Science and Society · Best · E Band Public Feed

Create a Post

  Prenatal Diagnosis

Posted by Timothy Best in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

The science behind prenatal diagnosis

Prenatal diagnosis is the screening or testing for genetic diseases or other conditions before a child is born. Although there are many different techniques and tests, I will focus on a few:

  • Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): During an IVF cycle, cells from the developing embryo can be genetically analyzed for chromosomal abnormalities - usually trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), trisomy 13 and trisomy 18. The parents can then determine which embryos, if any, to transfer into the uterus. It is also possible to determine the sex of the embryo.
  • Ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to “look” at a fetus as it develops in the uterus. Since sound waves reflect off of tissues differently depending on the density of the tissue, the sonographer can create images of the fetus’ external and internal anatomy. Ultrasound can be used to measure an embryo or fetus in order to predict the due date, detect twins, diagnose heart and other growth defects, measure heart rate, look for signs associated with Down Syndrome, and determine the sex of the fetus.
  • Chorionic villus sampling: The chorionic villi are a part of the placenta that arises directly from the embryo (as opposed to the mother). They are, therefore, genetically identical to the developing embryo. Chorionic villi can be removed from the placenta and genetically analyzed to detect Down Syndrome and other genetic disorders. CVS has a slight risk (.5-1%) of miscarriage, and can also lead to amniotic fluid leakage and/or infection.
  • Amniocentesis: A fetus develops in the amniotic sac, which is full of amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that have naturally sloughed off. The doctor, using an ultrasound image as a guide, inserts a needle through the mother’s skin, abdominal wall, uterine wall, and into the amniotic sac, away from the fetus. Amniotic fluid is then collected, and the fetal cells contained in the fluid can be analyzed for genetic conditions such as Down Syndrome. Amniocentesis has similar risks as CVS, although CVS can be done earlier.
  • Maternal Blood Testing: A relatively recently developed technique can detect fetal DNA in the mother’s blood stream. Thus, with a simple blood draw, the fetus’ sex can be determined, and it can be screened for a variety of genetic disorders.

Societal Impacts

While the above techniques may sound like wonderful advances in medicine, they also have their downsides. First, there’s a difference between screening and testing. A prenatal genetic screen - like maternal blood testing - only gives the level of risk of a condition, but it can not with 100% certainty diagnose a condition. Prenatal genetic tests - like amniocentesis and CVS - are more diagnostic, but also have higher risks for the pregnancy. And if a non-invasive screen detects a high risk for Down Syndrome, for example, the parents are then faced with the decision of whether or not to do a more invasive, high risk test in order to more accurately determine whether Down Syndrome is present. If the results of a CVS or amniocentesis indicate a genetic disorder, then the couple could be faced with the decision to terminate the pregnancy. At the very least, these weeks of testing and waiting for results can be draining and extremely stressful. Pregnancy can already be a stressful time, and these prenatal screens and test can add to that anxiety.

On the other hand, some parents feel that they’d like to know the risks, regardless of the outcome of a test. If a screening test comes back positive for a genetic disorder, then the parents at least won’t be surprised at the birth. They’ll have time to prepare, educate themselves, and possibly arrange for special care that might be needed for their newborn.

Some people opt out of the screens and tests altogether. They might argue that what’s meant to be is meant to be, and they’d rather spare themselves the stress and anxiety surrounding these tests and their results.

And finally, with PGD it is possible to choose the sex of your child. This is illegal in some countries, including Canada - but not the US. Given that IVF and PGD could cost $15000-$20000, the opportunity to screen embryos for genetic conditions and possibly select the sex would not be affordable for everyone. Is this fair? Should people be allowed to choose the sex of their children?

Personal opinions

As someone who loves science, I’m fascinated by these medical advances, and support further research into tests and screens like these. It’s exciting when new, improved tests come out that can help people get answers to their pregnancy concerns, and hopefully allay some of their fears. However, it’s easy for me to support these tests in a general, abstract way. It becomes more complicated when we’re talking about real pregnancies in my personal life. I’ve gone through some of these discussions and decisions, and sometimes there is no easy answer. I can see why people would be in the “no testing” camp - the screenings and testing definitely can raise anxiety and stress levels during pregnancy, which can already be pretty stressful. Still, I’m glad the tests are available, and I think they should continue to be offered to pregnant women. Key to this though, is that they need to be able to make informed decisions. Through discussions with their doctor and a knowledgeable genetic counselor, the parents-to-be can weigh the pros and cons for themselves, and then decide how they want to handle the conundrum of prenatal genetic diagnosis.

References: Nierneberg, C. (2014). Prenatal Genetic Screening Tests: Benefits & Risks. Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/45949-prenatal-genetic-testing.html

Sidhu, J. (n.d.). Women Are Paying Huge Sums To Have a Daughter Rather Than a Son. Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2012/09/sex_selection_in_babies_through_pgd_americans_are_paying_to_have_daughters_rather_than_sons_.html

I wish I hadn’t known: The ups and downs of prenatal testing. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2016, from http://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/pregnancy/articles/944203/i-wish-i-hadnt-known-the-ups-and-downs-of-prenatal-testing

Tomato and Mozzarella salad

Posted by Liliana Guercio in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Lily and Rifah


Our dish is a tomato and mozzarella salad.

Ingredients:  

  1. 15 grape tomatoes.

  2. 1⁄2 lb fresh mozzarella cheese

  3. 1⁄2 cup torn basil leaves.

  4. 3 tablespoons olive oil.

  5. 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar.

  6. kosher salt or sea salt, to taste.


Steps:

Step 1:Place grape tomatoes , alternating with mozzarella slices, in a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Drizzle over tomatoes and mozzarella

Step 3: Mix everything together

Step 4: Sprinkle in basil and mix

Step 5: Sprinkle basil on top

Step 6: Serve and enjoy


This meal is traditionally eaten by Italians on holidays and with cold sandwiches like hoagies. In our meal, two out of the six ingredients are whole foods while the rest are processed. Most of the ingredients are found in your own home like salt, pepper, and olive oil but if not they are affordable just as much as the tomatoes and mozzarella. These items are found at any local grocery store. If you would like to support small businesses or your local farmer’s market, then tomatoes and basil leaves can be bought there. This promotes sustainable farming, use of less pesticides and fertilizers and also helps them expand their business so their foods can reach more people in the community. However, all the other ingredients are usually mass produced and benefit bigger companies and corporations than anyone else. You could also grow the tomatoes and basil yourself, to save more money and also be more environmentally friendly!

Overall, this recipe is relatively cheap since most of the ingredients can be found in every home. Altogether it would take about $10-15 to purchase the ingredients. All of the ingredients are healthy, so it wouldn’t be too big of a deal if you ate it every day. However, if you did decide to eat it every day, it would be important to lay off on the cheese because it could cause high cholesterol. However, if the levels are maintained and eaten along with a relatively healthy diet, it should not be a big deal. Hope you try this dish at home and enjoy it!


Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

Posted by Rifah Islam in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Lily and Rifah


Our dish is a tomato and mozzarella salad.

Ingredients:  

  1. 15 grape tomatoes.

  2. 1⁄2 lb fresh mozzarella cheese

  3. 1⁄2 cup torn basil leaves.

  4. 3 tablespoons olive oil.

  5. 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar.

  6. kosher salt or sea salt, to taste.


Steps:

Step 1:Place grape tomatoes , alternating with mozzarella slices, in a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; shake well. Drizzle over tomatoes and mozzarella

Step 3: Mix everything together

Step 4: Sprinkle in basil and mix

Step 5: Sprinkle basil on top

Step 6: Serve and enjoy


This meal is traditionally eaten by Italians on holidays and with cold sandwiches like hoagies. In our meal, two out of the six ingredients are whole foods while the rest are processed. Most of the ingredients are found in your own home like salt, pepper, and olive oil but if not they are affordable just as much as the tomatoes and mozzarella. These items are found at any local grocery store. If you would like to support small businesses or your local farmer’s market, then tomatoes and basil leaves can be bought there. This promotes sustainable farming, use of less pesticides and fertilizers and also helps them expand their business so their foods can reach more people in the community. However, all the other ingredients are usually mass produced and benefit bigger companies and corporations than anyone else. You could also grow the tomatoes and basil yourself, to save more money and also be more environmentally friendly!

Overall, this recipe is relatively cheap since most of the ingredients can be found in every home. Altogether it would take about $10-15 to purchase the ingredients. All of the ingredients are healthy, so it wouldn’t be too big of a deal if you ate it every day. However, if you did decide to eat it every day, it would be important to lay off on the cheese because it could cause high cholesterol. However, if the levels are maintained and eaten along with a relatively healthy diet, it should not be a big deal. Hope you try this dish at home and enjoy it!

Mac and Cheese

Posted by Jason Greene in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Mac and Cheese Recipe

  • 1 box of macaroni

  • 1 stick of butter

  • 1 can of Carnations evaporated milk

  • 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • 2 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese

  • 2 cups of shredded 4-state cheddar blend

  • 2 cups of shredded colby jack cheese blend

  • ¼ tsp of salt

  • ⅛ tsp of pepper

  • ⅛ tsp of mustard powder

  • Lawry’s season salt

  • ½ cup of whole milk


Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Cook 1 box of macaroni and drain.

  3. Add 1 stick of butter and let it begin to melt.

  4. Pour in one can of Carnations evaporated milk.  Stir.

  5. Add two cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir.

  6. Add  1/4 tsp of salt.  

  7. Add 1/8 tsp of pepper.

  8. Add 1/8 tsp mustard powder.

  9. Add two shakes of Lawry's season salt.

  10. Add 2 cups of mild cheddar cheese.  Stir.

  11. Add 2 cups of a Colby Jack blend cheese. Continue to stir while cheese melts

  12. Add 2 cups of 4 State Cheddar blend

  13. Add 1/2 cup of whole milk.  Stir.

  14. Pour mixture into a glass bowl and cover the top with another cup of cheddar cheese.

  15. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the mac and cheese begins to bubble and the cheese too begins to brown.  Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.




For this project, I decided to do my mothers famous Mac and Cheese.  Macaroni and Cheese is a staple in soul food in the United States.  Macaroni, cheese, and butter are fused together to make a dish that seems to be brought down from the heavens.  While everyone says that there mac and cheese recipe is the best, I truly believe that my mother perfected the recipe.  All of the indigirants complement each other so nice that it creates a dish that is one of a kind.


This meal is not that cheap.  You will need about 5 bags of cheese to make this recipe.  If each bag of cheese goes for about 4 dollars then you will be spending about 20 dollars on cheese alone.  A box of pasta for this recipe will go for a little over 1 dollar.  A box of butter will cost you 5 dollars.  Evaporated milk should cost about 5 dollars.  Assuming you have everything else, you will be spending about 35 dollars on this dish.  


We are living in a world where almost every kind of food you get is processed in some kind of way.  Every ingredient in this recipe is processed.  These cheese, the butter, the macaroni.  Even whole milk is processed.  From the cheese alone you are look at almost 500 calories.  If you are someone who likes to watch their calories then you should only eat mac and cheese on special occasions but if you are someone like me who can afford eating something like this then you should.


Buffalo Chicken Dip

Posted by Cacy Thomas in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Recipe

  1. Preheat oven to 350°

  2. Spread cream cheese evenly into an ungreased, large baking dish.

  3. Spread out chicken on top of the cream cheese.

  4. Layer buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on top of the chicken.

  5. Sprinkle monterey cheese on top.

  6. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes.

  7. Serve with chips and/or baguette slices.


Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup pre-cooked chicken breast

1/2 cup Buffalo sauce

1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

Chips, baguette slices, or tortilla chips


Analysis

Buffalo chicken dip has been a staple at my family gatherings and parties ever since my mother began making this dish. About one year ago she felt inspired to learn a recipe because my dad was the primary chef in the family, and she wanted to contribute to the kitchen. This dish is quick, easy, and works for any occasion.

Overall this appetizer is relatively good for you, but only in moderation. Approximately 2 tablespoons of the dip is just over 150 calories, has roughly 15 grams of fat, 1 gram of sugar, and 7 grams of protein. All of these components move through your body in different ways. For example the calories consumed from the dip can either be burned from exercise or turned into fat. The fat consumed is essentially just calories that will not be converted into another type of usable energy until they are exercised. The sugar consumed is put into the bloodstream and sent to the pancreas, releasing a hormone called insulin. It is then stored in the liver, muscles, and fat cells. And finally the protein consumed is broken down into amino acids in the stomach, that are sent into the bloodstream to go to other parts of the body.

This appetizer is also inexpensive at just about $15, for 16 servings. Compared to the nutritional value and cost of fast food, this is a much better deal. With just about all fast food being fully processed, this buffalo chicken dip is a better option as it can be made with all fresh ingredients and whole food. The only processed pieces of this recipe are the amounts of ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. Even so these amounts can be adjusted to fit the needs of the consumer.

Ba nana na na na na na (minions) Bread

Posted by Chhievling Seng in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Prep Time: 10 mins
Bake Time: 1 hour 10 min (adjust accordingly)
Ingredients: 

1 3/4 cup all purpose flour (do not try to sub. with whole wheat flour)
1 cup Sugar (regular white sugar)
1 Stick of unsalted butter (please leave it out til room temp)
4 really ripe bananas (mashed your anger out)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp Salt
2 eggs
2 Tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix the soften butter, sugar, and eggs together.

Then add the rest of the wet ingredients (mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and milk) into the mixed butter, sugar, and egg mixture.

In separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon powder, baking soda & powder, salt). 

Now, add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and mix ONLY till all the dry mixture are incorporated in. (So stop mixing when you don't see no more dry mixture)

Butter the loaf pan, and place it in the over for 1 hour and 10 mins. Check back around 40-50 min mark, by inserting toothpick, depending how clean the toothpick comes out, bake to adjusted time (clean=bake for 1 hour only, if not clean=bake for the full 1 hour 10 mins.)

Take it out when done and EAT! But wait for it to cool off first.

This banana bread is a simple recipe to twist things up with bananas every once in awhile, and can be the healthier alternative to cupcakes or brownies (sometimes). The ingredients are simple and can be found in all supermarket across the U.S. 
Most of the ingredients actually came from the U.S, such as sugar, since the U.S is one of the main countries in producing sugar cane, where sugar is then extracted. The banana is really the only ingredient that had to travel quite distance, coming to the U.S all the way from Honduras. I believe there is not that much difference between organic bananas and non-organic, compared to other fresh produce. For this recipe, non-organic bananas can be used, but I had also made one with organic bananas, but might call for an extra banana, due to the slight size difference between the organic and non-organic. Because the non-organic is slightly larger, but for this banana bread, all of that does not matter. Although, there might be more affect on the environment that the non-organic banana contribute too, since there might be a lot of fertilizer/pesticides used.
I would say that this bread, does not cost more than $7 total. The only main ingredients was flour, banana, and sugar. The full price paid for these ingredients was fairly inexpensive, for example, the flour (Pillsbury brand) was only $2.99 for 80 oz. So it only cost $0.037375 per ounce. The only cost this bread have is only really the time it takes to bake (little over an hour). There of course are business involved when looking at the ingredients individual, since it all comes from different companies.
In the U.S many people are obese or have health problem that ties back to their weight and what they consume. Banana bread is one of the many alternative to processed food, such as pop tarts, twinkies, etc. The stuff needed are not hard to find at all, I almost always buy these ingredients at Shoprite, and never once was it not available. And things such as flour, and sugar, can be used for so many other things. Whereas if someone just went out to buy already processed food or fast food, more money is spent most of the time, and that is it. Even if one were to buy banana bread that was already baked from a store, or a pumpkin pie, it is not the same as if the person made it themselves, because no additives or preservatives or anything of that sort will be added. Ones that are store bought will almost always be more processed than if it were to be made at home, even if it's labeled organic (organic bread, etc).

Recipe and Analysis:

Posted by Yasmeen Collins in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

​Recipe: 

  • 1 (16 ounce) box golden pound cake mix 
  • 4 egg whites 
  • 2/3 cup of water
  • 1/8 cup of brown sugar 
  • 1 1/2 cups of softened butter 
Steps: 
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. 
  2. Mix egg whites in a bowl until they are firm.
  3. Put contents into bowl and mix them together. (Cake mix, egg whites, and water) 
  4. Put the batter onto a greased baking pan.
  5. Bake for approximately 30 minutes and then insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean then you know they are done.
  6. Let them sit and cool
  7. Add the brown sugar as the "frosting" by sprinkling it over the cake in place of the "frosting". 
  8. Optional: Melt the (Smart Balance Heart Right Light) butter onto the krimpet after for a nice glaze.
  9. Makes about 20 krimpets. 
  10. Enjoy!  
Analysis: 

My snack is not particularly a "healthy snack", but I did change some of the ingredients up to make it better. I made sure to use a certain brand of butter (Smart Balance Heart Right Light) because it is known to be better for you. I also, didn't make the frosting that is usually on top of the krimpet to make it butterscotch. Instead I chose to sprinkle brown sugar on the top of the cake. 

This snack is simple and easy to buy at a local supermarket. Compared to fast food this is a good snack because it's lower in calories and is only a small consumption while if you buy food from a fast food place it is a whole meal and contains way more processed foods and fats. 

This snack is acceptable to eat sometimes, but it's not suitable for an everyday meal. It doesn't contain the necessary nutrients for the body and has a lot of calories. The history behind my recipe began in Pittsburgh and then moved to Philadelphia. Lot's of processed food is packaged and this includes my dish. With that being said I changed some of the ingredients around so that the snack was more healthy and doesn't affect people's health as much as a regular butterscotch krimpet.

Tostadas

Posted by Fatu Castillo in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Ingredients

  • Two Cans Goya Black Beans

  • Two Tablespoons of Salt

  • One Cup of Vegetable Oil

  • One Package of Goya Queso Blanco Cheese

  • One package of Tostadas


Bean Paste

  1. Place large skillet on over top and preheat with medium flame.

  2. Place cup of vegetable oil on skillet.

  3. Sprinkle two tablespoons of salt evenly across oil.

  4. Empty two cans of Goya Black Beans onto skillet

  5. Wait about two minute until fully warmed.

  6. Use masher to ground the beans into a paste.

  7. Continuously mash beans for about five minutes.

  8. Turn off flame.


Tostasdos

  1. Spread small amount of bean paste of smoothly across tostados.

  2. Cut off small piece of Queso Blanco Cheese and crumble it across tostados.

  3. Enjoy!


Analysis

About ⅘ of my recipe can be considered processed, only the beans can be considered a whole food. I’m not sure what other outcome you expect when a recipe is supposed to be tied to family and culture yet somehow avoid processed foods when they’ve been used for decades.

Mostly all of my ingredients are made by Goya Foods located in America, the only exceptions being the Salt and Vegetable Oil which were made by separately. None of the ingredients were organically grown but all are domestic products. Every ingredient was processed from raw materials in a factory setting.

The entire meal costs less than $15 if all ingredients were purchased new, it costs even less since most items on the ingredient list are aleady in most households. It’s not that great of a price when compared to $5 meals I could purchase at fast food restaurants, say McDonald’s. But since all of the ingredients were manufactured domestically, the money would be going to the private companies that made them.

Overall this meal, or snack, takes less than half an hour to make and it’s very convenient to make since most of the ingredients were already in the house. As someone who comes from a low-income family that’s always strapped for time, this a very affordable dish. I prefered making this to a more expensive meal that would cost nearly triple to make if all the ingredients were bought organically.


Gallo Pinto

Posted by Aaron Watson-Sharer in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Recipe for Gallo Pinto-
  1. White Rice
  2. Central American Red Frijoles
  3. Onions
  4. Salt/Pepper
  5. Garlic Powder
  6. Vegetable oil
  7. Coconut Milk


Steps

  1. Prepare rice and soak beans
  2. They should soak for half an hour
  3. Boil the beans on high until soft. Add garlic and salt.
  4. Prepare and stir Coocnut milk.
  5. Boil rice too until tender
  6. Cook onions in vegetable oil on a skillet
  7. When everything is ready, mix it together and don’t crush the beans.


I mean any meal is sort of processed, if it has more than a single component. Each individual food except the spices is a food that is whole and individual. Beans, rice and beans grow from the ground. The processing component comes from the use of vegetable oil, which is extracted from things like soybean and corn.


We'll the beans I intend to cook with originate from Nicaragua. Rice and beans each grow in warmer climates, rice grows in water. These sources of food adapted and yes evolved based on region because they can be found around the globe growing anywhere consistently warm. Onions are genetically vague, they leave minimal trace of origin but also grow in warmer climates. Researchers suggest they may have been first grown in the middle east.


If the researchers who have insufficient proof are right, that would mean onions traveled furthest to our table. Specifically researchers who suggest Iran as the source of onions. That’s about 6,000 miles away. Nicaragua is half that.


I personally am not sure if my ingredients are organically grown. Specifically the beans. They were sold at a market like setting in a developing country. The rice came in a bag from a United States grocery store and it wasn’t Whole Foods so I assume it probably isn’t. But I have no clue what kind of genes are put into a grain of rice. Onions were more than likely genetically modified to give an appearance to be able to pass into an American grocery store.

This meal is extremely cheap. Not even kidding. A 25 pound bag of rice sells for about 300 cordobas, or ten dollars. The 10 pound bag of beans goes for about 8 dollars. And the onions sell for about 20 cordobas each. About 70 cents.  This is far cheaper and more wholesome than fast food. It’s extremely cheap. That amount can feed you for over a month for like 20 bucks. It’s economical and nutritious as you get grains, carbs, protein and some vegetables in a meal so cheap. The fast food sells for like seven bucks a meal that’s like 2,000 calories. Each food has a USDA standard to meet, except one is juiced up with preservatives, butter, oils and coloring. We'll the fast food corporation is involved. And they’re huge. For my gallo pinto no corporation is involved because it’s some farmers business that’s small. Overall, it’s a very solid food to afford and eat.


Retinoblastoma

Posted by Zeshawn Rahman in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Science:

Formed by mutated nerve cells which expand & is inheritable through parents. Inheritance is of type "Autosomal Inheritance Pattern", known as ADIP. The dominant gene for Retinoblastoma (Rb) is located on the autosome. Therefore, you only need one gene to be affected by Retinoblastoma. For example, if a father has Rb, than there is a 50% chance for child offspring to have it, and 50% to be unaffected by Rb. This image shows Retinoblastoma tumor before & after treatment. Thermotherapy in conjunction with Chemotherapy is used over 6 cycles to remove Rb, therefore leading to scar tissue prominent in image D. 

Society:

Rb can affect life by numerous factors. First, in places where advanced medical treatment is unavailable, Rb left untreated can be fatal growing rapidly and inhibiting normal function of the eye, then facial features, leading to very large growths. It can be detected by a photograph; when taken with flash, light will bounce off back of retina thereby showing up as white, when normal eye would cause light to bounce of retina, causing 'Red Eye'. Vision loss will occur even after treatment of Rb, leading to a blurry or soft-focused image. Focusing of the eye most likely will be not functioning, with eye control sometimes being impaired. Rb affects 200-300 people in the United States, and is the most common type of eye cancer in Children. Affecting 15,000 people per year, it occurs equally in boys and girls. Right/Left eye appearance of Rb is equal, with 75% chance of occurance in one eye, with reduced, 25% chance of occurance in both eyes. Over 9/10 cases of Rb are treated, however this is in US, with modern medical procedures (chemo, thermo, cryo & laser therapy). 

Self:

I was affected by Retinoblastoma at an early age, around few months of life. Treatment taken place using Chemo, and continued check ups lasted till I was school-aged. After these treatment for Rb, I continue to receive checkups at Wills Eye in Philadelphia. I was prescribed glasses though due to little improvement, and dislike I stopped wearing them. My control of left eye is difficult and although it follows my right eye movement, I cannot focus or see images through left eye clearly. After using the eye-patch at an early age, it improved my visual acuity through left eye to the point where peripheral vision is equal in both eyes. I still have difficulty with activities requiring both eyes, such as 3D glasses, or looking through binoculars/ microscopes. My views on Rb are that, I am thankful to Lord for being treated, and that I am able to continue life normally. 

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/retinoblastoma/symptoms-causes/dxc-20156215
http://www.chw.org/medical-care/fetal-concerns-center/conditions/infant-complications/genetic-disorders/
http://retinatoday.com/pdfs/0515RT_oncology_Saktanasate.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3574237/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1280085/

marijuana

Posted by Leon Finney in Science and Society · Best · E Band on

Science

 

Stated by the National Institute Of Drug Abuse marijuana is a dried up leaf that comes from a hemp plant called Cannabis Sativa, this plant contains the mind altering  chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol also known as THC. When smoking marijuana from the lungs into the bloodstream at a very fast pace. The blood is the carrier of the chemical which sends the THC to the brain and other organs throughout the body. The brain and other organs in the body uses “natural” THC-like chemicals in normal brain development and functioning, however THC affect’s certain brain cell receptors by over activating the amount you would need to function correctly.

 

Some short term effects this drug can have on you are: 

             

•             altered sense of time

•             altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)

•             changes in mood

•             impaired body movement

•             difficulty with thinking and problem-solving

•             impaired memory

Society 

                

Medical marijuana has been legalized in 23 states and the district of Columbia, so it is becoming more and more accepted in society. Much of its acceptance has to do with the research in treating diseases. Researchers from the University of South Carolina discovered marijuana's potential to treat autoimmune diseases in which chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role. These include arthritis, lupus, colitis and multiple sclerosis (NyDailyNews, 2014). Research has also found that the drug helps with pain relief related to chronic migraines, muscular skeletal pains, and cancers. Medical Marijuana has been developed, over the past few years, to remove the portion of the drug that impairs senses. This drug could help many people who are in a “no treatment” situation such as terminal cancer or those seeking an all- natural solution.

 

 

 

   Self 

 

Marijuana should be able for use for people who suffer from diseases. If there is a solution that can alleviate pain and help treat people the government should make it legal. As it stands, there are some states that do not allow it, which leaves them without the drug or they are forced to buy it illegally. This is a dangerous because more and more people are becoming aware of its benefit, including the elderly, and if they are forced to buy unregulated drugs it could make the situation worse or possibly kill them. In a report published in Scientific Reports at the end of January, “compared the potential of death from the typical, recreational use of 10 drugs: marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, diazepam, amphetamine and methadone. Marijuana was, by far, found to be the safest, even when compared to alcohol and cigarettes”(Warren, 2016). Although some might argue that marijuana less harmful to the body than alcohol and tobacco, it should not be used for recreational use, it’s a bad drug the devil’s drug if I may and I have never used it a day in my life.

 

References

Retrieved from: 

http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/legal-pot/no-high-risk-marijuana-may-be-less-harmful-

                alcohol-tobacco-n312876

 

Retrieved From: 

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/marijuana-treat-autoimmune-diseases-study-

                article-1.1816609

 

Retrieved From:

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana#mjextracts

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/marijuana-treat-autoimmune-diseases-study-article-1.1816609

SCISOC-012

Term
2016-17: 1st Semester

Other Websites

Launch Canvas

Blog Tags

Teacher