Summary:
Bill Doyle, executive chair of the medical company Novocure, explains a new cancer treatment known as Tumor Treating Fields (TTF), invented by Dr. Yoram Palti. TTF involves setting up low intensity electric fields around the area of the tumor. The electric fields are fields of forces that act on electrically charged bodies. The proteins that form the mitotic spindle are highly charged, and the electric field aligns them, which prevents the proteins from forming the spindle. Cancer cells continue to try and divide even with no spindle. They either fail to divide and self destruct, or succeed and divide into two very weak daughter cells that enter into apoptosis. This prevents the uncontrolled division and spread of cancer cells. The treatment has no effect on normal cells. The artificial fields are set up by attaching external transducers (devices that convert one form of energy to a signal in another form, or vice versa) to the skin around the area of the tumor. With these attached, the patient can live a normal life while the cancer is being treated, without the need of hospitalization or the discomfort and unwanted side-effects of chemotherapy, and the two examples of TTF patients are given.
Relevance:
This video is about cancer and the treatment of cancer, part of our unit on cells. The speaker also briefly explains the process of cell division. The way TTF works involves the disruption of the mitotic spindle, which we studied in class. The side effects of chemotherapy and alternate methods of treatment such as radiation or surgery are also discussed.
Link:
http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_doyle_treating_cancer_with_electric_fields.html
Speaker: Bill Doyle
posted January 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Dinosaurs will never be cloned
Dinosaurs will
never be cloned
Summary:
Scientists
are able to read the DNA of cells and find out their genetic makeup. We can’t
yet create new copies of an animal artificially, but it is a hope for the
future. With the concept of cloning, many new possible ideas could be explored,
such as what exactly certain no-extinct species looked/acted like. However,
there is a problem. The DNA of dinosaurs has a half-life of 521 years, far less
than the time they went extinct. The only way for there to be enough readable
DNA to clone something would be if it existed after 1.5 million years ago.
After 6.8 million, the DNA would be nearly completely decayed. As enzymes and
micro-organisms break down the DNA, the information is lost even more quickly. In
other words, we will never be able to clone dinosaur DNA, as it already too
deconstructed to accurately analyze. However, while we can’t do experiments on
dinosaurs, other, more recent animals (such as the wooly mammoth) are not out
of the question.
Relevance:
This
relates to our class in 3 ways. Firstly, it involves DNA, a nucleic acid and
one of the main macromolecules in our body, holding our genetic material. Also,
it talks about half-life, or how long it takes for half of a quantity of an
isotope of an atom to decay into a different form, which is used in dating materials
and was talked about in our discussion of atoms and isotopes. Also, It involves
enzymes and microorganisms, 2 more topics discussed in our cell unit.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
EPA Vs. Mountaintop Mining
Summary
Mountaintop mining is threatening the habitats of many species in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, but now the US Environmental Protection Agency is fighting back. The process of mountaintop mining includes the use of explosives in order to remove large amounts of earth, so that it is possible to get at thin coal seams. Currently, the EPA is appealing the overturn of its veto of a very large mountaintop mining project, arguing that the effects on wildlife and water quality caused by such a project are "unacceptable." One of the guidelines that the EPA used to veto the project was about limiting the electrical conductivity of water, a factor that can rise due to mining debris in the water. However, this guideline was shot down by a court in July, another decision that the EPA is appealing. There is plenty of scientific evidence that clearly demonstrates the negative impact of mountaintop on the delicate habitats of mayflies, fish and birds, such as the Louisiana waterthrush. Over the past three years there have also been many scientific studies published indicating that rubble from mining that is being dumped into valleys buries streams and leaks toxic selenium and other metals into the water. Mining companies have simply been calling the evidence "speculative". October 17 was the deadline for the submission of evidence in the ruling on the veto of the mountaintop mining project in West Virginia.
Relevance
In class we studied habitats, and learned that one of the chief causes for the extinction of a species is loss of habitat. That is precisely what is occurring because of mountaintop mining. Also, we learned about biological magnification, the process by which pollutants become more concentrated in successive trophic levels of the food web. This could be one of the major reasons for harm to larger fish and birds because they receive more severe doses of the toxins released into the water. Lastly, another topic we have briefly covered is the electrical conductivity of water and how it can be altered. This property is one monitored by the EPA, as it can be altered by mining waste that is dumped.
Link: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=epa-fights-back-over-mountaintop-mining
By Natasha Gilbert in Scientific American
October 16, 2012
Mountaintop mining is threatening the habitats of many species in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, but now the US Environmental Protection Agency is fighting back. The process of mountaintop mining includes the use of explosives in order to remove large amounts of earth, so that it is possible to get at thin coal seams. Currently, the EPA is appealing the overturn of its veto of a very large mountaintop mining project, arguing that the effects on wildlife and water quality caused by such a project are "unacceptable." One of the guidelines that the EPA used to veto the project was about limiting the electrical conductivity of water, a factor that can rise due to mining debris in the water. However, this guideline was shot down by a court in July, another decision that the EPA is appealing. There is plenty of scientific evidence that clearly demonstrates the negative impact of mountaintop on the delicate habitats of mayflies, fish and birds, such as the Louisiana waterthrush. Over the past three years there have also been many scientific studies published indicating that rubble from mining that is being dumped into valleys buries streams and leaks toxic selenium and other metals into the water. Mining companies have simply been calling the evidence "speculative". October 17 was the deadline for the submission of evidence in the ruling on the veto of the mountaintop mining project in West Virginia.
Relevance
In class we studied habitats, and learned that one of the chief causes for the extinction of a species is loss of habitat. That is precisely what is occurring because of mountaintop mining. Also, we learned about biological magnification, the process by which pollutants become more concentrated in successive trophic levels of the food web. This could be one of the major reasons for harm to larger fish and birds because they receive more severe doses of the toxins released into the water. Lastly, another topic we have briefly covered is the electrical conductivity of water and how it can be altered. This property is one monitored by the EPA, as it can be altered by mining waste that is dumped.
Link: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=epa-fights-back-over-mountaintop-mining
By Natasha Gilbert in Scientific American
October 16, 2012
Cold Virus Proteins Give New Clues For Cancer Therapy
Cold Virus Proteins Give New Clues For Cancer Therapy
Summary
Scientists have recently studied the structure and function of
proteins within cold viruses, especially one titled E4-ORF3, a cancer-causing
protein. E4-ORF3 works by preventing the p53 tumor suppressor protein from
binding to its target genes. P53 is an important cancer-preventer, it initiates
cells with damaged DNA to “commit cell suicide.” Therefore, when E4-0RF3
assembles into a web-like design, the cancer cells duplicate and spread. The
web-like design is unusual for most polymer-forming proteins, who typically
align in rigid chains. This unique structure is what makes it so unpredictable
because it can change shapes and sizes. New technology has revealed information
that led to an experiment in which they could conclude that when E4-0RF3 was
combined with lamin, it reacted in such a way that it actually disrupted cancer
cells that previously were duplicating freely. With this new information, scientists
hope to create a drug that can assist in stopping the spread of cancer cells.
Relevance
This article is relevant to our unit because it first
includes cancer research, and how cancer cells work. It also discusses the
importance of cell structure, including how proteins function and their
importance especially as a polymer. And thirdly, microscope technology rapidly
improved between the 1800’s and 1900’s, but even now, it is clear how big of a
role technological improvements have on health like cancer.
Author: Catharine Paddock
Published: 18 October 2012
Author: Catharine Paddock
Published: 18 October 2012
Author: Catharine Paddock
Published: 18 October 2012
Microtubule Quantity for Mitosis
Microtubule Quantity for Mitosis as
Revealed by Electron Cryotomography
Article Used:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124152.htm
MLA:
California Institute of Technology. "Mitosis: New techniques expose surprises cell in division." ScienceDaily, 12 Sep. 2011. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.
Summary
As described by Grant Jensen, a biology professor, researchers at the Califonrnia Institute of Technology have used electron cryotomography to determine the number of microtubules necessary for mitosis. The article describes electron cryotomography (ECT) as, "Unlike traditional electron microscopy -- for which samples must be dehydrated, embedded in plastic, sectioned, and stained -- ECT involves plunge-freezing samples so quickly that they become trapped in a near-native state within a layer of transparent, glass like ice. A microscope can then capture high-resolution images of the sample as it is rotated, usually one degree at a time." (paragraph 4) By doing this, the perception of the number of microtubules necessary for segregating chromosomes during mitosis has dramatically changed. Beforehand, it was thought that roughly 40 microtubules were necessary for this process, which occurs during metaphase to anaphase, however the ECT has shown that solely 10, not fully developed, microtubules were necessary to separate the chromosomes of a small, prokaryotic bacteria.
Relevance
The current section being studied in class involves the process of mitosis. This article extrapolates upon the metaphase and anaphase parts of the process. Furthermore, it displays topical information regarding the role of microtubules not found within the text book. The article theorizes that the microtubules are necessary for metaphase, so that anaphase can follow. Also, it relates to the usage of microscopes, as it describes a method that eases the usage of microscopy for these cells. This method is the electron cryotomography. The scanning electron microscopes are used in combination with the ECT.
Boosting Your Enzyme Reserves
Summary:
Enzymes are very important structures in the human body, and without enzymes, our bodies would not function properly. There have been many substances that have been found that cause the denaturing process of enzymes. Once the enzymes are damaged, they will not continue to carry out their specific jobs. The enzymes will become foreign proteins, resulting the immune system to respond to the foreign protein and create inflammation. There are many ways to prevent this is happen in your body, including watching the food you eat, and seeing how the food you ate was prepared.
Relevance:
This is relevant to our studies because we performed a lab about enzymes. There are substances that could affect our supply of enzymes, and without enzymes, our body would not be able to break down hydrogen peroxide into non-toxic substances quick enough, that it would not make us ill. This article teaches us how to gain more enzymes and not lose as many because of our diet.
October 20, 2012 by: Dr. David Jockers
http://www.naturalnews.com/037607_enzymes_digestion_nutrient_assimilation.html#ixzz29yzJ4ocQ
Enzymes are very important structures in the human body, and without enzymes, our bodies would not function properly. There have been many substances that have been found that cause the denaturing process of enzymes. Once the enzymes are damaged, they will not continue to carry out their specific jobs. The enzymes will become foreign proteins, resulting the immune system to respond to the foreign protein and create inflammation. There are many ways to prevent this is happen in your body, including watching the food you eat, and seeing how the food you ate was prepared.
Relevance:
This is relevant to our studies because we performed a lab about enzymes. There are substances that could affect our supply of enzymes, and without enzymes, our body would not be able to break down hydrogen peroxide into non-toxic substances quick enough, that it would not make us ill. This article teaches us how to gain more enzymes and not lose as many because of our diet.
October 20, 2012 by: Dr. David Jockers
http://www.naturalnews.com/037607_enzymes_digestion_nutrient_assimilation.html#ixzz29yzJ4ocQ
Great Apes, Small Numbers
Summary: Orangutans' population is declining. However, helping the species breed can assist in maintaining genetic diversity and a larger number of species. Orangutans have separated into sub populations due to geographic barriers. This has led to isolation and lack of available species to be bred. Scientists observed this separation by sampling both the mitochondria DNA (from the moms) and the short, repeated DNA (from both parents). This study further emphasized the decline in orangutans. Additionally, the sub populations have had to adapt to new conditions. With the environment now changing rapidly, species will not have time to adapt. This will cause the population to further decrease. However, males are able to find females across large distances. When they find each other, the best place for them to mate is in the forest habitat. By preventing deforestation, humans can also increase the amount of species mating and the species' population.
Connection to Class: Through the ecosystems unit, populations were a large discussion point. Populations are a local group of organisms of the same species. The orangutans are a population that is experiencing a lower population density (the number of animals of a specific species in a measured area). Scientists have used various sampling techniques to determine the size and breeding potential of the population. However, the loss of population is due to a density independent factor. There are fewer species because of geographic barriers, versus overpopulation. These geographic barriers have resulted in different habitats (specific environments where organisms live). The varying habitats have different biotic and abiotic factors, which cause different adaptations. However, these apes can be saved by preventing deforestation. Deforestation is a form of habitat destruction and a threat to biodiversity.
Link: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/10/16/great_apes_small_numbers_.html
source: Biology News.net
-By Audrey Malloy
Connection to Class: Through the ecosystems unit, populations were a large discussion point. Populations are a local group of organisms of the same species. The orangutans are a population that is experiencing a lower population density (the number of animals of a specific species in a measured area). Scientists have used various sampling techniques to determine the size and breeding potential of the population. However, the loss of population is due to a density independent factor. There are fewer species because of geographic barriers, versus overpopulation. These geographic barriers have resulted in different habitats (specific environments where organisms live). The varying habitats have different biotic and abiotic factors, which cause different adaptations. However, these apes can be saved by preventing deforestation. Deforestation is a form of habitat destruction and a threat to biodiversity.
Link: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/10/16/great_apes_small_numbers_.html
source: Biology News.net
-By Audrey Malloy
Forest Watersheds Affected By Ozone
Summary: U.S. Forest Service and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) scientists have found that rising levels of a greenhouse gas called ozone, may amplify the impacts of higher temperatures and reduce streamflow from forests to rivers, streams, and other bodies of water. This study was composed with data from the atmospheric water supply and demand and statistical models. These models were developed based on 18 to 26 years of data and observed streamflow in response to climate and atmospheric chemistry during the growing season. The research team evaluated individual and interactive effects of ozone on six southeastern forested water sheds. The water sheds ranged in size from about 38 acres to more than 3,700 sq. miles. The estimates of ozone's influence on streamflow ranged from 7% in the area of lowest ozone to 23% in the areas of highest exposure. The article implies that ozone exposure reduces water loss from forests and trees, but in the areas of high exposure to ozones would create droughts in forests and significantly lower water availability for people and organisms that benefit from the stream.
Relevance: In our first unit we studied ecology and ecosystems. This article is relevant since it describes the effects ozone levels have on forest watersheds, which ties in to ecology. The idea of this study is to conclude if ozone have a negative effect on these forested watersheds then it would decrease the amount of streamflow. The reduced streamflow inversely affects the amount of water available to humans and water flow necessary for organisms that exist and/or benefit from these forest watersheds. In our unit on ecosystems, we studied many different biotic and abiotic factors that could possibly affect watershed. Ozone is another abiotic factor to count.
Relevance: In our first unit we studied ecology and ecosystems. This article is relevant since it describes the effects ozone levels have on forest watersheds, which ties in to ecology. The idea of this study is to conclude if ozone have a negative effect on these forested watersheds then it would decrease the amount of streamflow. The reduced streamflow inversely affects the amount of water available to humans and water flow necessary for organisms that exist and/or benefit from these forest watersheds. In our unit on ecosystems, we studied many different biotic and abiotic factors that could possibly affect watershed. Ozone is another abiotic factor to count.
Published: October 18, 2012
No Author Given
No Author Given
New App Lets You Report Invasive Species
Article by: Kurt Knebusch October 15, 2012
Summary:
Ohio State University has created a new app known as the Great Lakes Early Detection App to help track and control invasive species. This app allows people to take a picture of a suspected invasive species. These pictures are used to create maps showing scientists where the invasive species are spreading. Because the scientists now know where these plants are, they can track and control these plants. This app is not limited to plants. You can also use it to track fish, insects, mammals, mollusks, crustaceans and plant diseases. As of now the app is available on android phones, and is coming soon for iphones. The App covers areas in Ohio, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
Relevance:
During the Ecosystems unit we learned about invasive plant species and their effect on the native species around them. This article shows how early detection of the invasive species is important to keep them controlled. By using this app people can help to control invasive species and to save the native species around them.
http://extension.osu.edu/news-releases/archives/2012/october/new-app-detects-tracks-invasive-species-in-great-lakes-region
Source: Ohio State University Extention
Summary:
Ohio State University has created a new app known as the Great Lakes Early Detection App to help track and control invasive species. This app allows people to take a picture of a suspected invasive species. These pictures are used to create maps showing scientists where the invasive species are spreading. Because the scientists now know where these plants are, they can track and control these plants. This app is not limited to plants. You can also use it to track fish, insects, mammals, mollusks, crustaceans and plant diseases. As of now the app is available on android phones, and is coming soon for iphones. The App covers areas in Ohio, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
Relevance:
During the Ecosystems unit we learned about invasive plant species and their effect on the native species around them. This article shows how early detection of the invasive species is important to keep them controlled. By using this app people can help to control invasive species and to save the native species around them.
http://extension.osu.edu/news-releases/archives/2012/october/new-app-detects-tracks-invasive-species-in-great-lakes-region
Source: Ohio State University Extention
The Ecology of Disease
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Robbins, Jim. "The Ecology of Disease." The New York Times. The New York Times, July 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/sunday-review/the-ecology-of-disease.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Summary: The article explains the close ties of everything in an ecosystem and describes how the change in a habitat can effect a species, and in turn, effect humans. The article explains a case in which a disease in fruit bats spread to humans. They eat fruits hanging upside down and then spit out the seeds. These bats carry a disease that they have adapted to called henipah, and when a seed dropped into a piggery, the virus amplified within the pigs and then spread to humans, causing a massive outbreak of this disease in Malaysia. Other cases like this have happened throughout time, and scientists are working to find the underlying cause. The article goes on to explain the importance of protective species, species that work in the environment so "serve a protective role." When humans change an environment by, for example, chopping down trees, we ruin the biodiversity and take away species that protect other species. For example, when trees were chopped in the amazon, malaria went up almost 50 percent, because mosquitoes thrive in a specific mix of light and water that is given off in recently deforested areas. The article continues to express the need for understanding how our everyday action affect everything else, and also how scientists are working every day to find out more about these connections within ecosystems and decrease cases of diseases.
Relevance: We learned about ecosystems in school and how all factors in an ecosystem, abiotic and biotic, depend so much on each other. The article emphasizes this idea by explaining how a small change in an environment, like a a reduction of trees, can cause one animal to thrive, which in turn, makes it much more likely for humans to be affected by a disease that the animal, in this case mosquito, carries. Just like the disappearance of trees led to an increase in mosquitoes and an outburst in disease, we learned that an increase in trees and acorns lead to an increase in mice, which makes it more accessible for ticks to transmit Lyme disease, resulting in an outburst in Lyme disease.
Robbins, Jim. "The Ecology of Disease." The New York Times. The New York Times, July 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/sunday-review/the-ecology-of-disease.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Summary: The article explains the close ties of everything in an ecosystem and describes how the change in a habitat can effect a species, and in turn, effect humans. The article explains a case in which a disease in fruit bats spread to humans. They eat fruits hanging upside down and then spit out the seeds. These bats carry a disease that they have adapted to called henipah, and when a seed dropped into a piggery, the virus amplified within the pigs and then spread to humans, causing a massive outbreak of this disease in Malaysia. Other cases like this have happened throughout time, and scientists are working to find the underlying cause. The article goes on to explain the importance of protective species, species that work in the environment so "serve a protective role." When humans change an environment by, for example, chopping down trees, we ruin the biodiversity and take away species that protect other species. For example, when trees were chopped in the amazon, malaria went up almost 50 percent, because mosquitoes thrive in a specific mix of light and water that is given off in recently deforested areas. The article continues to express the need for understanding how our everyday action affect everything else, and also how scientists are working every day to find out more about these connections within ecosystems and decrease cases of diseases.
Relevance: We learned about ecosystems in school and how all factors in an ecosystem, abiotic and biotic, depend so much on each other. The article emphasizes this idea by explaining how a small change in an environment, like a a reduction of trees, can cause one animal to thrive, which in turn, makes it much more likely for humans to be affected by a disease that the animal, in this case mosquito, carries. Just like the disappearance of trees led to an increase in mosquitoes and an outburst in disease, we learned that an increase in trees and acorns lead to an increase in mice, which makes it more accessible for ticks to transmit Lyme disease, resulting in an outburst in Lyme disease.
Cell Discovery Earns Nobel Prize
Summary: Just this month, the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize for Physiology or Medicene was awarded to two men, Sir John Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka. Both men, working seperatley, ahve discovered that, "mature, specialised cells can be reprogrammed to become immature cells capable of developing into all tissues of the body." Both men discovered that cells can now change states and types, because in Yamanaka's experiment, he showed that mature cells could be reprogrammed, and change into immature stem cells. Now, they could cure diseases by reprogramming or replacing cells.
Relevance: During this unit, we are talking about the cells and their structures. Although this article does not relate directly to either, its discusses how changing the genetic coding of a cell, can change what it does and how it functions. This could save many people from diseases and cancer, just by reprogramming the cell.
Ozone Affects Forest Watersheds
Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018123306.htm
Published: October 18, 2012
No author given
Published: October 18, 2012
No author given
Summary:
US Forest Service and Oak Ridge National Laboratory composed a study using data from the atmospheric water supply and demand and statistical models to show that rising levels of ozone could increase the impact of higher temperatures and reduce stream flow from forests to bodies of water. This is particularly seen in late summer in areas of high ozone levels. 6 forested watersheds were observed during late season, from 38 acres to 3700 square miles. Ozone influence was estimated at 7% in the area of lowest ozone exposure, and 23% at the highest exposure. This suggests ozone exposure reduces water loss from trees and forests, and areas of high exposure could create droughts in forests and reduce water availible for people and stream life.Relevance:
This study relates to our first unit on ecology because it describes the effects ozone levels have on forested watersheds. The scientist performing this study fear that the decrease in watershed could affect the amount of water available for humans and water flow necessary for aquatic life to exist within stream water from watersheds. As we studied watersheds, we had examined how the existence of plant life and trees impacted the amount of watershed, and this study adds another variable to consider.Tales From the Crypts: Cells Battle Germs
Summary: Paneth cells inhabit small pits in the small intestine called crypts. These paneth cells are protecting the stem cells that are stored in these crypts. The small intestine's lining is constantly damaged by bile and dygestive enzymes, so every few days in a human it is re-lined, and if it were not humans would not be able to absorb nutrients from food. These stem cells, are responsible for the re-lining of the small intestine, and without them, the small intestine would not be replenished. Now, these paneth cells protect the stem cells from bacteria by firing off lysozome, and killing the attacking bacteria.
Relevance: We learned that enzymes speed up reactions in cells for breaking down complex sugars like breaking down sucrose into glucose and fructose, and other things, like in the lab with the catalase and the hydrogen peroxide. But, in this case the enzyme is breaking down a bacterial wall, and if a cell doesn't have a cell wall then all it's cytoplasm and organelles could not be contained and the contents would spill out everywhere.
Written 3/29/03
Accessed 10/21/12
By: John Travis
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/801/title/Tales_from_the_crypts_Cells_battle_germs
Relevance: We learned that enzymes speed up reactions in cells for breaking down complex sugars like breaking down sucrose into glucose and fructose, and other things, like in the lab with the catalase and the hydrogen peroxide. But, in this case the enzyme is breaking down a bacterial wall, and if a cell doesn't have a cell wall then all it's cytoplasm and organelles could not be contained and the contents would spill out everywhere.
Written 3/29/03
Accessed 10/21/12
By: John Travis
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/801/title/Tales_from_the_crypts_Cells_battle_germs
A Reverse to Global Warming? Contaversial Experimentation is on the Job!
Theo DeFuria Per: 2 10/22/12
Fountain, Henry. "Iron-Dumping Experiment in Pacific Alarms Marine Experts." The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/19/science/earth/iron-dumping-experiment-in-pacific-alarms-marine-experts.html?ref=science>.
Fountain, Henry. "Iron-Dumping Experiment in Pacific Alarms Marine Experts." The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/19/science/earth/iron-dumping-experiment-in-pacific-alarms-marine-experts.html?ref=science>.
Summary: This article presents an ongoing history of the scientific dispute about an iron-dumping experiment. It explains what an organization centered in British Columbia and Canada is doing in a foolish attempt to reduce global warming and improve the salmon market in Canada.
The organization dumped 100 tons of iron dust into the ocean, without any kind of scientific or governmental permission. Their goal was to start a major increase in plankton population, which would start a chain of reactions. Plankton take in carbon dioxide. They hoped that the higher plankton population would take in more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and therefore reduce the greenhouse effect.
Some scientist view this experiment as foolish, unscientific, and irresponsible. Experimentation with the environment is very risky as they could seriously alter ecosystems in a negative way. The scientists claim that the organizations performed their experiment without sufficient consideration about what side effects may occur. These consider this "iron fertilization" as "geoengineering". Geoengineering is the science of attempting to reduce and reverse climate change.
Relevance: We learned about ecosystems and how fragile their structure and dynamics can be. We also learned about the greenhouse effect, and global warming. This article relates to these subjects because it explains how introducing large amounts of iron into the ocean can change an ecosystem greatly and also affect the ecosystems around it. The added iron causes plankton population to rise, which creates more food for salmon and other fish. These fish also rise in population, with the same effect for larger fish. On a different note, the increase in plankton could also decrease carbon dioxide in the air. Carbon dioxide is a main cause of the greenhouse effect, which traps heat in earths atmosphere. This causes the climate to change. With less carbon dioxide there will be less heat trapped and therefore a cooler worldwide climate. The climate would change, even if it only changes marginally.
Works Consulted
Fountain, Henry. "Iron-Dumping Experiment in Pacific Alarms Marine Experts." The New York Times. The New York Times, 19 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/19/science/earth/iron-dumping-experiment-in-pacific-alarms-marine-experts.html?ref=science>.
The Glory of Leaves
Summary:
Rob Dunn talks about how and why leaves come in so many different shapes and sizes, using natural selection and competitive exclusion as examples. He starts out by mentioning that most leaves take in light energy and carbon dioxide, and then the plant makes glucose and oxygen through a process called photosynthesis in the chloroplasts. According to the article, leaves can come in so many shapes and sizes because of how they adapted to their location on Earth. "Desert leaves tend to be small, thick-skinned, waxy, or spiny, just like leaves in salty regions or other harsh lands...Rain forest plants have narrow leaves with long, thin 'drip tips', to drain away excess water" (68). These are two examples of how the plants adapted to their environment by changing the size and shape of their leaves based on the amount of water they have access to. Not all plants make their own food. Some plants such as those that live in bogs low on nutrients, are carnivorous plants. They eat animals such as flies. Competitive exclusion affects the shaped and size of leaves. An example of this is in the rain forest, leaves must be big and broad in order to catch the small amount of sunlight that seeps through the canopy. Leaves also change their shape and size as defense, to keep animals from eating their leaves. If you pick up two leaves you will notice how different they look, but on the inside, most leaves have something in common, and that is to take in energy from the sun and convert it into glucose.
Relevance:
This article is relevant to our biology class; because leaves are part of the study of ecology which is the unit we studied term one. We also talked about biomes and the different kinds of plants that lived in each environment based on temperature, precipitation, etc. We also did an entire plant project in term one, study different plants and how they look different from one another. Based on what the leaves looked like, we could tell what kind of plant it belonged to and sometimes we could even tell where it lived.
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2012/10/leaves/dunn-text
Written by Rob Dunn, published october, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Lasers and airplanes help scientists combat invasive species
Summary: This article and video describe a massive new effort called the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). The goal is to answer some big questions of human impact on the natural world. This effort will also monitor the health of environments around the country. Members of this project are looking for land-use change, invasive species change, or any long term change. This project will use high-tech equipment to collect data from the air and the ground at sites all over the country. The scientists will be able to track what's happening to different environments over a long period of time. Over the next few years, this project will begin to fly data collecting planes all over the country for the next 30 years. But these planes are more than your normal planes. These planes have high resolution cameras, lasers, and an imaging spectrometer built by NASA. The laser can detect the height of trees and the imaging spectrometer can detect the health of the canopy. The imaging spectrometer can also differentiate from dead vegetation, live vegetation, soil, and man made structures. From the data collected by the planes, scientists will be able to come up with a species map. It will tell what trees are out there and when certain trees are under stress like if there is a drought or if there are invasive species. The information can be accessed by the public for looking at land changes and the spread of invasive species. With this knowledge, people will know exactly where invasive species are and what actions to take. The NEON project is expected to be fully running in 60 different spots around the US within 5 years.
Relevance: This article relates to our studies in ecosystems and more specifically, invasive species. We learned about the ecological impacts invasive species have, and this article talks about fighting invasive species using high-tech technology.
Marie Cusick
August 20, 2012
http://innovationtrail.org/term/rit
Relevance: This article relates to our studies in ecosystems and more specifically, invasive species. We learned about the ecological impacts invasive species have, and this article talks about fighting invasive species using high-tech technology.
Marie Cusick
August 20, 2012
http://innovationtrail.org/term/rit
From Soup to Cells - The Origin of Life
From Soup to Cells - The Origin of Life
Summary:
There is a special field in the study of evolution, and that's the study of the origin of life. Scientists in this field try to find out the what, when, where, and how life originated by looking at ancient fossils of early Earth. These fossils contain some ancient microbes, and date back about 3.5 billion years ago. The scientists also look for similarities in the DNA of many organisms, in order to trace them all back to a single ancestor, one they may have determined to live in the extreme temperatures of the oceans' hydrothermal vents. By using their current knowledge of the macromolecules of a living organism, the scientists piece together a possible theory of the origin of life.
Relevance:
In our class, we have discussed about macromolecules and the origin of life. This includes Miller's experiment on creating organic molecules, that are the basic structures of macromolecules, from nonorganic molecules. In this article, the scientists use their knowledge of these macromolecules to help determine a theory on the origin of life.
Article:
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/origsoflife_01
Summary:
There is a special field in the study of evolution, and that's the study of the origin of life. Scientists in this field try to find out the what, when, where, and how life originated by looking at ancient fossils of early Earth. These fossils contain some ancient microbes, and date back about 3.5 billion years ago. The scientists also look for similarities in the DNA of many organisms, in order to trace them all back to a single ancestor, one they may have determined to live in the extreme temperatures of the oceans' hydrothermal vents. By using their current knowledge of the macromolecules of a living organism, the scientists piece together a possible theory of the origin of life.
Relevance:
In our class, we have discussed about macromolecules and the origin of life. This includes Miller's experiment on creating organic molecules, that are the basic structures of macromolecules, from nonorganic molecules. In this article, the scientists use their knowledge of these macromolecules to help determine a theory on the origin of life.
Article:
http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/origsoflife_01
Lcorice root extract proven to decrease liver enzymes
Licorice root extract proven to decrease liver enzymes
Saturday, October 18, 2012Summary
It is known that analysis of a small sample of blood can be used to determine the amount of enzyme production in a liver. The enzymes for liver function are transaminase enzymes, which are used in the production of various amino acids.
The researchers has been found that Licorice root can be used to treat several diseases including liver problems. It can help livers that are distressed, damaged, or diseased. They say that the main source of Licorice root is glycyrrhizin. It is 30–50 times as sweet as sucrose (table sugar). Pure glycyrrhizin is odorless. Although sweet, the taste sensation of glycyrrhizin is different from that of sugar. The sweetness of glycyrrhizin has a slower onset than sugar has, and lingers in the mouth for some time. Unlike the artificial sweetener aspartame, glycyrrhizin maintains its sweetness under heating.
Relevance
We can relate this to our previous subject about matter and energy where we learned about many things including enzymes which was a specialized protein that catalyzes the chemical reactions of a cell. We had a lab with liver extract and liver chunks.
Sunday, June 17, 2012 by: PF Louis
http://www.naturalnews.com/036201_licorice_root_liver_enzymes.html#ixzz29s7s18DM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycyrrhizin
Vitamins for Grey Hair
Content Summary:
This article explains why older people tend to have grey hair, and gives suggestions to people on how to fix this problem. People tend to have grey hair when they're older because as they age, the cells in their bodies produce less and less catalase. Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This is the catalase reaction. Without catalase, hydrogen peroxide builds up in their bodies. As hydrogen peroxide builds up, it can turn hairs grey because it is a bleaching agent. To stop the graying of hairs, older people must have more catalase in their bodies. There are vitamins that are able to boost the catalase levels in our bodies, and lessen the amounts of grey hair that people have. These vitamins can save people a lot of money in going to the salon every couple of months to get their hair dyed.
Relevance:
This is related to our classroom studies because the enzymes lab was all about catalase, and how its actions were affected by many conditions. The catalase actions were the breaking down of hydrogen peroxide. For our positive control in the experiment, we added 5 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide to 1milliliter of catalase extract, and we saw how the catalase broke down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This article also talks about the actions of catalase in our body and it shows us what can happen if we don't have enough catalase in our body; hydrogen peroxide builds up and bleaches our hair grey.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Vitamins-for-Grey-Hair&id=6735791
Article by Tom Simeo
Published December 5, 2011
This article explains why older people tend to have grey hair, and gives suggestions to people on how to fix this problem. People tend to have grey hair when they're older because as they age, the cells in their bodies produce less and less catalase. Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This is the catalase reaction. Without catalase, hydrogen peroxide builds up in their bodies. As hydrogen peroxide builds up, it can turn hairs grey because it is a bleaching agent. To stop the graying of hairs, older people must have more catalase in their bodies. There are vitamins that are able to boost the catalase levels in our bodies, and lessen the amounts of grey hair that people have. These vitamins can save people a lot of money in going to the salon every couple of months to get their hair dyed.
Relevance:
This is related to our classroom studies because the enzymes lab was all about catalase, and how its actions were affected by many conditions. The catalase actions were the breaking down of hydrogen peroxide. For our positive control in the experiment, we added 5 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide to 1milliliter of catalase extract, and we saw how the catalase broke down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This article also talks about the actions of catalase in our body and it shows us what can happen if we don't have enough catalase in our body; hydrogen peroxide builds up and bleaches our hair grey.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Vitamins-for-Grey-Hair&id=6735791
Article by Tom Simeo
Published December 5, 2011
Sec Translocon Functions
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/10/18/caltech_modeling_feat_sheds_light_on_protein_channels_function.html
Summary: Caltech has been able to simulate the biological function of a channel called the Sec translocon. The Sec translocon is a channel in cellular membranes involved in the targeting and delivery of newly made proteins.
Relevance: This article is relevant because we have studied how cells take in objects from outside of the semi-permeable membrane using diffusion.
Summary: Caltech has been able to simulate the biological function of a channel called the Sec translocon. The Sec translocon is a channel in cellular membranes involved in the targeting and delivery of newly made proteins.
Relevance: This article is relevant because we have studied how cells take in objects from outside of the semi-permeable membrane using diffusion.
Cancer cells executed by magnet
Cancer Cells Executed by Magnet
by Rachel Ehrenberg
Summary: Scientists have found that by using metal nano-particles, carried by proteins to a cancer cell, they can have the cell kill itself, by attaching the nano-particle to Death Receptor 4. This is done by exposing the cells to a magnetic field,which causes the nano particles to clump together forming a shape that fits the protein receptor. The particles are then moved with proteins and attached to the receptor. After receiving the artificial message, the cell begins to self destruct. However, scientists are still working on how to make sure that the nano particles only target cancer cells, as normal cells have the receptor as well.
Relevance: This article relates to the biology unit, because it mentions the receptor proteins we just recently learned about. It talks about how the protein receives messages and how the nano particles form an artificial message.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/345663/description/Cancer_cells_executed_by_magnet
Oct. 20, 2012
Cambrian Fossil Pushes Back Evolution of Complex Brains
Summary:
The discovery of a well-preserved fossil of an extinct arthropod, known as a Fuxianhuia protensa, shows that anatomically complex brains evolved earlier than previously thought and that complex brains have had little change over the course of evolution. According to University of Arizona neurobiologist Nicholas Strausfeld, who co-authored the study describing the specimen, the fossil is the earliest known remains to show a brain. Embedded in mud stones deposited during the Cambrian period 520 million years ago in what today is the Yunnan Province in China, the approximately 3-inch-long fossil, represents an extinct lineage of arthropods combining an advanced brain anatomy with a primitive body plan. This fossil fills in a missing link of arthropod evolutionary history as well as providing a solution to the long-standing debate about how and when complex brains evolved.
Relevance:
This article is relevant to the biology curriculum because it talks about natural selection as well as evolution, specifically how and when the complex brain first developed. Although not many specific examples are given, this article talks about how the survival of the fittest arthropods gave rise to the next generation of anatomically complex brains which is based on the idea of natural selection. This article, also provides information about 'science vs. pseudoscience' of the development of a complex brain. Particularly, it supports the science side due to the fact that it talks about a fossil showing the presence of a complex brain rather than the idea that many organisms today were given a complex brain because of religious reasons.
Biology News Net October 10, 2012
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/10/10/cambrian_fossil_pushes_back_evolution_of_complex_brains.html
The discovery of a well-preserved fossil of an extinct arthropod, known as a Fuxianhuia protensa, shows that anatomically complex brains evolved earlier than previously thought and that complex brains have had little change over the course of evolution. According to University of Arizona neurobiologist Nicholas Strausfeld, who co-authored the study describing the specimen, the fossil is the earliest known remains to show a brain. Embedded in mud stones deposited during the Cambrian period 520 million years ago in what today is the Yunnan Province in China, the approximately 3-inch-long fossil, represents an extinct lineage of arthropods combining an advanced brain anatomy with a primitive body plan. This fossil fills in a missing link of arthropod evolutionary history as well as providing a solution to the long-standing debate about how and when complex brains evolved.
Relevance:
This article is relevant to the biology curriculum because it talks about natural selection as well as evolution, specifically how and when the complex brain first developed. Although not many specific examples are given, this article talks about how the survival of the fittest arthropods gave rise to the next generation of anatomically complex brains which is based on the idea of natural selection. This article, also provides information about 'science vs. pseudoscience' of the development of a complex brain. Particularly, it supports the science side due to the fact that it talks about a fossil showing the presence of a complex brain rather than the idea that many organisms today were given a complex brain because of religious reasons.
Biology News Net October 10, 2012
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/10/10/cambrian_fossil_pushes_back_evolution_of_complex_brains.html
Big Jobs Go To Loyal Proteins
By Rachel Ehernberg
October 6th, 2012
Summary
Scientists who examined the network of a cell’s metabolic reactions find that loyal proteins, proteins that stick to one task, have important, high-stress jobs. However, their multitasking counterparts, which deal with various chemical reactions, carry out less crucial life tasks.
Revealing where the generalists and specialists perform their tasks in a metabolic network could help scientists identify starter enzymes for designing new drugs, fuels and other chemical products. It also may help biologists create organisms from scratch.
Enzymes act on substrates. For more than 100 years, it seemed that enzymes were extremely loyal to their substrates. But the growing number of multi-tasking enzymes that interact with multiple substrates and carry out multiple reactions have forced scientists to face the fact that all enzymes aren’t as dedicated as they've seemed. Researchers have discovered that in addition to catalyzing reactions essential for life, the loyal enzymes tended to work at very active major channels in the network. Enzymes that deal with trivial matters, though, can afford to take on other tasks. Those enzymes are not unimportant; enzymes tasked with recognizing and breaking down toxic substances serve the cell better if they can recognize and deal with more than one kind of danger.
Relevance
In class we have learned about macromolecules, specifically proteins. One type of protein is the enzyme, which is the main catalyst of chemical reactions in organisms. However, we read that enzymes catalyze only one specific type of chemical reactions, because the shape of each enzyme fits the shape of one substrate. The article also relates to metabolism- chemical reactions in the body- which we have studied closely.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Fat Cells Help Tumors Grow
Summary:
For decades, scientific research has suggested a link between obesity and cancer, but not until now has a study begun to show how fat progenitor cells may contribute to the deadly disease. Recently, scientists have found that tumors emit a signal that attracts progenitor cells from white adipose tissue in cancer. It is found that the excess of the adipose tissue does something to tumors and that cells from fat tissue travel to help tumors grow. Some of these adipose cells are developed into fat cells within tumors while others are incorporated into tumor-associated blood vessels, which support tumor growth by bring in oxygen and nutrients needed for cancer cells to survive and reproduce. Although this research proves that fat cells help cancer spread, it cannot be said that they also trigger cancer in the beginning.
Relevance:
This study is relevant to our current unit because we are learning about cells and macromolecules, what they are made of and how they function in our bodies. This study shows how adipose cells function and how they develop to help the progression of cancer as well as how the macromolecule lipids (fat cells) contribute to the spread of cancer cells. This article also explains how adipose cells are developed into lipids within a tumor. Lastly, this study involves cancer cells and what conditions help them grow better.
October 17, 2012 Research by Dr. Kolonin
http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/fat-cells-help-tumors-grow/81247496/
For decades, scientific research has suggested a link between obesity and cancer, but not until now has a study begun to show how fat progenitor cells may contribute to the deadly disease. Recently, scientists have found that tumors emit a signal that attracts progenitor cells from white adipose tissue in cancer. It is found that the excess of the adipose tissue does something to tumors and that cells from fat tissue travel to help tumors grow. Some of these adipose cells are developed into fat cells within tumors while others are incorporated into tumor-associated blood vessels, which support tumor growth by bring in oxygen and nutrients needed for cancer cells to survive and reproduce. Although this research proves that fat cells help cancer spread, it cannot be said that they also trigger cancer in the beginning.
Relevance:
This study is relevant to our current unit because we are learning about cells and macromolecules, what they are made of and how they function in our bodies. This study shows how adipose cells function and how they develop to help the progression of cancer as well as how the macromolecule lipids (fat cells) contribute to the spread of cancer cells. This article also explains how adipose cells are developed into lipids within a tumor. Lastly, this study involves cancer cells and what conditions help them grow better.
October 17, 2012 Research by Dr. Kolonin
http://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/fat-cells-help-tumors-grow/81247496/
Researchers Elucidate Transfer Pathway of Immune System Substances
Summary
Researchers Stefanie Herda and Dr. Armin Rehm and immunologist Dr. Uta Hopken have discovered the importance of the role of the receptor protein Sortilin in the immune system. In the immune system, a substance called interferon-gamma is used to help identify diseased cells and increase immune cell activity. Interferon-gamma is transported to parts of the cell by the Golgi apparatus but requires the help of Sortilin. Without Sortilin, interferon-gamma cannot be transported throughout the cell, which weakens the immune system. However, another molecule called granzyme A is more effective in killing diseased cells than interferon-gamma, and Sortilin disturbs its transport routes, causing it to be less efficient. This shows that Sortilin affects the immune system of cells in both positive and negative ways. But according to an experiment done on mice with no Sortilin, the immune system resulted in being weaker than it was with Sortilin, proving that having more granzyme A doesnt make up for having less interferon-gamma.
Relevance
This article is connected to the biology curriculum because we are learning about cells and their organelles. This piece contains information about immune system cells and the Golgi apparatus. Also, we are learning about receptor proteins, and the article is about Sortilin, which is a receptor protein.
Article found from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018123048.htm
Bibliography:
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine. "Researchers elucidate transport pathway of immune system substances." ScienceDaily, 18 Oct. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2012.
Researchers Stefanie Herda and Dr. Armin Rehm and immunologist Dr. Uta Hopken have discovered the importance of the role of the receptor protein Sortilin in the immune system. In the immune system, a substance called interferon-gamma is used to help identify diseased cells and increase immune cell activity. Interferon-gamma is transported to parts of the cell by the Golgi apparatus but requires the help of Sortilin. Without Sortilin, interferon-gamma cannot be transported throughout the cell, which weakens the immune system. However, another molecule called granzyme A is more effective in killing diseased cells than interferon-gamma, and Sortilin disturbs its transport routes, causing it to be less efficient. This shows that Sortilin affects the immune system of cells in both positive and negative ways. But according to an experiment done on mice with no Sortilin, the immune system resulted in being weaker than it was with Sortilin, proving that having more granzyme A doesnt make up for having less interferon-gamma.
Relevance
This article is connected to the biology curriculum because we are learning about cells and their organelles. This piece contains information about immune system cells and the Golgi apparatus. Also, we are learning about receptor proteins, and the article is about Sortilin, which is a receptor protein.
Article found from:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121018123048.htm
Bibliography:
Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine. "Researchers elucidate transport pathway of immune system substances." ScienceDaily, 18 Oct. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2012.
Single Molecule Solar Cell
Summary:
A team of scientists in Germany and Israel have developed a method that can measure the electrical current generated by a single photosynthetic protein system. The scientists have been able to covalently bind a photosynthetic protein system to a gold electrode, and the electrical current generated can be measured by a gold-tipped, metal-coated glass rod. Light energy is absorbed by electrons, and the electrical current is transmitted by photosynthetic active proteins, made of chloroplasts. This system is highly efficient, as the electricity travels a small amount of distance very quickly, minimizing energy loss. The protein system may be used in future nanotechnology as a microscopic power generator.
Relevance:
This article relates to cells, proteins, and photosynthesis, which we have been discussing in class. We have learned about plant cells, and how plants produce their energy by chloroplasts. Also, we have been talking about active transport proteins and how they move substances inside cells.
Source:
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/10/02/solar_cell_consisting_of_a_single_molecule.html - English summary of press release
http://www.tum.de/die-tum/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/lang/article/30053/ - press release by Technical University of Munich
A team of scientists in Germany and Israel have developed a method that can measure the electrical current generated by a single photosynthetic protein system. The scientists have been able to covalently bind a photosynthetic protein system to a gold electrode, and the electrical current generated can be measured by a gold-tipped, metal-coated glass rod. Light energy is absorbed by electrons, and the electrical current is transmitted by photosynthetic active proteins, made of chloroplasts. This system is highly efficient, as the electricity travels a small amount of distance very quickly, minimizing energy loss. The protein system may be used in future nanotechnology as a microscopic power generator.
Relevance:
This article relates to cells, proteins, and photosynthesis, which we have been discussing in class. We have learned about plant cells, and how plants produce their energy by chloroplasts. Also, we have been talking about active transport proteins and how they move substances inside cells.
Source:
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/10/02/solar_cell_consisting_of_a_single_molecule.html - English summary of press release
http://www.tum.de/die-tum/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/lang/article/30053/ - press release by Technical University of Munich
Enzyme Triggers Cell Death in Heart Attack
Summary
An enzyme named CaM kinase II is now found to be linked to the death of heart cells after a heart attack or damaging stress to the heart muscle. Losing heart cells are permanent and heart failure usually follows, and 5.8 million people in the US are affected by heart failure. This process happens in the cell, specifically the energy producing organelle, mitochondria. In a heart cell the energy the mitochondrions create are used to fuel each heartbeat, but when mitochondria stops functioning, the heart cells start to die. New studies show that increased enzyme activity promotes leakiness of mitochondria by allowing too much calcium to enter the organelle, and then the cells die, which results in increased heart muscle damage and cell death. Scientists, testing on genetically modified mice, discovered that by resisting the enzyme activity in mitochondria the mice were protected from heart cell death during heart attacks. This discovery can lead to new effective therapies for common heart disease.
Relevance
This study is related to what we have learned, because it is talks about enzymes and how it can be damaging to cells. Although we learned about how it is beneficial to cells, this article suggests that enzyme activity can lead to the death of heart cells. Also it is about cells, and how if a major organelle stops functioning properly it can lead to the death of it. The organelle is mitochondria and we have learned that this organelle creates energy so that the cell can carry out its normal functions. But if the mitochondria isn't working properly there isn't any energy for cell activities. We are learning about cell and organelle functions now.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121011162154.htm
Science Daily
Article published Oct. 11, 2012
An enzyme named CaM kinase II is now found to be linked to the death of heart cells after a heart attack or damaging stress to the heart muscle. Losing heart cells are permanent and heart failure usually follows, and 5.8 million people in the US are affected by heart failure. This process happens in the cell, specifically the energy producing organelle, mitochondria. In a heart cell the energy the mitochondrions create are used to fuel each heartbeat, but when mitochondria stops functioning, the heart cells start to die. New studies show that increased enzyme activity promotes leakiness of mitochondria by allowing too much calcium to enter the organelle, and then the cells die, which results in increased heart muscle damage and cell death. Scientists, testing on genetically modified mice, discovered that by resisting the enzyme activity in mitochondria the mice were protected from heart cell death during heart attacks. This discovery can lead to new effective therapies for common heart disease.
Relevance
This study is related to what we have learned, because it is talks about enzymes and how it can be damaging to cells. Although we learned about how it is beneficial to cells, this article suggests that enzyme activity can lead to the death of heart cells. Also it is about cells, and how if a major organelle stops functioning properly it can lead to the death of it. The organelle is mitochondria and we have learned that this organelle creates energy so that the cell can carry out its normal functions. But if the mitochondria isn't working properly there isn't any energy for cell activities. We are learning about cell and organelle functions now.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121011162154.htm
Science Daily
Article published Oct. 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Synthetic liver enzyme could result in more effective drugs with fewer side effects
Summary
Researchers at Princeton University reported they created a synthetic it enzyme that would result in drugs with fewer side effects. How would that work? This enzyme would act as a catalyst to replace certain hydrogen atoms with fluorine atoms, which would stabilize the molecule, make it more potent and also make the drug molecule resistant to the liver enzymes that can create toxic byproducts. As a result, this synthetic enzyme could possibly improve existing drugs such as steroids.
How this relates
This relates to what we are learning in class, because we had just finished a lab on enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts, so they speed up reactions by lowering the required activation energy to start the reaction. An enzyme is a specialized protein, and a protein is a macromolecule. Enzymes are very useful in organisms, because it allows reactions to take place in a reasonable amount of time without increasing the temperature of the body, which would damage the cells. In the article, the synthetic enzyme will also be useful in the human body.
October 9, 2012 Written by Catherine Zandonella
http://phys.org/news/2012-10-synthetic-liver-enzyme-result-effective.html
Two American Scientists Win Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Two American Scientists Win Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Tharun Sankar
Summary: Two scientists, Dr. Robert J. Lefkowitz and Dr. Brian K. Kobilka just recently won the Nobel prize in Chemistry for finally bringing an understanding of how protein receptors work in the human body. Before the discovery of these Lefkowitz and Kobilka, scientists knew that there were receptor proteins sticking out of the cell membrane that took signals from other places in the body. For example, adrenaline never enters cells, but it still triggers reactions like focused vision and it causes a person's heart to beat faster than normal. Scientists knew that the adrenaline interacted with receptor proteins, causing a class of proteins called G proteins to set off a chain of reactions, but they did not understand exactly how these receptor proteins worked. Lefkowitz and Koblika found that the receptor proteins changed shape when a substance such as adrenaline was inserted, and this changed in shape allowed the receptor protein to touch a G protein next to the receptor, setting off the chain. This discovery can help medicine development in the future because many drugs attach to unintended receptors, causing side effects. Now that scientists know the structure of these proteins and how they work, they could make drugs more selective for their intended purpose.
Relevance: This article is relevant to our studies because we have been discussing cells, cell membranes, and the different kinds of proteins that are in our cell membranes. This article goes more in-depth and reveals more information about one of the kind of proteins that is found in our cell membranes, the receptor protein. It also talks about the discovery of the previously unknown structure of the receptor protein.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/11/science/2-american-scientists-win-nobel-prize-in-chemistry.html
Author: Kenneth Chang
Date of Publication: 10/10/2012
Sleep Deprivation Affects Fat Cells
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/10/16/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-fat-cells/
Sleep Deprivation Affects Fat Cells
by Trevor Stokes Date of publication: 10/16/12
Summary:
A new study has shown that fat cells need sleep to function correctly. The fat cells of sleep deprived people don’t respond to insulin very well. This is problematic because insulin regulates blood sugar. The people in the experiment that got enough sleep were perfectly healthy.
Relevance:
This study is relevant to what we are learning because it has to do with cells and insulin. What the article means by not responding to insulin well is that the receptor proteins are not shaping to the insulin molecules. Therefore, the insulin cannot tell the cell to take in extra sugar in order to store it.
Sleep Deprivation Affects Fat Cells
by Trevor Stokes Date of publication: 10/16/12
Summary:
A new study has shown that fat cells need sleep to function correctly. The fat cells of sleep deprived people don’t respond to insulin very well. This is problematic because insulin regulates blood sugar. The people in the experiment that got enough sleep were perfectly healthy.
Relevance:
This study is relevant to what we are learning because it has to do with cells and insulin. What the article means by not responding to insulin well is that the receptor proteins are not shaping to the insulin molecules. Therefore, the insulin cannot tell the cell to take in extra sugar in order to store it.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Teaching an Old Protein New Tricks
Summary: Adenovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, has "instructions" in its DNA to create a protein labeled "E4-ORF3" that disables a gene whose job is to make cells which have damaged DNA self-destruct. The protein allows adenovirus to infect cells and have them stay alive for long enough to create more of the virus and burst so that the virus can spread to other cells. This is an important discovery because cancer and some other diseases could be cured by modifying this protein to make it activate the gene which makes damaged cells destruct. Cancer happens when cells start to reproduce uncontrollably, and it's caused by damaged DNA. If the modified protein was delivered to cells, it could "shut down" tumors slowly.
Relevance: Related to proteins, which we learned about in Unit 2 and 3.
Relevance: Related to proteins, which we learned about in Unit 2 and 3.
Adenovirus, a type of cold virus, has developed molecular tools—proteins—that allow it to hijack a cell's molecular machinery, including large cellular machines involved in growth, replication and cancer suppression. The Salk scientists identified the construction of these molecular weapons and found that they bind together into long chains (polymers) to form a three-dimensional web inside cells that traps and overpowers cellular sentries involved in growth and cancer suppression. The findings, published October 11 in Cell, suggest a new avenue for developing cancer therapies by mimicking the strategies employed by the viruses. "Cancer was once a black box," says Clodagh O'Shea, an assistant professor in Salk's Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, who led the study. "The key that opened that box was revealing the interactions between small DNA tumor virus proteins and cellular tumor suppressor complexes. But without knowing the structure of the proteins they use to attack cells, we were at a loss for how these tiny weapons win out over much larger tumor suppressors." O'Shea's team studied E4-ORF3, a cancer-causing protein encoded by adenovirus, which prevents the p53 tumor suppressor protein from binding to its target genes. Known as the "guardian of the genome," p53 normally suppresses tumors by causing cells with DNA damage—a hallmark of cancer—to self-destruct. The p53 tumor suppressor pathway is inactivated in almost every human cancer, allowing cancer cells to escape normal growth controls. Similarly, by inactivating p53, the E4-ORF3 protein enables adenovirus replication in infected human cells to go unchecked. Two years ago, O'Shea discovered that E4-ORF3 clears the way for adenovirus to proliferate by deactivating genes that help the cell defend itself against the virus. "It literally creates zip files of p53 target genes by compressing them until they can no longer be read," she explains. E4-ORF3 is unusual. "It doesn't resemble any known proteins that assemble polymers or that function in cellular tumor suppressor pathways," he says. "Most cellular polymers and filaments form uniform, rigid chains. But E4-ORF3 is the virus's Swiss army knife—it assembles into something that is highly versatile. It has the ability to build itself into all sorts of different shapes and sizes that can capture and deactivate the many defenses of a host cell." In collaboration with scientists from the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research at University of California, San Diego, led by Mark Ellisman, the center's director, O'Shea's team used new techniques to reveal the ultrastructure of the remarkable polymer that E4-ORF3 assembles in the nucleus—something that previously had proven difficult since the polymer is effectively invisible using conventional electron microscopy. "What you see is the E4-ORF3 polymer bending and weaving and twisting its way through the nucleus," she says... Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-10-cold-viruses-cancer-therapies.html#jCp
Credit: Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Author unknown
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Quarter 1 Biomedia Due Dates
Due Dates and Topics for Quarter 1
Due Dates:
- Post Media, Summary, and Relevance by 10/22.
- Questions of Classmates made in comments by 10/29.
- Answers to Questions posted in comments by 11/5. (Early completion is HIGHLY recommended)
The topics for term 1 are Ecosystems, Matter & Energy, and Cells.
Due Dates:
- Post Media, Summary, and Relevance by 10/22.
- Questions of Classmates made in comments by 10/29.
- Answers to Questions posted in comments by 11/5. (Early completion is HIGHLY recommended)
The topics for term 1 are Ecosystems, Matter & Energy, and Cells.
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