The code of Life

                                                                                                                                                                                              Ankur Bora

Have you wondered why you have black hair or brown eyes while your partner has blue eyes and blonde hair? Or have you come across or observed the animal mule – which is really half horse and half donkey? Have you ever pondered over the question - How are human traits inherited from one generation to the next?

Assam Tribune Horizon 24th February 2017

Whether you have black hair or blue eyes is determined by the genes that you received from your father and mother. These genetic codes or the DNA are instruction manuals which determine all of the traits of living things. Just as blueprints direct the building of a house, DNA molecules contain the genetic instructions used in the development and the functioning of a living organism. There has recently been unprecedented breakthrough in Genetics Engineering and it is said that the 21st century will be the age of genetics. Genetics promises to bring about dramatic changes in almost every area of life: the cure and prevention of diseases; the extension of human life span, the modification of food crops to feed the world’s hungry and even creation of laboratory grown human replacement organs and other body parts. Today, we human beings are gaining insight into a domain that, until now, have been deemed the exclusive sphere of God Almighty! There has been major upheaval in biomedical research and a young Assamese, recently, initiated a new technique, which has spawned a flood of applied research and a new era of treating genetic diseases.

Rubul Mout grew up, in a remote part of Assam, near Arunachal border in Tinsukia district. His parents were farmers who went through huge financial struggles to send him to school and later to college. It was not easy, but Rubul had a promising start. As a boy, in the countryside of Tinsukia, he often found himself not in front of the television or out in the cricket field, but sitting happily before an open book. This was due, in part, because of the absence of scientific milieu in that area as well his father’s emphasis on the value of education. The high school where he studied was a venture school and there was a not a single teacher to impart science and mathematics. His father had no money or resources other than his conviction, which could aid young Rubul in pursuing his studies. He however came to Tinsukia for higher studies and after successfully completing his Masters majoring in Chemistry, he joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai. At TIFR, as a Biotechnology researcher, Rubul discovered something he loved- “Biology is so fascinating! There are thousands of genes in human cells and every gene has hundreds of stories and these stories are real—they have huge impact on life and humanity. By playing with these genes you can change life, forever.” That was his insight and Rubul set his goal and put his heart and soul   to get where he wanted to be in life and his journey took him around the world.  

Getting admission in the University of Massachusetts, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, was the proudest moment of his life. The University operates Vincent Rotello Group, one of the world’s leading research groups in Nano-biotechnology.  Rubul has been working on this lab for the past several years and is currently leading an innovative gene-editing technology known as CRISPR. This technology provides a quick, easy and effective way to edit the genes of any species including humans. The technique takes advantage of the sophisticated immune systems of bacteria. Researchers essentially trick bacteria into cutting strands of DNA and then using nanoparticles usher them across the membrane and into the cell nucleus. "We have delivered them into the nucleus without getting it trapped on its way and able to watch the delivery process live in real time using sophisticated microscopy", Rubul explains.

There are 3 billion letters that make up the human genetic code, which reveals the astronomical complexity of God’s creation, packed with mysteries and surprises. Genetics, as a discipline, thus requires creativity and imagination. While science provides the blueprint, it is the imagination which gives genetic research its life and purpose. Rubul who recently published a collection of short stories in Assamese believes that science and literature have a very common theme – which is imagination. He would often brainstorm with colleagues or friends to develop a mental picture drawing on his unique traits, abilities and on his passion. Imagination ignites greatness. Today his work on CRISPR is breaking new ground and building momentum to unlock the complexities of living systems.    

Sadly, Rubul’s own father suffered from an incurable genetic disease called Parkinson and died helplessly last year. “I understand the emotional agony and burden of helplessness”. After his father’s demise, Rubul delved further to understand the genetic material that controls hereditary characteristics.

Rubul’s work at University of Massachusetts is expected to serve as a guide for major pharmaceutical firms who have been trying to develop new ways of treating cancer and other ailments that have plagued humanity. Knowing the identity and location of genes, for instance, enables researchers to study their patterns of expression — when they turn on and off. These clues have already yielded useful information and researchers can study how genes and proteins function in both healthy people and those with deadly diseases. This holds great promise and Rubul is optimistic of a stunning outcome.  “What will come out of this is a complete redefinition of human biology; I would strongly recommend young generation of Assam and North East to take biology research seriously to solve human problems.”

Rubul Mout grew up in a small village but was able to make it all the way to the top of his class. The story teaches us that no matter the odds are or even the consequences you need to find your dreams and what fuels you and make them come true. If you believe in yourself like Rubul did and put your mind towards achieving your goal with unwavering faith and focus you can accomplish anything you could ever dream of doing.      ankurbora@hotmail.com                                                                               

Response from readers

Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to know about Rabul Mout and his significant discoveries and researches. Hats off to him. We are also proud that he hails from our part of India. Wishing him further successes,

Nirode Barooah , Germany

Rubul, Congratulations for the work you've done so far and best wishes for many wonderful stories in the future! Krishanu  Kaushik , USA

 This is a very inspiring story! Kudos to Rubul for the work you are doing

Rasika Saikia , USA

t's a great news for us. Congratulations Rubul

 Anamika baruah , Assam

Rubul, I remember, when I was working in a University in Ethiopia, one of my Biology colleagues often visits jungles and search for something. Out of curiosity when I asked what he actually does, he said they are researching for plant extracts which could  retard cell degeneration leading to aging.

He did research in Karolinska Institutet, which houses the Nobel Committee in Physiology or Medicine.

You are in  such a wonderful field and target, and since at this age you already built your confidence, definitely you will achieve newer dimensions in Science. And that would contribute to the humanity, as well as inspire thousands back here in Assam.
 I consider it not over-enthusiastic to look an Assamese in Nobel run in future. 
Do let us know when you plan to visit Assam, so that we could request for some of your local times for delivering lectures/interactions with students/researchers/teachers of Assam.

Regards.

Prof. Shikhar Kr. Sarma

Registrar and Professor, Dept. of  Computer Science & Information Technology ,

Cotton College State University

Searching for the First Zero

                                                                                                                                 Ankur Bora

Science is a passionate search for knowledge which propels human beings to a continuous learning.  This is where lies it’s subtle magic and this is how we reconceive the world time and again.  Human beings have built the modern world through scientific enterprise by overthrowing the order of things, by broadening our knowledge and giving life the freedom to flourish and grow. This scientific temper must be sought in what can be called the most important scientific advances in human history – the invention of zero.

The article has been published in Horizon , Assam Tribune dated February 3rd 2017

In everyday life, zero  is used to do arithmetic as well as to algebraically define negative or  positive numbers. However, the specialty and the magic of zero lies in defining our base-10 number system.  Earlier, it was the Roman numerals which were prevalent in Europe until as late as thirteen century. This system employs Latin Letters for numbers (I for 1, X for 10, L for 50, C for 100, M for 1,000).  These letters had to be repeated, for example, the number 3,373 is represented as MMMCCCLXXIII. For a bigger number, Roman system will need tens of hundreds of letters and if you have to write it in a blackboard, it will, probably cover the length and breadth of the whole board! An enormous number, perhaps, will occupy the four walls and the ceilings of a classroom.  To our rescue came the base-10 number system and it is the zero that enables our modern world to work efficiently and seamlessly.  Because of zero, the same ten numerals can be used over and over again, at different positions. Thus, a 3 in the units location is a 3 but the same symbol in the thousands location makes it a 3000. This is exactly what makes zero so special and powerful, without that little zero we would be stuck in mediaeval period!

Zero is one of the most influential inventions of all times, but who invented the zero? The ZerOrigIndia is a Foundation which is leading a global campaign to re-discover the origin and invention of zero. The foundation is providing a platform to academicians, scholars, researchers from the field of pure and applied sciences across the world as well as to various stakeholders and partner organizations who are passionate about finding the origin of zero and for a deeper understanding of the philosophy of emptiness and life. Wahid Saleh, a prominent member of the Advisory Board in Netherland, describes the objectives, “Finding the oldest zero would of course be very welcome and exciting.  But finding an older zero only means that there may be others even older.  What we are after is to finding the origin of the zero digit, but more in the socio-cultural context such as the possible / likely ‘bridge’ between philosophy and mathematics.  Finding an older zero is not the end of the Zero Project. Our aim is to conduct a systematic study into the origin of zero, taking all previous evidence into account as well as finding fresh evidence.  Then piece it all together in order to pinpoint the epicenter of zero”

The base-10 number system owns its origin to India, where for the first time the concept of numerology had originated. This numeral system reached the western countries through Arabia and thus became known as Arabic numeral. At the beginning, the digits 1 to 9 had evolved from the Brahmi numerals which came into being during the middle of the third century BC. The Brahmi symbols were used for a long span of time. Aryabhatta, the Indian mathematician, is popularly known as the inventor of zero, while Brahmagupta, another mathematician, who is known to formalize arithmetic operation representing the zero as ‘dot’, which was adopted in Brahmi numerals during A.D.650.  

The inscriptions of Brahmi symbols are found in a number of caves and coins in different regions of India.  Such an inscription containing the numeral zero was found at the at the Chatur-bujha temple in the city of Gwalior , which is considered as the oldest known zero . However, a recent finding of an inscription at the Golaghat district in Assam might recast this most significant event in history and bring world’s attention to the antiquity of the Kamrupi civilization.

One of the things that makes the story of ZerOrigIndia so fascinating to us is that the members are active participants in multiple fields: Archaeology, social History, Philosophy , religion and Mathematics. Wahid Saleh, a native of Jorhat, who is playing a defining role in this project, is able to connect with a wide spectrum of people across Europe, America and Asia. I had the privilege to Mr. Saleh’s legendary email correspondence with his peers. It is Dr. HN Dutta, former Director of Assam Archaeological Society, who in his thesis ‘Art and Archaeology of Doiyang-Dhansiri Valley of Assam’ mentioned about the finding of a stone slab in Golaghat district. Ashok Sarma, a language history researcher and Dr. Dharmeshwar Chutia, a retired professor of the Department of Sanskrit, Gauhati University, were able to decipher the Brahmi script. The stone slab measuring 15x 9 centimeter, contains inscriptions and the numerical zero is one of them, thereby pointing to the use of zero in Assam. The written script is believed to be between 2nd and 3rd century and if the date of the epigraphical noting and the genuineness of the stone can be determined with the help of modern dating techniques then Assam will be in world history. Wahid Saleh elaborated further, “If our assumption is correct that the slab contains the numerical zero, then Assam will occupy world history status. Earlier, we knew only about such a slab to be in Assam but now, with the newfound location will help us to take up the matter with the Government of India which has acknowledged the project and we hope to get support in the future.”

Understanding how and why the great inventions were made that made modern science and technology possible, concerns all mankind and the invention of zero certainly ranks among the greatest. The ZerOrigIndia project is an accelerated march of human understanding; we now see the web of relationship that connects to epic changes in science, belief and society. Aamir Hazarika , a journalist in Joraht , fondly reflects on his association – “ (ZerOrigIndia  is ) responsible for igniting that zeal of investigative journalism that led to the search of the stone slab lying isolated in a dark corner of the Jorhat district museum.

The world is still ripe for radical change, for new ways of sharing ideas or organizing human life. And how could it not also be cause for hope?          ankurbora@hotmail.com 

Further Notes

Peter Gobets ,Secretary General ZerOrigIndia recently received the following communications from Mrs. Neelam D Sabharwal , former Ambassador of India to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO in Paris – “I am so happy to see the great progress in your research on the Assam connection. It is also heartening to see Wahid Saleh in his usual form , determined to leave no stone unturned when he has to get to the bottom of the matter.”