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Article #1:
First puppies born by in vitro fertilization
I chose this article because it amazes me that we have actually mastered this. What is most interesting to me is how the scientist were able to figure out certain combinations of gene editing techniques to make this possible. For example, it interests me how they found that by adding magnesium to the cell culture, it properly prepared the sperm. Another interesting thing is how freezing embryos actually works. Another rare thing about this whole experiment is that they needed to wait until the right time in her reproductive cycle, which occurs only once or twice a year. They went through so many trial and errors so the fact that they were able to actually get it right is impressive. What is significant bout this article is Thinking about all the species that are becoming endangered this is a huge benefit because this guarantees that we can preserve the embryos of endangered species in case they ever reach extinction. The findings have wide implications for wildlife conservation because, they said, "We can freeze and bank sperm, and use it for artificial insemination. Along with the salvation of the endangered species we will also be saving ourselves a lot of trouble by being better able to understand the genetic basis of diseases. The reason for this is that dogs share so many diseases with humans, and they are now a tool for us to advance in science. |
Article #2:
Weaker breaths in kids linked to early pesticide exposure
There has been a new study that links the exposure to Organophosphate pesticides, which is used a lot in agriculture, to reduced lung capacity in children. There has never been a research that provided such evidence that shows the effect of the expose on kids. This study consisted of collecting the urine of 279 children living in California's Salinas Valley with decreased lung function. When blowing out candles the results showed that they had 8 percent less air on average, a 159-milliliter decrease in lung function. According to researcher, this decrease in air is similar to that of a child’s second hand exposure to smoke. Organophosphate pesticides are chemicals that attack the nervous system. Unfortunately, the children who live in these areas where this pesticide is used in agriculture, are greatly affected. These children have a hard time breathing and poor lung functions. CHAMACOS a health assessment that monitors kids from when they're in the womb all the way to adolescence. They collect five samples throughout their life. If the reduced lung function persists into adulthood, it could leave our participants at greater risk of developing respiratory problems like COPD. I chose this article because I wanted to learn further about the underlying consequences of pesticides because I know how they may be harmful. What was most interesting to me is how they approached this case. For example, they used a candle blowing test to measure the amount of oxygen loss each kid had. Another thing I found interesting was the fact that these pesticides being inhaled by children had almost the same negative effects as second hand smoke does. This made me realize the intensity of the situation. Also it intrigued me how there was a heath assessment that monitored kids for so long; from 6 months to five years and a final spirometry test to measure the amount of air they could exhale. The fact that poor innocent children’s’ lives are being put at risk due to the fact that humans are trying to excel in agriculture for food production and such is quite concerning and shameful. What is significant about this article is that now we have real proof that pesticides are harming kids and now we can begin ways to fix the problem. Now researchers are recommending that farmworkers remove their work clothes and shoes before entering their homes so that children aren’t exposed to it, breathing it at home. Also when nearby fields are being sprayed with pesticides, children should be kept away and, if indoors, windows should be closed. Another way pesticide exposure can be reduced is by washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Thankfully, in California, use of organophosphates in agriculture has also declined significantly from 6.4 million pounds in 2000, when the study began, to 3.5 million pounds in 2013. |