Varanasi, January 30, 2024 – Manta, the nucleic acid automation device from Cambrian Bioworks, made its grand debut in Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey’s lab at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). This marks the commencement of a comprehensive five-year study, where Prof. Gyan’s lab aims to establish a DNA bank featuring 50,000 human samples sourced from North India.
The lab wants to unravel the intricate links between various disorders, endogamous behavior, and genetics which will pave the way for personalized treatments.
Prof. Gyan expressed his enthusiasm, stating “The fact that Manta is entirely ‘Made in India’ fills me with immense excitement. I am eager to delve deeper into this study, exploring the vast potential it holds.”
The celebration garnered attention from local media, including coverage in the Dainik Bhaskar newspaper.
Manta stands out for its cartridge-based sample runs ensuring high-quality standards. It is designed to be compact yet robust, and priced effectively making it an ideal choice for modern laboratories.
About Banaras Hindu University
Nestled in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Varanasi, India, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) stands as a beacon of academic excellence and cultural heritage. It was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with Dr. Annie Besant’s cooperation who viewed it as the University of India. The university’s main campus spread over 1,370 acres, was built on land donated by the Kashi Naresh Prabhu Narayan Singh, the hereditary ruler of Banaras. BHU is organized into six institutes, 14 streams, and about 140 departments. BHU has earned its reputation as a premier educational hub, drawing students from across India and beyond.
About Prof. Gyaneshwer's lab
Prof. Gyaneshwer Chaubey has spent most of his research career in Estonian Biocentre and the University of Tartu, Estonia, as a Ph.D. Student and thereafter, in Scientist and Senior Scientist positions. He was also a visiting scientist at the Sanger Centre, UK. In October 2017, he returned to India and joined the Department of Zoology, BHU, Varanasi. His extensive work on the genetic history of various ethnic groups provides profound insights into the evolutionary processes shaping human populations. Prof. Chaubey’s keen interest in applying genomics to understand health and disease not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds significant implications for public health.
About Cambrian Bioworks
Cambrian Bioworks is a biotech firm headquartered in Bangalore. Started in 2020, we’re a team of dedicated scientists, engineers, and chemists, Working towards a goal of precision medicine accessible to all. It manufactures nanoparticle-based nucleic acid extraction kits and devices for diagnostics and life science research. Our products are currently used by a broad network of hospitals, clinical laboratories, and biopharma institutions across the country. For more information, visit our website or our YouTube channel.