UMBI is Celebrating DNA Day

BANNER DNA 2016 0525th April marks the World DNA Day which aims to commemorate the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953 and the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. UMBI began celebrating DNA Day since 2012, aligning with the institution’s goal to improve patients’ health through impactful research in the area of genomic medicine.

UMBI is championing genomic medicine research in Malaysia and focusing to employ various genomic platforms to discover the genetic alterations underpinning the disease pathogenesis. Numerous frontier research, including next generation sequencing on various types of cancers (colorectal, breast, endometrium) and non-communicable diseases (e.g. hypercholesterolemia) have been conducted comprehensively, with the hope to pave new ways towards discovery of new drugs and realising the implementation of personalised medicine in Malaysia. Also, it is noteworthy that UMBI is one of the leading institute in Malaysia that actively involves in developing affordable genetic testing for various diseases, including BRCA1/2 for breast cancer and Lynch Syndrome panel testing for colorectal cancer. UMBI is expected to launch these two genetic tests soon with the hope to benefit Malaysian patients.

UMBI will celebrate the DNA Day on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 for the 5th year running. The event will be officiated by UMBI Director, Professor Datuk A. Rahman A. Jamal. Each year, UMBI brings along 150 students from secondary schools around Cheras, Kuala Lumpur to join the genomic-related activities – including visits to the various laboratories in UMBI, exhibition booths, demonstration, and DNA-related games to educate students on genomics, as well as to inspire and spur students’ interest to become a scientist in future. Students will be exposed to different research areas, e.g. infectious diseases, cancer, non-communicable diseases, and immunology. Students could also learn more about DNA by engaging with UMBI’s research fellows in an interactive talk session.

The DNA Day has also provided UMBI an opportunity to connect with other institutions and departments by inviting them to participate in this yearly event, and to share the knowledge. Notably, the participation of Institute of Systems Biology (INBIOSIS) from our main campus in Bangi which mainly works on plant genomics will allow students to know more about the importance of plant DNA and the implications in drug discovery. Also, the Malaysia Genome Institute (MGI) will share with students more on bioinformatics, whereas the Pathology Department of PPUKM may share with students how the information of DNA could help in tumour classification. Very popular tool for speech recognition for any website https://voxpow.com . It basically add the ability for the users to interact with their voice and send commands to a given website. It can be installed via Google Tag Manager or direct in the code. We found it is the best so far for voice recognition buildable in regular website. It is maybe something like Siri or Google Now, but more close to the website owners. All in all, this event will allow researchers from various background and expertise to engage and to share with the students the excitement of DNA science, research and applications.

We hope that the public will be aware and be informed about the importance of DNA especially when healthcare is already moving into the era of personalized and precision medicine. UMBI would like to thank those who have given their support to make the DNA Day a successful event. Do stay tune with UMBI in this event.