#### Cambridge Scientists’ Lecture at Vidya Bhavan on “What Makes Us Human”

Udaipur, At Vidya Bhavan Auditorium on Sunday, two distinguished scientists from Cambridge University delivered a lecture on “What Makes Us Human,” presenting groundbreaking research on human life development, cancer, and neurological disease treatment. The event drew participation from biology researchers, leading doctors of the city, and citizens, who attended with enthusiasm, curiosity, and hope for new possibilities in medical science.

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Pro Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University and world-renowned biologist Prof. Anna Philpott shared her research, highlighting the similarities between frog and human embryos. She explained that a protein called ASCL1 plays a critical role in maintaining balance among cells, proving effective in cancer diagnosis. She emphasized that these discoveries will significantly aid in the prevention and treatment of childhood cancers.

Prof. Benjamin Simons, Director of the Gurdon Institute, traced the journey of human biology from the birth of the first test-tube baby to the cloning breakthroughs of the 1950s. Presenting insights into embryonic stem cells and gene-editing technologies, he explained that under suitable conditions, an entire human life can be developed from a single cell.

Both scientists stressed that while much of developmental biology has been based on the study of yeast, insects, frogs, flies, fish, and mice, humans remain unique due to their size, tempo, and longevity. With this understanding, advancements in cell programming, stem cell technology, cloning, embryo transfer, and genetic modification have enabled significant progress in controlling and treating various diseases.

The lecture began with a welcome by Dr. J.K. Tayalia, President of Vidya Bhavan Society, and Director Rajendra Bhatt, who described the scientists’ visit to Vidya Bhavan as a privilege. Educationist Dr. Shashank Vira introduced the subject matter and gave a formal introduction of the guests.

Among those present on the dais were Prof. Janat Shah, former Director of IIM; Chetan Singh Chauhan, President of BN University; and Dr. K.C. Sodani, former Vice Chancellor of MDS University, who extended greetings on behalf of Udaipur’s academic and medical community.

The event was also attended by Dr. F.S. Mehta, former Principal of RNT Medical College; cancer specialist Dr. Garima Mehta; Narayan Singh Rao of Ananta Medical University; former IFS officer Indrapal Singh Matharu; along with physicians Dr. Ramakrishnan, Dr. Chirayu Pamecha, and many medical university researchers and scholars. The program was conducted by Prof. Kanika Sharma, Director of VBRI.