In a recent article, biologists from Brown University have reported that our skin cells can detect ultraviolet light. This UV light is detected from a receptor within our eye known as a photosensitive receptor. During this new study , resarchers were able to detect a new rhodopsin receptors which are known to detect UVA light when the melanocyte skin cells fluoresce when calcium level hit a high level after a large exposure of UV light. During these experiments, researchers noticed that when they reduced rhodopsin levels, the calcium levels then decreased and when they increased these levels, the calcium levels increased as well. Our skins DNA tries to protect us from sunlight damage, although after a heavy amount of it, the damage will still occur. Even though scientists learned these possible way to check for how in fact our skin cells react to sunlight, we still need to protect our skin from the sunlight even though we love to tan. Sunscreen is still the safest way to tolerate sunlight.
In a recent article, researchers from the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute and the University of Utah have reported a new study to identify two genes which are known to be responsible for heart defects in people who have down syndrome. This study was tested by using both fruit flies and mice, which both had these two genes present, which produced much thicker ventricle walls. These two genes are known to work together to interfere with the development of their heart as well as thier heart function. Although down syndrome has has the most common rate of heart conditions, this disorder effects one in seven hundred births. If there is any possible way to somehow use this new study to find cures to these horrible heart defects, this could help and save lives of many down syndrome patients
In a recent article, doctors from Cancer Research-UK Cambridge Research Institute, have produced a new study to identify how groups of genes form colorectal cancer. A gene now known as the ” Sleeping Beauty” gene was used within this new study; which profiled the specific genes that produce colorectal cancer. This type of cancer is found withing polyps that develop within the gut known as Tubulovillis adenoma. During this study, mice were tested by screening them for cancer genes withing comparison to data of human tumours. While undergoing tests, these scientists were able to identify two hundred more genes that can cause cancer which will uncover a huge piece of this puzzle. Although cancer is mainly caused due to corrupted genes, this study can positively help out with with the trace of pathways to colorectal cancer by treating it in its earlier stages, saving many more lives.
In a recent article with relation to brain tumors, researchers from Heidelberg University Hospitals have worked together to find out which genetic defect exactly causes brain tumors. The most common brain tumor in children is known today as pilocytic astrocytoma, which are usually benign, but if they grow too large in size, surgeons may not be able to remove it do to the severe risks. These researchers have ran tests through mice by injecting a few mice with the defective gene known as BRAF within a virus in which they then introduced it into the neuronal precursor cells of these mice. Once the mice were injected, the results shown that astrocytes were present through a series of brown staining. And within 91 percent of these treated mice, multiples tumors formed around the injection site. If this study remains successful, doctors will be able to significantly slow down the growing process of brain tumors within children. This study is well worth it since brain tumors have horrible risks as it is and this new treatment already has an extremely positive outcome.
In a recent article, both researchers and scientists from Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., have come up with a way to treat hemophilia in animals by using a process of genome editing. Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder where blood does not clot normally, but now it can be treated by using gene therapy to specifically pinpoint and repair a genetic defect. This new process uses two versions of viruses that are genetically engineered, which carry a replacement gene to be copied into the DNA sequence and enzymes that cut the DNA in the affected area. This study was done using this process by injecting several mice with the gene therapy vector, which was genetically engineered to transport directly to the liver. In the end result, the mice that had received the gene combination, produced a successful amount of clotting agent to reduce the harmful level of clotting to normal levels. This article is both positive and amazing if it will actually cure many of our populations blood clotting disorders throughout the world known as hemophilia.
During a recent article, studies are showing that genetically engineered spider silk is becoming a great solution to everyday gene therapy although this study was initially found in ACS‘ journal. The use of these specific genes allow us to both prevent and treat diseases. Many tests have been successful within this new study, although their newest formed study has their main focus on silk protein, which we have used within medicine for many years. Genetically modified spider silk are now known to become attached to only the diseased cells while also containing a gene that will have fluorescent signaling, so we can identify when the gene reaches its final destination of the diseased cell. It’s crazy how such simple things can be genetically modified into something that can change our lives so quickly. I definitely found this article to be entirely amazing with the many significant uses it has on our future health and well-being. With all these new findings from genetically modified items, hopefully there will be cures for almost everything in just a few years to come.
I never would have thought that our skin cells could be lifesaving? Although a recent article has revealed that scientists have recently discovered the benefits of converting our skin cells into functioning liver cells. This new study occurs by undergoing a new stem cell technique in which liver cells can be grown from our skin cells. British scientists believe that this researched study may be the solution of liver transplant patients with many rewarding benefits. During this procedure, scientists from the University of Cambridge, use a technique known as the zinc finger nuclease which allows scientists to snips the genome to correct it. This new process creates these functioning liver cells without any evidence of gene correction that had occurred. I definitely find this article to be extremely interesting. It’s amazing how scientists can find such ways to cure an issue so rapidly by undergoing a few scientific tests. Even though this procedure will take about ten years to take affect, I feel that many lives will be saved and this will become beneficial to many throughout.
