Experts have investigated new discoveries involving genes and their associations with blood pressure. Genes are found within the nucleus of a cell and are the hereditary units that control cellular structure and direct cellular activity. The study was performed by the “Continental Origins and Genetic Epidemiology Network”, where they took a closer look into the ancestry of African-Americans. Most studies have been performed on humans of European ancestry.

Through reading the science article, I learned that scientist have discovered four novel gene variations.  Our genetic make-up influences many conditions of the human body such as hypertension. Hypertension is a medical condition of high blood pressure The 19-site meta-analysis is using nearly 30,000 African Americans in order to learn more about the gene mutation an its link to blood pressure.  The studies are ongoing and using human blood samples to help give scientist a better understanding of the gene functions and how the gene mutations are linked to hypertension Hypertension is a dangerous health problem that affects many people of all races and it can lead to other more fatal and complicated health problems. Still in its early trials of discovery not much was said to what all they had found, but hopeful that it will lead to further break threw on blood pressure issues among different nationalities.

Even though the studies are not completed yet, the hope is that scientists can target the gene mutations that cause high blood pressure. They could also discover new drugs that would better treat the condition. This study helps give an understanding not only to hypertension in African-Americans but may help find the gene in other nationalities where new treatments and better drugs can produce more efficient results.

Kethanne K. Colich

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130910112819.htm

Tortora, Gerard J and Derrickson, Bryan. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th. 2011.Print.

Medical imagining is one way healthcare specialists can diagnose patients, including children. One type of these medical imagining scans is called a CT scan or computed tomography scan. A CT scan can see organs and soft tissues with much more detail than some other types of radiographs (Tortora). Even though these scans are more detailed than some, it does not necessarily mean they are better. These CT scans expose the body to a large does of harmful radiation. Which poses the question, are CT scans more helpful or harmful?

In a recent study, researchers have found that the use of CT scans of the head, abdomen/pelvis, chest, or spine in children under the age of 14 has more than doubled from 1996 to 2005. This news has shown that the radiation associated with this scan has the potential to increase radiation-induced cancer in children. Researches estimate that these pediatric CT scans, while helpful for diagnosis, could potentially cause 4,870 future cancers by these 4 million scans per year (American).

Researchers estimate by reducing 25% of doses to the midpoint we could possibly prevent 43% of these future cancers (American). Although this reduction would not cure childhood cancer it would certainly play a role in prevention. This research gives us insight into areas of healthcare we should improve on, such as finding/using a less harmful yet just as effective scan to decrease exposure to radiation. The ultimate goal is to save the lives of children, by being helpful and not harmful.

American Medical Association (AMA). “Study examines cancer risk from pediatric radiation exposure from CT scans.” ScienceDaily, 10 Jun. 2013. Web. 13 Sep. 2013.

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13^th ed., John Wiley and Sons

The article, “New Evidence that Cancer Cells Change While Moving throughout the Body” gives an explanation on the drastic changes that occur in cancer cells. The National Cancer Institute gives us a vivid and accurate definition of what exactly cancer is by explaining that cancer cells are abnormal cells that divide without control, and they eventually invade tissues. Unfortunately, it is well known that cancer cells are not stationary to a certain region of the body. If the cells are not caught at an early stage, they will freely move to other areas of the body. This can be extremely harmful to cancer patients because their condition has a chance of worsening instead of improving. Metastasis, which according to the article, “New Evidence that Cancer Cells Change While Moving Throughout the Body,” is the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to secondary locations throughout the body. Metastasis is being researched and experimented on by scientists at Georgia Tech to learn more about the habits of these busy cells so that more cures can be made.

The article about Georgia Tech’s recent findings then goes on to tell about how a cell begins to molecularly change as it leaves its first destination and travels to the ones thereafter in the body. The proper name for the ways of these cells is EMT, or epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Unfortunately, as these cells travel more and more, they leave behind the ability to work with chemotherapy because of their new being. From a macroscopic level, the changes are not visible; however, when viewed more closely, one will see that the molecular aspect has definite signs of change. According to the article, careful research shows that doctors should not only prescribe their cancer patients with medications that will kill cancer cells, but also medications that will put a stop to the cells that travel throughout the body. Because it is now known that these cells on the move are not working hand-in-hand with chemotherapy, scientists and researchers are having to develop a more up to date version of chemotherapy that will fight against these resistant cells.

The topic I chose is one that can relate to most likely any individual in one way or another. I say this because almost everyone has a loved one battling cancer or knows of someone who is battling it. It is important to have an understanding of how things work, cancer cells particularly. Reading and writing on this topic gave me a clearer understanding of how cancer cells develop. Because of this, I know it will provide others with the same knowledge and understanding that it provided me.

New Evidence that Cancer Cells Change While Moving throughout Body. Georgia Tech., 12    Aug. 2013. Web. 12 Sept. 2013.

What is Cancer? National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health., 08 Feb. 2013. Web. 12. Sept. 2013.