Pune: Eminent Scientist Dr Anjali Shiras succumbed to Covid-19 infection on Friday (October 2). Dr Shiras was working with the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) almost since its inception.
The NCCS team has posted a condolence message on their Facebook page regarding the demise of Dr Shiras. The message says, “The NCCS family is deeply saddened that we have lost a brilliant scientist, colleague and friend, Dr Anjali Shiras, to COVID-19. May she rest in peace! Our heart-felt condolences to her family! She was with NCCS almost since its inception, and she will be sorely missed!”
Several students, colleagues and citizens have started reacting to this post on Facebook page of NCCS. Scientist Dr Anjali Shiras was involved in research focused on studying the molecular mechanisms that control tumor growth and progression. According to the information on NCCS website, her research work was concentrated in two principal areas – understanding the role of cellular signaling pathways involved in cancer stemness and malignant behavior of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors and deciphering mechanisms through which long non-coding RNAs mediate cell growth regulation and homeostasis.
What is NCCS
NCCS is an autonomous institute of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of Government of India. It was established to facilitate cell biology research in the country. NCCS is located within the academically-enriched campus of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
NCCS has been at the forefront of basic research in diverse fields of cell biology, especially those addressing important human health issues such as cancer, metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and regenerative medicine. The contributions made by the scientists of NCCS have gained worldwide recognition through publications in renowned scientific journals. They have also received awards including the Padma Shree, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awards, National Bioscience Award, and Swarnajayanti Fellowship.
P Lakshmi Narsimhan (61), a retired scientist at Botanical Survey of India, had recently died due to Covid-19 as he could not get a ventilator bed in any hospital in the city after he was diagnosed with Covid-19.