www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121031214140.htm
(University of Milan, Italy)
In the article I read a not-so-new discovery was made. Scientists have known for a while about the way different organisms work together in their environments. In many cases these symbiotic relationships are necessary for life for the individuals. However, not until recently was this idea used with plants in drought conditions being supported by bacteria. In environments with little water availability, some plants have formed alliances with soil microbes that help promote plant growth even in these conditions. As we have been learning about how plants adapt to environmental difficulties this is a long the same lines. Although this development is not specifically a phsyical or physiological adaptation of the plants, it is an adaptation of communication between the bacteria and plant roots.
Reading on, the scientists researching this actually discovered that it is an endosymbiotic relationship. In areas of drought stress, these bacterial communities become 40% more productive at increasing plant photosynthesis and biomass production. Also it raises the level of bacteria in the area. So as drought occurs, the bacteria grow and become more effective and thus the plants are able to continue to live with little to no water.
These findings lead scientists at the University to say that plants can't be considered single organisms when fully-functional in these conditions. Instead the are referred to as "meta-organisms" of plants and microbiome. This discovery can lead to a higher efficiency in the farm industry in certain regions. Those farmers that suffer damage to their crops from drought would be able to insert these microbes into the soil to increase productivity in hard times.
Personally, I found this article to be interesting because it is a perfect example of symbiotic and endosymbiotic relationships that we have always heard about in biology. And this one especially can be put forth for further developments!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Telomeres and Heart Disease
Studies at the Intermountain Medical Center have shown that the longer a heart disease patient’s telomeres (the strands of DNA found on the ends of chromosomes) the greater chance they have of surviving. In the past this telomere length has been used as a measure of age but now research shows it may also predict life expectancy.
But why though? Because telomeres protect chromosomes from damage as people age, the length shortens and thus it is a good marker for age-related diseases (i.e. heart disease, cancer) as well as damages that accelerate biological aging. Since this telomere shortening signals the end of life for a cell, doctors can see when patients are at higher risk for these diseases. So it also shows their probability for survival says Dr. Carlquist. Researchers at Intermountain believe this can measure the rate of change over time which is more effective than looking at the telomeres at just a moment in time.
Doctors could already use cholesterol tests and blood pressure to see how heart care treatment is working but in the future they can use this tactic to measure the effectiveness which provides a much deep view.
From what we have learned in class about the purpose of telomeres in cells at determining age of cell and life expectancy, I can see this being an effective method in the future. As I read the article though I couldn’t help thinking that although this is an effective method, is it really that necessary of a discovery? Yes it probably will lead to greater discoveries with regard to heart disease patients and what not but the scientists in the article said they could already determine life expectancy with other tests. Maybe the article just didn’t explain it enough for me to see that this is completely necessary. Either way I think it will lead to positive future solutions for such diseases.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Whole Genome Sequencing
The disease tuberculosis has been a serious sickness for long time in that it is very lethal. In the 19th century in particular there was a significant lack of scientific technology and medical development and many people died from TB. In the 21st century we have substantially improved medicine but tuberculosis still exists. Luckily scientists are coming up with more ways to research TB and explain it. Researchers from Forschungszentrum Borstel, Molecular Mycobacteriology have found new forms of genetic testing of the bacteria that causes the disease. The technique of whole genome sequencing determines more clustering and longitudinal spreading than the classical genoming testing and has proved some clusters of whole genome sequencing to be incorrect. It has revealed the speed of TB growth (doubles at rate of 22 hours) based on its evolution speed (0.4 mutations per year). It is a relatively cheap procedure meaning it could soon become the most popilar method for outbreaks of TB.
The research of this procedure will lead to more development with research in tuberculosis obviously but can also lead to determining rates of infectious disease outbreaks other than TB. It may not seem vital to know the rate of growth of diseases but it actually is necessary to understand the mechanisms of the disease and scientist’s ability to end it. Whole genome sequencing doesn’t hold all the answers to tuberculosis and other infectious diseases but it definitely is a piece of the puzzle. Many scientists and researchers dedicate their lives to curing infectious diseases and a process like this will help them get much closer to their goal.
This article helped me understand one of the key problems with infectious diseases (particularly tuberculosis). The high growth rate makes it nearly impossible to stop the problem before it starts. I know that there are many aspects that go into the research of curing diseases like TB but it is hard to see why it is so impossible. Knowing that scientists are just now getting to understand these diseases at a genomic level is eye-opening. It makes me realize that there is such a big picture when it comes to diseases but scientists have to dissect it gen by gene!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The Link Between Evolution and Cancer
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130122101454.htm
This article linked two things we've been learning about in bio lately; the sources of cancer and the theory evolution. It's interesting that such a link can be made but the way this article describes it makes a lot of sense by comparing cancer to a complex ecosystem. Just as individuals in an ecosystem depend on each other, cancerous cells depend on each other as well as the interaction of tumor with body. Based on Darwin's theory of evolution we can see ecosystems evolving and adapting with those it shares an environment with. With the cancer-ecosystem comparison, scientists have seen cancer adapt to its conditions in the body thus making it "indestructible".
It seems that the scientists working to more understand this idea (collabaration with Darwinian Evolution of Cancer Consortium in France and Center for Evolution and Cancer at University of California, San Francisco) are just in the early stages of development. They are trying to connect the evolutionary concepts of genetic drift, mutations, and natural selection with the cancer ecosystem. What is most interesting about this article is that it has little to do with biotechnology of the modern era. Obviously the mechanisms behind cancer could not be understood without modern technology but its amazing that scientists are still basing much of their knowledge on science that is many years old. It just goes to show that the theory of evolution (that it may "evolve" over the years, pun intended), will always stand the test of time!
This connection may lead to a better understanding of how to treat and prevent cancer as scientists continue to understand the mechanisms of evolution. Also, it helps justify the theory of evolution a little bit more. It doesn't surprise that scientists have discovered this correlation with the theory of evolution seeing as much of the world of science is connected in very similar ways!
This article linked two things we've been learning about in bio lately; the sources of cancer and the theory evolution. It's interesting that such a link can be made but the way this article describes it makes a lot of sense by comparing cancer to a complex ecosystem. Just as individuals in an ecosystem depend on each other, cancerous cells depend on each other as well as the interaction of tumor with body. Based on Darwin's theory of evolution we can see ecosystems evolving and adapting with those it shares an environment with. With the cancer-ecosystem comparison, scientists have seen cancer adapt to its conditions in the body thus making it "indestructible".
It seems that the scientists working to more understand this idea (collabaration with Darwinian Evolution of Cancer Consortium in France and Center for Evolution and Cancer at University of California, San Francisco) are just in the early stages of development. They are trying to connect the evolutionary concepts of genetic drift, mutations, and natural selection with the cancer ecosystem. What is most interesting about this article is that it has little to do with biotechnology of the modern era. Obviously the mechanisms behind cancer could not be understood without modern technology but its amazing that scientists are still basing much of their knowledge on science that is many years old. It just goes to show that the theory of evolution (that it may "evolve" over the years, pun intended), will always stand the test of time!
This connection may lead to a better understanding of how to treat and prevent cancer as scientists continue to understand the mechanisms of evolution. Also, it helps justify the theory of evolution a little bit more. It doesn't surprise that scientists have discovered this correlation with the theory of evolution seeing as much of the world of science is connected in very similar ways!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Attacking Cancer with Synthetic and Natural Toxins
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130211162458.htm
The hope to one day eliminate cancer is a common goal for many doctors and scientists across the world. It all comes from what is effective in eliminating this devastating illness.
One of the most harmful things about cancer and deadly bacteria is not that they can't be destroyed but rather that they reproduce very rapidly and in a way that is drug-resistant. So the challenge is coming up with a technique to kill cancer and stop the drug-resistance.
In this article scientists compare a new system in conquering cancer and harmful bacteria to the methods of boxers and other competitive fighting. The analogy of a one-two punch is given with regard to the synthetic and natural toxins that can knock out cancer and bacteria while also inhibiting their ability to become drug-resistant. This idea connects back to our in-class discussion about the effects of antibiotics. They work for most of the time but that last little bit of bacteria that might not get killed have become drug-resistant. They then reproduce and the body is now full of bacteria that are uneffected by antibiotics. The toxin approach would be able to eliminate the ability of these cells to become drug-resistant and thus redering them conquerable.
The process itself involves a synthetic toxin (AMP) called D-KLAKLAK-2 is known to kill cancer cells an d has recently been found to be effective against some anti-biotic bacteria. They are known as Gram-negative bacteria and are a pathogen that includes drug-resistant varieties of bacteria causing pnuemonia. It works by attacking the mitochondria of the cells. From what I know about cells and the properties of cancer, an attack at the mitochondria would be successful in killing the cell.
If this process is really so effective, doctors would be able to conquer all forms of harmful bacteria. The article didn't reveal exactly how far along this idea is but it does show that scientist are working very intently. They're not just thinking about the positives of the procedure but also what could go wrong and with that in mind, adjusting accordingly. That method of checking all possible outcomes is what leads to great science and I hope that one day cancer can be eliminated effectively by this procedure and its outcomes.
The hope to one day eliminate cancer is a common goal for many doctors and scientists across the world. It all comes from what is effective in eliminating this devastating illness.
One of the most harmful things about cancer and deadly bacteria is not that they can't be destroyed but rather that they reproduce very rapidly and in a way that is drug-resistant. So the challenge is coming up with a technique to kill cancer and stop the drug-resistance.
In this article scientists compare a new system in conquering cancer and harmful bacteria to the methods of boxers and other competitive fighting. The analogy of a one-two punch is given with regard to the synthetic and natural toxins that can knock out cancer and bacteria while also inhibiting their ability to become drug-resistant. This idea connects back to our in-class discussion about the effects of antibiotics. They work for most of the time but that last little bit of bacteria that might not get killed have become drug-resistant. They then reproduce and the body is now full of bacteria that are uneffected by antibiotics. The toxin approach would be able to eliminate the ability of these cells to become drug-resistant and thus redering them conquerable.
The process itself involves a synthetic toxin (AMP) called D-KLAKLAK-2 is known to kill cancer cells an d has recently been found to be effective against some anti-biotic bacteria. They are known as Gram-negative bacteria and are a pathogen that includes drug-resistant varieties of bacteria causing pnuemonia. It works by attacking the mitochondria of the cells. From what I know about cells and the properties of cancer, an attack at the mitochondria would be successful in killing the cell.
If this process is really so effective, doctors would be able to conquer all forms of harmful bacteria. The article didn't reveal exactly how far along this idea is but it does show that scientist are working very intently. They're not just thinking about the positives of the procedure but also what could go wrong and with that in mind, adjusting accordingly. That method of checking all possible outcomes is what leads to great science and I hope that one day cancer can be eliminated effectively by this procedure and its outcomes.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Gattaca:Biotechnology reflection
The film Gattaca provided a potential idea of the
path biotechnology is headed to. It showed a society of people with “perfect”
genes, which had been chosen at birth to create the healthiest, smartest, and most
beautiful individuals possible. In the movie this theoretical situation brought
about new discriminations as well as a completely redeveloped society. It
focuses particularly on the social connotations of such a theory and how it
would affect criminal investigation and identification of individuals.
The criminal investigation industry is constantly trying to
improve their data analysis in order to catch more guilty people. The future of
biotechnology is pointing in a positive direction for investigation. Having a
society of genetically programmed people in which everyone’s everything is in a
computer system allows for a criminal to be identified easily from evidence.
Investigators would be able to take a hair from a crime scene and know exactly
whose it is rather than having to match it.
However, in terms of using DNA for identification purposes
on a daily basis, I feel that the biotechnology in Gattaca is very
unlikely to be successful in reality. It would be near impossible to
differentiate every little speck of DNA all the time because there is so much
of us we leave everywhere. Especially in public places there are dead skin
cells and stray hairs from millions of people all over the place. Nothing would
be as clean at the movie portrayed and those stray bits of DNA would infect all
kinds of identification processes.
Looking at the social aspects of a genetically programmed
society, in my own personal opinion, there would be nothing interesting.
Diversity (as in those that aren’t perfectly sane or healthy) is what leads to
the most creativity in our world. For instance, in Gattaca, the man with
the genetic disorder polydactyly (having extra fingers—in his case 12) was able
to entertain with his advanced piano playing skills. His genetic imperfections
are what bring about interesting music to society.
Currently this idea of genetically programming an entire
society is still just that, an idea but the fact that we have the technology to
splice genes and toy with what had previously seemed impossibly means we may
someday get there. It may not be a world just like that in Gattaca,
which wouldn’t be a very desirable kind of society, but it would allow for some
improvements in various fields and some downfalls in others.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
"Superorganism" Ant Colonies as Compared to Cells
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121219092819.htm
This article I read pertains to the energy efficiency of large ant colonies as opposed to smaller ones and even the individual ants themselves. Scientists at Missouri State University of Science and Technology are able to use this metabolic rate of the large colonies, or "superorganism", as well as their growth rate, reproduction rate, and longevity of individuals lives compared within the colony. They are using mathematical formulas and energy scaling laws that are beyond me. But what made it most understandable and relatable was that the author of the article compares this "superorganism" to cells in an organism.
Our cells are most effective when they are working together rather than individually, just like the ants. Just as a horse and mouse do not use proportionately equal amounts of energy (the exact law is body mass to the 3/4 power), the cells within the animals do not either and it goes the same for ants of larger colonies than smaller ones. The cells of the horse actually use less energy than those of the mouse cells because they're apart of a bigger cell "colony". It makes a lot of sense to say that the bigger the "superorganism" that an individual is a part of, the less energy consumed per individual. This is exactly what scientists are now realizing and are also using this knowledge to determine that these colonies actually have a longer lifespan. For instance, if one cell dies in an organism of 10 cells compared to a cell death in an 1000 cell organism, their would be less impact on the community because the cell wasn't as crucial. This goes the same for the ant colonies being studied; the larger the colony, the longer the lifespan and less energy being produced.
The realization came about at first in a 2010 study in which the idea of a "superorganism" was introduced. Since then, it has led these other discoveries pertaining ants and cells and also leaves many hopes for future plans. The energy scaling laws could be used to study animal's energy uptake and particularly, food restrictions necessary to expand their lifespan. For humans, the idea can be used to determine the energy efficiency of cities (the larger the city, the more energy efficient). Overall, this "superorganism" concept with ants in which their energy efficiency and lifespan is determined by their size as a whole can, and will, lead to many other circumstances down the road! Most importantly, it is interesting to see how this ties in with cells and their importance in organisms.
This article I read pertains to the energy efficiency of large ant colonies as opposed to smaller ones and even the individual ants themselves. Scientists at Missouri State University of Science and Technology are able to use this metabolic rate of the large colonies, or "superorganism", as well as their growth rate, reproduction rate, and longevity of individuals lives compared within the colony. They are using mathematical formulas and energy scaling laws that are beyond me. But what made it most understandable and relatable was that the author of the article compares this "superorganism" to cells in an organism.
Our cells are most effective when they are working together rather than individually, just like the ants. Just as a horse and mouse do not use proportionately equal amounts of energy (the exact law is body mass to the 3/4 power), the cells within the animals do not either and it goes the same for ants of larger colonies than smaller ones. The cells of the horse actually use less energy than those of the mouse cells because they're apart of a bigger cell "colony". It makes a lot of sense to say that the bigger the "superorganism" that an individual is a part of, the less energy consumed per individual. This is exactly what scientists are now realizing and are also using this knowledge to determine that these colonies actually have a longer lifespan. For instance, if one cell dies in an organism of 10 cells compared to a cell death in an 1000 cell organism, their would be less impact on the community because the cell wasn't as crucial. This goes the same for the ant colonies being studied; the larger the colony, the longer the lifespan and less energy being produced.
The realization came about at first in a 2010 study in which the idea of a "superorganism" was introduced. Since then, it has led these other discoveries pertaining ants and cells and also leaves many hopes for future plans. The energy scaling laws could be used to study animal's energy uptake and particularly, food restrictions necessary to expand their lifespan. For humans, the idea can be used to determine the energy efficiency of cities (the larger the city, the more energy efficient). Overall, this "superorganism" concept with ants in which their energy efficiency and lifespan is determined by their size as a whole can, and will, lead to many other circumstances down the road! Most importantly, it is interesting to see how this ties in with cells and their importance in organisms.
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