Our students have been reading about current events and discoveries in the world of science. Please take some time to read and respond to what our students are saying about a variety of science news stories. Enjoy!
Using Brain Cells Made From Skin to Treat Parkinson's Disease by JK
People with Parkinson’s disease have to take drugs, which do not work so well all the time. Scientists are now working to treat Parkinson’s disease(disease of the nervous system that causes brain problems and a lack of neurotransmitters-hormones for moving) by making new brain cells from skin. First, a skin cell is infected with harmless viruses. These viruses have genes that enables transcription. With specific types of protein(that previously took part in making neurons), it is converted into a neuron of the brain.
Although it is not mentioned in the article, considering that the process includes transcription, it seems that must have something to do with manipulating DNA. It is amazing how people can program cells as if the human body is a machine. I wonder whether we can take this technology to other areas as well. For example, instead of having to undergo surgery and pain, there could be a pill that turns around the sequence of the DNA and heal people. On the other hand, I also think why not simply make more enzymes that could accelerate brain cell divisions or transplant brain cells rather than creating whole new cells? Although the science behind doing this is certainly complex, there might be other possibilities.
The obvious benefit is that doctors could cure Parkinson’s disease, in addition, this looks like a real possibility for treating other diseases that are now incurable. Compared to Parkinson’s disease, maybe the flu or cancer seems like nothing.
The limitation stated in the article is that using viruses may cause other diseases and risks. Considering that a virus may break apart host cells, takes up essential substances, and often destroys it by adding its own genes, the idea of using viruses certainly seems risky. Hopefully, with more research, these side-effects would lessen.
Another limitation is that these experiments have to be tested on animals. The article talks about testing it on different animals that are purposely made to have the disease. Sadly, even though it is clearly unethical, to be sure everything work properly, such experiments are necessary.
This new technology would probably be very expensive as well. I am always first excited when I see articles like these. However, realistically, people who really need it may not be able to afford it. If technology develops even further and creates medicine, such as treatments that brings you a healthier and longer life, it may only be the rich people who benefit with better lives, or at least the lives that they want. Even nowadays, many people struggle to pay for the treatment of illnesses that are much simpler than Parkinson’s disease
What are your thoughts?
To what extent should animal testing be allowed?
Biologically, would animals have the ability think that they are in pain?
The obvious benefit is that doctors could cure Parkinson’s disease, in addition, this looks like a real possibility for treating other diseases that are now incurable. Compared to Parkinson’s disease, maybe the flu or cancer seems like nothing.
The limitation stated in the article is that using viruses may cause other diseases and risks. Considering that a virus may break apart host cells, takes up essential substances, and often destroys it by adding its own genes, the idea of using viruses certainly seems risky. Hopefully, with more research, these side-effects would lessen.
Another limitation is that these experiments have to be tested on animals. The article talks about testing it on different animals that are purposely made to have the disease. Sadly, even though it is clearly unethical, to be sure everything work properly, such experiments are necessary.
This new technology would probably be very expensive as well. I am always first excited when I see articles like these. However, realistically, people who really need it may not be able to afford it. If technology develops even further and creates medicine, such as treatments that brings you a healthier and longer life, it may only be the rich people who benefit with better lives, or at least the lives that they want. Even nowadays, many people struggle to pay for the treatment of illnesses that are much simpler than Parkinson’s disease
What are your thoughts?
To what extent should animal testing be allowed?
Biologically, would animals have the ability think that they are in pain?