Thilina Gunathilaka | Biochemistry | Young Scientist Award

🌟Dr. Thilina Gunathilaka, Biochemistry, Young Scientist Award🏆

 Doctorate at University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Dr. M.D. Thilina Lakmini Gunathilaka is a highly accomplished researcher and educator with expertise in biochemistry, natural product chemistry, and cancer biology. They hold a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and have specialized in Human Biology with a focus on Food and Nutrition. Dr. Gunathilaka has a strong academic background and professional experience in various educational institutions, including lecturing and senior lecturer roles. Their research interests primarily revolve around exploring the anti-diabetic and anticancer properties of bioactive compounds derived from marine algae. They have received recognition for their work through awards and honors and have made significant contributions to the scientific community through publications and presentations.

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Dr. Gunathilaka’s research output is notable, with a significant number of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences. They have also demonstrated impact through citation metrics and recognition, including awards for best presenter at scientific forums. Their Google Scholar profile provides further insight into their scholarly contributions and reach within the academic community.

  • Citations: Gunathilaka has received 110 citations from 107 documents.
  • Publications: They have authored 5 documents.
  • h-index: Their h-index is 3.

Education

Dr. Gunathilaka holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, specializing in the study of anti-diabetic and anticancer activities of bioactive compounds from marine algae. They also have a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors in Human Biology, focusing on Food and Nutrition. Their educational background has provided them with a strong foundation in the biological sciences and research methodologies.

Research Focus

Dr. Gunathilaka’s research primarily focuses on investigating the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds derived from marine algae. Their work encompasses areas such as anti-diabetic and anticancer activities, phytochemical analysis, and evaluation of natural products for their pharmacological properties. Their research aims to contribute to the development of novel therapies for chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and cancer.

Professional Journey

Dr. Gunathilaka’s professional journey spans various roles in academia, including lecturer positions and senior lecturer appointments at several universities and institutions in Sri Lanka. They have also served as a visiting lecturer at international universities and have engaged in academic writing and teaching. Their dedication to education and research is evident through their diverse professional experiences and contributions to the field.

Honors & Awards

Dr. Gunathilaka has received recognition for their research contributions through awards and honors. They have been awarded the “Young Innovators Award in Health Sciences” and have received merit awards for best presenter at scientific forums. These accolades highlight their significant achievements and impact in the field of biochemistry and related disciplines.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Dr. Gunathilaka has made notable contributions to the scientific literature through research articles published in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences. Their publications cover a wide range of topics, including the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties of natural products derived from marine algae. Their research findings contribute to the understanding of the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds and their applications in medicine.

Title: Mechanistic Insight into Anti-inflammatory Potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Flower Extract as a Herbal Remedy: A Mini Review

  • Authors: JR Geeganage, TL Gunathilaka
  • Journal: Journal of Herbal Medicine
  • Year: 2024

Title: Overview of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in adipose tissues and their regulatory roles in the pathophysiology of human diseases

  • Authors: HS Kumarasinghe, TL Gunathilaka
  • Affiliation: University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Journal: University of Colombo
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue: 2

Title: Pumpkin seeds and leaves as an alternative medicine for the treatment of hyperglycemia

  • Authors: RDS Isara, M Gunathilaka
  • Affiliation: University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Journal: University of Colombo
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue: 1

Title: Pomegranate (Punica granatum) as a Promising Hypoglycemic Agent: A Mini Review

  • Authors: A Randika, M Gunathilaka
  • Journal: Sri Lankan Journal of Applied Sciences
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue: 01
  • Pages: 16-23

Title: Garlic and Cloves as Promising Antibacterial Agents Against Cariogenic Bacteria-A Mini Review

  • Author: M Gunathilaka
  • Journal: Sri Lankan Journal of Applied Sciences
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue: 01
  • Pages: 44-50

Research Timeline

Dr. Gunathilaka’s research timeline reflects a consistent dedication to scholarly activities and academic pursuits. They have been actively engaged in research since their undergraduate studies, with a focus on biochemistry, natural product chemistry, and cancer biology. Their research journey includes conducting experiments, publishing findings, and presenting research outcomes at various scientific forums and conferences.

Collaborations and Projects

Dr. Gunathilaka has been involved in collaborative research projects aimed at exploring the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from marine algae. They have co-supervised research projects and collaborated with colleagues and researchers from different institutions. Their collaborative efforts have contributed to advancements in understanding the pharmacological properties of natural products and their applications in healthcare.

Gideon Mmbando | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

🌟Dr. Gideon Mmbando, Biological Sciences, Best Researcher Award🏆

Assistant Professor at University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Professional Profiles:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Bio Summary:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences. His collaborative research projects have delved into the sensitivity of African cultivated rice varieties to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. In one study, conducted in collaboration with Tohoku University in Japan, he found that African cultivars exhibited higher sensitivity to UV-B radiation compared to Asian cultivated rice cultivars. Another project involved the creation of UV-B tolerant African rice varieties through genetic engineering, transferring the UV-B-resistant gene from Asian to African rice cultivars. This initiative resulted in the development of a protocol for assessing UV-B sensitivity in African cultivated rice and the creation of UV-B-tolerant varieties, showing promising methods for survival and high yield in the tropical environment of Africa with high UV-B stress. Dr. Mmbando is also involved in ongoing research on the diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungal communities across different land uses in the semi-arid region of Tanzania, aiming to inform sustainable land management and agricultural practices that promote beneficial AMF associations.

Education:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando – Academic and Professional Qualification:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando is a highly qualified professional with a Ph.D. in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, reflecting his dedication to advancing knowledge in this field.

Professional Journey:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s professional journey has been marked by a dedicated pursuit of knowledge and impactful contributions to the field of Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Chemical Life Sciences, reflecting his commitment to advanced research and academic excellence. Throughout his career, Dr. Mmbando has engaged in collaborative research projects that bridge scientific disciplines and address pressing issues in agriculture and environmental science.

One notable project involved the screening of Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) sensitivity among African cultivated rice varieties. In collaboration with Tohoku University in Japan, Dr. Mmbando investigated the nuanced responses of different African rice cultivars to UV-B radiation, uncovering valuable insights into their sensitivity compared to Asian varieties.

Another significant endeavor in his professional journey was the creation of UV-B tolerant African rice varieties. Leveraging genetic engineering techniques, Dr. Mmbando played a pivotal role in developing rice varieties capable of withstanding UV-B stress. The successful transfer of UV-B-resistant genes from Asian to African rice cultivars not only resulted in the development of UV-B-tolerant varieties but also established protocols for assessing UV-B sensitivity in African cultivated rice.

Currently, Dr. Mmbando is involved in a project exploring the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities across different land uses in the semi-arid region of Tanzania. This ongoing research aims to understand how different land-use practices influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, with the ultimate goal of informing sustainable land management and agricultural practices.

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s professional journey reflects a commitment to scientific inquiry, collaboration, and the application of research findings to address agricultural challenges in regions facing environmental stressors. His work contributes to the advancement of knowledge and holds implications for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Research Projects:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando has been actively involved in collaborative research projects that contribute significantly to the understanding of Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) sensitivity among African cultivated rice varieties. In the first project, the objective was to investigate the response to UV-B radiation among different cultivated African rice varieties. This research was conducted in collaboration with Tohoku University in Japan. The findings revealed that African cultivars exhibited a higher sensitivity to UV-B radiation compared to their Asian counterparts.

The second collaborative project focused on the creation of UV-B tolerant African rice varieties. The primary goal was to develop rice varieties capable of tolerating UV-B radiation, a stress factor prevalent in the tropical environment of Africa. Genetic engineering techniques were employed to transfer the UV-B-resistant gene from Asian to African rice cultivars. The outcome of this project included the establishment of a protocol for assessing UV-B sensitivity in African cultivated rice. Moreover, the development of UV-B-tolerant varieties showcased promising methods for enhancing survival and achieving high yields in the challenging conditions of tropical Africa with elevated UV-B stress.

These collaborative research endeavors underscore Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices and addressing environmental challenges, particularly in the context of UV-B radiation stress on African rice varieties. The outcomes of these projects have implications for sustainable agriculture and food security in the region.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s research focus encompasses various aspects of molecular and chemical life sciences, with a particular emphasis on addressing challenges in agriculture and environmental science. His research interests include:

UV-B Sensitivity in Rice Varieties:

  • Dr. Mmbando has investigated the sensitivity of different cultivated African rice varieties to Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. This research sheds light on the varied responses of African and Asian rice cultivars to UV-B stress, contributing to our understanding of plant resilience to environmental factors.

Creation of UV-B Tolerant Rice Varieties:

  • Using genetic engineering techniques, Dr. Mmbando has been involved in the development of UV-B-tolerant African rice varieties. This research aims to enhance the resilience of rice crops to UV-B stress, providing potential solutions for sustainable rice cultivation in tropical environments with high UV-B radiation.

Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities:

  • Dr. Mmbando is currently engaged in a project exploring the diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) communities across different land uses in the semi-arid region of Tanzania. This research seeks to understand how various land-use practices influence AMF communities, with implications for sustainable land management and agricultural practices.

Sustainable Agriculture and Land Management:

  • The overarching theme of Dr. Mmbando’s research is geared towards developing strategies for sustainable agriculture and land management. By investigating the interactions between crops and environmental stressors, he aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform practices promoting beneficial associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and enhance crop resilience.

Dr. Gideon Mmbando’s diverse research focus underscores his commitment to addressing critical issues in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and food security. Through collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches, his work aims to contribute to the development of strategies that benefit both the agricultural sector and the broader ecosystem.

Publications Top Noted & Contributions:

Title: The determinants of the low COVID-19 transmission and mortality rates in Africa: a cross-country analysis

  • Journal: Frontiers in public health
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 25

Title: COVID-19 pandemic related research in Africa: bibliometric analysis of scholarly output, collaborations and scientific leadership

  • Journal: International journal of environmental research and public health
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 24

Title: Recent updates on the possible reasons for the low incidence and morbidity of COVID-19 cases in Africa

  • Journal: Bulletin of the National Research Centre
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 13

Title: Very high sensitivity of African rice to artificial ultraviolet-B radiation caused by genotype and quantity of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyase

  • Journal: Scientific reports
  • Year: 2020
  • Citation Count: 12

Title: Transgenic rice Oryza glaberrima with higher CPD photolyase activity alleviates UVB-caused growth inhibition

  • Journal: GM crops & food
  • Year: 2021
  • Citation Count: 8