Editorial Note

It gives me immense joy and satisfaction to bring out the issue of RJPS Vol 7, issue (1-4) of 2017.

With growing resistance to drugs by microorganisms, it is posing a challenge across the world to find new antibiotics. The currently available antibiotics are proving to be ineffective besides ever existing viral challenges Viz., Rabies, polio, hepatitis, AIDS, etc. Thus, the scientists are busy in discovering more potent (potent ones are already available!) and more dependable antibiotics to meet these challenges. A current look at the journals on medicines reveals about the present trend in drug discovery and the approach to it. This no doubt is a time tested method of research with proven results but unexplored ideas still remain dormant to combat drug resistance.

One of the master keys for all the problems is held by nature as it offers endless clues for inspiration for working in that direction. This can be in the form of flora and fauna, or about natural gifts the nature has offered to various living beings. It can be natural night vision in many species, extraordinary sense of olfaction, hearing, etc., in many living beings or capacity to live underground, in waters, in the air, etc. The regeneration of tail in an amputated lizard or regeneration of a limb in salamander are extraordinary examples of somatic organ regeneration. The eagles break their beaks after they become weak to develop new healthy beak.

The vultures that scavenge on rotten meat do not get infections and lead their life. The reptiles like crocodiles are strong and sturdy in spite of consuming dead animals and residing in filthy ponds. Same logic is true about pigs and similar creatures staying healthy even after living in dirtiest drains or the flies and other insects not being infected by viruses or bacteria and complete their lifespan allotted to them. The defense mechanism they have in their system that imparts safety, quick/auto healing capacity, and good health can be explored for the mechanism involved for the benefit of mankind. This may be in the form of specific proteins elaborated naturally or as and when needed, autocoids, hormones, antibodies, phagocytosis mechanisms, etc. The logic can be extended further to extreme ends in different directions for tapping the knowledge and information to achieve what is needed. 

For better and quick diagnosis we can work in a direction wherein application of artificial intelligence (AI) can be explored. The AI gadgets generate biosignals that can be read via interface that converts machine language to human language. They can be employed for analyzing the health status, risk of infection or viral/bacterial load in the body or about infestations. They can also be utilized for raising alarm about the inner organs that are on the brink of developing disorders. These gadgets can work as early warning systems to ensure corrective measures. Presently such gadgets are available for recording blood pressure, pulse rate, heart rate, counting number of steps walked, etc. in the form of wrist bands or pocket tools. Insulin/glucose level detectors have been launched wherein a small device mounted on the arms generates signals and when a scanner in the form of mobile is held there it reads the glucose level. Further, there are devices in the pipeline that automatically inject the insulin when blood glucose crosses a prefixed level. Even the mobile phones come with apps that can detect hairline fractures, or scan the body or perform endoscopy.

I take this opportunity to thank for the excellent support, encouragement and guidance of Hon’ble Vice chancellor Dr.S.Sacchidanad, Dr.B.J.Mahendra, Director Prasaranga, other officials of RGUHS. The freedom given, trust imposed in me, the cooperation and love and affection of dedicated editorial team elates me.

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