Research that may lead to dengue fever vaccine receives top award

General News - Wednesday December 19, 2007

SCIENCE / FOUR STUDIES HONOURED

Research that may lead to dengue fever vaccine receives top award

Pongsatorn Singnoy

Four studies, including one which may lead to the development of a vaccine for dengue fever, have been declared outstanding examples of research by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).

The other three award-winning studies are on legal mechanisms to tackle electronic waste, a mathematical model helpful for heart by-pass surgery, and a study of the architecture of Buddhist temples and the temples' role in maintaining local communities.

NRCT secretary-general Anont Bunyarattavej said a medical team from Mahidol University was given the award for its progress towards developing a dengue fever vaccine through the modification of the virus's DNA.

There is currently no vaccine against the disease, spread by mosquitoes.

The award-winning team, which includes Prof Preeda Malasit, hopes to achieve a breakthrough in modifying the DNA of the dengue virus within seven years, a crucial stepping stone to creating a vaccine against the disease.

A team of Mahidol University scientists was given the award for its mathematical model used in calculating the amount of blood pumped through arteries, which is crucial for heart by-pass surgery for atherosclerosis patients.

Chiang Mai University won the best legal research award for its draft law on the disposal and management of electronic waste, while the philosophy award went to studies on temple architecture.

For the waste management law, the researchers suggested legal measures to manage hazardous household waste like fluorescent lightbulbs and batteries.

The draft law covers fees levied on importers and producers of such materials as well as incentives for recycling.

In the area of philosophy, academic Somkid Jirathutsanakul and his team were awarded for their study on local culture and wisdom reflected in community temple architecture.

In addition to the four research awards, six researchers, including Prof Preeda, were named best researchers. Four are from Chulalongkorn University. They are Thawatchai Tuntulani, who took the award in chemical science, Chalong Soontravanich in philosophy, Veerapong Boonyopas in law, and Suwimon Wongwanich in education.

Uthairat Na Nakorn of Kasetsart University was named best researcher in the area of agriculture and biology.

All the recipients will collect their awards in a ceremony on Feb 2.

Bangkok Post