Author Archives: nadiakari

UBC Researcher Develops a Game Changing Drug

Posted on November 28, 2012 | Leave a comment

Image courtesy of:
http://www.orkin.com/flies/sand-flies/

Dr. Kishor Wasan is an independent researcher currently working at the University of British Columbia. His research team at the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is dedicated to developing a treatment for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) VL is a parasitic disease spread by infected sand flies that targets the liver, spleen, and bone marrow and can lead to symptoms such as fever, weight loss and fatigue. Once infected with VL, the individual is unable to fight off the disease and will ultimately die if left untreated.

People living in developing nations and third world countries are at high risk for this disease, and an estimated 60,000 deaths occur annually due to VL in these areas. It is common in areas with high population density and climates that frequently experience droughts and famines. Many North Americans are unfamiliar with VL, even though it is a lot more relevant to us than we may realise. India, Brasil, and Africa have become popular sites for tourists which has resulted in an increase in North American exposure to this disease. Therefore, the number of VL cases are rising because people that visit these countries are contracting the parasite.

Image courtesy of:
http://bit.ly/Y82rCn

Unfortunately, there are only a few treatment options available that eliminate the deadly effects of VL. Currently, the most effective treatment being used is an antibiotic called Amphotericin B, or AmB. The version of AmB being used for the initial treatment is Liposomal AmB, and it is composed of AmB along with several other chemical compounds that form a lipid vesicle around the molecule.  Liposomal AmB has proven to be less toxic to the patient which allows for increased dosages. However, Liposomal AmB must be given by IV to the patient, requiring the need for a sterile hospital setting and trained personnel. As a result, the high cost and complex methods of administering the drug makes it unattainable for most infected patients in developing countries. People are dying every day because they don’t have access to medication.

Dr. Kishor Wasan and his team of researchers set out on a study to solve the barriers caused by Liposomal AmB. They aimed to develop an oral version of AmB that would be stable at tropical climate temperatures (30-43°C) while effectively treating VL. They developed and tested four new oral AmB drugs on mice subjects. Out of these four drugs, they discovered that one in particular was quite successful in treating the disease. This new oral AmB, which is known as iCo-010,  showed results of VL inhibition as high as 99%.  iCo-010 is the first oral AmB that has successfully shown to have such an impact on eradicating VL from an infected host.

As advancements in developing an effective drug to treat VL progress in the Wasan lab, the future of this disease seems brighter. Dr. Wasan refers to his development of the oral form of AmB as a “game changer” in the playing field of this infectious disease. The success of iCo-010 functioning as a stable and effective drug in treating VL may overcome the limitations set by the current treatment options. Combined with prevention techniques and Dr. Wasan’s new oral treatment, thousands of lives can be saved and the eradication of Visceral Leishmaniasis has become a possibility in the near future.

A descriptive look on biological processes behind the contraction of Visceral Leishmaniasis:

A discussion with Dr. Kishor Wasan about Visceral Leishmaniasis:

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By: Nadia Kari, Mokhan Kim, Deborah Lo & Alexandra Warren

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Posted in Biological Sciences, Issues in Science, Outreach Project

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Earthquaking!

Posted on October 29, 2012 | 1 comment

A powerful wave of energy moves beneath your feet, knocking you over. The ground violently shakes, glass rattles, and big buildings sway side to side. Earthquake!

The earth’s crust is split into several plates which are constantly moving. Even though this movement is occurring at a slow rate, the resulting impact on the earth is significant. These plates can  collide, separate, or slide past each other.  The movement of the plates in different directions causes breaks to form in the earth’s crust.  These breaks are known as faults. The faults tend to become locked in position, due to all of the friction that is happening. However, even though these faults become locked, the tectonic forces continue. The forces on these faults build up and eventually release. This surge of energy that’s released is the earthquake that we feel.

Map of the Major Tectonic Plates of the world
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/blatantworld/5051807235/

Earthquakes are estimated to occur 500,000 times a year. In Canada alone, there are over 4,000 earthquakes annually. Many of these earthquakes happen without us noticing them, while other quakes are more severe and result in damage, and even death.  There are many different outlets dedicated to keeping track of all the earthquakes that are happening, such as EarthquakesCanada, which is a website run by Natural Resources Canada.

Being prepared for an earthquake is the best, and only, way to deal with this natural disaster. A community’s preparedness for an earthquake is determined by several factors. For example, how well the surrounding infrastructure would hold up and emergency survival kits in the homes of the community members represents the preparedness of people. Since these quakes are happening often, one would assume that anyone who could be affected by an earthquake would be prepared and knowledgeable about earthquakes. However, many local communities are not as prepared for earthquakes as they need to be.

Picture of destruction of Haiti after an earthquake
from: http://www.fotopedia.com/items/flickr-4274634000

A recent investigation by an insurance company in Canada discussed the lack of preparedness of Canadian cities for if an earthquake struck. They talked about how many buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and fire halls, need to be made earthquake proof. Also, the insurers recommend investing in our electrical and transportation systems in Canadian cities to prepare for these unavoidable quakes. If these protection plans are put into place now, the financial and mortality damages caused by an earthquake can be significantly lowered.

An Earthquake Emergency Survival Kit
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/globalx/5532445369/

A survey conducted showed that 60% of Canadians do not have an emergency survival kit in their homes, and 70% do not even have an emergency plan. Shockingly, these people are all living in a country that experiences thousands of earthquakes a year. This lack of preparedness in the majority of homes of Canadians can result in unnecessary damages, injuries, and death. In order to protect themselves, families must implement an emergency plan for their homes. However, it is not just the initial emergency that is of concern. After an earthquake has occurred, families must ensure they are equipped with the right tools necessary to properly survive.

When an earthquake strikes, will you be prepared?

By: Nadia Kari

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Posted in Issues in Science, Science in the News

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On thin ice.

Posted on October 8, 2012 | 1 comment

Climate change has been occurring at a global level, and as the temperatures rise, so does the threat on the survival of baby seal pups in the Arctic. The Arctic, which is home to Harp seals (scientifically known as Pagophilus groenlandicus), has lost half of its ice volume in the past 8 years. As these polar ice caps are shrinking, the baby seals dependant on this ice are put at risk.

Baby Seals in the Arctic :

A seal on a patch of ice
from:http://www.public-domain-image.com/fauna-animals-public-domain-images-pictures/seals-and-sea-lions-public-domain-images-pictures/harbor-seal-pictures/harbor-seal-on-patch-of-ice-floating-in-water-phoca-vitulina.jpg.html

Female seals search for specific ice conditions on which they birth their pups from February-March. Thick ice conditions are necessary for nursing and raising these pups.  The mothers must find regions of thick, solid ice ranging from 15 cm – 120 cm thick. The ice must be stable because after 12 days of nursing, the mother leaves the pup by itself for 1 month on this region of ice. The pup practises hunting in nearby waters and continuously returns to the ice to rest. This growth period on the ice is crucial to the survival of the seal because as April approaches, the waters warm and the ice begins to break. Once the ice breaks apart, the pup must have become strong enough to swim and be independent of the ice. If it hasn’t achieved this at this point, it can drown from exhaustion or be crushed by moving ice.

Climate Change in Polar Regions:

Satelite composites of sea ice extent at the Summer Minimum, in September 1979 and 2007.
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/climatesafety/3268623163/

Greenhouses gases, mostly produced through various activities of the human population, has lead to an increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. The effects of this have greatly impacted the Arctic regions of our planet.The ice of the Arctic is drastically disintegrating, and over the past few decades the ice used by seals has noticeably reduced. Global warming can be thought of as a vicious cycle, because since the Arctic ocean is unable to ventilate nearby oceans properly, it’s causing more warming. Furthermore, the melting of the ice causes there to be less reflection of the suns heat. This means that the heat is being absorbed by the earth, ultimately leading to more warming.

Baby Seals feeling the heat:

The premature warming of the waters and drastic melting of the ice at the polar caps is directly affecting the ice on which pups develop and grow. Harp seals prefer the thickest ice to birth and nurse their pups. However, these pups are being put at risk during their most vulnerable state due to the climate change that’s occurring. As a result, baby seals are being crushed or drowning. A study has shown that seal deaths have risen in response to the loss of sea ice. Without a doubt, the pup mortality rate is being affected by the amount of declining ice at the Arctic regions.

Since seals are unable to control this situation, let alone raise awareness to this topic, it’s our responsibility to come together to form a solution for the problem we have created. Otherwise, soon we will all be on thin ice.

By: Nadia A. Kari

 

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Posted in Issues in Science, Science in the News, Uncategorized

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The curiosity about Curiosity!

Posted on September 17, 2012 | 3 comments

Curiosity is exactly what lead to the creation of Curiosity. That may sound strange if you haven’t been following NASA’s latest venture onto Mars!

Planet Mars
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47738026@N05/6859874535/in/set-72157624037672337/

 

NASA and the Curiosity Rover:

Curiosity Rover
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/6332896370/in/set-72157627974209237/

NASA created the Curiosity Rover, a six-wheeled spacecraft that’s powered by a radioisotope power source and is equipped with mobile ability, computers, cameras, a robotic arm, and more. It was sent to determine if there’s places on Mars where the evolution of microbial organisms may have been possible. It will be looking out for water footprints that may be present on Mars. If these, or any other organic compounds are found, it could lead to conclusions that Mars has supporting factors for life.

Feeding our curiosity about the Curiosity Rover:

All around the world curiosity has risen about the $2.5 billion Rover and it’s activity on the fourth planet from the sun. People worldwide have been following the updates of the Rover since its landing.

An image taken by Curiosity Rover of Mars
from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30974264@N02/7795559728/

Since it’s landing on Aug. of 2012, Curiosity has been undergoing tests, such as checking the Robotic Arm and cameras. Up to now, the Rover has performed functions such as driving 82 metres on the planet and firing lasers. Notably, it has provided us with many images.

The Curiosity continues:

There’s been lots of discourse regarding whether the money spent on this mission was worth it. The internet, newsroom & media outlets have been buzzing with information, updates, and many debates. Much has scrutinized about the expenditures of the mission, however it’s undeniable that Curiosity’s journey is fascinating, and may lead to ground-breaking findings. NASA has gone under criticism for the budgeting of the project. However, NASA has been a front runner in developing much of the technology we use, and that makes me confident that the mission will ultimately prove useful.

It’s undeniable that an extremely large sum of money went towards funding this project, however scientists agree that if humanity wishes to continue to exist, space exploration could prove to be necessity. Furthermore, NASA’s come under fire for what some critics call careless spending on their missions. In NASA’s defence, through their space exploration and space programs, they’ve been able to enhance the technology that we use. For example, I’d like to point out to the critics the ever-useful creation of Solar Power Panels, which are indebted to the space program. Additionally, money funding Curiosity isn’t money that’s being taken away from any other programs.

Overall, NASA’s missions, including Curiosity, are all working towards advancing our technology and knowledge about things we know, as well as the things we do not yet know. And seeking out knowledge is never something that can be criticised.

The goals of Curiosity have been set and as it does it’s job, it will continually expand our knowledge about the spacecraft as well as Mars. Once it’s discovered soil that can be examined on the onboard chemistry lab, the mission will be accomplished. The world continues to curiously watch as Curiosity uncovers uncharted grounds!

References:

http://www.space.com/16385-curiosity-rover-mars-science-laboratory.html

Blog submitted by: Nadia Kari

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Posted in Science Communication, Science in the News

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