Stem cells - The Gods of All Cells - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 7 Words: 2021 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/06/26 Category Biology Essay Level High school Tags: Stem Cell Essay Did you like this example? Abstract Stem cells are literally the gods of all cells. They have the potential to develop into so many different types of cells within the body. For many untreatable neurodegenerative disorders, stem cell research offers great promise and hope for a cure to these progressive diseases. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Stem cells The Gods of All Cells" essay for you Create order Here we discuss what a stem cell is and the basic functions, how it can be used to help alleviate one of the largest symptoms of Alzheimers disease, and research of stem cells on neurological disorders and how stem cell development correlating with Alzheimers can create new experiments for clinical research. The human brain is prone to neurodegeneration and is unable to counteract the neuronal loss by regenerating lost cells. Patients with neurodegenerative conditions progressively lose neurons yet have an absence in the appropriate plasticity response that would replace the lost ones (Tincer, Mashkaryan, Bhattarai Kizil, 2016). Regeneration or neuroreplacement in neurodegenerative diseases may seem like an unattainable goal, however, when you look at model organisms, they may hold potential for advancement in cellular therapies and replacement treatments. Intro: What is a Stem Cell? Stem cell are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. Th ey are a repair system and are different from other cells in the body in a few different ways. The main being that stem cells can divide and renew themselves over a long period of time and are unspecialized; because of this stem cells have the potential to become specialized cells that go on to perform specific functions within the body. Stem cells which divided under the right conditions go on to form more and more daughter cells, some of which become more stem cells while others become specialized cells. Some examples of these specialized cells are heart cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and brain cells. In the past regular connective tissue has been taken by researchers and reprogram to become functional heart cells. In one study, animals with heart failure that were inoculated with new heart cells experienced enhanced heart function and an increase in their survival time (Mayo Clinic, 2018). Stem cells are noted as being one of the bodys raw materials (Mayo Clinic, 2018) meaning all other cells with a specialized function are generated from them. That being said, stem cell s can literally transform into any specialized cell under the right conditions in the body or laboratory setting. Stem cells can be guided into becoming specific cells that can be used to regenerate and repair diseased or damaged tissue within the body (Mayo Clinic, 2018). For various untreatable neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimers disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinsons disease (PD) (the current-approved drugs provide only symptomatic relief) (Bali, Lahiri, Banik, Nehru, Anand, 2017), stem cell therapy gives potential to be used in the regrowth of new tissue systems for use in transplant and regenerative medicine. Some Fun Summaries of Scholarly Papers In an article published in 2012 by Jun Tang, it was discussed how close a stem cell cure really was to Alzheimers disease. Alzheimers disease (AD), Parkinsons disease and Huntingtons disease occur as a result of the neurodegeneration process. There is no current proven cure for AD, drug therapy can only improve cognitive symptoms temporarily and no treatment options can stop, reverse or even slow down the rate that Alzheimers affects the brain. Non-drug treatments such as behavioral interventions and gene therapy can only bring temporary symptomatic relief but still does not stop the progression of this disease. Neurogenesis has been proven to exist in restricted regions of the adult brain, this is supported by the identification of neural stem cells which suggests that the adult central nervous system may be open to cell intervention. A combination of psychosocial, behavioral, and pharmacologic strategies intends to slow the process of Alzheimers and preserve the quality of life for as long as possible. A neuro-replacement strategy would undoubtedly become more viable as we develop our understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and aid in research aiming to clarify the physiological role of neural stem cells in the adult brain (Tang 2012). In 2016, an article by Tincer, Mashkaryan, Mhattarai, and Kizil was published stating how neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) can be used as a therapeutic approach to reverse or slow the loss of affected neurons. Stem cells could provide an environmental support to residing neurons by creating neurotrophic factors and creating additional neural networks in affected areas. In a healthy brain, the NSPCs are the multipotent stem cells that are capable of production, self-renewal, and generation of new neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Enhancing their production rate and vari ation size, combined with new methods aiming to increase the survival and integration of neurons into the brains circuitry may provide a regenerative contribution in a highly unfavorable neurodegenerative environment. It was discussed how zebrafish can be used as a model organism due to their extensive regenerative ability in the brain and this may address the molecular programs needed to counteracted neurodegeneration by enhanced neurogenesis. The programs in the zebrafish brain may show the difference between the neurogenic abilities of NSPCs and the regenerative capabilities of their brains in correspondence to mammalian brains. By studying the zebrafish brains there is an opportunity to understand how vertebrates could efficiently form neurons after neuron loss. Although the zebrafish brain does not reflect the exact same physiological and neurochemical complexity of the human brain, they do have highly conserved phylogenetic similarity to humans in brain structure, neuronal types and developmental terms (Tincer, Mashkaryan, Mhattarai, and Kizil, 2016). New Application: Stem Cells and Alzheimers Alzheimers disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative illness and the most common form of dementia. AD is a progressive disease meaning that the dementia symptoms associated with it gradually worsen over time. In the early phases, memory loss is mild but as time goes on individuals lose the ability to converse with others a nd respond properly to their environmental stimuli. AD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with this disease live maybe an average of eight years after their symptoms become noticeable to others but the survival range can go from four to twenty years depending on the individuals age, lifestyle, and other health conditions (Alzheimers Association, n.d.). Alzheimers disease is characterized by two types of abnormal brain structures: amyloid-beta (A) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (Harvard, n.d.). A plaques are kind of like sticky clumps of protein bits that accumulate around and attack brain cells. These protein plaques in the brain could be created as our immune system fights off invading microbes but overall the function of the plaques still remains unclear (Ananthaswamy, 2016). Neurofibrillary tangles are twisted fibers of protein that build up inside the neurons of Alzheimers patients. The memory loss and communication problems typical of AD dont normally appear until after age sixty because it takes time for these structures to accumulate (Harvard, n.d.). There is not a current prevention method nor cure for Alzheimers disease (Tang, 2012). There are some treatments for the symptoms, but these remedies cannot stop the progression of AD. That being said, one of the symptoms that could potentially be alleviated by the use of a neural stem cell transplant is an individuals memory. Memory is located in a few areas of the brain, but some of the primary areas would be the pref rontal cortex, temporal lobes, and the hippocampus. The prefrontal cortex plays a key role in the processing of short-term memory and retaining long-term memories. The temporal lobes process the semantics in both speech and vision including the processing of complex stimuli such as faces, and scenes aid in the formation and retention of long-term memory (Mastin, n.d.). The hippocampus plays a role in the formation of new memories and the detection of new surroundings, occurrences, and stimuli (Mandal, 2018). Basically, all memories have to go through the hippocampus in order to be sent to the location in the brain in which theyll be stored, many of the memories being sent to the temporal lobes and the prefrontal cortex. By doing a cellular replacement procedure, there could be a potentially increase the neuroplasticity in the brain by creating new synapses in these specific areas of degeneration to help retain memories. Cellular replacement implicates the substitution of specific neuronal subtypes lost in disease and successive grafting into affected areas (Tincer, Mashkaryan, Bhattarai Kizil, 2016). To state the procedure in lament terms, one would go into the brain of the patient and take biopsies of diseased cells from the prefrontal cortex, temporal lobes, and hippocampus. Once taken out, the original neural cells taken from the brain would be disregarded and traded out for embryonic stem cells. The embryonic stem cells would be modified with a basic protocol for the directed differentiation and selected precursors in order to turn them into the neural cells we are looking to replicate before transplantation into the brain. The newly transplanted cells should integrate and recapitulate a neural network similar to that of a healthy brain. Replenishing these areas with new regenerated cells to help prolong memory of the individual, the potential increase in the end quality of life would be incalculable. By increasing the amount of time of AD patients have with some sort of improved memory retention there is no telling what the benefits could be. One of the worst factors of caring for a person diagnosed with Alzheimers is seeing them forget their loved ones and their very familiar surroundings. If cellular replacement could increase the neuroplasticity of these three primary memory locations, it may be easier on the caretakers and patients who are affected by Alzheimers due to the potential retention of core memories such as where the individual lives, basic hygiene and daily routine, and remembering faces of their close family and friends. Although this would not be stopping the progression of the degeneration on the whole brain, by trying to salvage these parts the potential end quality of life would skyrocket. Conclusion In theory, there is no limit to the number of neurodegenerative diseases that could be treated with stem cell research. These complex disorders have various cell types in which cellular therapies may just be the key to unlocking the cure or at least help in the alleviation of symptoms caused by them. Neurogenesis has been proven to exist in restricted regions of the adult brain which suggests that the adult central nervous system may be open to cell intervention. Neural cellular replacement requires new research and methods in order to work around the hurdles of reverting neuronal death, preventing synaptic degeneration, and encouraging the increase in plasticity of neural stem cells. Since humans lack the proper plasticity response, looking to model organisms might play a key role in finding genetic tools needed to decrease the rate of neurodegeneration in humans. Although most of these studies are performed in embryonic stages or stopped generating a progressing neurodegeneration model that could be addressed in adult stages. Works Cited: Alzheimers Association. (n.d.). What Is Alzheimers? Retrieved November 29, 2018, from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers Ananthaswamy, A. (2016, May 25). Alzheimers may be caused by brains sticky defence against bugs. Retrieved November 29, 2018, from https://www.newscientist.com/article/2090221-alzheimers-may-be-caused-by-brains-sticky-defence-against-bugs/ Bali, P., Lahiri, D. K., Banik, A., Nehru, B., Anand, A. (2017). Potential for Stem Cells Therapy in Alzheimers Disease: Do Neurotrophic Factors Play Critical Role? Current Alzheimer Research,14(2), 208-220. doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f Harvard Stem Cell Institute. (n.d.). Alzheimers Disease. Retrieved November 29, 2018, from https://hsci.harvard.edu/alzheimers-disease-0 Mandal, A. (2018, August 23). Hippocampus Functions. Retrieved November 30, 2018, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Hippocampus-Functions.aspx Mastin, L. (n.d.). Parts of the Brain. Retrieved November 29, 2018, from https://www.human-memory.net/brain_parts.html Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, October 24). Stem cells: What they are and what they do. Retrieved November 29, 2018, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/stem-cell-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/ART-20048117?p=1 Tang, J. (2012). How close is the stem cell cure to the Alzheimers disease. Neural Regeneration Research,7(1), 66-71. doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f Tincer, G., Mashkaryan, V., Bhattarai, P., Kizil, C. (2016). Neural stem/progenitor cells in Alzheimers disease. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine,89(1), 23-35. doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f

Why I Be Socially Compatible With Other Members Of A Group

Introduction Fitting in with society is a very important thing today. To fit in and be accepted by their friends and the public, many teenagers change numerous different aspects of their personality to fit in with others so that they will feel that they belong with everyone else. I personally believe that everyone should be themselves and not change their personality to fit in with others. By finding out the reasons why people want to fit in and how they feel about fitting in, I hope to change people’s mindsets about fitting in and their self-identities, and that they will realize that it is okay to be themselves and not change anything about themselves. Definitions and Understanding What is the true meaning of fitting in? The term â€Å"fitting in† means â€Å"to be socially compatible with other members of a group†, as quoted from the Oxford Dictionary. To be â€Å"socially compatible†, one must be harmonious, well-suited and exist without conflict in an organization or particular group of society. Why do teenagers want to fit in? Humans have a natural need to fit in. For teenagers, fitting in is even more important than it was when they were little kids and more than it will ever be when they grow up to become working adults with careers and children. In the world of high school, the social food chain is a vicious occurrence. To a lot of people, not fitting in means that you are not liked, that you are uncool and that you don’t belong. Nobody wants to feel like they don’t belong,Show MoreRelatedJohn Stuart Mill Essay1369 Words   |  6 PagesMajorities tend to prevent any opportunity that a minority group might have to gain support for a contradicting opinion. It is incredibly easy for members of society to abandon their beliefs in the midst of an overpowering majority. 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psychological-size

Question: How does the concept of psychological size connect with our discussion here on power. Further, how does upward and downward communication relate to our conversation here on power? Answer: The psychological size concept has a special importance when it comes to positions of authority. This power can lead to there being an influence on the process of communication. Psychological size also affects the people determining the manner in which things are being done (Wong, Wong, Heng, 2007). Power can also lead to there being reluctance towards a two-way communication and leading to a communication being one way since there might be reluctance in the people to offend the people in power (Franke, 1993). Reference Franke, R. (1993). The Ultimate Advantage: Creating the High-Involvement Organization.Academy Of Management Perspectives,7(1), 105-106. https://dx.doi.org/10.5465/ame.1993.9409142063 Wong, J., Wong, P., Heng, L. (2007). An investigation of leadership styles and relationship cultures of Chinese and expatriate managers in multinational construction companies in Hong Kong.Construction Management And Economics,25(1), 95-106. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01446190600632573

What to Do the Summer Before College

Congratulations, Senior! You made it! Your hard work and all-nighters have paid off. You’ll soon join the college community youve chosen to be a part of for the next 4 years. There’s so much to be excited for in the fall but unbridled enthusiasm only gets you so far. Use your summer wisely to prepare for freshman year. Youll thank your past self later. Figure Out Financial Aid Understanding financial aid award letters can often be a confusing process, so take your time with this and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Take advantage of online resources, and contact your college’s financial aid office if you have any questions that they can clear up. Understand Your College’s Core Curriculum Most colleges have a set of courses or goals that they require students to fulfill in some manner by gradation. They are intended to expose students to a variety of disciplines and skills, leading to a more well-rounded education that will benefit students in the workforce. Learn about your college’s requirements by doing some research, and try to work out how you intend to fulfill them early on. Register for Classes This is a big one. At some colleges, freshmen get the last pick for classes, so do this early. Try to get your requirements out of the way, because freshman year is generally the best time to do this. You can worry about your department and major-specific courses later on. Buy Your Textbooks Once you know your schedule, get this out of the way so you can avoid the crowd. Keep an eye out for online deals, and remember that renting and borrowing textbooks can often lower costs. You want to be prepared for your first week of classes in college! Participate in Orientation Programs Orientation is your first opportunity to really get acquainted with college in the fall. If you’re close enough to attend, try to do so. Prepare yourself according to your school’s instructions, and use this chance to get to know the campus better. Orientations usually have activities and programs such as icebreaker activities, campus tours, discussions with current students, and sessions about important information that you’ll need during your time in college, so take advantage of the information that is offered to you to prepare yourself for the fall semester. Also, meet new people and make friends! It’s always a plus. How are you spending your summer before college? Share your by creating a profile and uploading your successful application materials. You get earn money by helping future applicants better understand the college application process.Join now!