What HeLa Cells Are and Why They Are Important

What HeLa Cells Are and Why They Are Important HeLa cells are the first immortal human cell line. The cell line grew from a sample of cervical cancer cells taken from an African-American woman named Henrietta Lacks on February 8, 1951. The lab assistant responsible for the samples named cultures based on the first two letters of a patients first and last name, thus the culture was dubbed HeLa. In 1953, Theodore Puck and Philip Marcus cloned HeLa (the first human cells to be cloned) and freely donated samples to other researchers. The cell lines initial use was in cancer research, but  HeLa cells have led to numerous medical breakthroughs and nearly 11,000 patents. Key Takeaways: HeLa Cells HeLa cells are the first immortal human cell line.The cells came from a cervical cancer sample obtained from Henrietta Lack in 1951, without her knowledge or permission.HeLa cells have led to many important scientific discoveries, yet there are disadvantages to working with them.HeLa cells have led to the examination of the ethical considerations of working with human cells. What It Means to Be Immortal Normally, human cell cultures die within a few days after a set number of cell divisions via a process called senescence. This presents a problem for researchers because experiments using normal cells cannot be repeated on identical cells (clones), nor can the same cells be used for extended study. Cell biologist George Otto Gey took one cell from Henrietta Lacks sample, allowed that cell to divide, and found the culture survived indefinitely if given nutrients and a suitable environment. The original cells continued to mutate. Now, there are many strains of HeLa, all derived from the same single cell. Researchers believe the reason HeLa cells dont suffer programmed death is because they maintain a version of the enzyme telomerase that prevents gradual shortening of the telomeres of chromosomes. Telomere shortening is implicated in aging and death. Notable Achievements Using HeLa Cells HeLa cells have been used to test the effects of radiation, cosmetics, toxins, and other chemicals on human cells. They have been instrumental in gene mapping and studying human diseases, especially cancer. However, the most significant application of HeLa cells may have been in the development of the first polio vaccine. HeLa cells were used to maintain a culture of polio virus in human cells. In 1952, Jonas Salk tested his polio vaccine on these cells and used them to mass-produce it. Disadvantages of Using HeLa Cells While the HeLa cell line has led to amazing scientific breakthroughs, the cells can also cause problems. The most significant issue with HeLa cells is how aggressively they can contaminate other cell cultures in a laboratory. Scientists dont routinely test the purity of their cell lines, so HeLa had contaminated many in vitro lines (estimated 10 to 20 percent) before the problem was identified. Much of the research conducted on contaminated cell lines had to be thrown out. Some scientists refuse to allow HeLa in their labs in order to control the risk. Another problem with HeLa is that it doesnt have a normal human karyotype (the number and appearance of chromosomes in a cell). Henrietta Lacks (and other humans) have 46 chromosomes (diploid or a set of 23 pairs), while the HeLa genome consists of 76 to 80 chromosome (hypertriploid, including 22 to 25 abnormal chromosomes). The extra chromosomes came from the infection by human papilloma virus that led to cancer. While HeLa cells resemble normal human cells in many ways, they are neither normal nor entirely human. Thus, there are limitations to their use. Issues of Consent and Privacy The birth of the new field of biotechnology introduced ethical considerations. Some modern laws and policies arose from ongoing  issues surrounding HeLa cells. As was the norm at the time, Henrietta Lacks was not informed her cancer cells were going to be used for research. Years after the HeLa line had become popular, scientists took samples from other members of the Lacks family, but they did not explain the reason for the tests. In the 1970s, the Lacks family was contacted as scientists sought to understand the reason for the aggressive nature of the cells. They finally knew about HeLa. Yet, in 2013, German scientists mapped the entire HeLa genome and made it public, without consulting the Lacks family. Informing a patient or relatives about the use of samples obtained via medical procedures was not required in 1951, nor is it required today. The 1990 Supreme Court of California case of Moore v. Regents of the University of California ruled a persons cells are not his or her property and may be commercialized. Yet, the Lacks family did reach an agreement with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding access to the HeLa genome. Researchers receiving funds from the NIH must apply for access to the data. Other researchers are not restricted, so data about the Lacks genetic code is not completely private. While human tissue samples continue to be stored, specimens are now identified by an anonymous code. Scientists and legislators continue to wrangle with questions of security and privacy, as genetic markers may lead to clues about an involuntary donors identity. References and Suggested Reading Capes-Davis A, Theodosopoulos G, Atkin I, Drexler HG, Kohara A, MacLeod RA, Masters JR, Nakamura Y, Reid YA, Reddel RR, Freshney RI (2010). Check your cultures! A list of cross-contaminated or misidentified cell lines.  Int. J. Cancer.  127  (1): 1–8.Masters, John R. (2002). HeLa cells 50  years on: The good, the bad and the ugly.  Nature Reviews Cancer.  2  (4): 315–319.Scherer, William F.; Syverton, Jerome T.; Gey, George O. (1953). Studies on the Propagation in Vitro of Poliomyelitis Viruses. J Exp Med (published May 1, 1953). 97 (5): 695–710.Skloot, Rebecca (2010). The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Crown/Random House.Turner, Timothy (2012). Development of the Polio Vaccine: A Historical Perspective of Tuskegee Universitys Role in Mass Production and Distribution of HeLa Cells.  Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.  23  (4a): 5–10.

Top 9 Tips on Using Jake Brake

Top 9 Tips on Using Jake Brake Dave, long-time professional driver, writing for Smart-Trucking.com has some advice for drivers uncertain of when and whether to use their Jake brake. The Jake brake, named for the Jacobs engine company that popularized it, is an engine mechanism that opens exhaust valves and released compressed air in the cylinders to slow vehicles without use of the service brakes. Due to its loud roar, some highways bear signs saying â€Å"No Jake!† but when used judiciously, it can be tremendously helpful (though the debate is ongoing about which conditions merit its use). 1. Do not use the Jake in icy or slippery road conditions! Avoid using it when the truck is not going at a controlled speed, also.2. If you must use it, make sure your trailer is straight and lined up behind the cab to prevent jackknifing.3. Using the Jake properly on mountainous or hilly roads can save wear and tear on the brake pads and tires. Dave recommends using a gear low enough to let the jake to do 90% of the bra king when going down a steep grade.4. Check engine temperature and oil levels before using the Jake- it should be running at operating temperature and no colder, and the oil levels should not be low. Test your brake at the beginning of your trip.5. Operate the Jake in the shifting range, about 1100-1400 rpms, to protect the motor. Don’t use it when shifting; it may stall your truck.6. â€Å"On a 3 position Jake, position 3 is strongest and used most often. Positions 1 2 are used in less than favorable road conditions.†7. You can leave the Jake on at all times or turned on when necessary; if left on, it functions in a â€Å"no fuel position†- take your foot off the fuel to use it.8. The noise of the Jake should be an incentive to only use it when safety is of utmost importance.9. Follow the guidance of your CDL training instructor at all times, and keep these recommendations in mind!Best Practices for Using the Jake Brake

A Critique of the relationship between power and desire in Foucaults Essay

A Critique of the relationship between power and desire in Foucaults analyses of the Repressive Hypothesis - Essay Example As he argues in the opening of his seminal work, â€Å"for a long time, the story goes, we supported a Victorian regime, and we continued to be dominated by it even today . . . thus the image of the imperial prude is emblazoned on out retrained, mute, and hypocritical sexuality† (Foucault, 1990, p.1). According to the traditional view of â€Å"repression† (one that Foucault palces firmly within a Freudian context), the Victorians were â€Å"repressed† and we in the modern age, with constant talk of sexuality and a relative openness regarding the subject, have broken free of that repression. Sexuality had power over the Victorians through its denial, the modern age is freed from these shackles. This Foucault presents as the traditional view of sexual repression, and also of power. For Foucault power is not â€Å"a general system of domination exercised by one element or one group over another, whose effect . . . traverse the entire body social . . . .†. Foucault’s view of power is one in which â€Å"the condition of the possibility of power . .. should not be sought in the primary existence of a central point . . . it is the moving based of locations of force that incessantly induce, by their inequality, states of power, but always local and unstableâ €  (p.121-122). Foucault’s view of â€Å"power† is of a force that is not centered within a particular individual or group (however much that may appear to be the case), but rather as something that is separate from human beings and transfers between different groups, individuals, ideas, spaces and times according to a system that is essentially unstable. This has a direct influence upon both repression and desire. The traditional view has it that when a sexuality appeared which â€Å"was not ordered in terms of generation† it would â€Å"be driven out, denied, reduced to silence . . . not only did it not exist, it had not right to exist and would be made to

MAP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MAP - Essay Example In order to better the performance of students who are perhaps still in grade 2 or grade 5, various modern assessments kits have been developed to help students, parents and teachers monitor the progress of the children so that the final objectives of learning are realized through a computerized adaptive test device. Various methods of assessments which have been formulated recently to facilitate learning include MAP test method which is an acronym of the term Measure of Academic Progress. MAP was introduced to students around 2005 in order to help teachers, children and school administrators find the best methods possible to help improve learning and the performance of students. MAP works under the principle that the more grades or marks a student scores, the more the difficult his or her tests are likely to be in future. The computer which is used for the assessment and storage of results of students is thus programmed in a way that it stores all the information of students includi ng their progress in the continuous assessment tests done (DeLong 60). The Measure of Academic Progress depends on various tests administered to students during specified sessions, most preferably during the first few weeks in school. The MAP sessions cover various areas studied in schools and the probability of each student answering questions correctly determines how difficult the progressive questions will be. That is to say, when a child answers questions correctly in one test it means that the next test has to be difficult. That is when it would be possible to determine the academic progress of the child. Likewise, children who have difficulties answering questions are always given simpler questions in the next tests in order to determine if they grasped the content which was taught earlier on. This method is an effective tool for assessing students’ capabilities because of the fact that it focuses on a student’s strengths and weaknesses rather than a whole class. It therefore helps teachers in knowing the ability of each student since each student has the opportunity to do unique tests. Measure of Academic Progress of students is also important because the progressive test helps determine the intelligent quotient of children. Through this, teachers are able to identify children who are gifted and talented. It is equally vital to students because they are able to gauge their potential (Frederiksen, Mislevy and Bejar 382). Theoretically, it is right for curricular designers to employ this technology in assessing the progress of children in schools since it cannot be assumed that every child is intellectually prepared to move to the next grade. However, the MAP method has limitations. For example, it can demoralize students who might feel looked down upon given the fact that the more a student fails in an assessment test the simpler the subsequent tests become. Some students therefore are bound to take the whole test as a specimen for ridiculi ng them because they are tested on simpler things as compared to children who are brighter and are given more difficult work (Skipi 74). On the contrary, even though the application of the MAP in schools set up has bottlenecks, it is not just important to center on the limitations without considering its advantages as a primary tool for doing assessment.. Its function

Impact of Wind Farms on Wild Life Avian Mortality

Impact of Wind Farms on Wild Life Avian Mortality Humanity depending on oil, coal and gas to produce energy is destroying many ecosystems around the world. They are reaching crisis levels, finding alternative energy source is critical. Wind power, can be viable energy source that costs very less than other power producers. Wind power releases no pollutants or harmful substances like the other generators. But there are some issues even with wind-energy such as bird mortality. Birds are getting killed through collisions with turbines and other supporting structures of wind-energy. Construction associated with wind turbines clear vegetation around the area, disturbing natural nesting area of birds and other wildlife. Many surveys have been conducted at various locations around the globe from 1990 regarding bird. In the recent surveys, it is revealed that huge number of bat fatalities at wind energy facilities at different sites of wind farms all across the globe. The surveys are done based on the carcass found near the wind turbine, but it is speculated that this method doesnt show the actual number of animal killed. According to the Globe and Mail article Wind farm turbines deadly for birds, bats a study conducted between July and December of 2009 at Wolfe Island with 86 huge turbines showed, 602 birds and 1,270 bats were killed by the turbines over that stretch. These numbers are in consistent with other wind farms in North America. Similar condition is estimated by The Spanish Ornithological Society in Madrid that Spains 18,000 wind turbines may be killing 6 million to 18 million birds and bats annually according to article The trouble with turbines: An ill wind byMeera Subramanian. At another big farm, The Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area, California housing 5,400 wind turbine they conducted a study where they searched for bird carcasses within 50 m of 4,074 wind turbines for periods ranging from 6 months to 4.5 years. Using mortality estimates adjusted for searcher detection and scavenger removal rates, They estimated the annual wind turbine-caused bird fatalities to number 67 golden eagles, 188red-tailed hawks, 348 American kestrels , 440 burrowing owls , 1,127 raptors, and 2,710 birds according acrticle Bird Mortality in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area, California by Smallwood, K Shawn. Many believe that the survey numbers are underestimated. To solve these issues many steps have been taken such as estimating various aspects of the survey. Aspects include estimated area to find carcass, probability of finding carcass, persistence rate and the number of carcasses found divided by estimated detection probability to obtain precise bird fatalities according to article Ecological impacts of wind farms on birds:Questions,hypotheses,and research needs by Shifeng Wang, SicongWang , Pete Smith (600). The article also states that new technologies have also been implemented to further the research such as remote sensing technologies into the monitoring experiments. Radar which uses microwaves to detect objects in the sky and build images based on it which is being used to determine and evaluate birds flight pattern. Other technologies include thermal infrared imaging cameras used to observe bird movement around wind turbines. These technologies certainly help in understanding and making wind farms truly eco-friendly Wind farms can also impact the habitats around them. The scale of direct habitat loss depends on the scale of wind farms and infrastructure. It is estimated around 2-5% of the total development area. According to article Information needs to support environmental impact assessment of the effects of European marine offshore wind farms on birds, by A.D.Fox Few measures have been developed and identified to decrease avian mortality by studying their biology,flight patterns and environmental surroundings. Mitigation measures can be divideded into two categories 1) Best practice measures 2) Additional measures. Best practice measures are those which should be a standard in all wind farms and additional measures are based on the aspects of wind farms such as their location, size and infrastructure. Halting wind turbine if any bird group is passing through. This can reduce bird mortality rate by 50%. The Mitigation methods should be species specific. Collision reduction can be reduced through audible deterrence. Using negative reinforcement technique by playing sounds of predator birds near the turbines will decrease the chances of bird entering the radius of wind turbine. Avoiding breeding areas or critical habitats in and near the wind farm construction. Identifying the conservation areas and avoiding them. With this measure any key ecological area can be preserved such as bird habitat, endangered bird species, bird migration areas etc. Implementation of proper safety practices to protect key and sensitive areas. Providing proper training and information to the site workers and employing a ecologist during wind farm establishment Establishing proper monitoring sensors in and around the wind farms to avoid future potential bird fatalities. Establishing turbines in close vicinity. Engineering a solution to fit even big turbines. Grouping turbines together with proper estimated gaps based on the flight patterns of birds and providing minimum corridor for bird flight. Painting the turbine blades to make them more visible during all weather conditions can reduce the collision rate of birds. Installing most of the cables underground would minimize exterior infrastructure but can disturb natural habitat around. Establishing wind farms in proper time avoiding sensitive periods such as migrating season of birds. Maintenance crews have to follow proper timing periods that doesnt disturb the habitat around as the crews need to use boats or helicopters for offshore installations. These are some of the measures suggested in the article Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds by Allan L. Drewitt. There are two sides to every coin. Every man made change in the nature has both positive and negative impacts. I believed that wind farms are clean pure energy which humanity should move towards but even wind farms are having impact on wildlife habitats around. Considering the damage done by other power generators this can be minimal but thriving to make wind energy more eco-friendly is necessary. Every bird fatalities has a impact on the food chain established by the nature disturbing the food chain can have unforeseen consequences around the globe. Following the standard and necessary measures to prevent avian mortality in necessary. Works Cited Richard , Blackwell . Windfarm turbines deadly for birds, bats. Windfarm turbines deadly for birds, bats (Published Wednesday, Jun. 09 2010, 9:34 PM EDT ): n. pag. Web. Shifeng Wang. Ecological impacts of wind farms on birds :Questions,hypotheses,and research needs. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2015): 600-06. Web. Meera Subramanian. Bird and Bat deaths from wind turbines. The trouble with turbines: An ill wind (20 June 2012): n. pag. Web. Smallwood, K Shawn. Bird Mortality in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area, California. Journal of Wildlife Management (January 2008): 215-23. Web. ALLAN L. DREWITT. Assessing the impacts of wind farms on birds. International Journal of Avian Science (27 March 2006): n. pag. Web.

Milk Adulteration

Executive Summary on National Survey on Milk Adulteration The National Survey on Milk Adulteration 2011 (snap shot survey) was conducted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to ascertain the quality of milk and identify different type of adulteration in the liquid milk throughout the country.The survey was carried out by the Regional Offices of the FSSAI located at Chennai (Southern Region), Mumbai (Western Region), Delhi (Northern Region), Guwahati, (North Eastern Region) and Kolkata (Eastern Region) with the following objectives: 1. To identify the common adulterants in milk in rural and urban areas of different states. 2. To find out the non conforming samples in loose and packed milk.The samples were collected randomly and analysed from 33 states namely Andhra Pradesh (75), Arunachal Pradesh (25), Assam (109), Bihar (75), Chhattisgarh (19), Chandigarh (25), Delhi (71), Dadra & Nagar Haveli (12), Daman & Diu (25), Goa (24), Gujarat (100), Haryana (109), Himachal Pra desh (27), Jammu & Kashmir (18), Jharkhand (25), Karnataka (51), Kerala (50), Madhya Pradesh (61), Maharashtra (126), Manipur (25), Meghalaya (26), Mizoram (25), Nagaland (22), Orissa (50), Puducherry (25), Punjab (109), Rajasthan (103), Sikkim (18), Tamil Nadu (74), Tripura (25), Uttarakhand (26), Uttar Pradesh (136), West Bengal (100) totalling to a sample size of 1791. The samples were sent to the govt. aboratories namely, Department of Food and Drug testing, Government of Puducherry, Central Food Laboratory, Pune, Food Reasearch and Standardisation Laboratory, Ghaziabad, State Public Health Laboratory, Guwahati and Central Food Laboratory, Kolkata for analysis. The following parameters were analysed such as Fat (%), SNF (%), Neutralizers, Acidity, Hydrogen Peroxide, Sugar, Starch, Glucose, Urea, Salt, Detergent, Skimmed milk powder, and Vegetable fat to ascertain the presence of adulterant. The total conforming samples to the FSSA standards were 565 (31. 5%). The total non-confo rming samples were found to be 1226 (68. 4%). The non-conformity of samples in rural areas were 381(31%) out of which 64 (16. 7%) were packet samples and 317 (83. 2%) were loose samples respectively and in urban area the total non confirming samples were 845 (68. 9%) out of which 282 (33. %) were packed and 563 (66. 6%) were loose samples. The deviations were found highest on account of Fat and SNF content in 574 samples (46. 8%) of the total non–conformity, which includes 147 samples with detergent and two samples with neutralizers respectively. Detergent was also found in 103 samples (8. 4%). Perhaps the reason may be dilution of milk with water. The second highest parameter of non conformity was the Skim Milk Powder (SMP) in 548 samples (44. 69%) which includes presence of glucose in 477 samples. Glucose would have been added to milk probably to enhance SNF. The presence of Skim Milk Powder indicates the reconstitution of milk powder.The non-conforming sample in the descen ding order of percentage with respect to the total sample collected in different states were as follows: Bihar (100%), Chhattisgarh (100%), Daman and Diu (100%), Jharkhand (100%), Orissa (100%), West Bengal (100%), Mizoram (! 00%), Manipur (96%), Meghalaya (96%), Tripura (92%), Gujarat (89%), Sikkim (89%), Uttrakhand (88%), Uttar Pradesh (88%), Nagaland (86%), Jammu & Kashmir (83%), Punjab (81%), Rajasthan (76%) Delhi (70%), Haryana (70%), Arunachal Pradesh (68%), Maharashtra (65%), Himachal Pradesh (59%), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (58%), Assam (55%), Chandigarh (48%), Madhya Pradesh (48%), Kerala (28%), Karnataka (22%), Tamil Nadu (12%), and Andhra Pradesh (6. 7%).All the samples in Goa and Puducherry conformed to the standards. Conclusion (1) The study indicates that addition of water to milk is most common adulterant. Addition of water not only reduces the nutritional value of milk but contaminated water may also pose health risk to the consumers. (2) It also shows that powdered mil k is reconstituted to meet the demand of milk supply. All state /UT enforcement authorities may specifically check whether the declaration of new FSSAI rules is being complied to. (3) The study also indicated the presence of detergent in some cases. Consumption of milk with detergent may cause health hazards and indicates lack of hygiene and sanitation in the milk handling.

The Upside to Upsc Essay Topics

The Upside to Upsc Essay Topics In your ordinary newspaper reading if you discover some great lines or examples then keep noting them. Don't forget the kind of the question you're answering and don't begin introducing new topics merely to pad out your answer. Set your objective first, and after that think of a means to write it in an intriguing manner for your readers to relish. Next, you have to consider the method on how you need to relay it to your readers. Correct selection of topic and the ideal system of writing are important. Attempt to acquire a simplified model which provides some information regarding the circumstance. You want to supply sample scenarios, in addition to other details to drive your point home. Consider an instance of how you can better your speaking via an illustration of a single change in the manner in which you believe. The very first issue to do is become a specialist on the subject as you'll be expected to understand the intricacies of the subject you're debating about. You should choose a topic that could be achieved within a two-year time period framework. Read the work thoroughly, take the help of your teachers in clearing doubts or watch a movie edition of the work, which will aid you to grasp the nature of the story easily. Be certain you have plenty of time for revision. What the In-Crowd Won't Tell You About Upsc Essay Topics There are several ways of writing an essay but the fundamental stru cture stays the same. A wholesome study of all of the overall study subjects is required to compose a full and efficient essay. Lots of people see the broader title and begin writing the essay without so much as understanding the subject of the topic. The essay writing needs to be completed in a well-planned and structured way. The key is to create persuasive essat topics that students will really need to write about. If it comes to write engineering essay for those students that are studying in electrical engineering school becomes confused since they are engineers and not the writers. 1 way of writing for a specific topic may not necessarily do the job for the other. The New Fuss About Upsc Essay Topics When you practice writing, everyday there's a strong possibility of becoming a superior writer later on. Reading offers many advantages to persons who want to turn into excellent writers later on. To be great at public speaking, you need to have the ability to wow your audience from the beginning. Should you need help to know the many different forms of public speaking, and indeed the social significance of public speaking and why it's so very crucial in some careers to learn the essentials of public speaking, then you wi ll definitely find much in the 7 Words System that can help you. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Upsc Essay Topics Essay writing is definitely thought to be part of academic life and essay writing demands certain abilities or the region of the writer. Remember it's a General Essay Paper and you shouldn't be highly technical. Literally, Essay usually means an attempt or effort or try, a brief bit of writing on a specific subject. Essays enable a writer to come up with and increase his writing skills. Upsc Essay Topics Secrets Child abuse might also be a cause sometimes. In case the topic is debatable you must explore either side. To the contrary, you might not have been provided a particular topic in any way. Quotes will play an important part in giving a twist to the plot or maybe to substantiate an argument. Although the writer is just describing the subject, there ought to still be logic to follow. To start with, he should choose a topic to discuss . The 30-Second Trick for Upsc Essay Topics The point is that businesses that have come to be too big have come to be so embedded in the economy. If you take a close look at the life of the majority of successful people within the world, a lot of them honed their skills in a standard basis, which eventually lead to their present status as successful individuals. The requirements of writers online have changed since the calendar year 2000, once I published my very first matter. No matter the length of time you've had public speaking jobs, take some time and invest to construct your hot list. Controversial issues are happening all of the time, all you have to do is turn on the news and you are able to locate a vast choice of topics to select from. Candidate must write essay on any 1 topic of the presented topics. Candidates will have to compose an essay on a particular topic. Candidate is needed to compose an essay on a particular topic. Students just need to discover their niche from the multitude of topics they can explore.