Thoughts

Some thoughts of the day:

1. A common question that everyone asks "How does cancer come about?"
-Despite studying biochemistry, no one can CLEARLY DEFINE how cancer comes about- there's a Generalized view that it occurs by mutations. But if we clearly knew how cancer occurs, we'd definitely be able to cure it.

2. Is it so simple for a cell to move from a normal state to a malignant (cancerous) state?
-An experiment described inserting 4 genes:
Telomerase Catalytic Subunit (hTERT)
SV40 virus Small and Large T antigen (ST, LT)
H-Ras activated allele (H-RAS)

into a normal breast epithelial cell (HMEC cell line) and transformed it to a malignant, invasive cells. Incredible isn't it? And the advent of siRNA (Silencing RNA) promises great hope- we now have the technology to shut down any gene of choice. Studies in cells have shown that by using siRNA we can kill cancer cells once we know the gene that they're dependant on. Funny how people are willing to embrace such technology to kill cancers by shutting off genes- but shudder at the thought that it could possibly be used in human embryos and save a child from suffering from cystic fibrosis or even the predisposition to cancers (ie. the inheritable types of cancers like Breast and Colorectal). Now I really begin to question if ethics exist to protect us or to limit and compartmentalise the potency of science.

3. Obesity and genetic fitness?
Isn't it strange to think that improved healthcare and our social tolerance to obesity may actually be deletarious to human life? As a medical professional, one is taught to be indifferent to the patient regardless of social status, background, race, whatsoever- but more surprisingly, indifferent to genetic make up? Its quite fascinating how people view obesity- some attempt to combat it.. some know it but resign to their fate.. some embrace it with pride (*smacks head*). Scientific research has shown that obese mothers during pregnancy are far more likely to produce obese and diabetic children.. and conversely, non obese mothers produced children that are fitter. Seeing that obesity is an epidemic of global proportions, how should we as a society respond? it would be ridiculous impose pregnancy restrctions- ban obese women from becoming pregnant (I might get stoned for this in view of mother's day just past..) based on BMI of the expecting mother- or even to make them pay fines.. or stop them from going to McDonalds.. even I cringe at the thought and am quite violently opposed.. yet.. it is undeniable that in their mother's love, they attempt to lavish nutrients to their pre-born child. By doing that they are shaping the child's genes to adapt to a nutrient rich environment.. not only doing more harm to the child, but also to the society.

It is very frustrating to even begin to fathom that our tolerance to obesity (western culture) is actually setting up mankind for evolutionary destruction- fat people produce more fat children and fatter future generations? How is fitting into the age old adage "each passing generation has it better"? Are we as mankind allowing our genetic fitness to be eaten away? I don't know.. what do you think? Isn't the strong media pressure (tho this could be seen as superficial) enough to convince one maintain a lean and well built physique- and to stop people from their erroneous dietary ways?

All that we can probably do (the most ethical thing to do) is to make apparent that obesity is a diease that can be inherited- and the threat of this epidemic is very real. Thus in light of this, parents who intend to have childen should be counseled on even the risk of obesity (looks trivial in the light of down syndrome and other diseases doesnt it?) in their children before conception.

Anyway just as a final rant- DAMM ALL OF YOU WHO CAN EAT LIKE BOTTOMLESS PITS AND KEEP LEAN WITH YOUR ONLY EXERCISE BEING SITTING INFRONT OF THE TV!!!!!! *RAWRR!!* Nevertheless, in view of your genetic blessing, make sure you have lots of children in order to bless the future of mankind to adapt to our dietary hedonism.

You know who you are.. you guys are called lucky..

4. How do I go about my (insert exclamation of choice) assignment?
- Simple.. JUST CHIONG!! BANZAI!

5. I feel like nachos..
- In lieu of option 3 and obesity, I shall opt for a healthier alternative- wholmeal pita bread and skinny tatziki sauce. Thats after my 30 min work out..