A New Gene Identification That Affects Risk of Ovarian Cancer
By Anneliese Lapides April 4, 2017
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. According to the CDC, about “21,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013” (Sandoiu). As part of the genomic study OncoArray Consortium, 12 new variants of a gene associated with the inheritance of ovarian cancer were discovered (Sandoiu). In addition to finding these new variants, 18 previously discovered ones were confirmed; this research has increased the known genetic risk of developing ovarian cancer to 6.5% (Sandoiu). This means that doctors are more likely to identify if a person has the genes that increase their risk for developing this specific cancer, and provide them with the resources to detect any cancer earlier on. Therefore, this new medical achievement can be life-saving.
The genetic variants that were discovered were also found to be common variants, meaning that some women have the risk of carry multiple variants. Contrary to what some may think, this does not actually have a large effect on increasing the risk of developing ovarian cancer (Phelan, et al). Even so, it allows doctors to detect these multiple variants and keep an eye out for cancer symptoms early on.
Catching ovarian cancer in its early stages helps to increase the chances of survival for women who are diagnosed. According to the Cancer Research UK, “more than 90% of women diagnosed with the earliest stage of ovarian cancer survive their disease for at least 5 years compared to around 5% for women diagnosed with the most advanced stage of disease” (Cancer Research UK). The newfound discovery of the different genetic variants that can lead to the hereditary development of ovarian cancer means that doctors are more likely to detect these genes. Once they are detected, action can be taken to catch ovarian cancer in its earlier stages, exponentially increasing the ability to save thousands of women.
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. According to the CDC, about “21,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013” (Sandoiu). As part of the genomic study OncoArray Consortium, 12 new variants of a gene associated with the inheritance of ovarian cancer were discovered (Sandoiu). In addition to finding these new variants, 18 previously discovered ones were confirmed; this research has increased the known genetic risk of developing ovarian cancer to 6.5% (Sandoiu). This means that doctors are more likely to identify if a person has the genes that increase their risk for developing this specific cancer, and provide them with the resources to detect any cancer earlier on. Therefore, this new medical achievement can be life-saving.
The genetic variants that were discovered were also found to be common variants, meaning that some women have the risk of carry multiple variants. Contrary to what some may think, this does not actually have a large effect on increasing the risk of developing ovarian cancer (Phelan, et al). Even so, it allows doctors to detect these multiple variants and keep an eye out for cancer symptoms early on.
Catching ovarian cancer in its early stages helps to increase the chances of survival for women who are diagnosed. According to the Cancer Research UK, “more than 90% of women diagnosed with the earliest stage of ovarian cancer survive their disease for at least 5 years compared to around 5% for women diagnosed with the most advanced stage of disease” (Cancer Research UK). The newfound discovery of the different genetic variants that can lead to the hereditary development of ovarian cancer means that doctors are more likely to detect these genes. Once they are detected, action can be taken to catch ovarian cancer in its earlier stages, exponentially increasing the ability to save thousands of women.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 133 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Food Can Change Your Life
By Meghan Goddard March 24, 2017
Since age five we are taught the importance of putting healthy foods into our bodies. But what if the food we ate had more of an effect than helping us grow as we had learned in kindergarten? New research has shown that chili pepper has remarkable effects. Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer and is the most difficult to treat. Patients with this cancer lack epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, which promotes cancer growth. Ruhr University in Germany studied the effects of capsaicin, the spicy flavor in chili peppers, on replicating triple-growth breast cancer cells. This spicy sensation is sensed through TRP, or transient receptor potential channels, also the channels that sense temperature and pH. In past studies this capsaicin stimuli has induced cell death as well as inhibited cancer cell growth in colon and pancreatic cancer. Ruhr University set out to find its effect on breast cancer and the TRPV1 channel, the specific olfactory channel. Their results were that the capsaicin activated this channel to inhibit cancer cells. These TRPV1 receptors were found in many breast cancer cell cultures. Adding capsaicin, along with helional, the scent of fresh sea breeze, to these cancer cells, their TRPV1 receptors were activated and the tumor cells died or displayed much slower movement, slowing the spread of the cancer cells. These results may allow researchers to design drugs using capsaicin to help treat triple-negative breast cancer in the future(Sandoiu).
Another study at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, of 16,000 U.S. citizens, showed that people who ate red chili peppers and other spicy foods had a lower risk of dying over 18 years than those who did not eat them. Between the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III and National Death Index, participants who consumed hot red chili peppers were at a 13% reduced risk of mortality, between 1988 and 1994. Reduced heart disease and stroke were also seen with a high consumption red chili pepper. Like in the cancer study, capsaicin activates TRPV1 which stimulates other mechanisms within our bodies leading to a decrease in obesity. Indirectly, less obesity would mean a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. This may lead to the development of various dietary suggestions and therapies (Whiteman, 2017a).
Although red chili peppers may do miraculous things for our health, they may not be ideal. Luckily, Dr. Conner at the University of Otago in New Zealand, has found further health benefits of every day fruits and vegetables. Not only are these great for your physical health, again like we have learned since age five, but now they may improve your psychological well-being in just a short period of time. The study showed that when participants ate extra servings of fruits and vegetables for 14-days straight, they reported higher levels of motivation and energy. Along with our good friend the chili pepper, these healthier foods can reduce obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers. This has been known for years, but the mental health benefits are fairly new. This study specifically looked at students 18-25. One group was given many servings over fruits and vegetables, while the other group was just sent daily reminders and prepaid vouchers for fruits and vegetables. A psychological assessment showed that those who were given the healthy foods had extreme boosts in their well-being and mental health. They had 3.7 servings on average daily and specifically improved in vitality, flourishing, and motivation, while the other group showed no increase in mental health.
(Whiteman, 2017b) Looking to feel happier and more awake, trying having more than two cups of fruit and more than three cups of vegetables a day. The results are rapid and effective. Add nuts, seeds, grains and seafood’s containing lots of omega-3 fats, and your diet is ensure to be healthy (Tanner).
These are all foods that can do great things for our health. But what is actually harming us? Perhaps sticking to our fruits and vegetables is a good idea. World Health Organization claims that a plant-based diet is the most healthy and some red meat, especially highly processed, may lead to cancer. A 50-gram portions of processed meat eaten dialed can increase your risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. (Whiteman, 2017c). Foods high in salt, over-processed meats, and sugary drinks are the root to unhealthy eating. About 700,000 deaths in 2012 were from heart disease, strokes, and diabetes due to eating habits. Tufts University found an excess of salt being today’s biggest health concern, linked to about 10% of those deaths. The study and US government guidelines recommends no more than one serving of red meat a week, none of which is processed, and only 2,000 mg of salt a day. This is less than a tablespoon (Tanner). Morale of this story, watch your diet, and not for your figure, but for your long term health and mental well-being.
Since age five we are taught the importance of putting healthy foods into our bodies. But what if the food we ate had more of an effect than helping us grow as we had learned in kindergarten? New research has shown that chili pepper has remarkable effects. Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive form of breast cancer and is the most difficult to treat. Patients with this cancer lack epidermal growth factor receptor 2, or HER2, which promotes cancer growth. Ruhr University in Germany studied the effects of capsaicin, the spicy flavor in chili peppers, on replicating triple-growth breast cancer cells. This spicy sensation is sensed through TRP, or transient receptor potential channels, also the channels that sense temperature and pH. In past studies this capsaicin stimuli has induced cell death as well as inhibited cancer cell growth in colon and pancreatic cancer. Ruhr University set out to find its effect on breast cancer and the TRPV1 channel, the specific olfactory channel. Their results were that the capsaicin activated this channel to inhibit cancer cells. These TRPV1 receptors were found in many breast cancer cell cultures. Adding capsaicin, along with helional, the scent of fresh sea breeze, to these cancer cells, their TRPV1 receptors were activated and the tumor cells died or displayed much slower movement, slowing the spread of the cancer cells. These results may allow researchers to design drugs using capsaicin to help treat triple-negative breast cancer in the future(Sandoiu).
Another study at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, of 16,000 U.S. citizens, showed that people who ate red chili peppers and other spicy foods had a lower risk of dying over 18 years than those who did not eat them. Between the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III and National Death Index, participants who consumed hot red chili peppers were at a 13% reduced risk of mortality, between 1988 and 1994. Reduced heart disease and stroke were also seen with a high consumption red chili pepper. Like in the cancer study, capsaicin activates TRPV1 which stimulates other mechanisms within our bodies leading to a decrease in obesity. Indirectly, less obesity would mean a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung disease. This may lead to the development of various dietary suggestions and therapies (Whiteman, 2017a).
Although red chili peppers may do miraculous things for our health, they may not be ideal. Luckily, Dr. Conner at the University of Otago in New Zealand, has found further health benefits of every day fruits and vegetables. Not only are these great for your physical health, again like we have learned since age five, but now they may improve your psychological well-being in just a short period of time. The study showed that when participants ate extra servings of fruits and vegetables for 14-days straight, they reported higher levels of motivation and energy. Along with our good friend the chili pepper, these healthier foods can reduce obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even some cancers. This has been known for years, but the mental health benefits are fairly new. This study specifically looked at students 18-25. One group was given many servings over fruits and vegetables, while the other group was just sent daily reminders and prepaid vouchers for fruits and vegetables. A psychological assessment showed that those who were given the healthy foods had extreme boosts in their well-being and mental health. They had 3.7 servings on average daily and specifically improved in vitality, flourishing, and motivation, while the other group showed no increase in mental health.
(Whiteman, 2017b) Looking to feel happier and more awake, trying having more than two cups of fruit and more than three cups of vegetables a day. The results are rapid and effective. Add nuts, seeds, grains and seafood’s containing lots of omega-3 fats, and your diet is ensure to be healthy (Tanner).
These are all foods that can do great things for our health. But what is actually harming us? Perhaps sticking to our fruits and vegetables is a good idea. World Health Organization claims that a plant-based diet is the most healthy and some red meat, especially highly processed, may lead to cancer. A 50-gram portions of processed meat eaten dialed can increase your risk of colorectal cancer by 18%. (Whiteman, 2017c). Foods high in salt, over-processed meats, and sugary drinks are the root to unhealthy eating. About 700,000 deaths in 2012 were from heart disease, strokes, and diabetes due to eating habits. Tufts University found an excess of salt being today’s biggest health concern, linked to about 10% of those deaths. The study and US government guidelines recommends no more than one serving of red meat a week, none of which is processed, and only 2,000 mg of salt a day. This is less than a tablespoon (Tanner). Morale of this story, watch your diet, and not for your figure, but for your long term health and mental well-being.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 178 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Congenital Insensitivity to Pain
By Sania Sayeed March 23, 2017
Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare recessive genetic disorder in which people cannot feel pain and temperature and suffers from decreased or absent sweating. This condition is also known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV. The signs and symptoms of CIPA appear early, usually at birth or during infancy, but with careful medical attention, affected individuals can live into adulthood. An inability to feel pain and temperature often leads to repeated severe injuries. Unintentional self-injury is common in people with CIPA, typically by biting the tongue, lips, or fingers, which may lead to spontaneous amputation of the affected area. (Service) In addition, people with CIPA heal slowly from skin and bone injuries. Repeated trauma can lead to chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis) or a condition called Charcot joints, in which the bones and tissue surrounding joints are destroyed. Normally, sweating helps cool the body temperature. However, in people with CIPA, anhidrosis often causes recurrent, extremely high fevers (hyperpyrexia) and seizures brought on by high temperature (febrile seizures). In addition to the characteristic features, there are other signs and symptoms of CIPA. Many affected individuals have thick, leathery skin (lichenification) on the palms of their hands or misshapen fingernails or toenails. They can also have patches on their scalp where hair does not grow (hypotrichosis). About half of people with CIPA show signs of hyperactivity or emotional instability, and many affected individuals have intellectual disability. Some people with CIPA have weak muscle tone (hypotonia) when they are young, but muscle strength and tone become more normal as they get older. Mutations in the NTRK1 gene cause CIPA. The NTRK1 gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein that attaches (binds) to another protein called NGFβ. The NTRK1 receptor is important for the survival of nerve cells (neurons). Mutations in the NTRK1 gene lead to a protein that cannot transmit signals. Without the proper signaling, neurons die by a process of self-destruction called apoptosis. Loss of sensory neurons leads to the inability to feel pain in people with CIPA. In addition, people with CIPA lose the nerves leading to their sweat glands, which cause the anhidrosis seen in affected individuals.
Recently, researchers have successfully generated a sense of touch and pressure through electrical signals. This can potentially help people with prosthetics and people with CIPA. The first set of experiments aimed to develop an algorithm to determine the location of a touch. First, researchers taught monkeys how to react in a certain way when they felt something touch them on each finger. Then they mapped the brain activity that occurred when the monkeys’ fingers were touched and placed electrodes at the locations that were activated. An electrical stimuli was applied to the electrodes and the monkeys reacted in the same way like they did when they were physically touched (Service). After showing that they could successfully map touch location through an electric stimulus, researchers determined how to implement the sense of pressure. They developed an algorithm that created a specified magnitude of electric current that made a sensation of pressure. Just like in the previous experiments, the monkeys responded the same with and without the physical touch. There are two basic kinds of touch; fine touch and crude touch. Fine touch allows for localization of the touch whereas crude touch allows for recognition of touch but inability to decipher where exactly the touch came from (Service). Through these experiments, the researchers were successfully able to implement fine touch into electric signals. This discovery can help people with CIPA because they now might be able to experience pain, which plays a key survival role by warning about potential or actual injuries. Without the sensation of pain, people suffering from CIPA can harm themselves repeatedly without even realizing it. Therefore, a cure is needed to provide aid for these people, which these researchers are working on.
Congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare recessive genetic disorder in which people cannot feel pain and temperature and suffers from decreased or absent sweating. This condition is also known as hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type IV. The signs and symptoms of CIPA appear early, usually at birth or during infancy, but with careful medical attention, affected individuals can live into adulthood. An inability to feel pain and temperature often leads to repeated severe injuries. Unintentional self-injury is common in people with CIPA, typically by biting the tongue, lips, or fingers, which may lead to spontaneous amputation of the affected area. (Service) In addition, people with CIPA heal slowly from skin and bone injuries. Repeated trauma can lead to chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis) or a condition called Charcot joints, in which the bones and tissue surrounding joints are destroyed. Normally, sweating helps cool the body temperature. However, in people with CIPA, anhidrosis often causes recurrent, extremely high fevers (hyperpyrexia) and seizures brought on by high temperature (febrile seizures). In addition to the characteristic features, there are other signs and symptoms of CIPA. Many affected individuals have thick, leathery skin (lichenification) on the palms of their hands or misshapen fingernails or toenails. They can also have patches on their scalp where hair does not grow (hypotrichosis). About half of people with CIPA show signs of hyperactivity or emotional instability, and many affected individuals have intellectual disability. Some people with CIPA have weak muscle tone (hypotonia) when they are young, but muscle strength and tone become more normal as they get older. Mutations in the NTRK1 gene cause CIPA. The NTRK1 gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein that attaches (binds) to another protein called NGFβ. The NTRK1 receptor is important for the survival of nerve cells (neurons). Mutations in the NTRK1 gene lead to a protein that cannot transmit signals. Without the proper signaling, neurons die by a process of self-destruction called apoptosis. Loss of sensory neurons leads to the inability to feel pain in people with CIPA. In addition, people with CIPA lose the nerves leading to their sweat glands, which cause the anhidrosis seen in affected individuals.
Recently, researchers have successfully generated a sense of touch and pressure through electrical signals. This can potentially help people with prosthetics and people with CIPA. The first set of experiments aimed to develop an algorithm to determine the location of a touch. First, researchers taught monkeys how to react in a certain way when they felt something touch them on each finger. Then they mapped the brain activity that occurred when the monkeys’ fingers were touched and placed electrodes at the locations that were activated. An electrical stimuli was applied to the electrodes and the monkeys reacted in the same way like they did when they were physically touched (Service). After showing that they could successfully map touch location through an electric stimulus, researchers determined how to implement the sense of pressure. They developed an algorithm that created a specified magnitude of electric current that made a sensation of pressure. Just like in the previous experiments, the monkeys responded the same with and without the physical touch. There are two basic kinds of touch; fine touch and crude touch. Fine touch allows for localization of the touch whereas crude touch allows for recognition of touch but inability to decipher where exactly the touch came from (Service). Through these experiments, the researchers were successfully able to implement fine touch into electric signals. This discovery can help people with CIPA because they now might be able to experience pain, which plays a key survival role by warning about potential or actual injuries. Without the sensation of pain, people suffering from CIPA can harm themselves repeatedly without even realizing it. Therefore, a cure is needed to provide aid for these people, which these researchers are working on.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
A Treatment for the Number One Genetic Cause of Infant Mortality
By Meghan Goddard March 7, 2017
After years of research, Boston Children’s Hospital has been FDA approved for a medication to help improve and extend the lives of children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is the number 1 cause of infant mortality from a genetic disorder. Boston Children’s Hospital is known for their incredible care and research. For the past three years it has been ranked as number one for best children’s hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World. The hospital has the largest research program for a pediatric institution and has spent the last thirteen years researching SMA. Dr. Basil Darras, is the SMA Program Director and a pediatric neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital. The improvements are phenomenal, where children who would never have been able to lift their arms or hold up their heads can finally do so.
Spinal muscular atrophy is a very rare genetic condition. There are three types of SMA, all of which result in weakened muscles. Type 1 is the most severe form with almost no independent movement, including breathing and feeding difficulties. This disorder is often referred to as Werding-Hoffmann disease and symptoms occur just months after birth. Type 1 SMA patients typically do not live past age two. Children with Type 2 cannot walk, but can sit independently and symptoms occur between 6 to 18 months old. They can have a typical life expectancy. Type 3 is often known as Kugelberg-Welander disease and is a much milder form. Symptoms appear around 18 months and have a typical life span. Walking for children with type 3 is a possibility, but may be difficult or in need of assistance. This type often resembles muscular dystrophy (Boston Children’s Hospital).
The newly approved medication is called Nusinersen. It has shown an increase in survival of the motor neurons that die off in SMA, located in spinal cord and brainstem. The result is a lack of muscle control in children, controlled by a mutation in the SMN1 gene. We have another gene, SMN2, which is essentially a backup for SMN1 and can also produce the SMN protein. However, the SMN2 gene is normally spliced out as an exon, generating a nonfunctional protein. Nusinersen works to make this SMN2 gene functional. It does this by targeting SMN2’s mRNA. This prevents the exon from being spliced out. Therefore, patients can generate functional and full-length SMN protein via SMN2 gene (Boston Children’s Hospital).
Clinical trials began in 2011. They worked with infants with SMA type 1, phase 3 through a control and experimental group, who were given Nusinersen. The drug was injected into the spinal canal via a lumbar puncture. Forty percent of the experimental babies had improved motor skills. This included showing head control, sitting and standing, and some even walking with help, a huge advance for SMA babies. A second trial was done in which children, age two to twelve with type 2 SMA, received the drug. The patients had to already be able to sit alone, but unable to walk independently. These patients, too, had improved motor function. These studies were named ENDEAR and CHERISH, respectively. They have an SMA Natural History Study, where for 12 years they have followed SMA types 1 through 3 children regularly. This also serves as a control to compare children with SM A(Boston Children’s Hospital).
Before this approval, the treatment for spinal muscular atrophy consisted of just maintaining symptoms, preventing and dealing with complications. The drug will be marketed under the name SpinrazaTM by Biogen, approved by FDA in December of 2016. It is approved for all forms of spinal muscular atrophy (Boston Children’s Hospital). This is a huge advancement in the medical world, especially neurology and something that is exciting and should be discussed. I have had the honor of being in a study with Dr. Darras. His passion and the work he is doing is incredible. Some issues with this new drug is its cost. With different insurance companies approving it or not, this could lead to many ethical issues. The question comes down to who gets the drug? The baby who is just starting their life and could prevent the effects of SMA, or a ten year old who will soon be in a wheel chair and has been struggling all their life? Will it come down to denying patients whose insurance can’t cover it? Although these are things to think about and issues the medical world has to face, this is still an amazing feat that should be celebrated.
After years of research, Boston Children’s Hospital has been FDA approved for a medication to help improve and extend the lives of children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is the number 1 cause of infant mortality from a genetic disorder. Boston Children’s Hospital is known for their incredible care and research. For the past three years it has been ranked as number one for best children’s hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World. The hospital has the largest research program for a pediatric institution and has spent the last thirteen years researching SMA. Dr. Basil Darras, is the SMA Program Director and a pediatric neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital. The improvements are phenomenal, where children who would never have been able to lift their arms or hold up their heads can finally do so.
Spinal muscular atrophy is a very rare genetic condition. There are three types of SMA, all of which result in weakened muscles. Type 1 is the most severe form with almost no independent movement, including breathing and feeding difficulties. This disorder is often referred to as Werding-Hoffmann disease and symptoms occur just months after birth. Type 1 SMA patients typically do not live past age two. Children with Type 2 cannot walk, but can sit independently and symptoms occur between 6 to 18 months old. They can have a typical life expectancy. Type 3 is often known as Kugelberg-Welander disease and is a much milder form. Symptoms appear around 18 months and have a typical life span. Walking for children with type 3 is a possibility, but may be difficult or in need of assistance. This type often resembles muscular dystrophy (Boston Children’s Hospital).
The newly approved medication is called Nusinersen. It has shown an increase in survival of the motor neurons that die off in SMA, located in spinal cord and brainstem. The result is a lack of muscle control in children, controlled by a mutation in the SMN1 gene. We have another gene, SMN2, which is essentially a backup for SMN1 and can also produce the SMN protein. However, the SMN2 gene is normally spliced out as an exon, generating a nonfunctional protein. Nusinersen works to make this SMN2 gene functional. It does this by targeting SMN2’s mRNA. This prevents the exon from being spliced out. Therefore, patients can generate functional and full-length SMN protein via SMN2 gene (Boston Children’s Hospital).
Clinical trials began in 2011. They worked with infants with SMA type 1, phase 3 through a control and experimental group, who were given Nusinersen. The drug was injected into the spinal canal via a lumbar puncture. Forty percent of the experimental babies had improved motor skills. This included showing head control, sitting and standing, and some even walking with help, a huge advance for SMA babies. A second trial was done in which children, age two to twelve with type 2 SMA, received the drug. The patients had to already be able to sit alone, but unable to walk independently. These patients, too, had improved motor function. These studies were named ENDEAR and CHERISH, respectively. They have an SMA Natural History Study, where for 12 years they have followed SMA types 1 through 3 children regularly. This also serves as a control to compare children with SM A(Boston Children’s Hospital).
Before this approval, the treatment for spinal muscular atrophy consisted of just maintaining symptoms, preventing and dealing with complications. The drug will be marketed under the name SpinrazaTM by Biogen, approved by FDA in December of 2016. It is approved for all forms of spinal muscular atrophy (Boston Children’s Hospital). This is a huge advancement in the medical world, especially neurology and something that is exciting and should be discussed. I have had the honor of being in a study with Dr. Darras. His passion and the work he is doing is incredible. Some issues with this new drug is its cost. With different insurance companies approving it or not, this could lead to many ethical issues. The question comes down to who gets the drug? The baby who is just starting their life and could prevent the effects of SMA, or a ten year old who will soon be in a wheel chair and has been struggling all their life? Will it come down to denying patients whose insurance can’t cover it? Although these are things to think about and issues the medical world has to face, this is still an amazing feat that should be celebrated.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 178 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Technology and Surgery
By Joshua Fedorko March 7, 2017
Technology revolutionizes anything it comes across in contemporary society. Healthcare is no different. New technology has aided physicians in making more accurate diagnoses, and the ability to perform more accurate surgical procedures. However, technology is at the cusp of revolutionizing physicians themselves. Computer scientists and billionaires such as Elon Musk are working on artificial intelligence. This artificial intelligence can easily be applied to build robotic doctors, a much-improved version of their flawed human counterparts.
One of the most well-known feats achieved by robotics is the use of Da Vinci surgery machine. This robotic surgeon can perform incredibly delicate procedures, and make incisions that would leave the most experienced surgeons in awe. The machine can remove more cancerous tissue while minimizing the possible damage to nerve endings. These results are quickly making headway among patients. One study found that 85% of men who must undergo prostate surgery choose this new technology over a surgeon armed with only a scalpel. This robotic surgeon is far from automated now; the computer system is only capable of refining and scaling the hand movements of its human commander. This will no longer be the case soon. Dr. Satava from the University of Washington predicts in 40-50 years that human surgeons will solely be involved with managing and monitoring the machines that will be performing their predecessors’ jobs.
The art of diagnostic medicine is no different. The human mind has a limited ability to retain and retrieve vital information, robots on the other hand have a limitless capacity. This dramatic ability to store information was demonstrated when IBM’s Watson defeated its human competitors in jeopardy. Yet this was not the intent for Watson’s design. Watson was designed to be storage system for every human disease known. Watson can access medical reports, clinical trials, medical journals, patient records, etc. at a moment’s notice. All this information can allow the computer system to lead to more accurate diagnosis and more personalized treatment plans. Human doctors simply don’t have the mental capacity to keep up. Watson at the current moment works in tandem with human doctors. However, as technology progresses forward, it seems feasibly that the system will be able to become completely autonomous.
Technology revolutionizes anything it comes across in contemporary society. Healthcare is no different. New technology has aided physicians in making more accurate diagnoses, and the ability to perform more accurate surgical procedures. However, technology is at the cusp of revolutionizing physicians themselves. Computer scientists and billionaires such as Elon Musk are working on artificial intelligence. This artificial intelligence can easily be applied to build robotic doctors, a much-improved version of their flawed human counterparts.
One of the most well-known feats achieved by robotics is the use of Da Vinci surgery machine. This robotic surgeon can perform incredibly delicate procedures, and make incisions that would leave the most experienced surgeons in awe. The machine can remove more cancerous tissue while minimizing the possible damage to nerve endings. These results are quickly making headway among patients. One study found that 85% of men who must undergo prostate surgery choose this new technology over a surgeon armed with only a scalpel. This robotic surgeon is far from automated now; the computer system is only capable of refining and scaling the hand movements of its human commander. This will no longer be the case soon. Dr. Satava from the University of Washington predicts in 40-50 years that human surgeons will solely be involved with managing and monitoring the machines that will be performing their predecessors’ jobs.
The art of diagnostic medicine is no different. The human mind has a limited ability to retain and retrieve vital information, robots on the other hand have a limitless capacity. This dramatic ability to store information was demonstrated when IBM’s Watson defeated its human competitors in jeopardy. Yet this was not the intent for Watson’s design. Watson was designed to be storage system for every human disease known. Watson can access medical reports, clinical trials, medical journals, patient records, etc. at a moment’s notice. All this information can allow the computer system to lead to more accurate diagnosis and more personalized treatment plans. Human doctors simply don’t have the mental capacity to keep up. Watson at the current moment works in tandem with human doctors. However, as technology progresses forward, it seems feasibly that the system will be able to become completely autonomous.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 121 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Parkinson’s Disease may be Cured by Lasers
By Sania Saeed March 7, 2017
Parkinson's disease occurs due to result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face, rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk, bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. PD usually affects people over the age of 50. Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually. (WPD) In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others. As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities. Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD. Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination. The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately (WPD). Doctors may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases. Ultimately, there is no cure for PD, but a variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. Usually, patients are given levodopa combined with carbidopa. Carbidopa delays the conversion of levodopa into dopamine until it reaches the brain. Nerve cells can use levodopa to make dopamine and replenish the brain's dwindling supply. Although levodopa helps at least three-quarters of parkinsonian cases, not all symptoms respond equally to the drug. Bradykinesia and rigidity respond best, while tremor may be only marginally reduced. Problems with balance and other symptoms may not be alleviated at all. Anticholinergics may help control tremor and rigidity. Other drugs, such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole, mimic the role of dopamine in the brain, causing the neurons to react as they would to dopamine. An antiviral drug, amantadine, also appears to reduce symptoms. In May 2006, the FDA approved rasagiline to be used along with levodopa for patients with advanced PD or as a single-drug treatment for early PD. In some cases, surgery may be appropriate if the disease doesn't respond to drugs. A therapy called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has now been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In DBS, electrodes are implanted into the brain and connected to a small electrical device called a pulse generator that can be externally programmed. DBS can reduce the need for levodopa and related drugs, which in turn decreases the involuntary movements called dyskinesias that are a common side effect of levodopa. It also helps to alleviate fluctuations of symptoms and to reduce tremors, slowness of movements, and gait problems. DBS requires careful programming of the stimulator device in order to work correctly. PD is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. Although some people become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor disruptions. Tremor is the major symptom for some patients, while for others tremor is only a minor complaint and other symptoms are more troublesome. No one can predict which symptoms will affect an individual patient, and the intensity of the symptoms also varies from person to person.
Currently, Scientists from Chalmers University of Technology and the Polish Wroclaw University of Technology have discovered that Lasers could possibly cure diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's without having to touch the surrounding brain tissue. This technique could also replace the chemical-based treatments utilized to treat amyloid protein aggregates today, which include toxic things that can put patients at risk. They have claimed that "Nobody has talked about using only light to treat these diseases until now,” (ScienceDaily).They have to terminate the harmful proteins and also need to remove them before patients can be cured of these life-altering diseases. Researchers are hopeful that photoacoustic therapy could be used to get rid of the protein aggregates. Many surgeries have been done with lasers, so this one is probably not too hard to figure out. Many people remain hopeful that one day these diseases can be cured. However, this procedure will probably be unaffordable for most of the people suffering with Parkinson’s, so this discovery is to no avail. The variety of medications can provide dramatic relief from the symptoms however, so the cost is acceptable.
Parkinson's disease occurs due to result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face, rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk, bradykinesia, or slowness of movement, and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. PD usually affects people over the age of 50. Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually. (WPD) In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others. As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities. Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD. Therefore the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination. The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately (WPD). Doctors may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases. Ultimately, there is no cure for PD, but a variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. Usually, patients are given levodopa combined with carbidopa. Carbidopa delays the conversion of levodopa into dopamine until it reaches the brain. Nerve cells can use levodopa to make dopamine and replenish the brain's dwindling supply. Although levodopa helps at least three-quarters of parkinsonian cases, not all symptoms respond equally to the drug. Bradykinesia and rigidity respond best, while tremor may be only marginally reduced. Problems with balance and other symptoms may not be alleviated at all. Anticholinergics may help control tremor and rigidity. Other drugs, such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole, mimic the role of dopamine in the brain, causing the neurons to react as they would to dopamine. An antiviral drug, amantadine, also appears to reduce symptoms. In May 2006, the FDA approved rasagiline to be used along with levodopa for patients with advanced PD or as a single-drug treatment for early PD. In some cases, surgery may be appropriate if the disease doesn't respond to drugs. A therapy called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has now been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In DBS, electrodes are implanted into the brain and connected to a small electrical device called a pulse generator that can be externally programmed. DBS can reduce the need for levodopa and related drugs, which in turn decreases the involuntary movements called dyskinesias that are a common side effect of levodopa. It also helps to alleviate fluctuations of symptoms and to reduce tremors, slowness of movements, and gait problems. DBS requires careful programming of the stimulator device in order to work correctly. PD is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. Although some people become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor disruptions. Tremor is the major symptom for some patients, while for others tremor is only a minor complaint and other symptoms are more troublesome. No one can predict which symptoms will affect an individual patient, and the intensity of the symptoms also varies from person to person.
Currently, Scientists from Chalmers University of Technology and the Polish Wroclaw University of Technology have discovered that Lasers could possibly cure diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's without having to touch the surrounding brain tissue. This technique could also replace the chemical-based treatments utilized to treat amyloid protein aggregates today, which include toxic things that can put patients at risk. They have claimed that "Nobody has talked about using only light to treat these diseases until now,” (ScienceDaily).They have to terminate the harmful proteins and also need to remove them before patients can be cured of these life-altering diseases. Researchers are hopeful that photoacoustic therapy could be used to get rid of the protein aggregates. Many surgeries have been done with lasers, so this one is probably not too hard to figure out. Many people remain hopeful that one day these diseases can be cured. However, this procedure will probably be unaffordable for most of the people suffering with Parkinson’s, so this discovery is to no avail. The variety of medications can provide dramatic relief from the symptoms however, so the cost is acceptable.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Gut Bacteria Affect Intestines and Brain in IBS Patients
By Aybuke Akyarar March 6, 2017
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems, yet little is known about its causes. Treatment options focus on relieving the symptoms - which often include anxious behavior - rather than curing the illness. New research may have found a connection between gut bacteria and behavior in IBS patients, which could inform new treatments. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects approximately 11 percent of the worldwide population. More women tend to be afflicted with IBS than men. Symptoms of the disease include intense abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Often, patients also experience anxiety and depression (Mayo Clinic).
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms—including abdominal pain and changes in the pattern of bowel movements without any evidence of underlying damage. Disorders such as anxiety, major depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome are common among people with IBS (NIDDK). The risk of developing IBS increases six-fold after acute gastrointestinal infection. For post-infection, further risk factors are young age, prolonged fever, anxiety, and depression. Research has found that genetic defects in innate immunity and epithelial homeostasis increase the risk of developing both post-infectious as well as other forms of IBS (NIDDK).
A new study - carried out by researchers from the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute at McMaster University in collaboration with researchers from the University of Waterloo, both in Ontario, Canada - may have found a link between gut bacteria in people with IBS and their behavioral symptoms. The findings, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, may soon lead to new treatment options for those living with IBS. The new research, led by Dr. Premysl Bercik and Dr. Stephen Collins, set out to investigate whether fecal microbiota from humans with IBS can alter the gut and brain function in mice (Sandoiu).
For their study, the researchers used healthy, IBS-free individuals, as well as two groups of patients with IBS: one group that also had anxiety and another that did not. Using fecal transplants, they transferred the microbiota from these humans into germ-free mice. After the transplant, the mice developed gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms similar to those of their donors. The mice experienced gastrointestinal transit dysfunction (changes in the time it takes for food to travel from the stomach through the intestine), intestinal barrier dysfunction (in which the gastrointestinal tract does not provide a tight barrier against external, harmful bacteria as it normally would), inflammation, and behavior indicative of anxiety (Sandoiu).
A research associate with the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute and the study's first author, Giada De Palma, explains the significance of the findings, "This is a landmark study because it moves the field beyond a simple association, and towards evidence that changes in the microbiota impact both intestinal and behavioral responses in IBS" (Sandoiu). Dr. Premysl Bercik, the study's lead author and associate professor of medicine at McMaster University, also weighs in, "Our findings provide the basis for developing therapies aimed at the intestinal microbiota, and for finding biomarkers for the diagnosis of IBS," Bercik says. The authors note that their findings may provide new opportunities for treatment development. "Microbiota-directed therapies, including pre- or probiotic treatment, may be beneficial in treating not only intestinal symptoms but also components of the behavioral manifestations of IBS," they conclude (Sandoiu).
According to the authors, the results of their study also add to the mounting evidence that the gut's microbiota can affect the brain and a range of mental disorders. "The intestinal microbiota may play some role in the spectrum of brain disorders ranging from mood or anxiety to other problems that may include autism, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis," write Bercik and colleagues. However, the authors conclude that more studies are needed to fully clarify the connection between these conditions (Sandoiu).
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems, yet little is known about its causes. Treatment options focus on relieving the symptoms - which often include anxious behavior - rather than curing the illness. New research may have found a connection between gut bacteria and behavior in IBS patients, which could inform new treatments. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects approximately 11 percent of the worldwide population. More women tend to be afflicted with IBS than men. Symptoms of the disease include intense abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Often, patients also experience anxiety and depression (Mayo Clinic).
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms—including abdominal pain and changes in the pattern of bowel movements without any evidence of underlying damage. Disorders such as anxiety, major depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome are common among people with IBS (NIDDK). The risk of developing IBS increases six-fold after acute gastrointestinal infection. For post-infection, further risk factors are young age, prolonged fever, anxiety, and depression. Research has found that genetic defects in innate immunity and epithelial homeostasis increase the risk of developing both post-infectious as well as other forms of IBS (NIDDK).
A new study - carried out by researchers from the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute at McMaster University in collaboration with researchers from the University of Waterloo, both in Ontario, Canada - may have found a link between gut bacteria in people with IBS and their behavioral symptoms. The findings, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, may soon lead to new treatment options for those living with IBS. The new research, led by Dr. Premysl Bercik and Dr. Stephen Collins, set out to investigate whether fecal microbiota from humans with IBS can alter the gut and brain function in mice (Sandoiu).
For their study, the researchers used healthy, IBS-free individuals, as well as two groups of patients with IBS: one group that also had anxiety and another that did not. Using fecal transplants, they transferred the microbiota from these humans into germ-free mice. After the transplant, the mice developed gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms similar to those of their donors. The mice experienced gastrointestinal transit dysfunction (changes in the time it takes for food to travel from the stomach through the intestine), intestinal barrier dysfunction (in which the gastrointestinal tract does not provide a tight barrier against external, harmful bacteria as it normally would), inflammation, and behavior indicative of anxiety (Sandoiu).
A research associate with the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute and the study's first author, Giada De Palma, explains the significance of the findings, "This is a landmark study because it moves the field beyond a simple association, and towards evidence that changes in the microbiota impact both intestinal and behavioral responses in IBS" (Sandoiu). Dr. Premysl Bercik, the study's lead author and associate professor of medicine at McMaster University, also weighs in, "Our findings provide the basis for developing therapies aimed at the intestinal microbiota, and for finding biomarkers for the diagnosis of IBS," Bercik says. The authors note that their findings may provide new opportunities for treatment development. "Microbiota-directed therapies, including pre- or probiotic treatment, may be beneficial in treating not only intestinal symptoms but also components of the behavioral manifestations of IBS," they conclude (Sandoiu).
According to the authors, the results of their study also add to the mounting evidence that the gut's microbiota can affect the brain and a range of mental disorders. "The intestinal microbiota may play some role in the spectrum of brain disorders ranging from mood or anxiety to other problems that may include autism, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis," write Bercik and colleagues. However, the authors conclude that more studies are needed to fully clarify the connection between these conditions (Sandoiu).
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 169 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Identification of Diverse Astrocyte Populations in the Human Brain and Their Roles in Neurological Disease
By Ericka Randazzo March 6, 2017
The human brain is an incredibly complex and intricate organ that is not well understood. Like all other organs, cellular heterogeneity is a necessary component of proper organ function, as a diversity of cell populations working in concert enable the variety of physiological activities organs carry out. The mammalian brain is composed of a multitude of cell types – including neurons, glial cells, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes – that are required for proper brain function. Even within each cell type, subpopulations can exist. Several studies have found hundreds of molecularly and functionally distinct neuronal cell types in the human brain[1,2]. The diversity of other cell types – including astrocytes – however, has not been extensively studied.
Astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain, are critical to brain function, and serve a variety of important roles. The fact that astrocytes demonstrate such functional diversity indicates that, like neurons, astrocytes must exhibit a variety of cell subtypes. While several astrocyte subpopulations have been identified, much about astrocyte heterogeneity and function remains unknown. A recent study by Lin et. Al. identified five unique, diverse astrocyte subpopulations and correlated changes in the abundancies of such subpopulations with the development of neurological diseases[3].
Each subpopulation identified in their study was found to be molecularly diverse. Furthermore, analysis of the migratory and proliferative properties of each of the astrocyte types in the developing cortex showed that the five subtypes each serve different developmental functions. Using mouse models, the group assessed whether the emergence of specific astrocyte subpopulations in the human brain was correlated with the development of neurological disorders – namely, brain tumors and gliomas. Seizures are a key feature of gliomas and are (in part) brought about by an imbalance of synaptic activity. One of the five identified astrocyte subtypes was found to be associated with the promotion of synaptogenesis, or the formation of neuronal synapses. Progressive increases in the abundance of this subtype were found to be directly correlated with the onset of seizures. The emergence of the other subtypes were found to be correlated with other features of tumor progression as well, ultimately indicating that the subpopulations execute different functions associated with tumor progression[3]. Their findings ultimately provide further insight into our knowledge brain gliomas and suggest plausible mechanisms by which such gliomas might be treated.
The human brain is an incredibly complex and intricate organ that is not well understood. Like all other organs, cellular heterogeneity is a necessary component of proper organ function, as a diversity of cell populations working in concert enable the variety of physiological activities organs carry out. The mammalian brain is composed of a multitude of cell types – including neurons, glial cells, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes – that are required for proper brain function. Even within each cell type, subpopulations can exist. Several studies have found hundreds of molecularly and functionally distinct neuronal cell types in the human brain[1,2]. The diversity of other cell types – including astrocytes – however, has not been extensively studied.
Astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain, are critical to brain function, and serve a variety of important roles. The fact that astrocytes demonstrate such functional diversity indicates that, like neurons, astrocytes must exhibit a variety of cell subtypes. While several astrocyte subpopulations have been identified, much about astrocyte heterogeneity and function remains unknown. A recent study by Lin et. Al. identified five unique, diverse astrocyte subpopulations and correlated changes in the abundancies of such subpopulations with the development of neurological diseases[3].
Each subpopulation identified in their study was found to be molecularly diverse. Furthermore, analysis of the migratory and proliferative properties of each of the astrocyte types in the developing cortex showed that the five subtypes each serve different developmental functions. Using mouse models, the group assessed whether the emergence of specific astrocyte subpopulations in the human brain was correlated with the development of neurological disorders – namely, brain tumors and gliomas. Seizures are a key feature of gliomas and are (in part) brought about by an imbalance of synaptic activity. One of the five identified astrocyte subtypes was found to be associated with the promotion of synaptogenesis, or the formation of neuronal synapses. Progressive increases in the abundance of this subtype were found to be directly correlated with the onset of seizures. The emergence of the other subtypes were found to be correlated with other features of tumor progression as well, ultimately indicating that the subpopulations execute different functions associated with tumor progression[3]. Their findings ultimately provide further insight into our knowledge brain gliomas and suggest plausible mechanisms by which such gliomas might be treated.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
A Newfound Way to Potentially Prevent Malaria
By Sania Saeed February 23, 2017
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have recently suggested that mosquitos’ brains mix tastes with smells in a specialized area, to make preferred flavors. Through these findings, they may be able to discover a particular substance that makes human flavor repulsive for malaria-bearing types of mosquitos; this may help to prevent them from spreading the disease to humans, which may potentially save about 450,000 lives per year (Potter).
Malaria is an infectious parasite disease that is transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles gambiae mosquito. In just the year of 2015, this disease affected 214 million people, due to the unfortunate fact that there is no malaria vaccine. If caught in early stages, it is curable, however afterwards, symptoms can only be managed at a costly price.
“All mosquitoes, including the one that transmits malaria, use their sense of smell to find a host for a blood meal. Our goal is to let the mosquitoes tell us what smells they find repulsive and use those to keep them from biting us,” (Potter)
The sense of smell is crucial to a mosquito’s survival, therefore, they have three pairs of “noses” for sensing odors: two antennae, two maxillary palps and two labella (Potter). Potter’s team used a genetic technique (made certain neurons that receive complex odors turn green to be distinguishable, used first time in mosquitos) to see where olfactory neurons from those regions enter the brain.
As expected, Potter says, “the OR neurons from the antennae and maxillary palps went to symmetrical areas of the brain called antennal lobes, just as they do in flies.” However, OR neurons from the labella went to the subesophageal zone, which has been associated with the sense of taste, suggesting that mosquitos like a combination of our smell and flavor.
Therefore, a combination of repellants could potentially prevent mosquitos carrying malaria from biting humans. “One could target the antennal neurons and reduce the likelihood that they come too close, while another could target the labellar neurons and make the mosquitoes turn away in disgust — before sucking our blood — if they got close enough to land on us” (Potter). Through this method, researchers would like to discover a safe odorant for us, that has the ability to strongly repel mosquitos at low concentrations.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have recently suggested that mosquitos’ brains mix tastes with smells in a specialized area, to make preferred flavors. Through these findings, they may be able to discover a particular substance that makes human flavor repulsive for malaria-bearing types of mosquitos; this may help to prevent them from spreading the disease to humans, which may potentially save about 450,000 lives per year (Potter).
Malaria is an infectious parasite disease that is transmitted by the bite of the female Anopheles gambiae mosquito. In just the year of 2015, this disease affected 214 million people, due to the unfortunate fact that there is no malaria vaccine. If caught in early stages, it is curable, however afterwards, symptoms can only be managed at a costly price.
“All mosquitoes, including the one that transmits malaria, use their sense of smell to find a host for a blood meal. Our goal is to let the mosquitoes tell us what smells they find repulsive and use those to keep them from biting us,” (Potter)
The sense of smell is crucial to a mosquito’s survival, therefore, they have three pairs of “noses” for sensing odors: two antennae, two maxillary palps and two labella (Potter). Potter’s team used a genetic technique (made certain neurons that receive complex odors turn green to be distinguishable, used first time in mosquitos) to see where olfactory neurons from those regions enter the brain.
As expected, Potter says, “the OR neurons from the antennae and maxillary palps went to symmetrical areas of the brain called antennal lobes, just as they do in flies.” However, OR neurons from the labella went to the subesophageal zone, which has been associated with the sense of taste, suggesting that mosquitos like a combination of our smell and flavor.
Therefore, a combination of repellants could potentially prevent mosquitos carrying malaria from biting humans. “One could target the antennal neurons and reduce the likelihood that they come too close, while another could target the labellar neurons and make the mosquitoes turn away in disgust — before sucking our blood — if they got close enough to land on us” (Potter). Through this method, researchers would like to discover a safe odorant for us, that has the ability to strongly repel mosquitos at low concentrations.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 5 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Genetic Relationships with BMI
By Francis Regala February 23, 2017
Living in one of the top ranking countries in terms of obesity rates, one question that somebody might ask is “can I be predisposed to being overweight?”. According to Professor Peter Dolton of the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, the answer is yes.
Analyzing over 100,000 children from the United States, UK, China, Indonesia, Spain, and Mexico, Dr. Dolton and his team was able to determine the relationship between a child’s BMI and his/her respective parents. This relationship, which did happen to vary between children, still had a significantly large impact as the BMI of the children who were the lightest inherited 10% of BMI related genes from each parent, while the heaviest child inherited nearly 30% from each parent. These heavier children will be also more susceptible to obesity related diseases such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and many other forms of cancer. Aside from physical impacts of obesity, there are many emotional issues which these obese children will be predisposed to. For example, it is not uncommon for children considered obese to have a relatively lower-self esteem.
However, while this research may be true, you should not let your self-esteem or weight be determined by factors that are not within your range of control. While you may have parents which put you in a situation in which you are predisposed to obesity, exercising, eating healthy, and getting a good nights sleep are all factors which can help override nearly any BMI related chromosomal inheritance.
Living in one of the top ranking countries in terms of obesity rates, one question that somebody might ask is “can I be predisposed to being overweight?”. According to Professor Peter Dolton of the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, the answer is yes.
Analyzing over 100,000 children from the United States, UK, China, Indonesia, Spain, and Mexico, Dr. Dolton and his team was able to determine the relationship between a child’s BMI and his/her respective parents. This relationship, which did happen to vary between children, still had a significantly large impact as the BMI of the children who were the lightest inherited 10% of BMI related genes from each parent, while the heaviest child inherited nearly 30% from each parent. These heavier children will be also more susceptible to obesity related diseases such as asthma, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and many other forms of cancer. Aside from physical impacts of obesity, there are many emotional issues which these obese children will be predisposed to. For example, it is not uncommon for children considered obese to have a relatively lower-self esteem.
However, while this research may be true, you should not let your self-esteem or weight be determined by factors that are not within your range of control. While you may have parents which put you in a situation in which you are predisposed to obesity, exercising, eating healthy, and getting a good nights sleep are all factors which can help override nearly any BMI related chromosomal inheritance.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 100 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Self-Control by Sugar
By Meghan Goddard February 21, 2017
In the morning, it is a lot easier to resist eating that cookie for breakfast. At lunch, it is a bit harder, but you go for a yogurt instead. By dinner, the urge feels near impossible to resist. At midnight after hours of homework, you eat the cookie. Self-control is what we use to restrain desires and impulses. Researchers have found that self-control takes from a set energy source within us. Every time we use a small amounts of self-control throughout the day, it draws from this energy reservoir, making each consecutive effort of self-control more and more difficult. This is referred to as “ego depletion.” The more you regulate your responses, the more you deplete your energy. Psychologist and professor, Roy Baumeister of Florida State University, compares self-control to a muscle. Like a muscle, self-control gets tired and loses power after use. However, like a muscle, self-control can become stronger with exercise over time, even in unrelated aspects of life. For example, smokers who resisted sweets or did hand grip exercises were more successful at quitting cigarettes. Baumeister and his team did a study where subjects skipped a meal and then were given a bowl of radishes and a bowl of cookies. One group was to eat the radishes and not the cookies. One group was to eat the cookies, and a third group skipped this part all together. They then were given an insolvable geometry puzzle and were timed on how long before the participants gave. They found that the first group, who resisted the cookies, gave up drastically sooner than the other two groups. This showed that resisting such temptations takes a certain amount of energy, later effecting other areas of life. They concluded, this is the reason for night time, after a demanding day is when most diets fail, sexual misdeeds occur, and addictive behaviors appear (Baumeister).
A large part of self-control is about making decisions. The more decisions we make throughout the day, the more our self-control is impaired. This may be an interesting explanation for why many politicians, who make decision after decision, end up in sex scandals or illegal behavior. They’re job is to make decisions all the time so that their self-control for ordinary things becomes even more difficult (Baumeister).
Ask any science student where our energy comes from and they’ll say glucose. Glucose is the source of our energy; the source perhaps that this self-control is referring to. A link has been found between self-control and glucose levels. After people exert some self-control, their blood glucose levels drop. They had students perform simple task in a lab and saw their blood glucose levels dropped. They then participated in a self-control lab test, and similarly they performed lower than if they had not done the previous task (Baumeister). An interesting study was done on glucose levels in judges, tying together decisions, self-control, and blood glucose. Judges are given cases throughout the day where they have to decide to let convicts out on parole, a risky decision that could reflect poorly on their careers if something were to go wrong. Or, they decide to send them back to prison, the easier, safer decision that in turn would take less self-control. They found on cases that were brought to judges early in the morning, when judges had eaten breakfast, they tended to grant parole often. Throughout the day, the longer the judges went without a break or food, the more likely those prisoners are to be sent back to prison. Parole rates then increase again after lunch. In fact, they found the cases right before lunch have a near 0% chance of being granted parole, while cases directly after lunch have a 65% chance of parole (Danziger et al.).
It was also found that with an increase in ego depletion, aggression increases, and a restraint on aggressive impulses is weakened. Researchers studied couples and found that even nonviolent couples treated one another in more abusive ways when they had an increase in ego depletion. This could be important in preventing abusive relationships. If psychologists can teach couples to exercise and strengthen self-control, they can potentially reduce relationship violence (Baumeister).
Eating more food to keep your blood sugar up, probably isn’t the best dieting technique. However, exercising your self-control and recognizing it is not your complete lack of willpower when at the end of a long day you can’t resist skipping homework to watch Netflix. Having better self-control techniques have been a strong predictor of high performance in school and work (Baumeister).
In the morning, it is a lot easier to resist eating that cookie for breakfast. At lunch, it is a bit harder, but you go for a yogurt instead. By dinner, the urge feels near impossible to resist. At midnight after hours of homework, you eat the cookie. Self-control is what we use to restrain desires and impulses. Researchers have found that self-control takes from a set energy source within us. Every time we use a small amounts of self-control throughout the day, it draws from this energy reservoir, making each consecutive effort of self-control more and more difficult. This is referred to as “ego depletion.” The more you regulate your responses, the more you deplete your energy. Psychologist and professor, Roy Baumeister of Florida State University, compares self-control to a muscle. Like a muscle, self-control gets tired and loses power after use. However, like a muscle, self-control can become stronger with exercise over time, even in unrelated aspects of life. For example, smokers who resisted sweets or did hand grip exercises were more successful at quitting cigarettes. Baumeister and his team did a study where subjects skipped a meal and then were given a bowl of radishes and a bowl of cookies. One group was to eat the radishes and not the cookies. One group was to eat the cookies, and a third group skipped this part all together. They then were given an insolvable geometry puzzle and were timed on how long before the participants gave. They found that the first group, who resisted the cookies, gave up drastically sooner than the other two groups. This showed that resisting such temptations takes a certain amount of energy, later effecting other areas of life. They concluded, this is the reason for night time, after a demanding day is when most diets fail, sexual misdeeds occur, and addictive behaviors appear (Baumeister).
A large part of self-control is about making decisions. The more decisions we make throughout the day, the more our self-control is impaired. This may be an interesting explanation for why many politicians, who make decision after decision, end up in sex scandals or illegal behavior. They’re job is to make decisions all the time so that their self-control for ordinary things becomes even more difficult (Baumeister).
Ask any science student where our energy comes from and they’ll say glucose. Glucose is the source of our energy; the source perhaps that this self-control is referring to. A link has been found between self-control and glucose levels. After people exert some self-control, their blood glucose levels drop. They had students perform simple task in a lab and saw their blood glucose levels dropped. They then participated in a self-control lab test, and similarly they performed lower than if they had not done the previous task (Baumeister). An interesting study was done on glucose levels in judges, tying together decisions, self-control, and blood glucose. Judges are given cases throughout the day where they have to decide to let convicts out on parole, a risky decision that could reflect poorly on their careers if something were to go wrong. Or, they decide to send them back to prison, the easier, safer decision that in turn would take less self-control. They found on cases that were brought to judges early in the morning, when judges had eaten breakfast, they tended to grant parole often. Throughout the day, the longer the judges went without a break or food, the more likely those prisoners are to be sent back to prison. Parole rates then increase again after lunch. In fact, they found the cases right before lunch have a near 0% chance of being granted parole, while cases directly after lunch have a 65% chance of parole (Danziger et al.).
It was also found that with an increase in ego depletion, aggression increases, and a restraint on aggressive impulses is weakened. Researchers studied couples and found that even nonviolent couples treated one another in more abusive ways when they had an increase in ego depletion. This could be important in preventing abusive relationships. If psychologists can teach couples to exercise and strengthen self-control, they can potentially reduce relationship violence (Baumeister).
Eating more food to keep your blood sugar up, probably isn’t the best dieting technique. However, exercising your self-control and recognizing it is not your complete lack of willpower when at the end of a long day you can’t resist skipping homework to watch Netflix. Having better self-control techniques have been a strong predictor of high performance in school and work (Baumeister).
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File Size: | 180 kb |
File Type: | docx |
America's Addiction
By Joshua Fedorko February 21, 2017
The United States has seen a gargantuan rise in the number of overdose related deaths in recent years. The cause of this new-found drove of deaths is no illegal substance, it does not come from any drug cartel; rather it comes from one’s trustworthy personal physician. The 1990s saw a massive rise in the increase of opioid prescriptions given out to patients. A drug that was once reserved for patients undergoing the most extreme pain, was elevated to become the next step after aspirin. The addictive side effects were readily ignored, causing innocent civilians to be converted to drug addicts seemingly overnight. Pharmaceutical companies were quick to supply the demand of a growing number of opioid users.
West Virginia is one of the most heavily inflicted states in this new pandemic. 9 million hydrocodone pills were shipped into a Mingo County Pharmacy over a two-year period. A number that does not correlate with a county of a mere population of 33,000. The act of pharmacies becoming no more than glorified drug mules is perfectly legal. One cannot punish a pharmacy for stocking heavily “monitored” substances. To access this treasure trove of narcotics, only one simple prescription is needed. A West Virginian achieves his or her script from their family friendly pain clinic that is located nearby. It’s far easier for a physician to write a script, than it is to diagnose or listen to patient with a never-ending list of complaints. Physicians in the pain clinic business cannot afford to have morals; one simple refusal can lead to a loss in business. These charlatans seem to believe they are responding to market forces created by their careless predecessors.
The ease of access to opioids is trend that permeates in every medical community. 91% of people who survived an overdose were quickly able to get a refill of their prescription. These survivors find it impossible to resist a second chance opportunity. This is only fueled by the fact that physicians are often unaware or feign lack of knowledge of patient histories. After all, any addict that still possesses at least a modicum of cognizance, is obviously never going to reveal that they are addicts.
The physicians of the 1990s have created a drug empire for the pharmaceutical companies that can only be comparable to that of great entrepreneurs such as Pablo Escobar and El Chapo. Contemporary physicians must accept the basic logical fact that addictive substances must be given out with more caution. Otherwise their Hippocratic oath has become nothing more than a hypocritical oath. Contemporary physicians must learn to place humanity above the easy profits associated with privatized healthcare.
The United States has seen a gargantuan rise in the number of overdose related deaths in recent years. The cause of this new-found drove of deaths is no illegal substance, it does not come from any drug cartel; rather it comes from one’s trustworthy personal physician. The 1990s saw a massive rise in the increase of opioid prescriptions given out to patients. A drug that was once reserved for patients undergoing the most extreme pain, was elevated to become the next step after aspirin. The addictive side effects were readily ignored, causing innocent civilians to be converted to drug addicts seemingly overnight. Pharmaceutical companies were quick to supply the demand of a growing number of opioid users.
West Virginia is one of the most heavily inflicted states in this new pandemic. 9 million hydrocodone pills were shipped into a Mingo County Pharmacy over a two-year period. A number that does not correlate with a county of a mere population of 33,000. The act of pharmacies becoming no more than glorified drug mules is perfectly legal. One cannot punish a pharmacy for stocking heavily “monitored” substances. To access this treasure trove of narcotics, only one simple prescription is needed. A West Virginian achieves his or her script from their family friendly pain clinic that is located nearby. It’s far easier for a physician to write a script, than it is to diagnose or listen to patient with a never-ending list of complaints. Physicians in the pain clinic business cannot afford to have morals; one simple refusal can lead to a loss in business. These charlatans seem to believe they are responding to market forces created by their careless predecessors.
The ease of access to opioids is trend that permeates in every medical community. 91% of people who survived an overdose were quickly able to get a refill of their prescription. These survivors find it impossible to resist a second chance opportunity. This is only fueled by the fact that physicians are often unaware or feign lack of knowledge of patient histories. After all, any addict that still possesses at least a modicum of cognizance, is obviously never going to reveal that they are addicts.
The physicians of the 1990s have created a drug empire for the pharmaceutical companies that can only be comparable to that of great entrepreneurs such as Pablo Escobar and El Chapo. Contemporary physicians must accept the basic logical fact that addictive substances must be given out with more caution. Otherwise their Hippocratic oath has become nothing more than a hypocritical oath. Contemporary physicians must learn to place humanity above the easy profits associated with privatized healthcare.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 118 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Stem Cells as the Next Step in MS Treatment
By Anneliese Lapides February 20, 2017
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects neurons of the central nervous system. The body’s own immune system attacks the myelin sheaths that surround the neuronal axons that send electrical messages through the brain. Around 200 people are diagnosed with MS in the United States every week, and there are around 2.5 million people affected by MS throughout the world1. That is why the recent news about a new stem cell transplant for multiple sclerosis is so exciting in the field of medicine: thousands of people could gain access to a potentially life-changing treatment.
Researchers and doctors involved with this recent medical event are stating that this new stem cell treatment can postpone the effects of MS. Since MS is known as incurable, this allows for patients of stem cell transplant trials to have the opportunity to increase their quality of life for a longer period before symptoms of the disease set in2. The treatment is called autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), in which the patient’s own stem cells are collected for use3. After patients undergo chemotherapy to get rid of any remaining cells affected by the disease, their stem cells are returned to their bloodstream; the outcome doctors hope for is that blood cell production will return to normal3. While there are many risks associated with the stem cell treatment, there have been some hopeful results as well. Of the 281 patients in 13 different countries that received AHSCT between 1995 and 2006, 46% lived MS-progression-free for five years afterwards4.
It is treatments like AHSCT that give those affected by MS hope that medicine is moving towards a cure. Based on the progress being made by researchers and doctors with current stem cell treatments, they are moving in the right direction. Just in the past 11 years since 2006, technology used in treatments such as AHSCT has drastically improved. With the advances made in stem cell treatments and the research of autoimmune diseases, the potential for a cure for multiple sclerosis is becoming more and more in reach for the millions it affects around the world.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects neurons of the central nervous system. The body’s own immune system attacks the myelin sheaths that surround the neuronal axons that send electrical messages through the brain. Around 200 people are diagnosed with MS in the United States every week, and there are around 2.5 million people affected by MS throughout the world1. That is why the recent news about a new stem cell transplant for multiple sclerosis is so exciting in the field of medicine: thousands of people could gain access to a potentially life-changing treatment.
Researchers and doctors involved with this recent medical event are stating that this new stem cell treatment can postpone the effects of MS. Since MS is known as incurable, this allows for patients of stem cell transplant trials to have the opportunity to increase their quality of life for a longer period before symptoms of the disease set in2. The treatment is called autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), in which the patient’s own stem cells are collected for use3. After patients undergo chemotherapy to get rid of any remaining cells affected by the disease, their stem cells are returned to their bloodstream; the outcome doctors hope for is that blood cell production will return to normal3. While there are many risks associated with the stem cell treatment, there have been some hopeful results as well. Of the 281 patients in 13 different countries that received AHSCT between 1995 and 2006, 46% lived MS-progression-free for five years afterwards4.
It is treatments like AHSCT that give those affected by MS hope that medicine is moving towards a cure. Based on the progress being made by researchers and doctors with current stem cell treatments, they are moving in the right direction. Just in the past 11 years since 2006, technology used in treatments such as AHSCT has drastically improved. With the advances made in stem cell treatments and the research of autoimmune diseases, the potential for a cure for multiple sclerosis is becoming more and more in reach for the millions it affects around the world.
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 131 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Air Pollution May Raise Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
By Aybuke Akyarar February 21, 2017
A study of obese Hispanic children suggests that smog might boost chances of developing diabetes. So what really is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose gets into your cells to give them energy (WebMD). With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood (WebMD). "Poor air quality appears to be a catalyst for obesity and diabetes in children, but the conditions probably are forged via different pathways," says Michael Goran who is the co-director of the University of Southern California's Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (Preidt).
For the study, researchers followed 314 overweight or obese Hispanic children in Los Angeles County. The children were between 8 and 15 years old when the study started and none of them had diabetes (Preidt). By the time children who lived in areas with high levels of air pollution turned 18, their insulin-producing pancreatic cells -- called beta cells -- were 13 percent less efficient than normal. The study authors noted in the news release that, “When beta cells stop working as they should, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes rises” (Preidt). Diabetes has quadrupled in the United States in the past four decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If nothing changes, one-third of Americans could have diabetes by 2050, putting them at risk for complications such as blindness, kidney failure, limb amputation or early death, the researchers said. A lead author of the story acknowledges that it is nearly impossible to avoid pollution and the best we can do is be aware of the factors that contribute to it and try to avoid them as much as possible (Preidt).
Air pollution is a leading cause of insulin resistance and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (Preidt). The association between air pollution and diabetes is stronger for traffic associated pollutants, gaseous, nitrogen dioxide, tobacco smoke and particulate matter (ADA). Type 2 diabetes and obesity are spreading at an alarming rate, and factors that may contribute to the spread are the subject of many recent studies (ADA). Researchers have long thought that certain environmental factors could contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Among these factors are man-made chemicals called persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Humans are exposed to POPs by eating contaminated food, mainly meat, fish, and dairy products (ADA). The researchers examined 151 adult obese subjects with or without known type 2 diabetes and compared them with 44 normal-weight volunteers (ADA).
They found higher levels of POPs in participants who were obese, particularly in those with high fat mass—the type of adiposity that is strongly linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they detected a connection between high blood glucose levels and total body levels of POPs (ADA). This link was significant, even when taking into account known risk factors, such as body mass index, age, family history of diabetes, and physical activity level. The higher levels of POPs in obese participants could be the result of simply having more body fat available to absorb POPs (ADA). In conclusion, it is not known whether other factors, such as diet, birth of a child, or breast-feeding, could have affected the levels of POPs in participants. Also, there are other chemicals that have been linked to diabetes and obesity that were not studied in these participants (ADA).
A study of obese Hispanic children suggests that smog might boost chances of developing diabetes. So what really is diabetes? Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose gets into your cells to give them energy (WebMD). With Type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood (WebMD). "Poor air quality appears to be a catalyst for obesity and diabetes in children, but the conditions probably are forged via different pathways," says Michael Goran who is the co-director of the University of Southern California's Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute (Preidt).
For the study, researchers followed 314 overweight or obese Hispanic children in Los Angeles County. The children were between 8 and 15 years old when the study started and none of them had diabetes (Preidt). By the time children who lived in areas with high levels of air pollution turned 18, their insulin-producing pancreatic cells -- called beta cells -- were 13 percent less efficient than normal. The study authors noted in the news release that, “When beta cells stop working as they should, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes rises” (Preidt). Diabetes has quadrupled in the United States in the past four decades, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If nothing changes, one-third of Americans could have diabetes by 2050, putting them at risk for complications such as blindness, kidney failure, limb amputation or early death, the researchers said. A lead author of the story acknowledges that it is nearly impossible to avoid pollution and the best we can do is be aware of the factors that contribute to it and try to avoid them as much as possible (Preidt).
Air pollution is a leading cause of insulin resistance and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (Preidt). The association between air pollution and diabetes is stronger for traffic associated pollutants, gaseous, nitrogen dioxide, tobacco smoke and particulate matter (ADA). Type 2 diabetes and obesity are spreading at an alarming rate, and factors that may contribute to the spread are the subject of many recent studies (ADA). Researchers have long thought that certain environmental factors could contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Among these factors are man-made chemicals called persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Humans are exposed to POPs by eating contaminated food, mainly meat, fish, and dairy products (ADA). The researchers examined 151 adult obese subjects with or without known type 2 diabetes and compared them with 44 normal-weight volunteers (ADA).
They found higher levels of POPs in participants who were obese, particularly in those with high fat mass—the type of adiposity that is strongly linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, they detected a connection between high blood glucose levels and total body levels of POPs (ADA). This link was significant, even when taking into account known risk factors, such as body mass index, age, family history of diabetes, and physical activity level. The higher levels of POPs in obese participants could be the result of simply having more body fat available to absorb POPs (ADA). In conclusion, it is not known whether other factors, such as diet, birth of a child, or breast-feeding, could have affected the levels of POPs in participants. Also, there are other chemicals that have been linked to diabetes and obesity that were not studied in these participants (ADA).
Bibliography | |
File Size: | 2189 kb |
File Type: | docx |