Dr. Namitha Kumar's Profile
MA, PhD
Namitha A Kumar has a PhD in psychology from the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) focusing on the cognitive aspects of disability. She works in the field of rare, genetic disorders and currently, develops all the medical content for the Open Platform for Rare Diseases (OPFORD).
Written / Edited / Medically Reviewed
AI Algorithm Used to Find Causes of Autism Linked to Our ‘Junk’ DNA
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), a team of researchers has shown that mutations in ‘junk’ DNA can cause autism. Junk DNA mutations affect the expression of genes in the brain including those genes directly responsible for neurodevelopment and neuron migration.
Gene Therapy More Safe and Effective for Curing Beta-thalassemia
Gene therapy is safer and effective for curing beta-thalassemia than hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), reveals a new study.
CRISPR Gene Editing can Treat Deadly Lung Diseases Before Birth
CRISPR gene editing tool can now help treat deadly lung diseases before birth. Scientists have used CRISPR to edit out a harmful mutation in surfactant genes which cause monogenic lung diseases.
Somatic Mutations in Human Liver can Improve Tissue Regeneration
Mutations in the human liver may actually promote tissue healing and regeneration without causing cancer, reveals a new study. In future, scientists can build upon this research to develop therapies to stall the progression of liver disease.
Positive Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia
New approach to gene editing for major blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia has been optimized. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing can edit out diseased genes in blood disorders.