Best Research Awards

As a visiting scholar I have my run of the NRC, and I have quickly discovered which labs are air-conditioned (most days reach 38C). I have begun to lay the groundwork for my own research, which will officially begin on the 15th of September as I accompany geneticist Dr. S.C. Mehta to the southern part of Rajasthan to collect genetic samples. It has proven most edutaining, however, to sit in on the research of others, an activity I plan to continue for the next two weeks. The winners:

• The main push of the Physiology unit is to discover the reasons behind camel spermatazoa's low motility so as to facilitate artificial insemination. The main culprit seems so be some coagulant in the semen that is removable only by a yet undetermined catalyst in the female reproductive tract. There is little more entertaining than centrifuging camel sperm.
  
• The Reproduction unit is assessing ways of inducing ovulation, which is normally only triggered by male rut in the breeding season (Nov-Jan). The most likely method is through progesterone injections. If this effort is successful those females which did not conceive will not be a total loss for the year. They are also developing IVF methods.
  
• The Nutrition unit is currently focused on developing an alternate diet for camels that maximizes weight gain per rupee, as well as a study on esophageal constriction.
  
• The Genetics unit is engaged in a multi-year assessment of the genetic resources available in India, both among and within the different breeds of camels.
  
• The Biochemistry unit is currently conducting an anthropocentric study of the healthful effects of camel milk-based skin cream.
  
• Overall, the Centre is currently in a late-summer hush stemming from the heat as well as in anticipation of the exhaustive process of vetting (if you will) males for mating. The top studs will father up to a dozen calves at the Centre as well as traveling around the state to preserve pure and strong bloodlines.

I consider myself extremely lucky to get to dilettante my way through each of these projects.