A DBT-Sponsored Guest Lecture on “Genetic Toxicology” was organized by the Department of Zoology, BBK DAV College for Women, Amritsar. The Guest Speaker was Dr. Pooja Chadha, Associate Professor, specialized in “Animal Cytogenetic and Genotoxicology”, Department of Zoology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. Dr. Chadha discussed at length the various toxins we come across in everyday life. She highlighted that 92% of all poisoning occurs from household items viz. Soaps, Detergents, Toothpaste and Cosmetics etc. She illustrated her points with various images and highlighted that every substance, if consumed above certain limit, can act as toxin. She explained the various techniques like comet assay, micronuclei assay and chromosomal aberration being used by researchers to determine their toxic effects.
The students had a very healthy interaction with the speaker. The lecture concluded with vote of thanks. The lecture was coordinated by Dr. Rashmi Kalia and other faculty members, Ms. Kuljot Kaur, Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Ms. Nalini Singh Chauhan and Ms. Vinnie Duggal. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Dr. Pushpinder Walia thanked the resource person and stressed upon the need of organizing such lectures in future also.