Benefits of Breastfeeding: Breast Milk Contains Sugars that Contribute to Healthy Infant Growth

Posted on February 22, 2016 by | 3 comments

Were you aware that the thousands of bacteria residing in our gastrointestinal tract (gut) and their interactions with the dietary foods we consume actually have a great impact on human health?

Two 25-milliliter samples of human breast milk. The lefthand sample is first milk produced and the righthand sample is milk produced later during the same pumping.

Two 25-milliliter samples of human breast milk. Source: Wikipedia Commons

Inspired by this discovery, a team of researchers led by Jeffrey Gordon from the Washington University School of Medicine in St.Louis found that the interactions of gut bacteria with the sugars in breast milk promote healthy infant growth.

Why is healthy infant growth a topic of discussion?
Every year, childhood malnutrition causes over 3 million deaths, leads to stunted growth and is associated with impaired cognitive ability.

Branched Oligosaccharide Structure

Branched Oligosaccharide Structure.                  Source: Wikipedia Commons

In Malawai, Africa, almost 50% of children under the age of 5 showed stunted growth. The researchers collected samples of human breast milk from those mothers with healthy babies or stunted babies. They discovered that the amount of oligosaccharides (sugar) in the breast milk containing sialic acid, an essential nutrient for brain development and cognition, were much greater in the mothers with healthy, relative to stunted growth babies.

This finding suggests that the sugars in the breast milk contribute to healthy infant growth. To analyze whether this was the case, the researchers created animal models, ensuring that both the bacteria in the gut and the diet could be manipulated. Gordon and his team began by isolating bacterial strains from fecal matter of the undernourished babies and inserted it into mice or piglets. Then, the researchers fed the mice or the piglets a typical Malawian diet, consisting of legumes, corn, vegetables, and fruit, a diet itself which is insufficient for healthy growth.

Whey

Whey, a by-product of cheesemaking. Source: Wikipedia Commons

With the mice and the piglets mimicking the undernourished Malawian infants, Gordon and his team then began testing effects of the sialic acid-containing sugars. They used cow milk as an alternative because of the difficulty to purify large amounts of sugars from human breast milk. They were able to obtain sialic acid-containing sugars from whey, a by-product of cheesemaking, and fed it to the animals. The mice and piglets showed significant improvements in growth, in both muscle mass and in bone volume. The mice and piglets also showed improved brain development and metabolic activities in the liver.

Because the bacteria in the gut was allowed to be manipulated, the researchers were able to pinpoint which bacterial strains were affected by sialic acid-containing sugars and how the different strains interacted with one another. They found that one strain of bacteria fed on the sialic acid-containing sugars and another strain fed on the digested products of sialic acid-containing sugars. This revealed a possible food web within the bacterial gut community.These two strains of bacteria alone were not sufficient enough to explain healthy growth in the mice and piglets, signifying that more complex interactions among different bacteria in the gut were necessary for growth.

The results of their study were recently published in Cell and serves as the foundation for future studies on the benefits of the components of breast milk on healthy infant growth and its interaction with gut bacteria.

 

Posted on February 22, 2016 By Jenny U

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Are Electric Cars Better?

Posted on February 20, 2016 by | 7 comments

As we all know, Earth is the only planet known to this date which supports life. There is no other planet in this humongous universe which has the qualities of Earth, such appropriate level of oxygen, moderate temperatures and most importantly water. So, keeping our home, Earth, suitable to live should be the first priority but unfortunately, we are destroying it by emitting a tremendous amount of Carbon dioxide (CO2) from driving vehicles. According to  International Council On Clean Transportation, the CO2 emission has decreased from 2012 to 2015 by a small amount but they are looking to reduce it much more by 2020. In 2012, the average CO2 emission for a 1400 kg passenger vehicle was 132 g/km and 130 g/km in 2015 but they are trying to reduce it to 90 g/km by 2020. In 3 years, they were able to reduce CO2 emission by only 2 g/km and by 2020 there is no guarantee of it being reduced by 30 g/km.

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Photo credit: International Council On Clean Transportation

So, a better option is having electric cars, which does not use any gas and saves on CO2 emissions. Electric cars get their fuel from electricity generated by coal, natural gas, hydro, nuclear and wind. So, the CO2 emissions in electric cars are from the electricity source. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, electric cars use the least and gasoline use the most amount of CO2 according to national averages. Annually, electric cars used 5,000 pounds of CO2 equivalent compared to gasoline cars which use 11,658 pounds of CO2 equivalent.

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Photo credit: U.S. Department of Energy

Also, driving an electric car is much cheaper than a gasoline car. According to Transport Canada, traveling 210 km per week at $1.00 gas price, will cost $12.60. But traveling the same distance in an electric car will cost $3.15 with electricity being at 1.5¢ per kilometer. So, driving an electric car can save $9.45 per week and it produces much lower CO2 numbers. Also, it lowers the health and environmental risks associated with higher amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Health risks associated with higher amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere can lead to shortness of “breath, deep breathing, headache, dizziness, vomiting and even death.” Although, emissions of CO2 are lead by major factories as well but gasoline cars are also considered to be a main source.

Carbon dioxide emissions cause environmental issues as well. According to Environmental and Climate Change Canada, CO2 results in melting of glaciers, warmer temperatures, heat waves, burning of forests and heavy precipitation. Also, the environmental changes due to CO2 emissions are dangerous to humans, such as the melting of glaciers will lead to higher sea levels  which can kill lots of people and leave many homeless.

In conclusion, driving electric cars reduces CO2 emissions leading to less health and environmental issues. Also, electrics cars tend to save money which can be used elsewhere.

Short video of emissions by electric cars:

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 Video credit: Union of Concerned Scientists

Hamed Hussaini

February 20, 2016

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Nanotechnology: The Cure for Cancer?

Posted on February 20, 2016 by | 2 comments

What is Cancer (disease)?

Cancer is a very well known disease plaguing human society for the last century. It is characterized by abnormally rapid cell division often accompanied by tumor growth; the type of tumor mainly being malignant to be more precise. It is

Cigarette, Source: Wikimedia Commons

Cigarette, Source: Wikimedia Commons

known to sprout from sources known as carcinogen (such as ultraviolet radiation and smoking cigarettes) as well as genetic dispositions.

 

Current Treatment

Current treatments are quite limited and do not have an 100% success rate since there are so many mutations and varieties in cancer. Treatments such as chemotherapy often have lasting side effects. Additionally, there is a likelihood that cancerous cells are not completely eradicated and may resurface in years to come.

The following is the background behind chemotherapy and the effects it has on the human body provided by Dnews on YouTube.

What the Future Holds?

What scientists are trying to obtain is a sustainable as well as safe method of treating cancer. Scientists are looking into stem cell research, protein inhibition (protein Kinase inhibition) and artificial intelligence as potential methods. But, perhaps one of the most promising of the potential treatments is nanotechnology.

*Credit to Inquisitr.com for providing these different potential treatment methods.*

Nanotechnology and Cancer Treatment

Nanoparticles are as small as cell organelles with great flexibility when it

Mesoporous silica, Source: Wikimedia Commons

Mesoporous silica, Source: Wikimedia Commons

comes to shape, size and composition. Research by scientists have found a mesoporous silicon nano particle that is able to encase azobenzene molecules within its membrane pores as well as carry different sized substrates inside the particle itself.  It is important to note the fact that azobenzene switches its orientation/ configuration (cis/trans) when exposed to light and its size changes when going from cis to trans. This  means that the permeability of the silica nanoparticle can be regulated by the azobenzene molecular configuration.  Small pellets of anti-cancer drugs can be inserted into the silica nanoparticles and injected into the human body. With controlled light exposure and intensity, the size of azobenzene changes releasing the substrate into the cancer cell targeting either just the cancerous components or the entire cell.  The following video uploaded by FGRGAnimation made by Frank Gu from the University of Waterloo outlines the process of osmosis and cell substrate concentration in regulating and controlling transport in a nanoparticle.

This process will be safe due to the high control levels in the real (in vivo) environment. We are able to selectively insert the amount of substrate into the nanoparticles to control concentration and light intensity. Thus, the correct dosage is always applied. Interestingly, the treatment  process can be both selective or general meaning scientists are able to use substrate specifically targeting cancerous components in a cell or the entire cancer cell.

Although the focus was on nanoparticles and nanotechnology, any of the the aforementioned 4 methods can be an important breakthrough in cancer treatments if proven experimentally successful.

Posted by Ming Lun (Allan) Zhu

 

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Nanotechnology: The Future of Electronics?

Posted on February 8, 2016 by | 1 comment

Nanotechnology involves materials and compounds that are on a nanoscale, 1-100 nanometers (10^-9 m). Due to the extremity in size, these materials have unique properties that can benefit the electronics industry. The world around us is made up of atoms and molecules, so it is essential that we learn to manipulate them in order to benefit our society.

A nanotube. Source: Google Images

On the nanoscale, materials experience “quantum effects” and their behaviour and properties depend on size. As a result, desired characteristics of these nanomaterials can be fine-tuned by simply changing the size of the particle. This unique trait of nanomaterials is referred to as “tunability“, which is what makes this technology so relevant and applicable in all fields of science. Some examples of properties that are altered are: melting point, fluorescence, electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, and chemical reactivity. For the purpose of this blog post, I will only be discussing the importance of nanotecnology in the electronics industry.

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The application of nanotechnology in electronics could potentially improve the capabilities of electronic components while simultaneously reducing their weight and overall power consumption. Here are 2 relevant examples:

  1. Improving electronic display screens on devices such as phones, computers and tablets. The key will be reducing power consumption, as well as the weight and thickness of the screen.
  2. Increasing the memory density of computerised chips. Researchers are currently attempting to raise the bar by providing 1 terabyte of memory space per square inch of the chip.

As both scientists and society progress in the field of nanotechnology; the dream will be to one day possess unlimited function and power in the palm of our hands.

 

-Siriwat Chhem

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Martian Life a Possibility

Posted on February 8, 2016 by | 4 comments

Last September, NASA scientists, using image spectroscopy on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, had published new evidence in support of the hypothesis that present day water flows on the surface of Mars. It is often said that where there is water, there is usually life; but what kind of life can exist in such an extreme environment?

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A recently published study by a group of European Researchers has shown that certain fungi and lichens on Earth have the ability to survive in conditions similar to Mars for an extended period of time. The study is ongoing and will involve several more Fungi and Lichen species as part of the Lichens and Fungi Experiment (LIFE).

"Lichen" by Brittany. From Flickr. Licensed under CC 2.0.

“Lichen” by Brittany. From Flickr. Licensed under CC 2.0.

The two types of fungi collected come from the cryptoendolithic family: the Cryomyces antarcticus and Cryomyces minteri. The organisms were taken from within cracks of rocks found in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica. Strong winds, cold temperatures and no precipitation characterize this region. The samples were placed in cells and attached to the ISS via the EXPOSE-E platform.

EXPOSE-E Platform Installation. From Astronomy Magazine.

EXPOSE-E Platform Installation. From Astronomy Magazine.

For a year and a half, half the fungi were subject to Mars-like conditions while the others were exposed to regular conditions in space. The results show that not only did 60% of cells remain unharmed but many were able to resume and even increase cellular activity.

If these lifeforms can survive on the surface of Mars, it may be possible that Martian life already exists. The challenge now for NASA, the European Space Agency and other scientists is to send humans to Mars without contaminating the region.

Do you think that within the century we will discover the first examples of extraterrestrial life?

-Johnny Lazazzera

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BPA-free Plastics: Are They Really Any Safer?

Posted on February 8, 2016 by | 3 comments

Consumers nowadays are very concerned with what chemicals are found in household products, especially since the discovery that “BPA” found in water bottle and food container plastics can leach into food and water and cause deleterious effects. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a molecule used to strengthen plastics, however many manufacturers have discontinued it’s use after studies done on animals displayed a link to early growth development and an increase in breast and prostate cancers. Consumers are now consciously buying BPA-free products, although a new study suggests that they may not be any safer than plastics that do contain BPA.

BPA and BPS are found in plastics used to make water bottles. Source: flickr.com

BPA and BPS are found in plastics used to make water bottles. Source: flickr.com

A press release published by Science Daily reports on a study done by a team of scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) who studied the effects of Bisphenol S (BPS), a common alternative to BPA, on zebrafish. This is the first study done to determine the effects of both BPA and BPS on brain cells that control the growth and function of reproductive organs.

The researchers exposed the zebrafish to low doses of BPA and BPS, equivalent to concentrations found in polluted rivers. They found that growth in the embryonic stage of these animals was advanced by as much as 25 hours, which resulted in accelerated egg hatching. As another part of the study, the scientists tagged certain developmental proteins in the brain and discovered that there was a 40% increase in endocrine neurons in zebrafish, which suggests that BPA over-stimulates the reproductive system. Similar results were found with BPS. The team suspects that the increase in neurons could lead to premature puberty and the disruption of the reproductive system, and could have a similar effect on humans.

Zebrafish were used in this study due to their transparent embryos in order to watch the cells as they grow. Source: youtube.com

Zebrafish were used in this study due to their transparent embryos in order to watch the cells as they grow. Source: youtube.com

Not only did this study discover the dangerous effects of BPS, it also found that BPA and BPS act through the estrogen system as well as the thyroid hormone system. Past research showed that BPA only mimics the effect of estrogen, however these scientists discovered that it also mimics the effect of the thyroid hormone system, which has an important influence on brain development. The findings from this study support the hypothesis that endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be contributing to early developmental problems.

Where do we go from here as a society? Currently all plastics used for water bottles and food containers contain either BPA or BPA alternatives, and the only replacement for these plastics is glass. As this is a continuous issue in scientific news and public media, solutions to this problem need to be found. For now, consumers need to be careful of what plastics they buy, and may want to think twice before buying “safer” BPA-free plastics.

For more information on the effects of BPA and BPS, the video below released by the University of Calgary discusses the results  of their study:

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  • Emma Peachey, February 8, 2016

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What Is Skin Cancer? and How Can We Prevent It?

Posted on February 8, 2016 by | 4 comments

Summer is the best season for sun activities, but the sun exposure is not without a price. As many people already know, skin cancer is mostly developed through sun exposure. Obviously, the best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid the sun, but we all are eagerly anticipating fun in summer; we want to have pool parties and BBQs in hot and sunny weather. Now, I want to suggest to you the most effective and realistic way to prevent skin cancer when you have fun outside.

The Types of Skin Cancer

First, it is important to know the types of skin cancer because one is more dreadful than other. There are two main types of skin cancer: Squamous Cell Carcinoma and  Melanoma. The first one is less harmful; it only stays in one location of a body. Melanoma, on the other hand, spreads to other areas of a body, especially to other organs. Melanoma is usually darkish, but it can be any colour. In men, it is usually found on the back, whereas in women, it is often found on the leg. 

skin-cancer-chart-700x437

Credit: simpleorganiclife.org

The Risk Factors of Skin Cancer

Patients with light-complexioned skin, naturally blond or red hair, a family history of skin cancer, or many moles have a higher risk of getting skin cancer.

The Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

It is important to cover up your skin as much as you can. For instance, you should try to wear a hat to protect your face; you should wear sleeves and pants.

You should monthly check your skin, making sure that there is nothing suspicious on your skin. If you think you have skin cancer, you should not hesitate to see doctors.

It is essential to use sunscreen; it is by far the best way to prevent skin cancer. However, you should make sure you use the sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, with stated “UVA and UVB” protection on the bottle, and the ingredients “titanium” and/or “zinc oxide.”

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Having fun in summer is definitely not wrong, but you should be careful. If you still want sun activities, you should make sure you follow the suggestions I made above, and I hope everyone has a great summer in the future and stays healthy.

skincancer_illustrations

Credit: advanceddermatologypc.com

 

Dohoon Kim

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One time solution- Universal Flu Shot

Posted on February 7, 2016 by | 4 comments

Are you tired of getting vaccinated every flu season? Do you want to be protected but refuse to be poked? Fear no more, the universal flu shot is here (well not yet, but almost).

shots-shots-shotsCredit: WeKnowMemes

Every flu season millions flock to receive that seasons flu shot. Have you ever wondered why you can be vaccinated just once and be protected for life for diseases such as mumps and measles but not the flu?

This can be answered by the characteristics of the flu. There are 3 known types of flu viruses but only 2 types of flu viruses which cause the annual flu. The types that cause the flu are A and B. However, these have many subtypes which change every season because of the genetic changes undergone by the head region. So every season the World Health Organization is given predictions of the strain of flu that scientists believe is circulating that year. Using this information that seasons vaccine is chosen. However, the educated predictions made to create the flu shot fail to be completely effective as they can only protect up to 3-4 strains of that flu. Therefore, it is difficult to create a vaccine every year that is completely successful in protecting us against the annual flu. This is one of the main reasons why developing an all-in-one flu shot is of much interest.

There have been many attempts to try and create the all-in-one flu shot. The difficulty is creating one that can account for the different strains. A recent study, in Nature Science,  has came up with an innovative solution to creating a universal flu shot which may solve the issue that the flu changes every year.

In their approach they focus on the proteins on the outside of the antibody. These proteins are comprised of a head and a stem. The head, in flu vaccines being hemagglutinin (HA), can mutate and it is the reason for the various faces of the flu. However, the stem doesn’t mutate as easily as the HA. The new vaccine uses this information and focuses on the stem instead of the head. If our bodies can recognize the stem and create antibodies according to the stem, it would be able to create antibodies to protect one against all strains of the flu; this would account for all the changes in the HA.

The following video gives a brief overview of how the vaccines work and how this universal flu vaccine would work.

Credit: Discovery News

This study has been proven successful in rats and chimps, however it must be researched and perfected before it can be used in humans. The difficulties of creating an all-in-one shot is the ability of the flu to change itself. Focusing on the stem instead of the head may be the way to success. Thankfully, this innovation is on a uphill and our future for the all-in-one flu shot is looking bright!

-Vanessa

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