Hyderabad: Gut health could be the next frontier in tackling a range of chronic illnesses, from autoimmune diseases to mental health disorders, according to Dr D. Nageshwar Reddy. “What’s inside your gut may well decide how healthy your brain and body are. We are only just beginning to grasp its full impact,” said Dr Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, a Padma Vibhushan awaree and one of India’s most respected gastroenterologists.
Dr Reddy was delivering a lecture on the science and promise of the gut microbiome at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology’s (IICT) National Technology Day and ASTC annual convention in Hyderabad.
Addressing scientists, students, and research leaders, Dr Reddy spoke about the influence of gut bacteria on immunity, metabolism, and neurological function. He said that understanding and modifying the gut microbiome could help manage conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, Parkinson’s, and even depression.
The event held jointly by CSIR-IICT, the Academy for Science, Technology and Communication (ASTC), and NASI Hyderabad Chapter, brought together key voices from India’s top scientific institutions, with an focus on science that solves real-world problems.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, the chief guest, called it “the age of discovery and social purpose,” crediting India’s scientific institutions for broadening access to research and technology. “Science must touch lives and help shape a better future,” he said.
IICT Director Dr D. Srinivasa Reddy said innovation must not be isolated from public need. He spoke about the institute’s initiatives, including compostable plastics, low-cost sanitary pads, and waste-to-biogas conversion. “We must build technology that matters to people, not just to publications,” he said.
Dr Vinay Kumar Nandicoori, Director of CSIR-CCMB, detailed how their team developed a Rs 100 screening kit for sickle cell anaemia, along with advancements in wildlife forensics and rare disease diagnostics. Dr Prakash Kumar, head of CSIR-NGRI, outlined earthquake preparedness programmes across seismic zones in north and northeast India, underscoring the impact of geological research on public safety.
ASTC Chairman Dr Ch. Mohan Rao, delivering the presidential address, reflected on the roots of National Technology Day and the importance of communicating science to the wider public. The convention concluded with the release of ASTC’s latest journal issue and the presentation of science popularisation and lifetime achievement awards.