Plaksha University Launches Anthem BioSciences Nature’s Machines Lab

Plaksha University, a technology university in India, has inaugurated the Anthem BioSciences Nature's Machines Lab, a groundbreaking facility aimed at promoting experiential learning and interdisciplinary research in biosciences, with the lab expected to benefit over 1,500 students within five years.

The Nature's Machines Lab, located in the Havells Research Building at Mohali campus, is a 1,500 square foot space that connects students to the natural world's machinery, promoting ecological awareness and biological concepts through modern tools, advanced research techniques and interdisciplinary thinking.

This research lab serves as a hub for promoting biological literacy and stewardship among neighboring communities, high school educators and other stakeholders.

Nature’s Machines Lab will be equipped for following training and research activities:

Cell biology: Students will learn basic and advanced microscopic techniques that will allow them to study cells and their behaviour. 

Nanobiology: Students will learn to isolate, express-purify and analyse biomolecules – molecular machines – from various sources, which will enable them to study, characterise and understand the biological world at the nano scale.

Genetic Engineering: Students will learn to edit genes in bacteria and insect cells using conventional and CRISPR based techniques enabling them to design and produce cells with novel functionalities. 

Environmental Monitoring: Students will analyse water and soil samples to assess environmental health, detect pollutants and develop measures to mitigate environmental risks at local and global level.

UG Research Projects: Students can innovate and engineer interdisciplinary solutions for challenges related to human and planetary health through their internship and capstone projects.