Bengalureans to get intimate with proteins tonight

Who doesn’t love a good picnic? Well, how about one that romances with science and lets you get intimate with the building block of all organic matter on a cool midsummer night.
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BENGALURU: Who doesn’t love a good picnic? Well, how about one that romances with science and lets you get intimate with the building block of all organic matter on a cool midsummer night.
Intrigued? Well then, join Vignesh Narayan this Saturday as he hosts a midsummer night picnic, talking about protein and his life in research.

With over six years of experience in research, this molecular biologist is fascinated by proteins. What fascinates him the most about them is the diversity of its structure and function.
“Evolution has created a protein for almost every type of job imaginable - from forming the basis of cellular structure to performing even the smallest task, proteins define life. The amazing thing is that while each and every protein is different, they are all made from a mix and match of the same basic components called amino acids,” says Vignesh, who is currently pursuing his PhD at Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

The 26-year-old is a firm believer in good science and thinks that an integral part of being a scientist is to communicate science to those willing to listen. “In today’s world of social networks and quick information, accuracy of information is slowly giving way to histrionics,” says Vignesh.

The molecular biologist opines that people are easily mislead by what they read and hear. “It is up to the people who are making discoveries in real time to convey new information as accurately and as simply as they can,” he says. After all, science cannot exist without the support of the people whom it serves and the people have a right to know where the latest research is heading, he adds.
The IISc researcher believes that a lot of controversial subjects can be sorted out if one tries to listen to what scientists have to say rather than pander to the rumor mill.

His picnic discussion will be part of a series of talks conducted by Science High, an organisation comprising scientists who want to spread the wonder of science to anyone willing to listen.
So, what should participants expect? “I am going to touch upon some of the simplest aspects of proteins in my talk. What they are, what do they look like, how many of them are there, why are they there and how important are they,” he responds.

Vignesh’s research at IISc revolves studying signalling mechanisms of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is responsible for tuberculosis.With this picnic, Vignesh aims get Bengalureans as “high on science” as he is.

Venture into the world of proteins this Saturday night. Organised by Gathr, the picnic will also hast a pop up bookstore, music and performances on Didgeridoo and Handpan.
When: Saturday, 9pm-3am
Where: The Courtyard House

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The New Indian Express
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