Stem Cells Regrow Crucial Hearing Cells in Mice

• Stem cells can be turned into cells that cure hearing disabilities
• Scientists have only tested on mice, but are soon testing on human stem cells
• Will help millions of humans that suffer from hearing problems
• Works by regrowing the hair cells that carry signals to the brain
• These cells can't be replaced once destroyed
  

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre64d0bx-us-deafness-cells/

Reflection:

My biology class has helped me to understand this article. We have studied stem cells and how they can be used in treatments. Stem cells are cells that have the ability to change into other cells. With this ability, stem cells can be used to treat many diseases, disabilities, and abnormalities that regular treatments cannot be able to. Once again, I am amazed at the uses of stem cells. Even though it seems good, it can also be a serious problem. Stem cells generally come from embryos, or an undeveloped human. Getting these cells will cause many problems and controversies are already being formed. I am waiting to see how this new hearing treatment does on humans.

Fox, Maggie. "NewsDaily: Stem Cells Regrow Crucial Hearing Cells in Mice." NewsDaily: Your Best Source for Breaking News. Web. 17 May 2010. .

Building Organs Block by Block: Tissue Engineers Create a New Way to Assemble Artificial Tissues Using 'Biological Legos'

http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/05/100513112813.jpg

• tissue engineering has been tough because they always form flat
• to overcome this obstacle, researchers put cells into little cubes and arranged them into 3D organs
• called "micromasonry"
• this new technique has a lot of potential to become the primary way to build artificial tissues

Reflection:

My biology class has helped me to understand this topic. From learning about cellular reproduction, I can see how making a 3D shape would be hard. Though a difficult obstacle, scientists and researchers have been able to once again find an answer. I feel that this topic is rather interesting. The fact that someone can build an artificial tissue through the use of "cellular blocks" is amazing. Imagine the uses this new technique will have. I can't wait to hear more news about this topic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Building Organs Block by Block: Tissue Engineers Create a New Way to Assemble Artificial Tissues, Using 'Biological Legos'." ScienceDaily 14 May 2010. 15 May 2010 /releases/2010/05/100513112813.htm>.

Snake vs. Dinosaur in New Fossil Find

• archeologists discovered a snake and baby dinosaur fossil
• tells the story about the danger baby dinosaurs had
• ancient snakes may be linked to modern day boas
• could eat some animals whole
  

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/photogalleries/100301-snake-eats-dinosaurs-fossils-sanejeh-indicus-scitech-pictures/#snake-eating-baby-dinosaurs-model_13236_600x450.jpg

My biology class helps me to understand this article from studying evolution. This discovery relates to biology through evolution. According to this discovery, ancient snakes could eat a baby dinosaur whole. Over a long period of time, this prehistoric snake might have evolved into what is now called a boa. I think that this archeological find is interesting. The snake and young dinosaur were fossilized right as the snake was going to eat the baby. The question is how were they fossilized?

Than, Ker. "Ad Call." Daily Nature and Science News and Headlines | National Geographic News. 1 Mar. 2010. Web. 05 May 2010. .

New Giant Lizard Discovery "an Unprecedented Surprise"

• a human sized lizard has hidden from humanity until recent discovery
  
• it was known to Filipino tribal hunters, but classified as a new species in 2009
• has different DNA, scale structure, and size
• hid from science in the Philippines in the trees
• known as the Varanus Bitatawa and is related to the Varanus Olivaseus

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/100407-new-giant-lizard-varabus-bitatawa-biology-letters/

This article does directly relate to my biology class. Biology is the study of life and organisms. This animal is a recently discovered organism, which means that it relates to biology in general. This is very cool because this animal has hidden away from humanity. This animal is unique and I am fascinated by this discovery. It is hard to imagine what other animals we overlook in some areas. I can't wait for new animal discoveries to come out.

Owen, James. "New Giant Lizard Discovery "an Unprecedented Surprise"" Daily Nature and Science News and Headlines | National Geographic News. 7 Apr. 2010. Web. 04 May 2010. .

Pozen, AstraZeneca Win FDA Approval of Arthritis Drug (Update1)

• a new arthritis drug has come out
• a mixture of a painkiller and an ulcer medication
• approved by the Food and Drug Administration

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-30/pozen-astrazeneca-win-fda-approval-of-arthritis-drug-update1-.html

This article relates to my biology class by the immune system. We have learned about how arthritis attacks the immune system. This arthritis drug "combines a painkiller with an ulcer medication." Doctors and Scientists are coming up with new antidotes for diseases, injuries, and abnormalities. This combination of drugs is something that I think is amazing and interesting. I would think that the mixture of two different drugs for the same purpose would be somewhat dangerous, but I guess not.

Grapes May Protect Your Heart

• the University of Michigan Health System found that grapes reduce risk factors for diabetes and heart disease in rats
• after further tests, research showed that rats eating grapes lowered their blood pressure
• rats with the grapes in their diet also had a low risk for type II diabetes
  
• more research will be made this summer for heart health

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6979453.html

My biology class doesn't relate to this article from topic discussed. It partially relates to the immune system, but mostly relates to the study of organisms. I feel that this article is very cool because I eat a lot of grapes so I might have a lower risk of heart disease. It is great that they are doing more testing this summer. I will be waiting for that story to come out.

Cancer Vaccine to be Approved

• A new vaccine that effectively treats cancer may be available next month
  
• more people with prostate cancer will be able to survive
• cancer vaccines are finally starting to show results
• it is highly unlikely that this vaccine will be declined

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/TechandScience/Story/STIStory_520011.html

This new vaccine shows how far our knowledge of medicine has evolved. We have almost found the cure to cancer, which has been an enigma to the human race for so long. This vaccine will most likely lead to a variety of discoveries involving cancer research. I feel that this new discovery is the gateway to a branch of new findings.

"Cancer Vaccine to Be Approved." The Straits Times. 28 Apr. 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. .