Unlike any other week, this week brought some phenomenal research work from all fields of life sciences. The week kick started by the smoking science summit held in London exposing the gloomy consequences of cigarette smoking. It should be better to quit this time. In research, scientists found out that infections are eating part of your brain and damaging the cognitive abilities. However, the good news is that a mysterious healing molecule circulating in young blood has been discovered, which can probably be a good treatment choice. Fermented morphine is the new drug in town with thanks to our very own modified yeast blessed with a remarkable genetic makeup. Talking about genes, researchers say that good leadership qualities are embedded in certain genetic elements in human beings. Maybe in future we should be adding this clause in our CV too. Furthermore, scientists are now breaking the breaches of genetic researches when the idea of cloning woolly mammoth ignited this week. Popularly called the “Science of De-extinction” this technique could possibly save some important species. Muslim countries are also making efforts to minimize the gap in modern scientific advancements.
18-May-2015 to 24-May-2015
The 2015 Smoking Science Summit
A three day international conference was held in Peninsula Square, London shedding light on the latest scientific research on smoking and its socioeconomic impact. Scientists attended the event whose main focus was the cessation of smoking, which is responsible for more than a million deaths, already . FInd source
Did you say Fermented Morphine?
From bread, beverages to biochemical drugs-a modified yeast strain can now brew morphine, a key pain relieving drug, essentially obtained from the poppy plant. This study published in Nature Chemical Biology journal is a valuable alternative for drug companies who merely rely on plants to directly extract these drugs through a lengthy and expensive process. Using yeast, on the other hand, could brew the same drug in larger quantities, operating only on sugar in a beaker. FInd source
Cloning a Mammoth
Ever wondered what the world would look like if dead creatures could be brought back to life? Sounds creepy, but the scientists have promised that owing to the progressing pace of molecular technology, we can successfully clone a complete organism such as a woolly mammoth from its DNA. This idea of de-extinction is rapidly attracting the scientific community, however questions like the survival and ecological implications of these creatures need to be addressed. Find sources
Muslim world opening up and advancing in therapeutic cloning
Once troubled by the thought of molecular cloning and human experimentation, the Muslim world is now well-positioned to make their mark in this era of biotechnological advancements. Multinational companies developed in Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Iran and many other countries are running research programs on regenerative medicines, human gene therapy, therapeutic antibodies and cell based techniques providing both medical treatments and promising opportunities in industrial as well as basic research. Find source
Edward B. Lewis
This week we date back to the important discoveries of the early 20th century made in the field of genetics by Edward B. Lewis, who experimented on Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). After retiring from the US army, he spent 70 years of his life tinkering with the behavior of genes controlling embryonic development of fruit flies and later in humans. He is the co-recipient of Nobel prize, including numerous other awards and honorary degrees. Find source
Young blood Rejuvenates old bones
By combining the circulatory systems of two mice, scientists have observed that certain molecules existing in young blood have the ability to heal fractured bones in older mice. Similar studies also appeared last year, exposing the effect of young blood on skin and boosting brain cells, however mystery remains in finding the actual architect of the healing pathway. Possibly this mysterious fountain-of-youth molecule has been circulating in our blood all this time. Find source
Infections are munching your Intelligence
Treating infections is just not going to cost you money, but also impairing your cognitive ability. New research appeared this week when 190,000 participants acquiring various infections were examined to measure their IQ score. Sadly, it was found that the IQ score of the infected individuals is1. 76 lower as compared to the average and it further decreases depending on the severity of the infection. Find source
Genes may influence leadership qualities in individuals
Scientists these days are arguing about the possibility that a certain combination of genes could actually evoke leadership qualities in people. One of them found out that multiple alleles of the Dopamine transporter protein gene (DAT1) trigger mild rule-breaking behavior in adolescent which is positively linked with leadership. Still, one cannot ignore other important factors like working environment and upbringing to complete the definition of a good leader. Fnd source
