Author Archives: jlrchrd3

Mar
30
2013

Living Without a Pulse

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The heart is essentially the engine of the human body. The chambers of the heart contract and relax in order to move blood throughout the body (1).  The number of times the heart contracts and relaxes in a period of time is known one’s heart rate (1).  We associate the heart rate or contractions and a person’s pulse with life. If you have a pulse, then you are alive.

Until recently, if an individual had heart failure or heart disease their only options were to receive a heart transplant or die from the disease. Now, there are many researchers attempting to develop long-term artificial hearts. Many of which have made significant breakthroughs in their efforts

In 2011, Dr. Bud Frazier and Dr. Billy Cohn successfully implanted an artificial heart that creates a continuous flow of blood (2). As a result of the continuous flow the patient had no pulse (2).  Dr. Frazier’s studies also found that although the heart was not beating, the organs and tissues were not affected at all and worked properly with the alternate blood flow. The pair of doctors are continuing research and believe that the future will include life without a pulse.

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

(2) “News and Publications.” Texas Heart Institute. Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, 23 Mar 2011. Web. 28 Feb 2013. <http://texasheart.org/AboutUs/News/2011-03-23news_tah.cfm

Mar
03
2013

Retina Regeneration

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The retina contains specialized structures and cells that allow us to see. The retina contains the photoreceptor cells, rods and cones. Rods allow people to see in dark conditions (1). Cones, associated with color vision, are activated in lighted conditions (1). The signal is translated to the bipolar cells, which sends the message to ganglionic cells. The Ganglionic cells come together to form the optic nerve. The optic nerve, of course, leads to the visual cortex in the brain.

Damage and disease to the retina can lead to blindness. Research shows a way to possibly stimulate Muller cells in the eye to create a chain reaction in order to regenerate retinal cells. The research included experiments done in the lab and on mice. It was found that, when injected in the eye, glutamate, stimulated Muller cells to divide and transform into retinal cells (2). Supplemented by aminoadipate, the brand new retinal cells located specific areas of need and became the needed cell type (2). The research is moving forward hoping testing will soon be done on animals and humans.

This research could change the life millions who suffer from blindness due to retinal disease and damage. If proven safe and effective on humans, this research could give these people an opportunity to see their loved ones again. It would give them back the precious gift of eyesight to do what they love and just return to normal life.

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

(2) Jacobs, Patti. “Massachusetts Eye and Ear.” Schepens Eye Research Institute. Schepens Eye Research Institute, 24 Mar 2008. Web. 31 Jan 2013. <http://www.schepens.harvard.edu/press-