The frozen continent of Antarctica could well be the source to find a cure for several tropical diseases, according to Prof Bill J. Baker, director of Florida Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery and Innovation in the United States. In his presentation at a global symposium on CSIR Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) campus, titled ‘90 degrees of marine natural products research’, Prof. Baker explained how study specimens are brought from 64 degrees south of the equator, where Antarctica lies, to 26 degrees north of the equator — in Florida. The total, 90-degree change in perspective (or latitude) allowed Prof. Baker to research in his Florida laboratory diverse specimens collected from Antarctica, and to identify molecules that are beneficial in curing tropical diseases.
“It is a time-consuming process. We spend close to two or three months in the Antarctic region, patiently identifying and collecting specimens and transporting them back to Florida,” Prof. Baker said. “Getting to study minute balances in the frozen ecosystem there and identifying the equilibrium of marine life is a fascinating experience. Why do fish eat a certain herb but stay away from another? These questions of intrigue keep us researching. We often narrow down on peculiar compounds that could be cure for certain diseases.”