Mitali Mukerji Applies AI to Ayurveda Research

Mitali Mukerji, a molecular geneticist, has dedicated her career to studying the connection between genomics, traditional knowledge, and personalised health. After completing her PhD at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), she led research at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB).

Her work then shifted towards Ayurgenomics, where she investigated the biological basis of Ayurvedic Prakriti types. This field of study has faced criticism, with many questioning the scientific validity of Ayurvedic principles.

Despite the challenges, Mukerji's research has continued to evolve, and she is now using artificial intelligence (AI) to advance integrative precision health at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur. Her work highlights the potential of combining modern biology with traditional knowledge to improve human health.

Mukerji's journey began with a strong foundation in molecular genetics, which she applied to understand the underlying biology of Ayurvedic concepts. Her research in Ayurgenomics aimed to identify measurable biological correlates of Ayurvedic Prakriti types, which are believed to influence an individual's health and wellbeing.

The use of genomics in Ayurgenomics is a relatively new field, and Mukerji's work has contributed significantly to its development. However, the field has also faced criticism, with some arguing that the principles of Ayurveda are not supported by scientific evidence.

Mukerji's decision to apply AI to her research marks a new direction in her work. AI-enabled integrative precision health has the potential to revolutionise the field of healthcare, enabling personalised treatment plans and more effective disease management.

The integration of traditional knowledge with modern biology is a complex challenge, requiring a deep understanding of both fields. Mukerji's work demonstrates the potential of this approach, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary research in advancing our understanding of human health.

In conclusion, Mitali Mukerji's research has broken new ground in the field of Ayurgenomics, and her use of AI marks an exciting new direction in her work. As the field of integrative precision health continues to evolve, Mukerji's contributions are likely to have a significant impact on our understanding of human health and wellbeing.