
Asia’s first DNA bank in Lucknow
Four drops of blood may one day save your life. All you have to do is give four drops of blood and become a member of the Human DNA Bank launched in Lucknow. Asia’s only and the world's second, this bank has been established by Dr Saeed Ahmad, director of IQRA Biotech Services under a public private partnership with Biotech Park, Lucknow.
The bank will require exhaustive details about a person, including fingerprints and four drops of blood. This information will be stored for 50 years.
The US’s Federal Bureau of Investigation was so far the only agency that could boast of a DNA bank.
Talking to Hindustan Times recently, Dr Ahmad also demonstrated the DNA Identification System (DIS), one of the major functions of the DNA Bank.
Once you become a member of this bank, you will get a microchip-based DNA card containing vital information about you. With the help of this card, all information about a person will be accessible at the click of a mouse. “The card will have general information, anthropological and medical information, biometrics (DNA and fingerprint) details about a person. Some very rare, personal and confidential information will be stored in the card which will be available through a smart card reader or finger impression through the reader or by DNA. The information will also be uploaded on the bank’s website www.dnabankindia.com,” said Dr Ahmed.
Highlighting its features, CEO of Biotech Park Dr P.K. Seth said, “DNA identification system can enable law enforcement agencies to work out murders. This system will also be helpful in hospitals and for police verification. It will also benefit the police in restoring a lost child to his parents and in cases of road and train accidents, plane crashes, natural disasters and terror attacks, DIS can provide crucial information about victims which will help in identifying them."
On how these services will reach the common man, Dr Ahmad said, “Our team will contact people to make them members of the DNA Bank. An individual will have to shell out Rs 650 and a student below Class X will have to pay Rs 500. We are ready to provide free technical services to police departments. The identification machines can be installed at important places such as airports, hospitals and railway stations at a cost borne by them and software and services provided by us."

Rapid blood test can now identify patients at highest risk of severe Covid-19

Polycystic Ovarian Disease: Here are some natural ways to fight PCOS, PCOD

Novel vaccine that may help prevent future coronavirus pandemics developed

Parineeti Chopra loves her Yoga mornings, says she is addicted to stretching

Acute itching in eczema patients linked to environmental allergens

Metformin use reduces risk of death for patients with Covid-19, diabetes

Racial, ethnic disparities in Covid-19 impact on life expectancy

Watch: Disha Patani's new exercise video will make your jaws hit the floor
- Disha Patani recently shared a clip that shows the actor landing an impressive flying kick on a boxing bag. This is all the motivation that we will need to start our weekend on a fitter note.

Fast food restaurant proximity likely doesn't affect children's weight: Study

Bird flu scare and non veg cravings? Wary Delhiites look for safe food options

Esha Gupta does extremely difficult asana with utmost ease, we are speechless
- In her latest fitness post, Esha Gupta can be seen doing an extremely tough variation of Baddha Konasana. The actor always manages to leave us speechless with her Yoga posts and this one is no different.

Study: Depression, stress could dampen efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines

Cafe, croissant, worms? EU agency says worms safe to eat

Researchers find how the brain paralyses you while you sleep
