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  Prenatal Diagnosis

Posted by Timothy Best in Science And Society - Best - Y 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


HAIR

Posted by Tamira Bell in Science And Society - Best - Y on

Hair is a strand of protein that grows from the follicles in the skin. It is composed of the tough protein called keratin. Each strand of hair is held into the skin by a follicle which is inside of the skin. At the base of the stand is a bulb that lives inside of the follicle. In the bulb of the hair strand, cells divide and grow to build the hair shaft inside of the hair. Blood vessels also bring nourishment to the cells in the bulb and they bring hormones that determine growth and the structure of the hair.
2000px-Hair_follicle-en.svg
2000px-Hair_follicle-en.svg
Hair grows in 3 distinct stages: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.  Anagen is known as the growing phase when hair is growing. It usually lasts 2-7 years & determines the length of your hair. Catagen is known as the regression phase. It’s when the hair shrinks and detaches from the hair follicle. It usually lasts for about 10 days. The last stage is telogen, which is the resting phase. This is when the hair is released and falls out, then the follicle remains inactive for 3 months. This stage usually lasts for about 3 months.
Hair-Growth-Cycle-White
Hair-Growth-Cycle-White

When hair is pushed up through the hair follicle and towards the surface of your scalp, the cells fill with fibrous proteins and lose their nucleus. When it reaches the surface, it’s a complex system of protein-rich fibers. This is known as Keratinization.

Society classifies hair into different categories. It’s called the hair typing system. People with Type 1 hair have straight, fine hair, that tends to be oily, and is hard to damage. People with Type 2 hair have wavy hair in a ‘S’ pattern. People with Type 3 hair have curly hair that can range from being in a ‘S’ pattern to kink or tight curls with a lot of strands of hair densely packed together. People with Type 4 hair have very tightly coiled hair that is very fragile and has less defined curls. There are certainly trends in different hair styles.


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4609712199
hair-typing-chart-4naturals
hair-typing-chart-4naturals
​Many people wear trending styles in their hair like weave, they use heat to straighten it, and they even use chemicals like perms. All of these things can cause damage to the hair. As a result, people who suffer from hair damage have split ends, baldness, Alopecia Areata, and even permanent scalp damage. As a result to counter hair damage, many people are joining the natural hair movement. This is a movement that trending especially in the black community, where people are opting out of chemicals, heat, and anything damaging to their hair and choosing to wear their hair naturally and use natural hair products. 

I personally spend a lot of time maintaining my hair. Growing up, I had very thick hair that was difficult to manage. So when I was in 3rd grade, my mom decided to give me my first perm. This was the worse decision ever. When it was applied to my hair, it burnt my scalp so badly. Also a few weeks later, my hair started to fall out. The perm chemically altered the texture of my hair and severely damaged it. As the years went on, my hair eventually grew and I used a lot of heat styling. From 4th grade until 8th grade, my hair rapidly grew and I could see the difference in length each year. However past 8th grade, I wasn’t seeing much growth. My hair was shedding all over the place and it was very thin. I was very frustrated so I began to research how to make my hair grow and be healthy. The best option that I found was wearing my hair in its natural state. In January of 2014, I decided to go natural. It has been 2 ½ years since then and this was one of the best decisions that I have ever made. My hair is very healthy and has grown so much.
2016-06-01 23.07.25
2016-06-01 23.07.25
*My hair in heat styling in eight grade (2011).
DSC00052
DSC00052
​*My natural hair this year (2016).



Bibliography:

  • Sherrow, Victoria (2006). Encyclopedia of Hair: A Cultural History. 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. p. iv.ISBN 0-313-33145-6.

  • Krause, K; Foitzik, K (2006). "Biology of the Hair Follicle: The Basics". Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 25: 2–10.doi:10.1016/j.sder.2006.01.002

  • "Common Causes of Damaged Hair That You Can Avoid." About.com Style. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016. <http://blackhair.about.com/od/blackhairproblems/a/damagedhair.htm>.

  • "The Hair Growth Cycle." Philip Kingsley. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016. <http://www.philipkingsley.com/hair-guide/hair-science/hair-growth-cycle/>.

  • "What Is Hair Made Of?" GrowHairGuru. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016. <http://growhairguru.com/what-is-hair-made-of/>.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Posted by Noah Caruso in Science And Society - Best - Y on

Computer Vision Syndrome results from long term technology and can damage your eyes as well as induce headaches. Devices such as computers, tablets, and eReaders can cause computer vision syndrome. Pretty much everyone has experienced computer vision syndrome in their life. The symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, sore eyes, and blurred vision. 
There are many things that contribute to computer vision syndrome other than the screen itself, such as the lighting and distance at which you're viewing the screen. This happens because your eyes are essentially working harder when viewing heavily lit objects that are not contrasted to the background, which is why almost all emails and papers are written as black words on a white background. Muscles in your eyes tighten, namely the ciliary muscle, which controls the viewing of objects at various distances. The average worker spends about seven hours a day working off of a screen, and we spend more seeing as we're a technology driven school, which makes this a big issue in today's society.

Scoliosis

Posted by Amanda Thieu in Science And Society - Best - Y on

Science:


Scoliosis is the abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It ranges from different degrees depending on the person or the severeness of the scoliosis.

There are multiple causes and cases of scoliosis. Degenerative scoliosis may result from traumatic (from an injury or illness) bone collapse, previous major back surgery, or osteoporosis(thinning of the bones) Idiopathic Scoliosis is the e common type of scoliosis has no specific identifiable cause. Congenital Scoliosis caused by a bone abnormality present at birth. Neuromuscular Scoliosis is a result of abnormal muscles or nerves. Frequently seen in people with spina bifida or cerebral palsy or in those with various conditions that are accompanied by, or result in, paralysis.

There are certain cases that can be corrected by surgery or a back brace. The back brace can’t fix scoliosis but it can straighten and keep it from getting worse. It basically acts like a stabilizer.


Society: Approximately 2%-3% of Americans at age 16 have scoliosis. Less than .1% have spinal curves measuring greater than 40 degrees. Scoliosis is diagnosed by Most scoliosis curves are initially detected on school screening exams, by a child’s pediatrician, or family doctor or by a parent. Some signs include: uneven shoulders, a prominent shoulder blade, uneven waist, or leaning to one side. Speciality hospitals like Shriner’s children’s hospital can do screenings and X-rays to evaluate the magnitude of the curve. Girls are more likely to be affected than boys.


Self:

I have a rare case of scoliosis called Spondylothoracic Dysplasia.  Instead of one curve, I have two curves. Compared to a normal spine that have perfect rectangular vertebrae, my vertebrae is jumbled up resembling a puzzle. Therefore surgery would have been a risk. The physical aspects are visibly short torso, and a lot of back pains. Sources: http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/arthritis-scoliosis  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scoliosis/home/ovc-20193685 http://www.medicinenet.com/scoliosis/article.htm http://www.spine-health.com/conditions/scoliosis/scoliosis-what-you-need-know
http://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/scoliosis/ http://www.srs.org/ 

Honey Bees

Posted by Alex Colón-Vazquez in Science And Society - Best - Y on

  • Science
To explain the science of my topic to the public I would collect many different essential daily products that many people use and explain how honey bees contribute resources to make the product and what will happen if honey bees disappear. I will then give a short introduction about the anatomy of honey bees and how we collect the resources we use from honey bees, this will allow the audience to think differently when they go to their local pharmacy or store to buy products that use resources from honey bees. I am positive my resources are reliable, I made sure to only use sources with ".org" and resources from credible organizations. I am able to confirm that my sources are credible through online educational videos and reviews. 

  • Society
This issue impacts society because if honey bees disappear a large number of products that we use will become extremely expensive or will possibly become impossible to produce. Honey bees are responsible for one-third of our global food production, there are already third world countries that have multiple problems feeding their citizens. Countries like the United States and other developed countries will experience a food crisis that will most likely last for many generations. Lastly the economic value of pollinators is worth $235 to $577 billion dollars globally, if honey bees disappear a large amount of this money will be disappear and funds for education, medical supplies, etc. will become unavailable and result in a global crisis.
  • Self
This issue effects me because I am constantly thinking about the products I use and where they come from, if we lose resources because honey bees are experiencing some kind of a crisis it can effect generations to come and possibly effect the environment in a negative way. I am very grateful that I have all of these resources provided by honey bees that most people find difficult to obtain, I will never stop spreading the word about honey bees and will continue to provide information for those who are unaware of where most of the products they use come from. 

Sources Cited: 

1). Kurzgesagt. "The Death Of Bees Explained – Parasites, Poison and Humans." YouTube. YouTube, 09 July 2015. Web. 31 May 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqA42M4RtxE>.
2). Morris, Alex. "What Is Killing America's Bees and What Does It Mean for Us?" Rolling Stone. N.p., 18 Aug. 2015. Web. 31 May 2016. <http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/what-is-killing-americas-bees-and-what-does-it-mean-for-us-20150818>.
3). "Honey Bees: Overview of Honeybee Types, Habitats & Characteristics."Orkin. Orkin, n.d. Web. 31 May 2016. <http://www.orkin.com/stinging-pests/bees/honey-bees/>.

Presentation: 
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18cOK2J0LoIzs3_Gb A1KVPQog6nweaRLfnyrLE7ilRPo/edit#slide=id.g124eb963b9_0_194

Human Energy

Posted by Ameer Holmes in Science And Society - Best - Y on

​https://docs.google.com/a/scienceleadership.org/presentation/d/1_u2UUJ_nIhsLsfFaI9RKyd7DM0Kv1riVg_BbBAMNF88/edit?usp=sharing

^presentation

My 5 min of science was to explore human efficiency through the analysis and research of human energy. Through discovering the average input and intake of human energy, through the output of certain tasks I was able to compare them to other things with energy usage. I found that biology is extremely efficient in it's daily input vs. output and it's extremely amazing what we do using so little energy. It would take more energy to boil tea on a stove than it would to think for a day and I think that's amazing.

How many calories do I burn by walking? (n.d.). Retrieved May 27, 2016, from http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/data/faq_details.cfm?id=1227

E. I. (2012, August 25). How many calories does thinking burn? Retrieved May 27, 2016, from http://io9.gizmodo.com/5920970/how-many-calories-does-thinking-burn

Owens, T. (2014). How Much Weight Can the Average Man Lift? Retrieved May 28, 2016, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/380767-how-much-weight-can-the-average-man-lift/

5 mins of sci

Posted by Tauqee Friend in Science And Society - Best - Y on

  • Marijuana is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves and flowers of Cannabis sativa the hemp plant. This plant can be used in many different ways such as medicinal and illegal. The chemical that causes the high is THC. 500 other chemicals creates a sense of relaxation. Also can heightened sensory perception, Altered perception of time and Increased appetite. More drivers under the influence. People will start toAbuse of the drug. It will cause short term memory loss, Poor coordination of movement, Increased risk of heart attack ,Panic and anxiety, Inability to understand things clearly and Weak immune system.

  • https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fW7za-E1Iv7fpvEl7IKcvWm0P59B9x_pHHCF8XVHHGg/edit#slide=id.g132647538b_0_5

Acupuncture

Posted by Brandon Yam in Science And Society - Best - Y on

Acupuncture is a form of therapy that is widely used in China. It is so mainstream that it is even used during childbirth to numb the patient as well as treat headaches and other things of the sort. What happens is that a needle is inserted into the affected area (usually 1/2 inch to 1inch) and at the tip of the needle are bits of Moxa leaves which is a Chinese wormwood tree. These leaves are said to have the medicinal affects that acupuncture is known for. The needles are twirled, vibrated and even sometimes an electrical pulse will be sent down to stimulate the area. Acupuncture itself is based on the Taoist philosophy which basically deals with the "Yin and Yang". It talks about how acupuncture essentially helps break down the walls that are blocking your "chi" (good energy). Western researchers believe that what actually is happening is that the stimulation releases endorphins which are natural pain-relieving chemicals. Acupuncture is important because this may the new medicine. It has no side effects and is natural. Many who have received it has talked highly about it saying that it works and things of the nature. Unfortunately, I have not experienced this so I feel that perhaps this is all a placebo effect but we can't tell for sure. There's no real way to tell if it is or isn't the placebo effect. So I can only go test it myself someday. 

Sources: 

  • Acupuncture. (n.d.). Retrieved May 01, 2016, from https://www.questia.com/library/science-and-technology/health-and-medicine/acupuncture

  • Acupuncture. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/basics/definition/prc-20020778

  • Acupuncture. (2011). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture

Your Brain On Coffee

Posted by Carolyn Borock in Science And Society - Best - Y on

​Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1uqSNEQkITznJqfD8R6MQuFs82lUDmCxU5nZtOoHEym0/edit?usp=sharing 

Science : The adenosine binds to the receptors in the brain which slows down your activity. The more adenosine there is the more tired you feel. Since Caffeine is similar in structure to the adenosine it fits into the receptors. The caffeine blocks out the adenosine from going into the receptors. If you drink caffeine for a long time the more adenosine receptors are created so this means that if you want the same effect as caffeine you need to increase your daily intake. The caffeine also increases dopamine released and makes you feel happier. It also increases adrenaline which increases heart rate and blood flow and also opens airways in the lung.   

Society: 
The Boston Tea Party of 1773 affected most americans because drinking tea was seen as unpatriotic so they switched to coffee. Both the French and American revolutions were planned in coffeehouses. The use of fair trade coffee is not used and workers are affected. The stats on coffee is that 83% of adults drink coffee which is an estimated 587 million cups a day are consumed.   

Self: I'm a coffee lover and wanted to know more about the drink I drink almost everyday. 

Zika Virus

Posted by Saul Salas in Science And Society - Best - Y on

ZIKA VIRUS
We’ve been hearing it all over the news and online articles, and what we have been seeing is that it causes babies head to shrink. Before I go in depth, we need to know where it originated from.

THE HISTORY
Before it spreaded in the land in the western Hemisphere and cause an outbreak in Brazil, a forest called Zika had many of these mosquitoes that transmitted this virus, monkeys also carried these disease since they could be victims to mosquitoes. It was found as late as 1947 discovered by scientists and was very common in Africa and Asia. Originally the scientist were researching for a disease called yellow fever until they discovered the zika virus. The virus of the disease were common and/or related to the dengue fever.

VOCAB
- Pathogen
- Microcephaly
- PKU (Phenylketonuria)

WHAT IS ZIKA VIRUS?
Think of it as like the new STD and virus but without any known symptoms. You or your partner could be infected without knowing and if you are pregnant, your baby could develop a small head which is called microcephaly which cause long term effects. It will be heartbreaking for future family holder's, choosing whether or not to dispose of newborn infant. It shares similar traits to the PKU disease (Phenylketonuria) and can cause seizures to your child. It’s a mosquito/animal transmitting disease can cause mental problems only to newborn babies when developing a child because it is carried by the blood in our body.
Why is this such a problem? Well if a mosquito that is a carrier infects you and another mosquito bites an infected person, that mosquito that bit you can now travel it on to newer mosquitoes or other people which can be spread worldwide. This is how outbreaks start and people who are infected and sexually transmit it to others without knowing because of its chances of no symptoms.

SYMPTOMS
There doesn’t need to be any symptoms to detect this virus, but some can include...
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Sweating
- Certain area pain
 
TREATMENTS
Luckily for the human body, this is the easiest virus our body can resist. Avoid exposure from mosquitos near ponds, shaded areas, or black trashcan during a rainy day. It’s pathogen is only spread by bites from mosquitoes and some animals. And as for treatments to struggle against the virus include well resting, staying hydrated, and medication: pain and fever relief. It can take about a week (or more) for the virus to not be carried to mosquitos and other human beings (sexaully).
But if you do plan on having sex and ignore the consequences, by all means wear a condom to not transmit it to others

MY OPINION
Another new outbreak that has rapidly been spread thanks to the media, much like the ebola outbreak and racism/stereotype that began to start associated with it. But is it a thing we should really worry about? No. If you would want the world to be a better place, don’t spread pathogens or traits otherwise the world is going to end like it is today with people wearing glasses for poor eyesights. This disease is self curing and you shouldn’t make societies job harder by having more special people we have to worry about, especially their future and likelihood it will further spread. Also if you do have zika virus, don’t allow any mosquitos to bite you otherwise they can spread the virus.

Sources
"Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 01 June 2015. Web. 01 Mar. 2016. <http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/>.
Mcneil, Donald G., Catherine Saint Louis, and Nicholas St. "Short Answers to Hard Questions About Zika Virus." The New York Times. The New York Times, 24 Feb. 2016. Web. 01 Mar. 2016. <http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html>.
Hornak, Leo. "Uganda's Zika Forest, Where the Virus Was First Discovered." Public Radio International. Public Radio International, 01 Feb. 2016. Web. 01 Mar. 2016. <http://www.pri.org/stories/2016-02-01/ugandas-zika-forest-where-virus-was-first-discovered>.
"PKU News | News & Information on Phenylketonuria." PKU News. National PKU News. Web. 01 Mar. 2016. <https://pkunews.org/>.

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