award. Earlier, Mr KT Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeulla has been honoured with “Pravasi Bhartiya Award,” the highest honour for the members of the Indian diaspora in the 2013. The jury members said, “Dr Rabeeullah's philanthropic activities in the remote areas of Thailand is highly commendable,". Mr Rabeeulla has also donated $100,000 to the villagers in Thailand to buy tractors and other farm equipments to change their life and living standard. Mr Rabeeullah is setting an example for all the business leaders to work in the empowerment of their communities and help them in growing, jury said in a statement. He will be granted with the award on 23rd April, 2016. The NRI businessman is also contributing 5 percent of his company profit to provide insurance schemes and school buses for the children in Kerala. -Nandini
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British-Indian hotelier Ranjit Singh Power dead body found June 02, 2015 11:17
It seems the mysterious missing case of British-Indian hotelier Ranjit Singh Power has been solved by the police of Punjab as two friends of him claimed to have identified his caracas, which was recovered from Bhakra Canal on Pehowa Road. The body was reportedly recovered from the canal on Monday evening and the same was shown to Ranjit Singh's friends Gulshan and Darshan Singh. However, the police officials have not confirmed the body as London's Grade II-listed Ramada Park Hall Hotel owner's death. They are awaiting for the identification by his kins. His daughter Emma Power and son Gian Power have approached the police in London and have announced $25,000 to find him. A case was filed against his friend and UK citizen Baldev Singh for apparently kidnapping him from the airport on May 7th. Further reports can be expected once his son and daughter arrives in India. -Kannamsai
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