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  Prenatal Diagnosis

Posted by Timothy Best in Science And Society - Best - E on
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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


Steroids? Addicting?

Posted by Kevin Le in Science And Society - Best - E on

Science

Steroids usage can be mistaken for a lot of things. It can be used for medical purposes or to enhance your body. Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of the male sex hormone testosterone. Steroids can also treat diseases that cause muscle loss, such as cancer and AIDS. But some athletes and bodybuilders abuse these drugs to boost performance or improve their physical appearance. So when using steroids there are three different types of ways you can use them which is by cycling, pyramiding, and stacking. Abuse of anabolic steroids has been linked with many health problems. They include Acne, Breast growth and shrinking of testicles in men, Voice deepening and growth of facial hair in women, High blood pressure, Heart problems, including heart attack, Liver disease, including cancer ,Kidney damage, and Aggressive behavior. There aren’t many short term effects but there are many long term effects. Even though anabolic steroids do not cause the same high as other drugs, they can lead to addiction.  


Society

This impacts society because if you don’t consult with your doctor or anyone before using steroids then you could potentially messing up your body. People just want to fantasize about having that great body and will always take the easier route. There are so many effects that could happen and harm users therefore it is a very crazy drug that should be used carefully. All these athletes and bodybuilders use steroids and sometimes they go crazy on it.


Self

I personally don’t think steroid usage is something that should be allowed. If you want the body then just work for it and eat right. It’s not that hard it is just that people are lazy. I personally work out on a daily basis and I see the results you just have to put a little time in every day and the results will come quicker than you think.


Link to slideshow

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1i416c3d3nvy9hpBiPRlA-oMPePTQEzJTcbilkpSdggw/edit?usp=sharing


References:


Anabolic Steroids. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2016, from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/anabolic-steroids


Anabolic Steroids: MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2016, from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anabolicsteroids.html


Steroids: What Pro Bodybuilders Are Really Using. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2016, from https://www.t-nation.com/steroids/steroids-what-pro-bodybuilders-are-really-using

Poop and Pee, a Power Source

Posted by Jacklyn Middleswarth in Science And Society - Best - E on

Science: Poop and pee can be renewable natural gas sources. They are taken and methane is contracted from them, which is then burned to make electricity. There are things called microbial batteries and fuel cells. The fuel cells converts the chemical energy into electrical energy. The fuel cell is heated, and when the biogas enters the cell, it reacts with oxygen. Electricity is eventually produced. The fuel cell cuts down on fossil fuels
In England, they started using buses called GENeco Bio-Buses. It runs off of human waste(and discarded food) but first it goes through the Wessex Water treatment plant. The solids are separated from the liquids. There are things called anaerobic digesters that get fed the solids so the bacteria inside eat down the waste. This eating releases gas, most of which is methane. Methane has been a big contributor to global warming, but when we capture methane and burn it, it can be used as a renewable source of energy. In all, the energy produced can be used to power the bus for about 2.5 million miles.
Continuing on fuel cells, there is a plant that captures methane in the same process as above. The plant purifies the gas which is converted into electrical energy. When the gas is mixed with the cell, it reacts with oxygen, thus creating electricity in the end. This electricity is used to power the plant. This way of using energy helps to cut down on fossil fuels, and non-renewable resources. Many other wastewater treatment plants are starting to use this type of energy as well. 
Society: As said above, this renewable source cuts down on fossil fuels, and can be renewable instead of coal, which is limited. The only problem is, not just any human can reuse their poop and pee for energy. Although it's becoming more popular for countries/general companies are using this improved energy source.
Self: In the future, I want to be an environmental engineer, so when I saw the title about human race being reusable for energy it interested me. 

Lung Cancer, Smoking vs. Vaping

Posted by Malwina Dymek in Science And Society - Best - E on

Science:

Lung cancer is a tumor, in which cells keep growing in tissues of the lung. There are two types of cancer: small-cell lung carcinoma and non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Small-cell lung carcinoma is a malignant cancer and non-small-cell lung carcinoma is insensitive to chemotherapy. The main cause of lung cancer is due to tobacco smoking for a long time. Treatment depends on the cancer stage, which is a degree of spread. Stage I is cancer that did not spread to other organs and stage IV (the highest level) is cancer that spread to other organs. Non-small-cell lung carcinoma is usually treated with a surgery and small-cell lung carcinoma is treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Vaping is inhaling and exhaling the vapor. This vapor is produced by an electronic cigarette. According to Student Science website, Vaping May Threaten Brain, Immunity and More article states, “The scientists exposed pregnant mice to e-cig vapors. Then, once the pups were born, they too got exposed for a month. That is when mice reach young-adulthood. The animals breathed in vapors at concentrations scaled to be similar to what a vaping person might encounter. Then Zelikoff’s group tracked the activity of genes in the animals’ frontal cortex. This brain region is associated with planning and using inputs from the senses (like sight, smell and sound) to understand their environment.”Even though many people think vaping is better for them, it can still cause many damages to the body. Vaping can also cause a respiratory disease called a ‘popcorn lung’, which can destroy the airways of lungs, where the scar tissues gather and delay an airflow. The treatment for people with this disease, which just started developing, can use steroids, but people with a severe disease have a major treatment such as lung transplants.


Society:

Nowadays many people smoke cigarettes and vape. Many people know lung cancer can be one of the side effects of smoking, but many teens do not know many specifics about it. Smoking cigarettes is the main cause of lung cancer, which ends up being about 80-90% lung cancer deaths. Lung cancer also has a lower survival rate, than other type of cancer. People who smoke and vape are the most impacted, but people who are exposed to secondhand smoke somewhere else are impacted as well. People who do not smoke have about 20-30% of chance to develop lung cancer. Being exposed to different chemicals or gases, such as radon gas, can also cause lung cancer. Smoking cigarettes and vaping affects society in a negative manner because it causes lung cancer and people will not live healthy. People who vape can think of vaping as a way to help them quit smoking completely. There are levels of nicotine that they can control and lower its level to quit, but it is not easy. There is more research being done about vaping because scientists are not sure how bad it is for people, but they do know it contains chemicals, which harm the lungs.


Self:

I personally am interested in oncology. My grandfather was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in the winter of 2013 and was given six months to live. I always went back to Poland for the summer, which gave me an opportunity to take care of him, while my grandmother was still working. It was not easy to watch him go through it, but I am happy I got to take care of him. I saw how cancer changed his body and his brain/ thinking. He passed away while I was in Poland. In September of 2013 I had an internship at CHOP on cancer research, where I examined single nucleotide variations in germline patient DNA with neuroblastoma. In the summer of 2014 my uncle was also diagnosed with lung cancer. I went to Poland in the summer of 2014 and took care of him. He passed away while I was there as well. Seeing my grandfather and my uncle go through chemotherapy and radiation made me realize how important it is to know the side effects of smoking and its consequences. My sister used to smoke cigarettes, but then she switched to vaping, which I still disagree with. We have a lot of conversations about vaping and how it is still not healthy for her. She believes vaping will help her quit smoking and switching from smoking to vaping is better, but in my opinion smoking cigarettes or vaping will never be good for anyone, since it can have many side effects. I am definitely not interested in smoking because all of the experience above showed me the side effects I do not want to go through. I think people should quit smoking and vaping to live a healthier life.


Link to presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1G4QkkQ8SIMDGJi9mOYE6WO9VXLZgirEAMzhFJPaw6bM/edit#slide=id.p


References:

Smoking hits all-time low, but not for these three groups. (2015, November 19). Retrieved March 27, 2016, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151119112413.htm.


What are the effects of smoking on the lungs? (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2016, from http://www.quit.org.au/about/frequently-asked-questions/how-does-smoking-affect-my-body/smoking-and-the-lungs.html.


Effects of Smoking on Your Health. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2016, from http://betobaccofree.hhs.gov/health-effects/smoking-health/.


Why Smoking Is Bad For You. (n.d.). Retrieved March 27, 2016, from http://www.freddyfit.co.uk/kids/articles/smoking.php.


Smoking: Do you really know the risks? (2015, March 27). Retrieved March 27, 2016, from http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/QuitSmoking/QuittingSmoking/Smoking-Do-you-really-know-the-risks_UCM_322718_Article.jsp#.Vvk8ARIrKCQ.


Raloff, J. (2016, February 14). Vaping may threaten brain, immunity and more. Retrieved March 27, 2016, from https://student.societyforscience.org/article/vaping-may-threaten-brain-immunity-and-more.


Gravitz, L. (2016, February 10). Teen data find vapers often become smokers. Retrieved March 27, 2016, from https://student.societyforscience.org/article/teen-data-find-vapers-often-become-smokers.


Tuason, C. (2016, January 18). Chemicals Used For Vaping Causes Popcorn Lung, Experts Suggest. Retrieved March 27, 2016, from http://www.youthhealthmag.com/articles/32900/20160118/popcorn-lung-vaping.htm.


Roeder, A. (2015, December 08). Chemical flavorings found in e-cigarettes linked to lung disease. Retrieved March 27, 2016, from http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/12/chemical-flavorings-found-in-e-cigarettes-linked-to-lung-disease/.


Lungs After Smoking For 2 Years Photo [Digital image]. (2014, October 31). Retrieved March 27, 2016, from http://javamed.info/cancer/lungs-after-smoking-for-2-years-photo.html.


D. (2015, March 23). Quit Smoking [Digital image]. Retrieved March 27, 2016, from https://l19941123.wordpress.com/author/d3anl/.


5 Minute of Science

Posted by Tenzin Chemi in Science And Society - Best - E on

                      ​Sarcasm is Good for You. Seriously



The Science in Sarcasm


A joint study carried out from Harvard, Columbia and the European Business school, INSEAD, recently in 2015 published their work on how sarcasm expands the creative mind. The highlighted statement of their research basically says that by using sarcasm, creativity is promoted through abstract thinking for both the speaker and the listener. And although sarcasm might cause conflict, especially when there is not a stable relationship between the two, the content of the sarcasm does not affect the increase of creativity. Constructing and understanding sarcasm involves an intricate and complex connections between different parts of the brain. But in general, the left hemisphere of the brain understands the literal meaning while the right take in the implied meaning of a sarcastic comment. Then the right ventromedial prefrontal cortex connects the two understandings and figures which meaning is meant.     



Society


Sarcasm is often used in conversations. It's a way people can entwine humor into something more serious but often, it can cause conflict and hurt feelings. Workplaces discourage it’s use due to certain consequences it could led to. Communication experts and marriage counselors find this form of language destructive and disapprove it’s use while some others believe it’s pure meanness concealed. However, recent research allowing society to perceive sarcasm in a new light by presenting how it stimulates creativity has created news and talk. Now as we’re move forward into a modern time, the use of sarcasm is also becoming more widespread, but there are still those who adhere to its old beliefs.     



Self


 This topic stuck out to me because it’s interesting and it’s true. I’ve always seen sarcastic people to be very creative communicating their messages. So it makes perfect sense that using sarcasm exercises distinct parts of the brain and helps people be more creative. Concurrently, I also agree with people who find the language destructive, I can see and understand why sarcasm should not be used. There just needs to be more caution when using it. People should exercise communicating through creative remarks and make each other laugh.  


References:
 
Sarcasm Is Good For You. Seriously. (2015, September 9). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/31aa1030bef9e3c53eae36998850e1a8.htm 

Pazzanese, C. (2015, July 24). Go ahead, be sarcastic. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/07/go-ahead-be-sarcastic/ 

 Huang, Li, Gino Francesca, and Adam D. Galinsky. The Highest Form of Intelligence: Sarcasm Increases Creativity for Both Expressers and Recipients. Hbs.edu. Elsevier, 2015. Web. 16 Mar. 2016. <http://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Publication Files/Huang Gino Galinsky OBHDP 2015_f4efb1e9-b842-4764-a292-ac4836c29cb2.pdf>.  


 

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