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Indian American’s research could lead to improved MRI |
An Indian American professor’s project on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could revolutionise healthcare by providing a more accurate tool for diagnosing cancer and other illnesses.
Naresh Dalal, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the Florida State University (FSU) and a graduate of Punjab University, conducted experiments with other researchers from the University of Colorado and the National Institute of Standards and Technology that uncovered unique properties in a molecular magnet—properties that could significantly increase the resolution of MRIs, according to the FSU website.
Their paper on the “Efficacy of the single-molecule magnet Fe8 for magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent over a broad range of concentration” was published in the current issue of Polyhedron, a prestigious science journal.
“There are continual efforts to enhance the level of image clarity found in today’s MRI devices,” Dalal said. “MRIs utilise injectable dyes, but those in current use, while easy to manufacture, offer a relatively low contrast. Our experiments show that a class of materials known as single-molecule magnets might produce greater contrast in medical imaging, meaning MRIs would be much more accurate.”
Working at the FSU and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Dalal and another FSU researcher, chemistry graduate teaching assistant Vasanth Ramachandran, were able to synthesise a substance known as Fe8 that is one of the strongest magnets known.
“Fe8 is a molecule made up of eight iron ions that form a tight molecular bond,” Dalal said. “It has a powerful magnetic field, which is obviously important in generating a very clear image with an MRI device. What’s more, Fe8 is non-toxic and water-soluble, making it safe for injection into the body.”
Molecular magnets such as Fe8 hold great potential for other applications as well, he said.
Dalal obtained his doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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First Hindu temple opens in Austin, Texas
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The first Hindu temple and community centre was inaugurated in Austin, Texas. A large group of people were at the ribbon cutting ceremony by Senator John Cornyn. Built at a cost of $15 million, the 76-acre temple and community centre were funded mostly from donations from the Hindu community and in part from corporations such as Dell Inc. Senator Cornyn praised the culture as inclusive rather than exclusionary in that people are welcomed there regardless of religion, nationality or race.
The only restrictions that exist are no meat, no alcohol and no shoes. The Indian American community in Texas is educated and productive and enriches the quality of life in Austin. The centre will hold classes that will include teachings on discipline in everyday life and Hinduism. Austin’s diverse population is important economically, academically and spiritually, said the mayor of Austin, Will Wynn, who was also at the event.
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Indian to head e-commerce division of Thai hotel
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Leading Thai hotel group Amari Hotels and Resorts has appointed an Indian to head its e-commerce division.
Chetankumar Patel’s new job will include all aspects of e-commerce, ranging from search engine optimisation to online rates and inventory management, site analysis and effective online marketing, according to Asiatraveltips.
Founded in 1965, the group has 15 properties spread across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Chang, Samui, Phuket and Trang. The group also manages a nature resort in north Thailand. Patel will operate from Bangkok.
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Indian Cowboy hits US theatres
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Another desi film “Indian Cowboy” is to hit theatres in the US later this month, close on the heels of two such successful earlier releases—“American Desi” and “American Chai”.
The film, a romantic comedy with a South Asian twist that explores the idea of true love, is directed by young Indian American filmmaker Nikhil Kamkolkar.
“In today’s contemporary society many young couples around the world are struggling with the same issues and possibilities created by the jet set. They will relate to the theme and content of the movie,” Kamkolkar said.
“Indian Cowboy” features rising stars of the South Asian diaspora, including Sheetal Sheth and Deep Katdare, according to a press release. “I really want to see this film play in India as well,” the filmmaker said.
Raised in India, Kamkolkar came to the US to study at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After graduating, he worked for Microsoft. But he continued to nurture his interest in acting. He studied all aspects of film production, including special effects at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, New York Film Academy, Silicon Studio and Hollywood
Panavision.
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Shilpa gets UK work permit, so she can campaign for Keith Vaz
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Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty, the winner of UK’s Celebrity Big Brother TV reality show has now been granted a permit to work in Britain.
Labour MP Keith Vaz used his clout to enable Shetty’s permit to work status. She will now be able to use her celebrity to make lucrative personal appearances and media exposure—especially for Keith Vaz’s election campaign.
The actress is in India following her return after the reality show ended some weeks ago. She earned an estimated £100,000 in prize money after winning the show, once her housemate Jade Goody’s racist slurs caused a furor in India and Britain, even bringing the issue to the House of Commons and drawing the attention of feminist Germaine Greer and two Indian ministers.
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Vandals in Australia attack Indian center |
An Indian cultural centre in New South Wales was vandalised and priceless items were destroyed, including a 500-year-old manuscript.
In Woolgoolga, which has a large resident Sikh community among the 15,000 residents of Indian descent, the Raj Mahal Indian Cultural Centre was vandalised by goons who used a 200-year-old sword to destroy rare paintings, musical instruments and icons.
Among these was a rare large marble replica of the Taj Mahal, which was bought for A$45,000. The vandals then set fire hoses to work, thereby flooding the building.
Police are investigating the case in the town where racial tensions are relatively low.
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