SAC to hold national seminar on recent advances in biological sciences

February 26, 2012

Mangalore, February 26: The Staff and Students of the Department of Zoology, St. Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore will be organizing a National Seminar on 'Recent Advances in Biological Sciences' on February 28 and 29 under the Star College Scheme sponsored by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

The Seminar aims at providing a scientific platform to deliberate on the progress in research in various fields of Biological Sciences and to encourage young minds to undertake the need- based research in the same. Students, teachers and research scholars of various institutions from all over India will be participating in this two day National Seminar.

The Seminar will be inaugurated by the chief guest of the function, Dr. Shakuntala Katre accompanied by Rev. Fr. Swebert D'Silva S.J. as the President and Dr. Hareesh Joshy as the Guest of Honour. The Inaugural function will be followed by the Keynote Address delivered by Dr. Shakuntala Katre, Professor & Former Chairperson, Dept. of Zoology, Bangalore University. Eminent personalities in the field of Biological Sciences- Dr. Krishnananda Pai, Associate Professor, Goa University, Dr. Ashwini Krishna Moorthy, Director, Varanasi Research Foundation, Adyanadka, Dr. K P Dinesh, IISc, Bangalore, Dr. K K Vijayalaxmi, Professor, Mangalore University, Dr. Gururaja K V, IISc, Bangalore, will be taking over the various sessions.

The plenary sessions will be followed by paper/ poster presentations moderated by Dr. Monika Sadhananda, Head of the Thomas Gonsalves Brain Research Laboratory, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore.

The Seminar will conclude with the valedictory ceremony with Rev. Fr. Walter Andrade S. J. as the Chief Guest and will be presided over by Rev. Fr. Dr. Leo D'Souza S.J, Director of Laboratory of Applied Biology.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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