I have chosen to research the uses and benefits of umbilical cord blood. This special blood has to be retrieved at the time of birth and is specific to each individual. The collecting of the umbilical cord blood is something that has not been around for a long period of time but is becoming more known as time goes on.

Recently, scientists conducted a study on the benefits of umbilical cord blood. However, umbilical blood can be disadvantageous compared to traditional transplants due to the large amount of time it requires to prepare the transplant and the small number of stem cells that can be extracted from one unit of the blood. However, the advantage of a perfect transplant match to a patient often outweighs the disadvantage of recovering the stem cells and preparing the transplant tissue.

If more people would recognize the benefits of umbilical cord blood it would help the world tremendously. First, the stem cells can replace cells that have been damaged by disease. Second, the stem cells can “give rise to white blood cells and other components of the blood system” (Fred).  This would be very beneficial to a person with a blood disorder such as the unfortunately common disease Leukemia.

1.Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. “First successful use of expanded umbilical-cord blood units to treat leukemia.” ScienceDaily. 18 Jan. 2010. Web. 6 Sep. 2012.

Athletes are always looking to gain an edge over their opponents in competition. One way they do this, in addition to proper training is nutrition. Two main goals of sports nutrition are to improve performance during the event and enhance recovery after the event.  Before an event, athletes often load up on carbohydrates believing that it will give them increased access to muscle glycogen and improve performance.  After the event is completed, the athlete’s goal nutritionally is to replenish glycogen stores that were used and enhance repair of whatever damage sustained during the event. Athletes traditionally do this through carbohydrate consumption. Until recently, protein has taken a back seat to carbohydrate concerns in endurance sports nutrition.

In The Paleo Diet for Athletes, Loren Cordain and Joe Friel adapt a low carbohydrate moderate protein high fat diet to one that is most beneficial to athletes. They meld traditional sports nutrition with their variant of a low carb diet. The paleo diet is very good for general health and recovery but it is not the most effective approach for replenishing glycogen stores. This is due to the low carbohydrate intake. Their answer to this problem is to strategically consume carbohydrates and protein at specific times to maximize performance and recovery. This is different from the general approach in that it is more specific in timing. A typical endurance athlete’s nutritional regimen advocates eating carbohydrates in high amounts all day. The authors recommend a low carbohydrate diet except at certain times in relation to athletic events. The authors divide their approach into 5 stages. The book is further organized to address specific challenges faced by events of different lengths.

This book is useful because it can help athletes of all abilities to maximize their performance. Although useful to elite athletes, I think it is particularly useful to weekend warriors and less serious athletes. Proper nutrition can allow them to be competitive with less time training. Of particular interest in the book are the sections on long endurance events like iron man triathlons or ultra marathons.

What is Endoscopy?  Endoscopy is a procedure that involves the visual examination of the inside of the body organs and cavities using a lighted instrument with lenses.  This image can be viewed by a eyepiece that is projected onto the monitor.

During 2005, the Health and Administration approved this device called the de Vinci for medical procedures.  This device allows for a less invasive surgical procedure.  It is used for many types of procedures such as a colonoscopy, authroscopy and laparoscopy.  The precision of the cut it makes are very small and allows for a faster recovery time with minimul scaring.  The de Vinci makes small incisions about 1/2 inch long instead of a long incision that requires staples or stiches.

The use of the endoscopy during a colonoscopy allows for a less invasive procedure to check for issues that might be occuring with the large intestine.This is used to check for colon cancer. Arthroscopy is where it is used to examine the interior joint of the knee.This is used for a knee replacement. Laproscopy is when it is used to examine the organs of the abodominal region, such as a hysterectomy.

The robotic procedure has become very popular because it does allow for a person to return back to their normal activites quicker than the old procedures. One example is with a hysterectomy would normally take 6 to 8 weeks for a recovery period whereas using the de Vinci it takes 2 weeks.

Doctors have to go through extensive training in order to use this machine. It offers high definition and 3D images making it easier for the doctor to see what he/she is doing. This procedure has become very popular in the past few years.

Ko EM, Muto MG, Berkowitz RS, Feltmate CM.Robotic versus open radical hysterectomy:a comparative study at a single institution. Gynecol Oncol.2008 Dec;111(3):425-30.Epub.2008 Oct 16

I chose to research the role that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays in the court of law because I heard an incredible story (“My Brain Made Me Do It”) that related specifically to several of the topics we’ve been discussing in class.  To review the definition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), “it is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.”  MRI’s are currently widely used for medical as well as scientific purposes due to the fact they are non-invasive and relatively safe. It should be noted that some individuals, mainly those with metal implants or pacemakers, should not be exposed to an MRI. In a study published in “Circulation” in 2007 that patients with cochlear implants, insulin pumps, or pacemakers should not be subjected to MRI. The authors of the study formed this recommendation after noticing that several patients that had pacemakers experienced arrhythmia, and in some instances, even death, when MRI scans were conducted on them without appropriate precautions.

Returning to the story on NBC, there are new techniques being used in the court of law so that judges will have the ability to understand what is going on in the human brain. The first example is a pediatrician who has cared for patients for over 30 years and now faces trial for charges of pedophilia. The specific evidence that came to light for his defense was the fact that an MRI showed he had a 4 centimeter tumor growing at the base of the brain. Thus, the tumor created pressure in his brain and altered his behavior. The tumor was located on “the thinking side of his brain”.  Following unsuccessful treatment for cancer he underwent surgery to remove the egg sized tumor. Removing the tumor and pressure it induced upon the brain appears to have restored the ability of his brain to control impulses. After which he was able to return to normal life.

Reflecting on this story, I can think of important implications for this work as well as a significant effect on society. Should new laws be instated that would include an MRI and psychological evaluation as a mandatory first step in processing a suspect?  As with DNA testing, being used much more frequently to exonerate convicted criminals (“DNA Evidence Changes Murder Conviction”), can we anticipate seeing a flurry of new appeals based on the results of an MRI? There are several more documented cases with suspects reflecting similar symptoms and potential illnesses. I believe actual biological and neuroscientific evidence will be able to take a partner in true cases of misplaced guilt sometime in the future. For many criminals, but specifically for those who suffer from brain based disorders, there appears to be hope for a long-term application that can and will be applied in the court of law.

Works Cited:

1. Kate Kelland, “My brain made me do it: Neuroscience takes the stand” , www.msnbc.com/id/48825789, Sept. 9, 2012
2. WebMD, “Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)”,  http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri, Sept. 11, 2012
3. Stephanie Tyrpa and Benjy Jeffords, “Evidence Changes Murder Conviction”, http://www.wsiltv.com/news/local/DNA-Evidence-Changes-Murder-Conviction-168207866.html, Sept. 11, 2012
4. “Circulation” Journal; Safety of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cardiovascular devices; GN Levine, MD et al., DOI: 10.1161, 2007

After being tested in veterinary practices in the early 19^th century, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been used in hospitals and clinics for over thirty years, since the first successful test tube baby was born in 1978.  Being an in vitro child, these articles are a high priority to me.  These articles looked at problems regarding fertilization and development of in vitro children through cell and mitosis development.

A study completed by Schieve et al. (2004) stated that pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive technology (ART) have a high perinatal complication rate.  Twin and higher order of multiple gestations are at increased risk for per-term delivery compared with singletons.  Researchers say the most common method to reduce the premature birth risk when using IVF is to avoid multiple births.  Also, multiple births are at higher risk of mortality when using in vitro fertilization.

With research and IVF, adults need to be reassured that this method of conception will not endanger their children’s health and vitality after birth.  Understanding the genetics of IVF and the possible complications can keep a parent from the risk of their child having a disability.

L. A. Schieve, H. B. Peterson, S. F. Meikle, G. Jeng, I. Danel, N. M. Burnett, L. S. Wilcox. Live-birth rates and multiple-birth risk using in vitro fertilization.JAMA. 1999 November 17; 282(19): 1832–1838.

Tarkan, Laurie. “Lowering the Odds Of Multiple Births.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 19  Feb. 2008. Web. 06 Sept. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/health/19mult.html?pagewanted=all>.

The nervous system is responsible for many actions in the body, one of which is releasing endorphins. When the body is under strain, neurological transmitters resembling morphine are emitted by the nervous system and act as the body’s natural way to manage pain. Running, although a very physical activity that exercises many other systems in the body, is also very closely tied to the mind and the nervous system. Specifically, exercise is said to boost mood. What are the connections between the physical aspect of running and the minds response to the activity? The nervous system responds to running by producing endorphins, which is commonly known as “runners high.”

Those of you who regularly run may be familiar with the feeling. I read an article in the New York Times that reviewed the science behind the runner’s high, and was able to show that there is an endorphin release that occurs after endurance training. Running is often thought to exercise four main systems in the body: respiratory, cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal. However, the science behind the runner’s high is now showing that the nervous system is affected by running as well. After a long run, scientists were able to prove that the body releases endorphins which travel to the brain, resulting in a natural high. Doctors used PET scans on the brain before and after a two-hour run to confirm this endorphin release.

So, why does this matter? I believe learning about the various health benefits that occur with running may encourage more people to engage in the sport. Running is often thought of as a stress reliever, and this story better articulates the science behind that. Running is not just for certain people, it is for anyone with a cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular, respiratory and nervous system. The health benefits that running brings to these various systems in the body is unmatched in other exercise activities. There is no doubt that running, and runners high, has everything to do with anatomy and physiology.

Kolata, Gina. “Yes, Running Can Make You High.” New York Times 27 March 2008.

Willett, Sara. “Runner’s High.” http://www.lehigh.edu/~dmd1/sarah.html

In recent years, stem cell research has been gradually growing more prominent. Researchers speculate that stem cells, which are unspecialized cells, may possibly treat or cure certain health conditions. However, this notion is still being met with some disinterest and skepticism. Almost a year ago, Geron of Menlo Park, California ceased its stem cell programs that were supposed to fight serious ailments, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.  Also, Geron halted experiments intended to test cell therapy as a treatment for spinal injuries.  However, thanks to StemCells, a company in Newark, California, studies have been revived to test the possible benefits stem cells might have on spinal damage.

In a recent clinical trial, three people were injected with millions of stem cells at the site of their spinal injury. After six months passed, two of the three subjects reported that they had begun to regain sensation. When exposed to heat and gentle touch, their responses were nearly equal to those of an uninjured person. Nine more people with less severe paralysis are scheduled to receive the treatment. Though the signs are encouraging, researchers insist that further analysis is needed before they can conclude that stem cells have a definite future in healing.

The use of stem cells has the potential to become one of the most important medical techniques in history. Stem cells could be used to regenerate a variety of cells harmed or destroyed, after a physical trauma is suffered. Countless lives could be saved, and many people who have been deprived of their independence and well-being could have the opportunity to be restored. While these things would not come about overnight, they are becoming closer to being a reality.

Sources: J. Tortora, Gerald, and Bryan Derrickson. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken NJ, USA  2012. Page 8. Print.

Coghlan , Andy. “Stem cells bring back feeling for paralysed patients.” NewScientist. NewScientist, 3 Sep 2012. Web. 3 Sep 2012.

I have chosen the controversial topic of how to treat diseases (in this case, sickle cell anemia) by using stem cells. Stem cell research has always been a topic of interest to me and after reading an article, I learned that the procedure has developed over time. Stem cell research began by using embryonic stem cells because they are entirely undifferentiated (Tortura and Dickson 2012). Now that research has progressed, scientists can take normal cells from adult patients and use them to cure the “incurable”.  The article I read was about a specific girl named Paizley, who had sickle cell anemia, and frankly, the doctors said she probably wouldn’t live to be 18. Her immune system was attacking the cells vital to her survival. The doctors gave her one risky option: a stem cell transplant. (Health & Medicine, Have We Entered the Stem Cell Era?)

People opposed the procedure at first, because it meant that an embryonic cell would have to be lost in order for the stem cell transplant to be possible. Abortion became an issue, as many felt stem cells meant taking a life in order for another to receive life. Fetal stem cells were only in the very beginning of research, and quickly progressed to umbilical blood and mesenchyme tissues. Also, scientists have created a way to duplicate the embryonic cells from adult stem cells. No embryos involved, and since they come from a person’s own body, the potential for rejection would be eliminated.

Stem cell treatments are already a reality for blood diseases, such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia. However, the procedure is still risky and uncertain, seeing that the immune system could react to stem cells, and the results could be deadly. It’s a matter of deciding, “It is worth the risk?” A lot of the patients I read about who received the transplant successfully, felt better than ever before, and no longer were sick with a disease they had no control over. Paizley received the transplant, made a full recovery, and was able to live a normal life, one she would have never gotten to live had it not been for the stem cell transplant.

Works Cited

Tortora GJ, Derrickson B (2012) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 13^th edition. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Hoboken NJ, USA  Page 23.

Ultrasounds (sonagrams) are one of the many types of medical imaging techniques. This type of medical imaging involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to scan specific  areas of the  body such as the chest  and abdomen. Because they are invasive and painless, ultrasounds are commonly used on pregnant women to see  and identify the sex of their unborn child.

According to Rober Mattews, this seemingly  “safe” type of medical imaging is possibly causing subtle brain damage to unborn fetuses. Subtle brain damage “can cause people who should be genetically right handed to become left handed.” (Mattews 3) People with subtle brain damage “face a higher risk of having learning difficulties and epilsey.” (Mattews 3) Researchers have found that mothers that had ultrasounds done to them in the 1970’s gave birth to males that were left hand although gentically, they were meant to be right handed, thus indicating brain damage in the womb. ” A team of Swedish scientist found that men whose mothers had ultrasound scans in the 70’s were significantly more likely to be left handed than normal, pointing to a higher rate if brain damage while in the womb.” (Mattews 5)

Ultrasound scanning is ultimately harming the human race due to the fact that it is messing with our gentic make-up. The fact is that it is causing innocent people to be born with defects such as epilespy, all because their mothers wanted to make sure they were healthy while in the womb. This is outragous and uncalled for. Scientist NEED to develop a safer form of ultrasound imaging. By developing a safer form of ultrasounds, the possbility of a fetus developing subtle brain damage due to medical imaging technolgy will be lowered.

Mattews, Rober. “Ultrasound Scans Linked to Brain Damage in Babies.” Mercola.com. 19 Dec. 2001. 6 Sept. 2012 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2001/12/19/ultrasound.aspx.