Monthly Archives: January 2023

Will mRNA-Based Therapeutics be the Future of Medicine?

Current mRNA researchers have their sights set on treating cancer, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and many other diseases. Will mRNA therapeutics amount to more than their viral protection against Covid-19?

Messenger RNA or mRNA strand 3D rendering illustration with copy space. Genetics, science, medical research, genome replication concepts.

Digital representation of mRNA structure. Source

The covid-19 pandemic led to the first mass production of mRNA vaccines. Under the urgency of the global pandemic scientists worked collaboratively and tirelessly to quickly produce this vaccine.

The global success of the vaccine has brought great attention to developing mRNA therapeutics. These therapeutics are being studied to treat cancer, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, heart failure, and even food allergies.

So, when will this all be available?

Unfortunately, there are still some kinks to work out.

Currently small molecules make up 90% of pharmaceutical drugs. These organic compounds have dominated the medical world as they can enter cells and, in many variations, act precisely on cellular targets responsible for disease.

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) currently rely on small molecule drugs. The drug Trikafta was approved for use by health Canada in 2022 and has significantly improved lives of CF patients who

CF is caused by the loss of function in the CFTR protein. Trikafta works to help return the CFTR to normal function.

mRNA therapy for CF would work differently. mRNA could give the patient the genetic information to produce the fully functional protein in their cells.

Chemical laboratory research. Vaccine discovery concept. Scientists with flasks, microscope and computer working on antiviral treatment development. Vector illustration in flat cartoon style

Scientists! source

Despite carrying DNA which codes for the dysfunctional CFTR protein a cell could produce the functional protein and reverse the disease.

As great as that sounds, it will be sometime for mRNA therapeutics to overtake the use of organic drugs for cystic fibrosis. As of now most clinical trials are still struggling to see mRNA meet full potential.

For now, small molecule drugs hold their place as the number one drug type.

Researchers are working tirelessly to prove promise of revolutionary therapeutics for the significant human diseases is not just a pipe dream.

It is safe to say these new therapeutics mRNA are worth keeping an eye on.

A green future for ammonia

Chemists from the University of California, Berkley (UCB) have designed a new material that could reduce the energy requirements of the Haber-Bosch process. The group hopes their research, published January 11th 2023, will conserve energy and lead to a “greener” future for ammonia and fertilizer production.

Current infrastructure needed to maintain the pressure and temperature required for the Haber-Bosch process source

The Haber-Bosch process has been the main method for producing ammonia since its invention over 100 years ago. It is widely considered one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20^th century. Yet, despite its important role producing ammonia for agricultural fertilizer, its industrial synthesis continues to be energy inefficient.

High temperatures and pressures are needed to produce ammonia which must then be extracted to be used. Conventionally, the reaction mixture is cooled from 500℃ to -20℃. This condenses the synthesized ammonia and separates it from the remaining chemicals. However, cooling the mixture while maintaining the pressure of 300 atmospheres accounts for a large proportion of the processes’ energy loss.

Benjamin Snyder, who leads the UCB research group, said it was this extraction step that his team sought to improve by “finding a material where you can capture and then release very large quantities of ammonia, ideally with a minimal input of energy”.

These requirements led the research group to create a metal-organic framework (MOF) material. The MOF had a crystal structure made from copper atoms linked to cyclohexane dicarboxylate molecules. The crystalline structure gave the material unique properties suited for its use in ammonia extraction.

Structure of the cyclohexane dicarboxylate molecule used to make the MOF source

When exposed to ammonia the material changes its structure from a rigid crystal to a loosely packed and porous polymer. The polymer form can readily store a large amount of ammonia within it which can then be released with cooling. The result is that ammonia can be extracted 195℃ above the temperature required by current methods and at half the pressure.

Not only would the MOF save energy in the extraction process but, interestingly, after releasing the ammonia “the polymer somehow weaves itself back into a three-dimensional framework” says Snyder. This mechanism, which is still being studied, allows the MOF to be used repeatably.

With the Haber-Bosch process using 1% of the world’s energy, the research done by Snyder and his group is an important step in producing a greener future for ammonia.

Enzymes – A Solution in the War Against Plastics

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, today, “about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste” is produced every year. The amount of plastic waste generated has risen significantly in a single decade compared to the last 40 years.

One of the biggest problem with plastic waste is that plastics can not breakdown in a short period of time. It can take up to 500 – 800 years for a piece of plastic to be broken down by UV radiation – light from the sun.

Plastic waste along the shoreline. Source

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have invented a new way to decompose polyester based plastics much quicker. Simply with heat, water, and nano-dispersed enzymes.

Dr. Ting Xu, a UC, Berkeley professor and her research group developed an enzyme that is able to eat away at the polymers in plastics. These nanoscale polymer-eating enzymes are embedded into plastics as they are being made. To prevent the enzymes from activating when not required, a random heteropolymer (RHP) coating is applied to hold the enzymes without restricting the flexibility of tensicity of the plastics.

Plastic cups made from biodegradable plastics. Source

The enzymes were wrapped around plastic resin beads. These beads were then melted and molded into usable consumer plastics. Xu likened this process to organic composting. By adding water and heat, the enzymes, the RHP polymer coating is removed and starts eating away the polymers into smaller subunits.

The research conducted by Xu and her group found that the enzymes took about a week to degrade most of the plastics. Polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) based plastics embedded with nanoscale polymer eating enzymes are able to break down the polymer chains into small molecules, such as lactic acid.

It is clear that there is still more research needed in this field. Currently, Xu is developing other modified RHP-wrapped enzymes that can stop the degradation process at specific points in it’s degradation so that the polymers can be recycled into new plastics.

Moving forward, Xu has high hopes for the polymer eating enzymes to change the way we look at recycling and that it will start a conversation about the way humans interact with the Earth.

According to Xu, “[humans] are taking things from the earth at a faster rate than we can return them. Don’t go back to Earth to mine for these materials but mine whatever you have, and then convert it to something else.”

~ Raymond Tang

Soy Sauce in Skin Care: The Rise of Kojic Acid

Soy sauce, sake, and skincare all have one thing in common — Kojic Acid.

Kojic acid, a by-product of soy sauce and sake production, is currently a debated skincare ingredient.

Due to various beauty influencers on platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube celebrating kojic acid as a miracle whitening product, it is important to understand the true abilities and downfalls of this ingredient.

This ingredient is highly sought after due to its skin-whitening properties. Particularly, the acid is being used to spot treat hyperpigmentation from sun spots and acne scars.

Kojic acid’s skin whitening features are derived from its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme needed to produce the skin pigment melanin. While kojic acid should not be used to lighten overall skin complexion, its “mild antioxidant, antimicrobial, and exfoliating properties,” according to Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, makes it suitable for small-scale skin lightening.

Chemical Structure of Kojic Acid (Credit: Fuzzform, Wikipedia)

Despite its generally mild properties, kojic acid should still be used with caution. Prolonged use may cause increased sensitivity to sun exposure and dermatitis for those with sensitive skin. These side effects are exacerbated when kojic acid concentration exceeds 1%.

Popular skincare brands are saturating the market with kojic acid. The compound can be combined with other well-known ingredients, such as vitamin C, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and hydroquinone.

Depending on the additional ingredients, kojic acid can be diluted to be tolerable for sensitive skin or compounded to accelerate whitening abilities.

Kojic acid can currently be found in various forms to suit consumer preferences. Currently, the most sought-after forms of kojic acid are

SkinC euticals’ Discoloration Defense serum, Koji White’s Kojic Acid Skin Brightening Soap, and Versed Skin’s Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Facial Toner.

SkinCeuticals’ Discoloration Defense serum (Credit: SkinCeuticals’)

Koji White’s Kojic Acid Skin Brightening Soap (Credit: Amazon)

– Carissa Chua

Blue Light – A Propagated Myth

Unsplash Photo by Ales Nesetril (Editorial, Technology)

Blue light from electronic devices does not damage the eyes, but it may damage your sleep.

The lie propagated is unfounded in science and was debunked. Those spreading it are misinformed and scientifically uneducated.

Light sources such as incandescence (light bulbs) and LEDs emit a broad spectrum of light, namely 380 to 700 nanometers (nm). Blue light is in the 400 – 450 nm range, carrying more energy compared to red light, which raises concern.

Our retinas regularly absorb blue light emitted by the sun, and for over 300,000 years has been the case and proven not to be damaging – otherwise, we would be blind.

In addition, device intensities are much less than the sun and are regulated by manufacturers using light filters.

According to Dr. Ramsey, a Havard Health Publishing Contributor, and Director of Ophthalmic Research at Lahey Massachusets Hospital, “many retail stores have ambient illumination twice as great…as your iPhone. [Yet] the sun yields illumination ten times greater!”

He also adds that using devices late at night mimics sunlight, restraining the production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone. This stimulates your circadian clock (your body’s 24 hr sleep clock), tending to delay your sleep cycles, disrupting your sleep, and increasing drowsiness the following morning.

By stopping using electronic devices 30 minutes before bed, you can increase REM (deep-stage sleep), reduce morning drowsiness, and maintain a consistent circadian rhythm, which in itself has its own benefits.

In short, do your own research before propagating a supposed “scientific claim,” and reduce your screen time before bed.

~ Octavian Turner

A Breakthrough in Nuclear Fusion

On December 5th 2022, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the United States successfully created the reaction that powers the sun – nuclear fusion ignition – for the first time in human history.

Announced by the US Department of Energy on December 13th, this “historic, first-of-its-kind” achievement has excited the scientific community because of its potential as a clean energy source.

Inside the LLNL’s National Ignition Facility, where the experiment took place. Credit: LLNL

To achieve fusion ignition, the scientists had constructed “the world’s most energetic laser”, consisting of 192 laser beams, and aimed it at a small canister containing the compounds deuterium and tritium. They were able to generate 3.15 megajoules of energy from an input of 2.05 megajoules, a markup of 54%.

This result – more than 60 years after researchers first began to study fusion – proved that controlled nuclear fusion that produces more energy than it consumes is possible.

Depiction of fusion: deuterium(D) and tritium(T) fuse to form the larger Helium(He) and release energy. Credit: US Department of Energy

Nuclear fusion – the process that allows the Sun to emit vast amounts of energy in the form of light and heat – involves the joining of two atoms of a lighter element to form a heavier one, and in the process releases a lot of energy. Compared to nuclear fission, which is how nuclear power plants generate energy, fusion is much more powerful and also much cleaner as it does not produce radioactive materials as a byproduct.

For these reasons many believe that nuclear fusion is a promising avenue for sustainable and eco-friendly energy in the future.

However, there is still a long way to go until fusion could be viable for commercial use. When asked to comment on the time needed, Kim Budil, the director of the LLNL, stated that “It’s probably two or three decades. Scaling from where we are today to what you would require for a power-generating plant is a pretty significant challenge.”

Director Kim Budil announcing the achievement of fusion ignition in December 2022. Credit: Mary Calvert/REUTERS

Moving forward, the over 8,000 engineers, physicists, and chemists at the LLNL and researchers worldwide will have to find ways to conduct fusion ignition more quickly and cheaply, while also generating much more power. According to Budil, “What we need now is a scientific and investment strategy that allows us to make progress on all of these fronts simultaneously… [because] we need gain of a few hundred to make an energy system.”

Despite the many challenges ahead, Tim Luce, one of the leaders of the international fusion research project ITER, remains hopeful. “A result like this will bring increased interest in the progress of all types of fusion, so it should have a positive impact on fusion research in general,” he states.

~ Rebecca Yang

Hyaluronic Acid – The new skincare regime

Hyaluronic acid(HA) has been around in the science community for quite a while, however, only recently gain recognition from the general public through its extraordinary performance in the beauty industry. Hyaluronic acid became trending in 2021, in the period where, because of Covid, skincare users have lots of time do our own research, thus learn about our skin type and what is right for our skin. Us beauty gurus comes to love HA for its affordability, great benefits, importantly, its suitability toward dry, oily, and even sensitive skin.

What is Hyaluronic acid (HA)? Commonly present in our household in the form of beauty products, eyedrops, topical medications, and more. HA is a glycosaminoglycan that is nonsulfated and non-protein, which can be found in our skin, eyes, joints… (1) Specifically, one HA molecule contains 2 unit of sugars, glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-glucosamine, connecting to another HA molecule creating a polymer. (3)

The nice thing about HA is its viscosity and elasticity, these two properties make HA a great lubricant, also, give it the ability to retain moisture and water. (2) In our daily life, HA’s moisture retention proves to be beneficial. Products such as moisturizers, skin/hair serum, toner (AHA/BHA), exfoliator, shampoo,… are various forms of hydrating treatments. In the medical field, HA is widely recommended by doctors and dermatologist for its great ability to heal tissues and regenerate new skin.

Carcinogen Detected in Dry Shampoo Products

Consumers and retail workers hurried to remove dry shampoo brands, such as Dove, Bed Head, and TRESemmé, from their shelves due to the detection of carcinogenic benzene.

The recall, announced by Unilever on October 18, 2022, applies to more than 1.5 million products sold from January 2020 to October 2022.

Aerosol products could be contaminating your air (Source: Robert Howie on flickr)

Benzene is a known human carcinogen, increasing the risk of leukemia and blood cancer in bone marrow.

Volcanoes and forest fires naturally introduce the compound into the environment, and we inhale low doses daily from human-related activities. The American Cancer Society recommends steering clear of second-hand smoke and car exhaust to decrease exposure.

Within weeks of the recall announcement, Valisure, an independent laboratory, submitted a Citizen Petition on Benzene in Dry Shampoo Products to the Food and Drug Administration.

Benzene structure (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

The study sampled air contaminated with dry shampoo products, and 11 samples exhibited benzene levels ten times the FDA limit of 2 parts per million. The persistent high concentration of benzene after product use indicates possible short- and long-term effects.

Unilever’s independent study assured customers that the amount of benzene in the products was “not expected to cause adverse health consequences”. In contrast, Health Canada received calls describing incidents or injuries related to dry shampoo products. Typically, customer injuries were irritations or allergic reactions.

In December of 2021, Proctor & Gamble removed Pantene, Aussie and Herbal Essence dry shampoo and conditioner sprays from stores. On July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson recalled five Aveeno and Neutrogena spray sunscreens.

Valisure submitted multiple other Citizen Petitions regarding benzene contamination in consumer products, including body sprays, hand sanitizers, anti-fungal sprays and antiperspirants.

Obviously, benzene in aerosol products is no longer an uncommon occurrence.

Consumers should opt for powders and lotions as often as possible…or risk another recall.

Julia Sawitsky