Title: Human Genetics Is Now A Viable Hobby – 23andMe Cuts Its Price To $399
Author: Aaron Rowe

Summary:
Genomics company, 23andMe, has lowered its on price on their genome scan kit, allowing more people to participate in advanced research. Thanks to advances in microarray chip technology, people can learn about their personal genetic makeup and theoretically predict what medications might have ill effects on their body. Further advances in genome scans will allow for pharmacogenetics, or the study of a drug’s effect on specific genes, to expand.

History and Progression:
The previous genome scan available was for sale at $999, limiting those who could learn about their health. The price of chips has dramatically decreased while their capabilities are exponentially increasing. Despite the power of these chips, people question their accuracy.

Advancement:
The ability to determine if a particular drug is safe for your body composition is extremely important in the avoidance of dangerous and potentially fatal side effects. The mapping of genes will allow for a better understanding of the body’s makeup, making it possible to predict and prepare for any genetic disorders. Also, a centralized database will allow for massive amounts of data mining and knowledge acquisition.

Ethical Practice:
The strong possibility exists that we could gain a better understanding of how genes work using these tests. Once we understand what genes do, we could potentially learn to alter genes to prevent diseases and afflictions or even change sex characteristics. This could be comparable to using embryonic stem cells to alter body compositions, which ethically is a current hot topic for debate.

Privacy:
In order to map pharmacogenetic markers, a customer database must collect the genome kit test results. This might be problematic because it could be construed as an invasion of privacy. This could be avoided by offered a choice to participate in the study.

Positive Benefits:
Mankind would gain a better understanding of its genetic makeup and hopefully learn to better its existence.

Negative Effects:
Privacy of personal genetic makeup could become a concern, as well as use of genetic understanding to alter genes of unborn children without their say in the matter.

Political Beliefs:
As with stem cell research, republicans and conservatives will question the ethical use of the gained knowledge from these genome kits. I am awaiting a congressional regulation on genome mapping and its storage. I personally think there should be a regulation on the use of information, not the act of mapping itself.

Religious Beliefs:
It can be argued that a god had created people a certain way, not for us to understand or question. We should respect our makeup and leave it be. I believe that the more we know about our makeup, the better quality we can live our lives.

Title: Memory Disruption Could Aid Addicts
Author: Alexis Madrigal

Summary:
Scientists have done research showing that they can alter the memory of a rat by administering a drug that can upset the process of a memory-forming brain neurotransmitters when delivered alongside a conditioned response. In this case, the researchers conditioned the rat to receive cocaine when a light was switched on. Doing so became a conditioned response, activating the rats’ cocaine-craving manners. Only after a small dose of the memory disruption drug was given to the rats did they display reduced cravings when the light was enabled. Scientists at the University of Cambridge hope to reprogram harmful addiction memories to avoid relapses.

History and Progression:
It has been widely assumed that long-term memories were permanent, but recent research into the subject has suggested that memories can be chemically disrupted to break a conditioned response. Although the researchers have had limited success, it shows promise in developing new treatments for memory-linked habits.

Since the research is simply hypothesis-driven, human experiments with this method could be near. There are already several drugs available on the market with similar pharmacodynamics as the one used in the study, such as dextramethorphan and memantine.

Integrity:
This drug may be considered cheating to those who wish to beat their addiction without chemicals. This study has proven that addiction is a chemical process and that it may be impossible for someone to rewire their thought process effectively without chemical assistance.

Effectiveness:
Human trials have not yet begun, so it is difficult to anticipate exactly what will occur. While it seems like a basic test, we have to assume that the human mind is more complicated than a rat’s. It is possible that a simple drug administration given immediately after the conditioned stimulus won’t work as expected.

Purity:
Addicts will still have to avoid situations that led to their addiction. They may forget their cravings, but I imagine that visual stimulation may reconstruct old memories. If they don’t, they will likely relapse and have done the therapy for nothing, just like in current rehabilitation techniques.

Positive Benefits:
Destructive habits can be minimized with the help of simple pharmacotherapy.

Negative Effects:
Potential drug side effects could have long term damage as yet unforeseen. The drug had limited affects on rats, suggesting that continued therapy is required.

Political Beliefs:
Government-sponsored rehabilitation programs may be able to save money by offering simpler treatments. This means that budgets can be potentially redirected towards other areas. I would support the use of this alternative measure to reprogram the ill habits of addicts, as it is yet another psychotherapeutic treatment.

Religious Beliefs:
I find it difficult to allow people to refuse chemically altering memories for religious reasons if they have a history of habitually abusing drugs. I personally believe that, regardless of religious beliefs surrounding pharmaceuticals as “toxic chemicals,” a little more exposure to a kind of drug won’t hurt an addict.

Title: The Super Vaccine That Protects You From All Types Of Flu For LIFE
Author: Jenny Hope

Summary:
Researchers are investigating a more effective influenza (flu) vaccine that would eliminate the need for annual vaccinations. Rather than cater to the projected flu virus strain’s H and N outer-shell proteins, scientists are experimenting with a weakened smallpox strain to create a vaccine based on common internal shell proteins. While a titer would likely be occasionally necessary, this super-vaccine would allow for adequate availability and preparation for an expected flu pandemic.

History and Progression:
Although the symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, the flu virus is a relatively serious respiratory ailment that can result in pneumonia or death. Transmitted by airborne aerosols, blood and other potentially infectious material, influenza can enter the body through various portals and cause infection once exposed.

Since there are so many different strains of the influenza virus, it is considered difficult to prevent contraction using traditional vaccines. In addition to maintaining proper hygiene, there are two different pharmacological treatments for those exhibiting signs and symptoms: neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 inhibitors. The preferred treatment is neuraminidase inhibitors, as M2 inhibitors have proven to be 91% ineffective in recent years.

Preventative vaccines have been around for many decades, however the strains are mutating and therefore ineffective after a few years. The vaccine is created by cultivating the virus in hen eggs and inactivating it before administering it live. Because of the limited quantity of the slowly-produced vaccine, priority is given to high-risk candidates, such as the elderly, children, or health care workers.

It is possible to still become infected after being vaccinated, as the strain predicted for the vaccine may not be the same strain of exposure. It is not, however, possible to get the flu from a vaccination. Those that contract the virus after receiving a vaccine had not yet successfully built up immunity or were exposed to a different strain. Basically, the vaccine is not currently a cure-all.

Health Risk:
Strains of influenza are becoming more virulent and therefore more deadly. Statisticians predict that the flu could soon become a pandemic and many countries are frantically experimenting with the super-vaccine to prepare. Because of the limited quantities of proper vaccines, not everyone is getting proper protection.

Cleanliness:
One of the best methods to prevent disease transmission is personal hygiene, specifically hand-washing. The flu virus can easily be deactivated by detergent or disinfectants. The vaccine should be used in conjunction with common sense (hygiene) to most effectively prevent disease acquisition.

Efficiency:
Many researcher groups are hard at work developing a super-vaccine. Some are even mid-trial with promising results. Unfortunately there is not yet a proven method for creating a super-vaccine, but such a development would relieve stress on pharmaceutical companies, allowing them to finally meet the needs of the community.

Positive Benefits:
Influenza-related sickness and death declination due to mass-availability and effective inoculations.

Negative Effects:
The super-vaccine may still not prevent all types of flu contraction.

Political Beliefs:
The government may not supply all residents with free vaccines due to possible financial concerns. This may result in a pandemic regardless of the existence of a proper vaccine. I believe that the government should provide all kinds of protection to its citizens.

Religious Beliefs:
I personally believe that people should take every advantage at their disposal. I’m confident that there are people who practice the belief that they should not poison their bodies with unnatural chemicals. They therefore wouldn’t accept the vaccine, which is foolish.

Title: Scientists Try To Stop Hunger With Retooled Foods
Author: Maria Cheng

Summary:
Scientists in England are developing foods designed to curb appetites by slowing down the digestive system, therefore signaling the brain to suppress the desire for food consumption. Researchers, like Peter Wilde, are relying on the body’s natural method to digest high-fat foods. Their food is coated with modified fat globules that delay the arrival of specific digestive enzymes, allowing the fat to signal the distal, appetite-suppressing areas of intestines. This will effectively trick the brain into thinking it has consumed a high-fat diet, even if it has not, to curb unnecessary overeating.

History and Progression:
Current marketed drugs for dieting include Xenical or Alli, also known as orlistat. This drug works by blocking some fat absorption of the intestinal tract, but can cause side effects like diarrhea if combined with low fiber consumption. Similarly, recent tests of a seaweed extract called alginate have demonstrated diminished fat absorption by reducing the amount of glucose digested in certain areas of the intestines. In addition to the digestive benefits, studies have shown that alginate-enhanced foods tasted similar and sometimes better than traditional provisions. Also, a plant-extracted food additive from South Africa can be expected to reach the market in the coming years. This additive has been shown to significantly ebb appetites over a trial period.

Health Risk:
The article does not address side effects to administering modified plant proteins to the human body nor does it attend to the result of delaying fat digestion. I’m not sure which proteins the scientists are studying, so I cannot comment on the possibilities. However, delayed fat digestion combined with a low-fiber diet could possibly lead to the development of colon cancer or other diseases.

Quality:
Wilde’s research can be applied to almost any fatty foods, including dairy, sauces, condiments or breads. According to the study, it is likely that taste will not be affected. It seems that eating habits will not be required to change, however it is unlikely that altered foods alone will solve obesity alone. There are various mechanisms responsible for homeostasis and this research really only addresses one of them.

Ethical Practice:
As discussed in the article, this research would likely not result in a magic cure for obesity. People eat for various reasons, and some may eat regardless of whether they feel full or not, thus nullifying the use of these foods. Also, chemically-altered foods will require proper regulation to determine who is eligible to consume it to prevent abuse.

Positive Benefits:
A potential avenue to curb excessive eating can be attributed to consumption of the modified food.

Negative Effects:
Unknown or unstudied side effects may result from the long-term eating of said foods. The possibility of anorexic abuse occurs as well.

Political Beliefs:
Obvious government regulation and physician oversight should be required before participation is allowed. I don’t believe altered food should be widely available to consumers, as there are plenty of other avenues that people can attempt first that are far more rewarding, such as self-control and exercise.

Religious Beliefs:
Some religions may reject the use of any altered foods. I personally see no religious conflict present.

Title: Cancer Drug Shows Promise Against MS, But With Some Risks
Author: Rita Rubin

Summary:
In a recent study, the leukemia drug, alemtuzumab, has proven effective in treating a remarkable amount of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients when compared to others treated with an alternate drug, Rebif. MS is a disease where a person’s immune system breaks down the myelin sheath of nerve cells, which slows neural impulse conduction and causes neurologic dysfunction. Alemtuzumab is known as a monoclonal antibody, derived from a single cell in large quantities for use against a specific protein of disease. Specifically, alemtuzumab will destroy the certain white blood cells of the immune system that attack the myelin sheaths and replace them with ones that don’t.

History and Progression:
Alemtuzumab was originally intended to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but has been effective in pre-operative conditioning for bone marrow or kidney transplants. The drug is known to significantly increase the risk for opportunistic infections, as it lowers the immunity threshold.

There are several different types of MS, though this study concentrates on the relapsing-remitting subtype. This can demonstrate symptoms of neurological deficit followed by an undeterminable amount of time with no signs of disease activity. Deficits include changes in sensation, muscle weakness or myoclonus, dyskinesia, ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, nystagmus, diplopia, fatigue, and pain, among other motor and cognitive symptoms. While there are various treatment options, Rebif is delivered by injection to reduce the frequency of occurrences and hopefully slow the disease progression towards permanent disability.

The aforementioned trial involved 334 MS patients and their assignment of a random treatment regimen involving either annual alemtuzumab injections or tri-weekly Rebif injections over the course of three years. The double-blind study proved alemtuzumab to be 70% more effective than Rebif, despite the discovered side effects of increased risk of thyroid or platelet autoimmune malady. It is expected that, if under close monitoring, MS patients would see significant results while using alemtuzumab.

Safety:
According to the article, it is uncertain how alemtuzumab increases the risk for autoimmune complications and apparently one trial participant died as a result. Further studies on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as closer monitoring of patients, need to be done before widespread distribution of this treatment is begun.

Quality:
Provided a safe regimen is developed, alemtuzumab has the potential to dramatically increase the quality of life for many recently-diagnosed relapsing-remitting MS patients. Hopefully its use would consistently prevent exacerbations and delay the onset of permanent effects. Additionally, it could possibly open doors to further MS understanding and treatment and eventually a cure and/or prevention.

Effectiveness:
It seems that the risks currently outweigh the benefits. Lowered thyroid and/or platelet autoimmunity could lead to much more serious systemic problems. Combined with the various MS symptoms and other potential medical issues, this drug’s use could be very dangerous and much riskier than other available treatments.

Positive Benefits:
The reduced MS symptoms and delayed disability resulting from proper use of alemtuzumab.

Negative Effects:
Potential autoimmune deficits, other complications, or death can be attributed to non-compliance or other unforeseen problems.

Political Beliefs:
I’m not sure how much this treatment would cost a person or insurance company. Perhaps only the fortunate could afford such a drug, which would limit potential quality of life gains to the rich. I believe that all treatments should be made available, by some vehicle, to those that require it.

Religious Beliefs:
It’s possible that some people believe that pharmaceuticals or other scientific interventions are inappropriate and that people should not interfere with what their god has planned for MS sufferers. I believe that we should take all the scientific advantages that we have available to us.

Article: Tobacco Could Hold the Key to Revolutionary Gene Therapy
Author: Aaron Rowe

Summary:
Scientists have discovered a way to inject siRNA (small interfering RNA) into specific cells using a modified tobacco plant virus. This siRNA can reprogram certain cells to attack disease-causing proteins with minimal side effects. The hollowed tobacco plant virus is harmless to humans and serves as a secure transport vessel for the modified RNA.

History and Progression:
William Bentley, a bioengineering professor at the University of Maryland, learned of the tobacco virus known as mosaic by a colleague across the hall from Bentley’s lab. This colleague had apparently been researching the virus’ use for nano wires and batteries.

Until now, scientists had been using other methods to deliver the siRNA into the body, such as adenoviruses or nanoparticles, or limiting their targeted delivery area to the eyes or lungs (where siRNA survive with minimal support). These were not without risks, as the adenoviruses could cause immune system difficulties and the nanoparticles could cause so-called collateral damage.

Though the transport method has shown to be successful with cells in a dish, it has not yet been tested in human trials.

Efficiency:
Rather than the current standard of taking several years of research by a large team , a single scientist can use siRNA and develop a drug candidate in a matter of weeks. Also, a targeted attack using the mosaic virus technique would have a faster effect than if the cells were targeted systemically. Evidence has shown that a coat of special proteins on the mosaic virus “syringe,” scientists can create drugs that travel to where they are needed.

Safety:
The tobacco mosaic virus is harmless to humans, according to Bentley’s team. It has demonstrated that people already have traces of the virus in their blood resulting from second-hand smoke exposure, which has caused no apparent problems. While the siRNA are considered very fragile molecules alone, they have proven to be no harmful than a saltwater placebo in recent clinical trial involving an inhaler.

Knowledge:
Because the siRNA is so fragile, scientists are excited about this new method of delivery. Previous successes at siRNA delivery have been limited. Should this new method prove successful, scientists may be closer to finding effective ways of treating most cancers, viruses and genetic disorders without introducing harmful chemicals into the body. This makes way for many medical treatment advances.

Positive Benefits:
This delivery system provides simple and effective methods for disease treatment with little to no side effects.

Negative Effects:
Some scientists believe that the use of the mosaic virus will be limited, as people will develop immunities to it. At that point, it would be ineffective since the body will be trying to remove the pathogen from the body.

Political Beliefs:
Pharmaceutical companies probably won’t appreciate this advancement, since it will reduce a patient’s need for drug therapy and therefore a reduction in profits. Some companies will benefit from this advancement, as they can provide the manufacturing of the hollowed out virus.

I imagine that conservatives will attempt to limit RNA research, since it interferes with their religious beliefs, by a reduction in federal funding. Regardless of religious beliefs, I think that RNA manipulation should be heavily regulated, but still explored. Our society would not be where it is today if loud-spoken politicians had imposed their personal beliefs on science and experimentation. Occasionally risks must be taken and norms much be disregarded in order for advancements bettering society to take place.

Religious Beliefs:
By altering the genetic makeup of cells, the natural composition is disturbed. It may even be possible to prevent certain genetic traits prior to birth using this technology. Some religions may consider this activity as “playing god” and will make efforts to severely limit the research into these topics, if not stop them completely. I personally believe that this mindset is dangerous. Every new science is theoretically dangerous, but we must make attempts to learn and understand as much as we can about it in order to make informed decisions on how to apply it.

Article: Study Promises Benefits of Exercise in a Pill
Author: Alexis Madrigal

Summary:
Researchers at the Salk Institute have done studies showing that a drug called Aicar can mimic exercise in muscles by activating an enzyme that regulates a cell’s metabolism. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is broken down to create energy to move skeletal muscles, as when exercising. Among the elements ATP is broken into is AMP (Adenosine Monophosphate), which is what stimulates the body to create more ATP for energy use. Nutrients and proteins are needed to combine with AMP to produce more ATP, but the drug in this study is said to mimic AMP by increasing glucose uptake. Also, fast-twitch muscle fibers are converted to the long-lasting, energy-efficient, fat-burning, slow-twitch type. This results in prolonging the onset of cell fatigue and therefore a boost in muscle endurance.

History and Progression:
The use of steroids has helped with the creation of muscle mass, but not with the increase of endurance. Other studies have shown that a drug called resveratol has demonstrated possible anti-aging and metabolic-enhancing effects by modifying and enhancing mitochondrial functions. This is different from Aicar because resveratol stimulates different proteins and theoretically could have drastically different effects.

Salk Institute researchers have tested Aicar on mice who haven’t worked out, which have shown a 44% running endurance increase after 4 weeks.

Ethical Practice:
Athletic authorities are concerned that the drug will be used to chemically enhance endurance in sports, such as in the Olympics. Ronald Evans, of the Salk Institute, has created a urine test to identify use of Aicar and has made it available to the International Olympic Committee.

Health:
Darrell Neufer, a sports medicine professor at East Carolina University, claims that “physical activity is so important for maintaining the health of the human body in almost every human organ system.” He believes that it will be almost impossible to create an easy remedy to replicate all the benefits of exercising. Even though the drug is not cell-specific, it seems risky to expose every cell to the potential effects of the drug.

The article does not mention anything about the replenishing of glucose by the drug. Some body systems crippled by diabetes will have difficulty managing glucose if their insulin levels are high while using Aicar.

Physical Challenge:
Users of this drug would likely not experience the so-called “runner’s high,” that occurs after strenuous exercise when muscles use their stored glycogen and breathing is difficult. This likely combats seasonal and chronic depression, not to mention provides a sense of self-satisfaction for completing a strenuous task.

Positive Benefits:
Theoretical pros of this science would be a simple way for people to “exercise” without exerting themselves. This may give people more time to complete tasks, so an overall increase in efficiency of people may occur.

Negative Effects:
The cons of using Aicar have not been documented currently. People would likely opt to buy a pill over the traditional means of being active. It is possible that the sports industry may see a decline in participants as people become lazier. People with diabetes may not be eligible to be treated with Aicar unless carefully supervised by a physician.

Political Beliefs:
Aicar will undoubtedly need to be carefully regulated by Federal agencies, which I agree with. I believe that only certain individuals should be allowed to use the drug, such as morbidly obese people or others unable to participate in healthy activity. Others may believe that the drug should be available to everyone without discrimination.

Religious Beliefs:
It is possible that some religions will not approve of this pill because it circumvents a god’s intended methods of staying healthy. I personally see no religious issues surrounding this science.

…while inquiring about membership at the RIT gym, the student-worker asks “Are you faculty?”

Article: Synthetic Blood From Stem Cells? Yes, a Company Says
Author: David Ewing Duncan

Summary:
Massachusetts company Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) claims to have developed a potentially unlimited supply of synthetic blood using embryonic stem cells. According to ACT, they have manipulated the stem cells to create blood and claim it to be very similar to real blood, unlike previous attempts at artificial blood products. They are currently testing the new findings in human clinical trials to monitor the ability of the blood to transport oxygen appropriately. Because of this potential medical breakthrough, ACT is under pressure to produce favorable results towards relatively inexpensive and easy mass-production. While this is an early report on their progress, the company hopes to gain further financial support towards the investigation of their discovery, as well as boosting the support for the research of stem cells.

History and Progression:
Stem cells are basically a generic type of cell that are able to be modified into any kind of cell type and that can repair themselves. They were first discovered in the inner cell mass of embryos, which later turn into all the tissue and organ cells of the body as growth progresses. Less generic progenitor cells, found in adults, act as a type of repair system towards specific cell types. While it is believed that embryonic stem cells are more useful, both cell types have the potential to treat various nervous system abnormalities, genetic issues and other diseases, resulting in dramatic advances in the medical profession.

As a result of the recent federal ban on the use of federal funding for human embryo stem cell experimentation and the controversies of whether life begins at the conception or at fertilization, non-federal funding for research has been limited. Public and private funding, however, is not restricted and there have been moderate advances in the use of stem cells found in bone marrow. Researchers, like Robert Lanza of ACT, have been successfully developing ways to extract the embryonic stem cells without destroying the embryo itself. If these techniques prove consistent and are streamlined, there is hope that the US government will modify its restriction on human embryo stem cell experimentation funding, therefore limiting controversy and theoretically making room for health care progression.

Ethical Practice:
Since the definition of the creation of human like is currently subjective, the ethics of researchers are often questioned by the people of opposite morals. The use of discarded fertilized in vitro (artificial insemination) embryos for stem cell experimentation has been considered by some pro-life proponents as a viable alternative. Until such a time that the widespread practice of stem cell extraction with embryo preservation is accepted, stem cell research will remain a topic of ethical controversy.

Advancement:
As of now, health care relies on blood donations for those that need transfusions for trauma or disease. While practices are in place to limit exposure to harmful pathogens, there is still a risk of contracting serious diseases, bacteria, and viruses using traditional means of phlebotomy. Using stem cells to create a type of artificial blood would eliminate this danger, in addition to theoretically eliminating a national shortage of blood if it can be generated in large quantities, as ACT claims.

Cost:
As previously mentioned, there is a current ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, which has limited the mount of research being done. This announcement by ACT is an attempt to gain recognition in the advancement of the research and hopefully procure some financial support in order to speed up the process. Quick results could spur more interest in stem cell usage, should the results be favorable.

Positive Benefits:
The obvious benefit would be the efficient, safe and inexpensive production of red blood cells.

Negative Effects:
A shortage of viable embryos, provided agreeable methods of obtaining stem cells were utilized, may pose an issue for mass-production. This would likely cause the prices of available synthetic blood to skyrocket and may slow down stem cell research in other areas.

Political/Religious Beliefs:
It is difficult to separate political beliefs from religious beliefs in this example, since generally Republicans are more apt to be pro-life and Democrats are likely to be pro-choice. I am of the opinion that a parent-donated embryo is entirely acceptable for use in research. Others with certain religious beliefs may not agree that it is the parent’s choice to donate, arguing that life begins at conception and the soul is not given a fair chance to deny its use in research. Use of this science would concur with my personal beliefs in the advancement of the human race.

I came across an awesome application for the Mac today. It utilizes the AirTunes features of my Airport Express and allows me to broadcast anything (not just from iTunes) from my computer onto the AirTunes speakers or the speakers of any computer connected to the Airport Express. You just need to download the client program onto the desired computers to allow use of their speakers.

It’s called Airfoil, by Rogue Amoeba, and it can be found here. I am currently enjoying Sirius radio over my home speakers. Who needs a home docking station?