January 21, 2011

Discovery of Arsenic Life Form Redefines Life?

Filed under: genetics — Tags: arsenic, bacteria, bacterium, environment, living organism, organism — sgordon @ 2:09 am

Until recently, it was believed that all living organisms were made up of an intricate combination of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulphur and phosphorous. These elements bond to form the complex strands of DNA and RNA that make up life on earth. However, researchers in California have recently developed a bacterium that can ingest and grow on a diet of arsenic rather than phosphorus. This is significant because it had previously been thought that phosphorous was essential for life, acting as a building-block for DNA. It is also surprising because arsenic is generally considered toxic for most living organisms, although it is chemically similar to phosphorous.

The development of this arsenic-devouring microorganism in a NASA-funded study opens a multitude of doors in the science of biology, and could change the present view of microbiology, genetics and medicine. It has the potential to significantly expand genetic understanding and our notion of life, and calls for many biology textbooks to be rewritten.

Similar leaps in genetic-related research through the Human Genome project have changed the face of modern medicine. The Human Genome Project is an  ongoing genetic research project that began in 1990. Through this program, scientists have established a comprehensive database defining the different genes within human DNA. The purpose of this project was to better understand the makeup and presence of different genes in DNA in order to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of many diseases. Medical researchers have specifically used the information established through the work of the Human Genome Project to analyze the different patient responses to medications based on their genetic structures. Perhaps the development of this tiny bacterium will revolutionize modern science and medicine as the Human Genome Project has done.

January 28, 2010

Unusual Cholesterol Amongst Teens

Filed under: arteries,cholestrol,genetics,irregular cholestrol,obesity,teen health,Uncategorized,weight — Candace @ 9:07 am


One in five teens in the United States have unusual cholesterol. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also states that more than 40% of obese teens have abnormal cholesterol. It is becoming more and more highly recommended that teens undergo cholesterol testing to evade the risk of heart disease.

Teens have experienced their arteries become firmer and harder and even atherosclerosis. Screenings should be done every 5 years starting when an individual reaches the age of 20. If the screenings show irregular cholesterol levels the regularity of the screenings should be amplified to every one or two years. Counseling may also be recommended for the individual to be encouraged to make lifestyle changes in order to keep ones cholesterol at a steady level.
If you have high levels of cholesterol you should:

• Reduce your intake of saturated fat

• Reduce your calorie intake by at least 7 percent

• Increase the amount of fiber you consume by 5 or more grams daily

• Lessen your cholesterol intake to under 200 milligrams daily

• Try herbs and other products said to lower your cholesterol such as green tree extract, garlic, flaxseed, and fish oil.

In the past, it was genetics which caused children to be suspected of having cholesterol problems, but currently, weight is included in the criteria. Because of obesity, illnesses which were only thought to be applicable to adults are now becoming more frequently found amongst children.