DNAmancy - Who is the Luckiest of Them All?

It was the third time during the last 20 minutes that he went to the water dispenser and instead poured hot coffee. He was not thirsty. He was nervous. He had reached 2 hours before the appointed hour. He had little food or sleep in the last 7 days. Only half an hour more and the wait would be over. The anxiety was killing him. He was on the verge of lunacy due to this extreme torment. There were other people in the room and their condition was no different. Stress and tension was dripping from their faces. An old man trying to read a magazine but could not get beyond the first few lines. The blonde was pulling her hair unknowingly. The brunette was trying to calm herself, in vain. But the most astonishing was that little kid with the football. What was he doing at a place like this at such a tender age? One by one, these people were getting their reports and left. Some left ecstatic, others were tragic while others indifferent. Finally, it was number 41. He tried to move but his feet did not support him. The scene, which was the only one for the last many days in his mind, played again. The what-if question reverberated in his heart. He did not want to imagine the unthinkable. This one report would make or break his life. Or at least that was what he thought. He dragged himself towards the window. After some identity checks, he received the report.

Mein CEMB

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.

–        Sherlock Holmes

 

During the latter half of the 20^th century, the focus of science shifted towards molecular biology. Although late, Pakistan joined the bandwagon of research with the establishment of its first research center namely Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB). It is one of the best research centers in the Islamic World attracting students from all over Pakistan as well as abroad.  Situated on the west bank of the picturesque Canal Road Lahore, it presents a mix of modern and Islamic architecture. During its 25 years of existence, it has contributed a lion’s share to research in Pakistan.