#Medical Biotechnology

[wintersbiotechnology]

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[chefbabyna]

biotechnology and genetic engineering

Biotechnology and genetic engineering are interconnected fields that deal with the application of living organisms and biological systems to produce goods and services. They involve manipulating the genetic material of cells, microorganisms, plants, and animals to create new traits and functions. Biotechnology is a broad field that encompasses many different applications, including medical,…

[quotesfrommyreading]

The last needle to be applied against smallpox, before its eradication almost half a century ago, carried a dose of vaccine smaller than a child’s pupil. Four hundred years fit inside that droplet. The devotion of D. A. Henderson’s disease-eradicating team was in it. So were the contributions of Benjamin Rubin and the Spanish boys, as well as the advocacy of Henry Cline and the discovery by Edward Jenner, and before him the evangelism of Lady Montagu, and the influence of Circassian traders from the Caucasus Mountains, who first brought the practice of inoculation to the Ottoman court. An assembly line of discovery, invention, deployment, and trust wound its way through centuries and landed at the tip of a needle. Perhaps there is our final lesson, the one most worth carrying forward. It takes one hero to make a great story, but progress is the story of us all.

  —  Why the Age of American Progress Ended

[science-sculpt]

A snip, a splice : Power of rDNA Technology

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the blueprint of life, holds the secrets to the intricate workings of every living organism. But what if we could manipulate this blueprint, adding, removing, or tweaking its code? This revolutionary concept forms the core of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, a powerful tool that has transformed biology and medicine.

The story starts in the early 1970s with two brilliant scientists; Stanley Cohen at Stanford University and Herbert Boyer at the University of California, San Francisco. Cohen, a microbiologist, had been studying plasmids – small circular DNA molecules found in bacteria. Boyer, a biochemist, was an expert on restriction enzymes – molecular scissors that could cut DNA at specific sequences. Their collaboration proved groundbreaking. They envisioned combining these tools to create the first ever recombinant DNA molecule. Cohen provided the plasmids, which would act as vectors to carry foreign DNA into host cells. Boyer, on the other hand, used restriction enzymes to cut both the plasmid and the desired foreign DNA, allowing them to be pieced together. Through meticulous experimentation, they successfully created the first recombinant DNA molecule, forever altering the course of biology.

Cohen and Boyer's work wouldn't have been possible without the earlier discoveries of restriction enzymes. These "molecular scissors" were independently identified by three separate research groups in the 1960s. Werner Arber in Switzerland, along with Hamilton Smith and Daniel Nathans in the US, unraveled the role of restriction enzymes in bacterial defense mechanisms. These enzymes helped bacteria defend against invading viruses by cutting up their foreign DNA. Recognizing the potential of these "genetic scalpels," the groundwork was laid for their application in rDNA technology.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the rDNA process:

Isolation of DNA: The journey starts with isolating DNA from a donor organism.

Cleavage with Restriction Enzymes: Specific enzymes cut the DNA at defined sequences.

Selection of Vector: A carrier molecule (often a plasmid) is chosen to transport the recombinant DNA.

Ligation: The DNA fragments and vector are stitched together using DNA ligase, an enzyme.

Transformation: The recombinant DNA enters a host cell (usually bacteria or yeast).

Selection and Expression: The transformed cells are selected, and the gene of interest is expressed, leading to the desired protein production.

Since its inception, rDNA technology has played a pivotal role in several groundbreaking advancements. Let's take a whirlwind tour through some of the most significant moments in R-DNA history:

1978: Birth of Insulin on the Factory Floor: Scientists achieved a feat of genetic engineering by using R-DNA to produce human insulin in bacteria. This marked a turning point for diabetics, offering a readily available and more consistent source of this life-saving hormone.

1980s: Gene Wars and the Rise of GMOs: The 1980s saw the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Plants were engineered with genes for insect resistance or herbicide tolerance, sparking debates about the safety and ethics of this technology. R-DNA research continues to be at the forefront of discussions regarding genetically modified foods.

1990s: The Human Genome Project Sets Sail: This ambitious international project aimed to sequence the entire human genome. R-DNA techniques played a crucial role in deciphering the 3 billion letters of our genetic code, opening doors for personalized medicine and a deeper understanding of human health and disease.

2000s: Gene Therapy Takes Center Stage: The first successful gene therapy trials for inherited diseases like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) took place. R-DNA technology offered a glimmer of hope for treating genetic disorders by introducing healthy genes to replace defective ones.

2010s and Beyond: CRISPR Takes Over: The emergence of CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene editing tool based on R-DNA principles, has ushered in a new era of genetic manipulation. With unprecedented precision, scientists can now edit genes in various organisms, holding immense potential for gene therapy, crop improvement, and even the eradication of diseases.

But with great power comes great responsibility, and R-DNA raises a host of ethical concerns.Tinkering with the building blocks of life carries the risk of unintended consequences. Engineered genes could escape and disrupt ecosystems, or modified organisms could have unforeseen health effects. The ability to edit human genes opens the door to designer babies, raising questions about social equity and the potential misuse of the technology for eugenics.

Who Controls the Tools? Access to R-DNA technology could be restricted to wealthy nations or corporations, exacerbating existing inequalities. Biosecurity is also a concern, as the technology could be misused for bioterrorism. Creating entirely new organisms forces us to confront what it means to be "natural." Should we modify plants and animals for human benefit, or preserve their original forms? R-DNA technology is a powerful tool, and we must have open discussions about its ethical implications. Scientists, policymakers, and the public all need to be involved in shaping the future of this technology. As we move forward, open dialogue and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public are crucial to ensure the safe and ethical application of this powerful technology.

The journey of rDNA technology is a testament to human ingenuity and its potential to reshape our world. From decoding the secrets of life to creating solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and beyond, rDNA technology continues to evolve, promising a future filled with exciting possibilities.

[bajecna]

certified fujifilm hater

[mikesassa]

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects 10% of all women between the ages of 12 and 80 years old, and for which there is an urgent need for new treatment options. In a recent article in Cannabis Health, Founder, Chairman & CEO of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals Michael Sassano and Rahim Dhalla, Antuanette Gomez, and Natasha Gomes from Peak Pharm Labs explore how cannabis could be part of the solution.

[biotechstudentlife]

Carbohydrates MCQ 25 Link in bio ☝️ for more mcqs recommendations #biotechnology #biology #science #microbiology #biotech #biochemistry #molecularbiology #research #genetics #scientist #dna #medicine #laboratory #biotechnologist #cellbiology #lab #microbiologist #medical #chemistry #biotechnologystudent #biologystudent #bio #biologymemes #lifescience #neet #bioinformatics #covid #zoology #microscope #bacteria (at Royal City Nanded) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp4AbWivdeN/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[wisdomfish]

Anyone who has looked at the health statistics, medical conditions, and sexually transmitted diseases that characterize the gay male lifestyle will know that such willful destruction of the human body is neither loving nor liberating. 

~ Carl Trueman

[sdsbiology]

It's my life 🙂🧑‍🔬 .. Follow & explore the amazing science world🔬👇 @sdsbiology for exploring the amazing world of biology and science 😍😍❤️#sdsbiology ♡ ㅤ    ❍ㅤ     ⎙ㅤ     ⌲ ˡᶦᵏᵉ ᶜᵒᵐᵐᵉⁿᵗ ˢᵃᵛᵉ ˢʰᵃʳᵉ 🅻🅸🅺🅴 , 🆂🅷🅰🆁🅴 🅰🅽🅳 🅲🅾🅼🅼🅴🅽🆃 .. #medical #biology #cellbiology #college #immunology #genetics #ecology #virus #bacteria #science #microbiology #biotechnology #biotech #zoology #neet #bacteriology #bacteriologia  #hormones #viruses #virology #school #mbbs #instagram #ınstagood #neet #cbse #aiims #glucose #neet . https://www.instagram.com/p/CpnSbl4J1Dh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[wintersbiotechnology]

The Role of Automation in the Biotechnology Company

Competitiveness in the market has made many businesses inflation-sensitive, compelling them to look for ways to cut operational costs and increase overall efficiency.

In this regard, computational workflows are increasingly driving the Biotechnology company’s R&D endeavors. These workflows cover a wide range of activities, making automation essential to sustaining competitiveness. With the industry's growing complexity and volume of data, efficient solutions are necessary to achieve successful results. Read Full Blog Here: https://wintersbiotechnology.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-role-of-automation-in-biotechnology.html

[vindhyavasiniacademy]

[prose2passion]

think this must be the first time I've seen the word "aptamer" on the front page of the Guardian website ...

[science-sculpt]

The T Cell Landscape

T cells, a critical component of the adaptive immune system, stand as the body's elite force in combatting infections and diseases. These specialized lymphocytes boast remarkable diversity, each type playing a distinct role in orchestrating a targeted and effective immune response.

T cells, like all blood cells, originate from hematopoietic stem cells residing in the bone marrow. However, their training ground lies within the thymus, a specialized organ located in the chest. Here, they undergo a rigorous selection process known as thymocyte education. During this process, immature T cells, called thymocytes, are presented with self-antigens (molecules unique to the body) by special cells. Thymocytes that bind too strongly to these self-antigens are eliminated, preventing them from attacking healthy tissues later. Only thymocytes that demonstrate the ability to recognize foreign invaders while exhibiting tolerance to self are released into the bloodstream as mature T cells.

Following this rigorous training, mature T cells exit the thymus and embark on their patrol, circulating throughout the bloodstream and lymphatic system. They remain vigilant, constantly scanning for their specific targets – antigens. Antigens are foreign molecules, such as fragments of viruses, bacteria, or even cancerous cells, that trigger the immune response.

The hallmark of a T cell is its T cell receptor (TCR), a highly specialized protein complex embedded on its surface. This receptor acts like a lock, uniquely shaped to fit a specific antigen, the "key." Each T cell develops a unique TCR capable of recognizing only a single antigen, enabling a highly specific immune response.

But how do T cells encounter these hidden antigens lurking within infected or cancerous cells? This critical role is played by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). APCs, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, engulf pathogens or abnormal cells, break them down into smaller fragments (peptides), and present them on their surface complexed with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. MHC molecules act as identification tags, allowing T cells to distinguish between "self" and "non-self." When a T cell's TCR encounters its specific antigen bound to an MHC molecule on an APC, a dance of activation begins. The T cell becomes stimulated, and a cascade of signaling events is triggered. This leads to the T cell's proliferation, producing an army of clones specifically tailored to combat the recognized threat.

T cells are not a single, monolithic entity. They comprise a diverse population, each type with a specialized function:

Helper T Cells (Th Cells):

Helper T cells, often abbreviated as Th cells, play a central role in coordinating immune responses. They express the CD4 surface marker and can recognize antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules. Subtypes of helper T cells include Th1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), each with distinct functions and cytokine profiles.

Th1 cells mediate cellular immunity by activating macrophages and cytotoxic T cells, crucial for defense against intracellular pathogens.

Th2 cells are involved in humoral immunity, promoting B cell activation and antibody production, thus aiding in defense against extracellular parasites.

Th17 cells contribute to the immune response against extracellular bacteria and fungi, producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) maintain immune tolerance and prevent autoimmunity by suppressing excessive immune responses.

Cytotoxic T Cells (Tc Cells):

Cytotoxic T cells, also known as Tc cells or CD8+ T cells, are effector cells responsible for directly killing infected or aberrant cells. They recognize antigens presented by MHC class I molecules on the surface of target cells. Upon activation, cytotoxic T cells release perforin and granzymes, inducing apoptosis in target cells and eliminating the threat.

Memory T Cells:

Memory T cells are a long-lived subset of T cells that persist after the clearance of an infection. They provide rapid and enhanced immune responses upon re-exposure to the same antigen, conferring immunological memory. Memory T cells can be either central memory T cells (TCM), residing in lymphoid organs, or effector memory T cells (TEM), circulating in peripheral tissues.

γδ T Cells:

Unlike conventional αβ T cells, γδ T cells express a distinct T cell receptor (TCR) composed of γ and δ chains. They recognize non-peptide antigens, such as lipids and metabolites, and are involved in immune surveillance at epithelial barriers and responses to stress signals.

Beyond the Battlefield: The Expanding Roles of T Cells: The remarkable capabilities of T cells have opened doors for several groundbreaking applications in medicine:

Vaccines: By presenting weakened or inactivated forms of pathogens, vaccines "train" the immune system to generate memory T cells. This prepares the body to recognize and rapidly eliminate the real pathogen upon future exposure, preventing disease.

Cancer immunotherapy: CAR T-cell therapy, a revolutionary approach, genetically engineers a patient's own T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognize and target specific cancer cells. These "supercharged" T cells are then reintroduced into the patient, unleashing a potent attack against the tumor.

Autoimmune disease treatment: Researchers are exploring ways to manipulate T cells to suppress harmful immune responses that underlie autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

The diverse array of T cells underscores the immune system's complexity and adaptability in mounting tailored responses against a myriad of threats. From orchestrating immune reactions to maintaining tolerance and establishing long-term immunity, T cells play multifaceted roles in safeguarding the body's health. Understanding the intricacies of T cell biology not only sheds light on immune-mediated diseases but also paves the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies harnessing the power of the immune system.

T cells represent a fascinating aspect of immunology, with their diversity and specificity driving the complexity of immune responses. As research advances, further insights into T cell biology promise to revolutionize immunotherapy and enhance our ability to combat diseases ranging from infections to cancer. By understanding and harnessing their power, we can unlock new avenues for protecting and improving human health.

[traaansfem]

@butterfly-sapphire @witchestower @catboybiologist (please tag some people who know gastroenterology sierra that is NOT my zone of expertise)

Alright, so I found some actual papers on this, and my current suspicion about the function of the appendix is linked to this (assuming a bacterial strain not associated with pathogenicity suddenly becoming malevolent and colonizing areas generally held by other gut flora and causing sickness is a common occurrence in times of famine historically.). ANYWAY. The appendix is known to serve as a reservoir of gut flora, but it has weird stuff going on that didn't fit other models of predicted functions- so I suspect that a good hypothesis to test if these viroid adjacent loose "RNA obelisk" plasmid lookin fuckers would be as follows.

Test for presence of obelisk RNA in mouth/saliva samples, check stool samples, and check other tissues if there are volunteers and people willing to have things stuck up their butt or down their throat for science. Determine if there is a correlation between their presence or absence and gut health (I would assume you want a little- enough to trigger some immune response and keep goblet cells.. well, not sharp per se. But alert.). Lots of confounding variables to control for here, you'd need a broad data set.

Secondarily, if there is some negative health outcome, check against appendicitis and appendectomy tissue samples- that is to say, cross reference appendix samples for the presence of obelisks.

This would serve a preliminary purpose of figuring out if another, more ethically dubious test would be necessary at all.

Because I suspect that these obelisks can be corruptive to the proper function of an individual body's gut microbiome, like virions can be to plant vasculature and development. So if they interfere with the health of a gut microbiome, then it stands to reason that an appendix, which serves as a natural reserve for healthy digestive bacteria would have SOME way to keep them out. My suspicion is that the environment of a healthy appendix is designed to be hostile, even inimical to these obelisks. Thus, I would suspect that RNA detecting macrophages and phagocytic cells would be busying themselves in the appendix, cleaving and destroying invading obelisks to maintain a healthy reserve of gut bacteria. Or perhaps an elevated presence of an extracellular RNA destroying enzyme.

So, assuming that the appendix has some cellular or humoral guard dog mechanism, then loss of function in some phagocytic immune cells, loss of function or lack of function in whichever extracellular RNA cleavage and disintegration enzyme you care to name, temporary or permanent immune system collapse, autoimmune disorders, food poisoning (acute OR chronic), starvation, famine conditions, long term nutrient depletion or deficiencies, mutations in the genes coding for the enzymes that up or downregulate them in ways that result in a depletion of them as the body clears them or overproduces them... All of those could contribute to sudden bacterial or viral infections of the appendix, and particularly if the bacteria was already present and considered trustworthy and non hazardous by pathogen identification pathways. And the swelling and subsequent degeneration of the appendix itself could take days, weeks or even months to be apparent after whatever illness(es) or health issue(s) actually caused the antecedent issue.

The main issue I have with this is that you can establish correlation pretty easily here, but establishing causation would almost certainly necessitate invasive tests, removal of a healthy individual's appendix and immediate study thereof, testing the proteins and enzymes present, and genetic testing to determine if some pathways associated with those enzymes are not present in people who have needed appendectomies.

While you could make an argument that this could be done with organ donors who had given consent to have their bodies used for science, the loss of those organs for harvesting and subsequent transplant would result in disruption of the pathways for the appendix, which would skew data immensely. And an issue with the inverse of that, where you purposefully attempt to disrupt the function of the suspected mechanisms used for keeping the appendix healthy by disrupting the pathways for removal of those suspected causative agents for pathogenicity (RNA obelisks), is that if you get the data you needed, you just gave a coms patient appendicitis and may have ruined their other organs for transplant into other people. Whoopsie.

Anyway, there's a whole medical ethics conundrum and a bioethical tarpit to try to avoid here, so I think it might be best to wait until other people specifically studying the human gut weigh in on safer methodologies.

And that's not even touching on the likelihood of preliminary tests with other animals known to have structures that are both homologous AND analogous to the human appendix (start as low on the phylogenetic tree as you can is the usual rule), before working up to mammals and MAYBE lower primates before even getting CLOSE to humans.

Anyway, that's my 10:50PM to 11:29PM rambles. I'll schedule this one for later tomorrow, and I'll pester some microbiologists and immunologists I know about this.

Of course, this assumes the preprint isn't full of shit, and almost all of the papers promising a dramatic upheaval in biology are. The only reason I'm holding out any hope here is that RNA detection got overhauled a lot for covid detection and subsequent attempts at mitigation via biotechnology, so it MIGHT be possible that we missed this. So far. The specifics are dubious though. I hope they pan out though, this could be monumental! Monolithic, even! Why, you might as well carve it into an obelisk :3

They just discovered a new kind of organism that isn't a virus or bacterium

[cheeseanonioncrisps]

An adaptation of Sherlock Holmes set in a world in which the fictional character/literary juggernaut Sherlock Holmes, and all the subsequent adaptations thereof, still exist.

Sherlock Holmes (pronounced Holl-mess, as he is constantly reminding people) just had the misfortune of having parents who really liked the books, and his attitude towards his fictional counterpart is pretty much the same as that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Sherlock runs a Youtube Theory channel called Mysteries Unwrapped with Sherlock Holmes. He has received no less than seven cease and desist letters from the Conan Doyle estate, all of which he has so faded managed to rebuff by pointing out that that's literally his name.

(No he won't change his name. He's Sherlock Holmes the real live human person. Let Sherlock Holmes the non existent fictional character change his name.)

John is Sherlock's flatmate. Sherlock almost refused to live with him once he realised that it would mean staying with a medical student named John, and only gave in once John pointed out that: a) he's a biomedical student, which is completely different from an md, and b) his surname isn't Watson.

It's now been three years, which is long enough for them to have developed a genuine friendship, and for John to have a) started working towards his PhD in biotechnology, and b) for him to start dating somebody with the surname Watson.

Sherlock can feel the narrative closing in.

His Youtube channel is meant to be focused on lost media, fan theories and stuff like that, but he keeps accidentally stumbling upon and then solving genuine crimes.

His brother Mycroft may or may not have chosen that name after he transitions specifically to annoy him.

He doesn't even live in London, but somehow the only flat they could afford was on a street named fucking Baker Street.

Sherlock Holmes and the Unescapable Power of the Narrative.