Australian Science

Scientists Discover New Pathway to Tan and Lighten Skin

Josip — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 08:45:21 +0000

People have long used different methods to attempt to lighten or tan their skin. The 1920’s made beautiful, bronzed skin the latest fad, a trend that has persisted to this day in many parts of the world. Achieving that perfect sun-kissed look, however, has not always been safe.

Since doctors and health officials became aware of the dangers of UV rays on our skin, people have searched for a better alternative. Tanning beds and sun lamps have been linked to cancer, giving way to the evolution of spray tanning. Spray tanning formulas have even been enriched to contain organic oils and nourishing vitamins, in an attempt to make the option more appealing to customers.

However, new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania points to a new way to change the color of our skin. Researchers made an exciting discovery during a cancer study when they observed that sex hormones were affecting pigment production in regular cells. This breakthrough has uncovered a new doorway to controlling the lightening and tanning of the skin.

What Causes Skin to Change Color?

Scientists have long known the effects the sun has on skin. The sun darkens skin by causing damage to the DNA, which the body then repairs by increasing the production of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). This short protein binds and activates another protein (MC1R) on melanocytes. Ultimately, these proteins trigger the production of pigment in skin cells.

An association was also previously made between sex hormones and pigment changes. The alterations in skin pigmentation in pregnant women suggested that sex hormones played a role. In fact, this transformation has been documented for more than 2,000 years, so it is not a new observation.

While this connection was previously known to exist, the exact mechanism and hormones were not yet known. Since many hormones and other molecules experience changes in levels during pregnancy, isolating which single or combination is responsible for the changes in skin pigmentation would prove a significant challenge.

The fact that taking birth control pills would sometimes cause women to develop a darker skin pigment on their face did provide further insight, as these only contain derivatives of the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Discovering a New Door

During the study, Dr. Ridky and colleagues noticed that when adding estrogen levels typically seen during pregnancy to human melanocytes, they would respond by increasing the production of melanin. The content of melanin within the cells increased by 200%-300% after four days. They also discovered that the cells would produce less pigment when adding progesterone.

What the study revealed, was that estrogen was making pigment by accessing pathways that were already known to exist, it was just accessing them in a different manner. This new door, or receptor, was able to create the same outcomes. The issue then became trying to figure out what type of receptors these were, since melanocytes do not have the classic estrogen receptor, nor do they act on MC1R.

The scientists were able to identify the melanocytes express receptors accountable for the skin pigment effects following further testing. This occasion would be the first time that these receptors were studied. These were found to be two non-classical receptors; the GPER, a separate estrogen receptor, and PAQR7, a progesterone receptor.

The team was able to identify the receptors by developing synthetic progesterone and estrogen derivatives. These were designed only to fit those newly discovered receptors. The researchers selected synthetic hormones, as natural hormones could unintentionally attach to different receptors and set of unknown processes.

Researchers took further steps towards the development of a treatment drug, by incorporating the hormone derivatives into a gel. This formula was applied to mice’s ears and was found to increase melanin levels by roughly 60% within a three-week period.

The gel well also used on pigmented guinea pigs, of which one animal can display different skin colors. The animal had its haunches shaved on either side, with one part receiving the application of gel with the estrogen derivative, and the other a gel without derivatives or hormones. The side with the hormone derivatives was noticeably darker after a couple of weeks when compared to the other.

How These Results Could Lead to Treatments

The knowledge obtained during this study could help lead to a new form of therapeutics, which is of particular importance given the currently limited types of safe and effective treatment options available for those with pigmentation disorder. New therapies could offer help with melasma, post-inflammatory hyper and hypopigmentation, and maybe even vitiligo. Currently, correcting these disorders is difficult, without exposure to toxic bleaching agents or UV radiation.

The new information gathered during the study suggests that derivatives of these selective sex hormones can be used to affect the natural melanin production machinery. This discovery would allow for the opportunity to develop a drug that safely targets the natural pigment production pathway within a person’s skin cells.

Of course, an actual cream is still a long way from completion. The team would still need to create a formula that could be used by humans and ensure there were no side effects to using the cream. The compounds will also need to go through clinical trials and the FDA before they are made available to dermatologists. The development process itself is expensive, so a start-up has already been formed to attempt to woo potential investors.

The news would not only be significant for the medical industry but is also set to have a substantial impact on the cosmetics industry, where people already spend billions of dollars globally to change the color of their skin. Many of these attempts are unsuccessful, and even potentially dangerous, so developing a safe and effective alternative in the form of a drug could radicalise the industry.

As more and more people become aware of the cancer risks involved in UV tanning, whether you’re out in the sun or on the beds, they are turning to other options. Spray tanning is a far healthier option, with salons already offering several color levels lasting about a week at a time. However, the industry is constantly evolving, so this new potential option would offer customers an exciting alternative.

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2016-09-12 08:45:21). Scientists Discover New Pathway to Tan and Lighten Skin. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/health/scientists-discover-new-pathway-tan-lighten-skin/

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The post Scientists Discover New Pathway to Tan and Lighten Skin appeared first on Australian Science.

How Modern Technology is Improving Health Care (Genome and Algorithms)

Josip — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 08:08:16 +0000

Genome Testing

According to an article that rates this year’s medical advances according to their importance, at the top of the list is a new Ebola vaccine that is expected to be available later this year. Genome-based testing, which has the potential to increase the speed and flexibility of clinical trials for life-saving experimental treatments, ranked at number two.

Within the field of genome testing, one of the most important recent discoveries in medicine is CRISPR, which scientists have learned to use as a genome editing tool. CRISPR, an acronym for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, is a natural defense mechanism found in bacteria. In the 1980s, scientists began observing patterns of bacterial genomes and now understand more about how the process of preventing viruses from replicating works.

A viral microbe copies the genetic material in each spacer into an RNA molecule. Cas9 enzymes cradle the RNA molecule, and in combination, they explore a cell. If they find genetic material that matches the CRISPR RNA, the viral RNA attaches to it. The Cas9 enzymes cut the DNA in half, preventing it from multiplying. Scientists believe that CRISPR has the potential to revolutionize biology because it can identify and remove bad genes from a DNA strand at very little economic cost.

Health Algorithms

According to a recent study, a new computer-based test can help predict the likelihood of developing dementia. The test utilizes a complex algorithm based on information such as a person’s age, weight, gender, social habits and previous medical history. Those whose test results showed them to be at higher risk could then take additional preventive measures by increasing activities that have been proven to improve memory. The focus of this technology is prevention.

Researchers used the test to assess the medical records of over 226,000 people over the age of 60. The algorithm proved to be so accurate that the developers decided to share it freely with other researchers. Their goal is that it become available to the public and an important element of a national healthcare database. They predict that it may take a few years to reach those goals.

Integrated Health Care Software

Another technological advance in medicine are software services that enable those in the medical profession to deliver a higher level of care. From a patient’s perspective, that higher level of care is manifested at every level of the health care system. Doctors are able to develop superior treatment plans by quickly and securely sharing medical information with specialists. All the time saved by not having to make physical appointments and drive to them can be used to increase communication between doctors and their patients. Automated scheduling capabilities also give other medical staff more time to communicate with the patient, which results in providing the doctor with more useful information.

One of the most common complaints of health care professionals in the last decade is the growing amount of paperwork they are required to complete. Health care professionals choose their careers based on a desire to spend their time having human interactions that result in people feeling better, not learning complex insurance billing procedures. Clinical trials have shown that one of the benefits for health care providers is the simplification and automation of some of the most time and energy consuming billing processes.

The Future

Scientists and health care professionals predict that the next thing that will revolutionize health care is the concept of precision medicine. Rather than offering every patient the same treatment for the same illness or condition, this concept focuses on developing individual treatment plans based on a number of genetic and environmental factors. Research in the field of epigenetics has demonstrated that genes are not, as was once believed, fixed, but are in fact affected by the environment.

The Precision Medicine Initiative, which is currently being developed and is expected to be launched later this year, promises to change the way medical professionals are trained by incorporating many of the newest scientific discoveries. This will allow doctors to more easily develop and implement valuable new techniques into their practices. Scientific advancements in genetics, computer technology, and medicine are making the future of health care look very bright indeed.

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2016-03-04 08:08:16). How Modern Technology is Improving Health Care (Genome and Algorithms). Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/genetics/how-modern-technology-is-improving-health-care-genome-and-algorithms/

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Classic vs. Modern Education – The Argument Against Choice

Josip — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 07:46:17 +0000

The Ongoing Controversy

In the continuing controversy about what type of education is best, both proponents of classical education and proponents of tech education make some excellent points. Economics is only one aspect of the controversy. According to one statistics, as many as one in five undergraduate degrees don’t produce earnings any greater than a high school diploma. However, a college degree does prove helpful in gaining employment. The unemployment rate of four-year graduates is only 4.5 percent, as compared to the 24 percent among those with only a high school diploma.

According to one article the cost of a traditional four-year college degree has risen by more than 538 percent since 1985. While many degrees produce a relatively low increase in wage-earning power, overall, a college graduate earns an average of $1.3 million dollars more over a lifetime than those without degrees. However, 40 percent of new graduates are saddled with an average of $22,000 dollars in school loan debt and the interest on that debt often translates into much more.

A technical education usually costs about half the price of a four-year degree, and in many cases, results in more earning power. Technical education schools also tend to partner with businesses and focus on providing skills that are in high demand in the professional world. Another benefit of an alternative education focused on technology is that, like classical education, it teaches the necessary skills for people to work on a team.

Social Considerations

The history of classical education and the inclusion of such subjects as philosophy and political science can be traced back to ancient Rome. All free citizens were expected to study grammar, logic and rhetoric in order to participate in civic affairs including public debates and military service. In democratic countries, a literate and informed citizenry is the basis for public education. While economic rewards are an important consideration in choosing an educational path, money, as they say, isn’t everything.

While technical education is more focused on productive skills, supporters of classical education point to a number of worthwhile educational objectives that are equally important. A classical education focuses on improving oral and written communication skills, framing issues in historical context, exposure to art and literature and civic responsibility. To achieve those goals, in addition to their major course of study, students are required to take courses in the sciences and humanities. Most people would agree that that increased knowledge of the natural world, ourselves, and our humanity provides both individual and social benefits.

Timing is Everything

There was a time when a person chose a single career within their lifetime, and even worked at the same company for their entire career. However, there are many studies nowadays that show how people today can expect to have an average of seven careers in their lifetimes. Largely due to technological innovation and advancement, choice in education has become not just a one-time life decision, but a series of choices over time.

In the controversy surrounding classical versus technological education, the good news is that there is no need to choose one at the expense of the other. Because technical education costs less and provides more earning power more quickly, many young people may opt for it as only their first rather than their only choice. They may choose to complete their classical educations while working, without the need to accumulate debt.

Further, many employers offer tuition credits to employees taking courses that can potentially benefit their businesses. In fact, technology is developing so rapidly that many employers rely on their employees taking courses periodically from educational programs focused on rapidly changing technology and providing the skills and knowledge required to utilize it.

All education is valuable, as evidenced by the many four-year colleges that now offer practical professional internships in addition to a liberal arts education. More than ever, today’s workforce is composed of lifelong learners. They must have the skills to effectively problem-solve in an increasingly complex world in which technology has expanded the definition of community to include other cultures and societies as well as their own. That’s why when it comes to education, it’s no longer a matter of which type, but of when.

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2016-03-04 07:46:17). Classic vs. Modern Education - The Argument Against Choice. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/education/classic-vs-modern-education-the-argument-against-choice/

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Exciting New Research Explores a Third Alternative to Infectious Disease Control

Josip — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 06:28:03 +0000

When it comes to infectious disease control, there are two common solutions. These include using medicines, such as antibiotics, to target the pathogens and parasites, or reducing the risk of spread by using preventative measures.

However, a recent collaboration between University of Colorado Cancer Center and University of Virginia led to a discovery that demonstrated the effectiveness of a third alternative. This exciting new research looks at manipulating characteristics of the human body to eliminate the mechanism that permits pathogens to cause the disease.

The findings not only demonstrate how a cancer-science approach can be applied to the field of infectious disease, but it will also have major implications for a disease that causes many thousands of deaths all over the world.

What is Entamoeba Histolytica?

Parasites are organisms that live in or on another organism, known as the host, in order to survive. They gain benefits by deriving nutrients from, or at the expense of the host. While some parasites don’t affect the host organism, others multiply, grow or give off toxins, which can result in a parasitic infection and some very unpleasant symptoms.

There are several ways in which you can contract a parasite, however poor hygienic practices, contaminated food and water, unclean fruits or vegetables and undercooked meat are the most common methods of transmission.

Entamoeba histolytica, or E. histolytica, is a one-celled parasite that kills human cells and causes a disease known as intestinal amebiasis. Amebiasis is a parasitic infection of the intestines, which infects approximately 50 million people worldwide, while causing over 100,000 annual deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only about 10% to 20% from those who are infected with E. histolytica become sick from it. Symptoms tend to be mild and include stomach pain, loose stool and abdominal cramping.

A severe form of amebiasis, known as amebic dysentery, is associated with fever, severe stomach cramping and frequent bloody and watery stools. It occurs if the parasite invades the lining of the intestine and is a much more dangerous form of the disease. If the parasite were to enter your blood stream, it can end up in the lungs, brain, heart, liver, or other organs, and cause abscesses and tissue destruction.

Transmission of E. Histolytica

Entamoeba histolytica is spread by faecal-oral route. While amebiasis can affect anyone, it is more common in those who live in, or have travelled to, tropical countries with underdeveloped sanitary conditions. Areas with high rates of amebic infection include parts of Central and South America, Africa, Mexico and India.

Others at greater risk for amebiasis include people with compromised immune systems and other health conditions, those who live in institutions with poor sanitary conditions and men who have sex with other men.

Current Solutions

Currently, there are two widely used strategies when it comes to protecting humans from infectious disease. These include using medicines such as antibiotics to target the pathogens and parasites, or addressing the environmental factors that permit transmission of the disease.

In the case of E. histolytica, antibiotic is available for treatment. Uncomplicated cases of amebiasis are generally treated with a 1-day course of antibiotics.

However, if the parasite is present in the intestinal tissues, then damage to infected organs must also be addresses. In these cases, surgery may be necessary. Amebiasis can be deadly if left untreated.

Preventative measures to avoid amebiasis focus on proper sanitation. The CDC offers advice on measures to take when traveling to a country with poor sanitary conditions. This includes drinking bottled, boiled or treated water, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating and avoiding food sold by street vendors, unpasteurized dairy products and ice cubes or water fountains.

Exploring a Third Strategy

New research has demonstrated the effectiveness of a third strategy against infectious diseases. This involves manipulating the host’s genes in order to remove the mechanism that allows pathogens to cause disease.

The collaboration for this research stemmed from a conversation between Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, director of the University of Colorado Cancer Center and William A. Petri, Jr., MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases & International Health at the University of Virginia.

The idea was to apply a groundbreaking technique used in cancer research to the study of infectious disease. Together with Chelsea Marie, PhD, postdoctoral researcher in the Petri Laboratory at Virginia, they sought to determine if the elimination of any one cell could provide immunity to Entamoeba histolytica, through the silencing of genes found in human cells.

This was done by using a technique called RNAi, which allowed them to create a library of bladder cancer cells with thousands of independent, silenced genes. These cultures were then challenged with the E. histolytica parasite.

When this technique is used in cancer research, they look for genes that make cells more susceptible to chemotherapy when silenced. For this research, the infectious pathogen was the analogue of chemotherapy.

While the parasite managed to decimate many thousands of those independent cell structures, a small number appeared to resist it. In order to find out if these silenced genes offered immunity to these cells or merely survived by chance, Marie retested those cells that had survived.

This process was repeated over nine generations of cells, and over these generations of selection, the cultures became more and more enriched for cells that lacked certain genes. The genes that presented resistance were then identified using next generation sequencing.

This revealed that many of those genes were involved in potassium transport, managing the flow of potassium into and out of human cells. A follow-up experiment then revealed that new intestinal cells treated with E. histolytica demonstrated potassium efflux just prior to cell death. That meant that those cells that were unable to transport potassium didn’t die.

The researchers then reversed the direction of their experiments in order to confirm that this was indeed what was causing the resistance to the parasite. They took new cells and blocked their ability to transport potassium, through the use of drugs. By blocking potassium efflux, they were able to manufacture cells that were resistant to the parasite.

The targeting of human genes that enable E. histolytica to cause disease is a major discovery. It demonstrates that cancer-science approach can be applied to the field of infectious disease in order to explore genetic mechanisms of resistance.

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2015-12-28 06:28:03). Exciting New Research Explores a Third Alternative to Infectious Disease Control. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/biology/exciting-new-research-explores-a-third-alternative-to-infectious-disease-control/

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The Science Behind the Jedi Lightsaber: How Far Are We From Making Our Own?

Josip — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 06:16:49 +0000

With the explosive success of The Force Awakens, interest in all things Jedi has come to fever pitch. And perhaps no item is more evocative of the film’s fascinating world as the Jedi lightsaber. It’s no surprise that many of us wonder: how far are we from holding one of our own?

According to this animated infographic, we’re already 75% there – but that last 25% still seems elusive indeed. Let’s explore just how close we are to protecting our galaxy with this ‘elegant weapon for a more civilised age’.

Is a Lightsaber Exactly?
Yes, most of us can probably bring the lightsaber-wielding Jedi to the mind’s eye without too much difficulty. But if we’re going to delve deeper into reproducing them in the real world, we need to understand exactly what the films suggest they’re made of and what they can do.

Firstly, it’s easy to see that they’re incredibly powerful. They easily slice through solid chunks of metal, cut through flesh, yet the hilt’s temperature is controlled so as not to harm the user. The laser itself can also be ‘turned off’ at the press of a button, allowing the Jedi to put away their weapon in a holster.

Overall, it’s an incredibly flexible weapon that combined with a Jedi’s power is a force (no pun intended!) to be reckoned with. Science, however, is proving to be a worthy adversary that’s stopping Lucas myth from becoming reality.

Stopping the Beam
The lightsaber seems to use lasers of some sort – however, those in our world are invisible until their end point and also don’t have a fixed length. We’re nowhere near developing the technology to stop the laser beam in its tracks. Light needs to hit something solid to stop, or it needs to be refracted through the use of a mirror.

The conclusion? It doesn’t seem possible that we could ever use lasers in their current form to build something similar. The beam of laser light would simply continue exponentially and would not be shown until reaching its natural end – just think of a classic laser pointer as an example.

Finding a Power Source
While we currently have plenty of options to power up an item that emits light or plasma of such magnitude, there’s one ‘minor’ problem. Contrary to what the lightsaber suggests (such as a small battery pack), reality calls for something a little more expansive.

What we’re left with is a weapon that can only last for just a few seconds or a bulky and heavy item that would not be possible to use as anything like a sword. The familiar noise of the lightsaber would also come from the power source, as plasma or light do not naturally emit such a sound.

Light Has No Mass
Another issue that we have is that light has no mass. The lightsaber is more powerful than any sword or axe, yet light has no properties that would allow such behaviour.

Consider the fact that light does not even have the capability to repel other light, yet in Return of the Jedi we clearly see Luke defeating his enemies by repelling blaster shots. Unfortunately, our own laws of physics would now allow this. You can imagine how feeble a lightsaber duel would look with the two weapons simply bypassing each other!

The films themselves are also not exactly consistent. In the original trilogies the weight of the weapon suggests something similar to the longsword (hence the slow and pensive fighting style), but the prequels have ‘upgraded’ the weapons to be lightweight fencing instruments. Regardless of which it actually is, light itself would weigh less than both.

What About Plasma?
GE Engineer Matt Gluesenkamp has stated that the closest real-world example of what the lightsaber consists of is plasma generated electrically. The problem with using plasma in this manner is that the battery power that would be required to create this amount of electricity would render the weapon unusable.

Another problem is the sheer heat of plasma. The suggested temperature of the lightsaber would hit four figures Fahrenheit, yet all our heroes need is a handy hilt that is seemingly capable to withstand such temperatures.

Unfortunately, we currently have no such material that would be able to do something similar. Not only that, plasma emits heat as well, which would mean that anything even a few inches from the lightsaber would be charred beyond recognition!

New Findings
While Time Magazine sensationally reported that the fabled Jedi weapon is finally a reality, the headline is unfortunately closer to click-bait than anything else. Nevertheless, the findings by scientists at Harvard and MIT are promising indeed.

Teams of physicists have worked together to bind photons that can be said to behave in a similar manner to what we’d expect from the Skywalker weapon of choice. As a byproduct of other experiments, scientists have observed that photons fired through rubidium atoms behaved in a unique manner.

Opposite to massless particles that don’t interact with other molecules, in this case they would form together and move in a uniform manner. This effect is essentially what the lightsaber suggests it’s doing, which perhaps forms a basis for future developments.

However, what we currently have is still way off a working model. While the particles do indeed interact in an entirely novel way, it’s still a simple interaction. There’s plenty of work to be done before we have our own versions of Luke and Obi-Wan protecting law and order. Considering just how impossible this particular behaviour seemed just a few years ago, Star Wars fans are allowed to remain hopeful.

We’re not there yet, but technological advancements of recent years make it feel as if the lightsaber is scintillatingly close. Nevertheless, the presented obstacles are perhaps yet still a bridge too far and it may be several generations before we’re capable of reproducing what they managed a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2015-12-23 06:16:49). The Science Behind the Jedi Lightsaber: How Far Are We From Making Our Own?. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/news/the-science-behind-the-jedi-lightsaber-how-far-are-we-from-making-our-own/

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The post The Science Behind the Jedi Lightsaber: How Far Are We From Making Our Own? appeared first on Australian Science.

How Your Sunscreen Poses a stop Real Threat to Coral Reefs

Josip — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 09:35:24 +0000

Experts advise us to apply sunscreen on a consistent basis. We all know the associated risks of being overexposed to our sun’s rays, yet recent scientific studies have shown that chemicals used in common sunscreen products may also be causing irreparable damage to our planet’s coral reefs.

The media has also started to take notice of the startling warnings. You may have read the sensationalist headlines, with words such as ‘killing’ or ‘destroying’ being used to describe sunscreen’s effect. But in this case, it’s not just clickbait.

While climate change is still the primary cause for concern, the ingredients found in most sunscreen products have now been scientifically proven to cause damage to our coral reefs. We’ve already lost 80% of coral reefs in the Caribbean. If we want to continue enjoying those beautiful holidays in the Great Barrier Reef, something needs to happen.

And no, this isn’t scaremongering or pseudo-science. Two peer reviewed studies have been conducted that put matters beyond reasonable doubt:

Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections. Published in April 2008, you can read the full study at PMC.
Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This recent study from October 2015 has had heavy press coverage recently. The study is heavy reading, so you may want to read the shorter explanation by one of the authors if you want to get a grip on the material.

Of course, the scientific jargon can be a little confusing and that’s understandable. The following explains the core of the issue in slightly simpler terms.

The Problem (In Layman’s Terms!)
The study published in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (October 2015) deals specifically with oxybenzone (benzophenone-3). The study calls the threat from this chemical ‘ecological and existential’. The chemical is described as being ‘highly toxic to juvenile corals’, affecting them in four distinct ways:

Damaged DNA: oxybenzone damages the DNA of juvenile corals, causing them to have trouble reproducing. And even if they do reproduce, the offspring is usually not optimally healthy.
Coral Bleaching: Sunscreens promote viral infections in coral, causing coral bleaching. This is extremely worrying, associated with natural events such as El Nino. Oxybenzone can cause coral to bleach at lower temperatures, posing an even greater threat to the environment.
Endocrine Disruptor: Juvenile coral that has been exposed to oxybenzone can sometimes lead to death due to skeletal encapsulation.
Deformity: Oxybenzone causes deformity in coral, which severely impacts health.

The studies also found issues with other chemicals. Butylparaben, a preservative, has also been linked to coral bleaching. Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor fall under the same category. Considering just how damaging coral bleaching is, it’s undoubtedly a worrying scenario.

Perhaps the most worrying aspect of the study is that very little of these chemicals are required to cause damage. In fact, it’s as little as one drop of water in what would be the equivalent of almost seven Olympic swimming pools. Considering that it’s estimated that up to 14 thousand tonnes of sunscreen washes of our bodies each year, the potential results are frightening.

And that figure doesn’t even include water and waste discharges. Just think of the sunscreen that we use before going out for a run, enjoying an outdoor barbecue, or catching a few rays while relaxing in our gardens and parks. We all proceed to wash our sunscreen off, potentially landing in our waters and damaging coral reefs.

What Can We Do About It?

It’s clear that the effects of human activities on our environment are worrying, but it’s still possible to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays without having an impact on the planet. If you’re going to be swimming, snorkeling or scuba diving near coral reefs, ensure you opt for a coral reef safe sunscreen.

Considering that major brands such as L’Oreal and Coppertone both use oxybenzone, it’s clear that consumers are going to have to do a little digging to find a suitable alternatively. Unfortunately it’s not as easy as looking for a simple label, but there are ways of figuring out which products are safe to use:

The main ingredient you’re looking to avoid is oxybenzone. This is the chemical that has been scientifically proven to harm coral reefs.
Inspect the product label and also avoid butylparaben, octinoxate, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. The latter is banned in the USA and Japan, but both Canadian and European sunscreens may contain it.
The problem with sunscreen is that it comes off while in the water. Look for a product that has been proven to be effective at being water resistant, meaning it will stay on your skin (and off our coral reefs!).

It’s worth keeping in mind that a government body does not officially regulate coral reef safe sunscreens. Such labels are simply promotional and set by the manufacturers themselves, meaning that it’s up to you to check the ingredients carefully. If you are in doubt, email or tweet the manufacturer to verify whether the product meets the above requirements.

We can also look to our governments. For example, local authorities in American cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Ocean City have constructed sewer outfalls that divert wastewater from beaches into the ocean. In addition to the problems with sunscreen waste, this toxic mix also contains birth-control pill residue and other harmful products. It’s imperative that we encourage our powers that be to consider the environment and not just convenience or the almighty dollar.

Remember, coral reefs don’t just add to a picturesque setting, an exotic artwork for us to admire. Coral reefs also play an integral role in biodiversity, protect our coasts from natural disasters, encourage tourism around the world, and also have an impact on marine life (having significant value to fisheries). If we’re to continue enjoying these natural wonders, we need to act quickly and decisively.

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2015-11-24 09:35:24). How Your Sunscreen Poses a stop Real Threat to Coral Reefs. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/biology/how-your-sunscreen-poses-a-stop-real-threat-to-coral-reefs/

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The post How Your Sunscreen Poses a stop Real Threat to Coral Reefs appeared first on Australian Science.

Nanotechnology in Dentistry Creates Stronger Fillings

Josip — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 12:33:07 +0000

Breakthroughs in nanotechnology don’t just limit their effect to the electronics industry. Recent advancements in the industry have allowed dentists to severely cut down on their workload in a way you may not have expected.

Dentists use dental composites to restore teeth to their original hardness and rigidity, making them essential in dental repairs such as restoration fillings. They are typically made of amalgams such as composites made of silica, plastic compounds or ceramic, or of mixtures of silver, mercury or tin.

The problem is that these can be prone to breakages and suffer from a short life span. In fact, it is thought that replacement fillings make up 75% of dentist’s work. The use of nanotechnology in dentistry has allowed engineers to come up with a viable solution to this problem.

Using Nanotechnology

The short lifespan of current dental composites have led engineers to look into the concept of using nanotechnology in dentistry, with fillings that could last longer than the conventional kind. The benefit of using nanomaterial is that when a material becomes smaller, it reduces the chance of it containing a defect, thus increasing the strength of that material.

The Development of NovaPro Flow

Hao Li, a professor at the University of Missouri’s college of engineering has developed a “flowable

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2015-11-23 12:33:07). Nanotechnology in Dentistry Creates Stronger Fillings. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/health/nanotechnology-in-dentistry-creates-stronger-fillings/

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The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Fraser Island

Josip — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 06:21:29 +0000

Fraser Island is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It’s the largest sand island on the planet, boasts gorgeous freshwater lakes, towering rainforests, and the idyllic 75 Mile Beach. It’s no surprise that the island attracts some 380,000 tourists per year.

Fraser Island is also an important cultural site to the local Butchulla people, who believe the spirits of ancestors still roam the beautiful rainforest trees and sand dunes. The lakes hold a particularly special place, with creeks such as Wanggoolba and Eli being important sacred sites.

But is this natural paradise and cultural shrine at risk? Many experts believe that Fraser Island is increasingly under threat due to climate change. We take a look at how this phenomenon is affecting the island, from changes we’re already seeing in the present day to potential consequences in the coming years.

Sea Level Rise

10,000 years ago Fraser Island was part of Australia’s mainland, but rising sea levels indicate that much of the island could disappear completely. It’s likely that the popular Parallel Dune ridges will be submerged, with the land that’s less than 10m above sea level being lost.

Experts speaking at the Sixth Biennial Fraser Island Conference have estimated that the rising sea levels will have an even greater impact on the island than on the Great Barrier Reef (though the state government insists there is no hard data), an area that is widely known to be at great risk. “It’s the most ‘erodible’ surface, it’s all sand, it’s not rock or anything else,” said John Sinclair, organiser of the event.

The Great Sandy Strait can be expected to widen, which will lead to potentially dangerous changes to currents and tidal flows. Furthermore, coastal erosion will lead to changes in wind velocity and increased storm occurrences, again dangerous for both locals and tourists alike.

Climate Warming and Variation

Fraser Island is known as an overlap zone in the region, allowing certain species to thrive in cooler temperatures compared to areas further north. Increasing temperatures, however, will translate to species such as the blackbutt and tallowwood disappearing. Fish species such as the Tailor may also opt to migrate to cooler climes. This will undoubtedly lead to lower biodiversity in the region.

Climate change on Fraser Island won’t just be limited to an increased average temperature. It will also potentially lead to greater climate variability in the region. This could result in increased occurrences of frost, which even if sporadic will have a potentially catastrophic effect on the region’s flora and fauna.

Wind Patterns

Climate change has already led to an indisputable increase of northerly winds, which has led to a neutralisation of the region’s south-easterly winds. While this may seem trivial, this trend leads to increased vegetation on the island’s famous sand dunes. Noam Levin, a scientist who has been studying the region, has highlighted a significant decrease in the number of dunes since the 1980s. Furthermore, the increased algae have a negative impact on both fishing and swimming, spoiling the island’s previously pristine waters.

Perhaps even more worrying is that the combination of increasing temperatures and stronger winds will lead to a higher frequency of fires. Not only that, we can also expect them to be more severe and dangerous both to humans and local wildlife.

Lake Deterioration

Dr Wade Hadwen (Fraser Island Defenders Organisation) has highlighted that the island’s lakes are slowly deteriorating. The reasons behind this are two-fold. We first have the aforementioned build-up of algae, which has led to a downturn in water quality. However, the issue can also be attributed to man-made pollution from roads situated near the lakes.

Tourism Impact

Almost four hundred thousand visitors arrive at Fraser Island on a yearly basis. It’s expected that this number will only rise. Environmental degradation has not only come as the result of climate change, but also the sheer number of tourists. For instance, water and soil quality have seen a downturn, while the number of 4WD vehicles has led to increased erosion.

What Can We Do?

The potential impact of climate change on Fraser Island makes for bleak reading. But despite this, there’s plenty that we can do in order to preserve the natural beauty of this World Heritage site.

Monitor, Research, Mitigate: As noted by the state’s comment on the impact on the Great Barrier Reef, some of the data collection is still in its infancy. It’s important that we continue to monitor the progression of certain issues (e.g. erosion of sand dunes) to ascertain the gravity of environmental changes.

Adaptation and Management: The number of tourists landing on Fraser Island isn’t necessarily an issue, however, it’s important that they are managed correctly. Considering that the island’s primary revenue stream is no longer sand mining and logging, progress has already been made. Tourism is more sustainable, as long as the correct measures are in place.

Tourists should be taught to engage with Fraser Island in an environmentally focused way. Instead of planning individual journeys, for example, visitors could work closely with experienced tour agencies to ensure a responsible visit to the island. Additional information should also be provided in situ to ensure both tourists and locals alike are aware of the risks of human impact.

Small tweaks can also lead to big changes. For example, experts agree that run-off from sand roads is impacting the lakes. Roads should be relocated further away. While this adds a touch of inconvenience, it’s a small price to pay.

Additionally, government agencies should increase investment in sewage management and the installation of environmentally friendly toilet units. This will ensure popular camping areas are kept clean and that degradation of soil quality is kept at a minimum.

Increased Research & Knowledge Share: At present there is a distinct lack of ‘cross-fertilisation’ of knowledge when it comes to the management of World Heritage sites. Best practices can only be created and adhered to if all involved parties are aware of the latest research and recommendations.

Furthermore, additional academic research is required to ensure the correct action can be taken. The opening of funded doctorate positions is a step in the right direction. The availability of in-depth research will allow both governments and communities to take the correct action.

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2015-11-11 06:21:29). The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Fraser Island. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/environmental-science/the-potential-impact-of-climate-change-on-fraser-island/

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FDA Approved an Injection That Will Eliminate Your Double Chin

Dunya — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 07:44:01 +0000

For many of us, trying to hide our double chin – perhaps under a scarf or turtleneck – is a daily battle. It’s a major cause of embarrassment for thousands of affected Australians, and is usually caused by obesity or other natural effects of aging. A double chin is actually just an extra layer of submental fat that forms around the neck and can sometimes sag, creating the impression of a second chin. Up until now, surgery was the only way to remove it.

However, there is now a surgery-free way to remove the dreaded double chin thanks to a recently FDA-approved drug called Kybella (or deoxycholic acid). Approved as a treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe submental fat below the chin, Kybella is an injectable drug that works by helping the body absorb fatty tissue. In essence, the drug dissolves the submental fat under the chin by destroying the fat cell’s membrane, causing it to burst. The remains of the cell are then reabsorbed by the body’s normal metabolic pathways.

According to the results of numerous clinical trials, injecting Kybella into the affected area can produce a noticeable reduction in submental fat in just 6 months. Patients can receive up to 50 injections in a single treatment (which usually lasts around 5 minutes), and sessions must be spaced at least 1 month apart for best results. No bandages are required, and recovery time is between 2 and 3 days.

Image source

There are some side-effects, however, that patients need to be made aware of before embarking on this journey. The most common side-effects reported in clinical trials were swelling, bruising, pain, numbness, redness and areas of hardness around the treatment area. However, most of these should disappear within a few days after treatment.

It’s important to understand that Kybella can also cause far more serious side-effects, such as possible nerve damage in the jaw. Although these side-effects are much less common, some patients have reported uneven smiles, weak facial muscles, and even trouble swallowing after receiving treatment. Indeed, according to Amy G. Egan of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, “Treatment with Kybella should only be provided by a licensed health care professional, and patients should fully understand the risks associated with use of the drug before considering treatment.

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Learning trends among students at universities

Josip — Sat, 30 May 2015 12:01:00 +0000

Introduction

To study in today’s world is a vastly different thing than studying in the past. With the rise of the Internet, information has become available at a faster and easier way than ever. New learning trends are evolving, with technology being the main culprit. The aim of this article is to analyze how different learning trends are evolving, and which predispositions enabled them to evolve.

Methods of learning

A lot of thought has been put into researching new methods of learning, and accessing the efficiency of well known, thoroughly used existing methods of learning. Surprisingly, the „tried and true“ methods, such as rereading, keywords, highlighting and summarizing were all found to be very ineffective methods of learning. The methods which involved the student most, either by presenting them with a challenge or making use of their own ability of critical thinking were found to be the best methods for quick, easy, and satisfying learning.
With the rise of technology, a new and efficient method of learning is quickly becoming widely accepted, and that is online learning. Taking virtual classes, and even whole virtual schools are becoming commonplace today, and this method has proven to be effective as it has a lot of room to maneuver, and by the use of software it can duplicate real world environments and situations for a fraction of the cost. 50% of students said that they enjoyed the materials learned in virtual classes, as opposed to the 32% of students that said the same about traditional class methods.

Accessing information

Accessing information is now easier than it was ever before, largely due to technological advances. The modern student has a lot more tools at his disposal than, for example, a student just 50 years ago. These tools allow quick, easy, cheap and reliable access to information in ways never thought possible before. Quick access to information has largely reduced the time necessary to acquire learning materials, and because of that, has increased the efficiency of learning by a large margin. A quick Internet search has replaced reading through dozens of books for information, and studies show that more and more students rely on the Internet as their main source of information. As this research paper shows, students are using online information not just for school, but it is also their main source of information for everyday situations.

Technology and learning

Technology has changed the way we perceive the world around us. Today quickly accessing information and being connected has become an elementary human right, and it is technology that laid the path to quick information access. Whereas before students were limited to the use of books, notebooks, paper and other physical media, now it is possible to have all the knowledge required saved up on your smartphone or computer. Various portable devices, such as tablets and laptops, have enabled students to carry the equivalent of thousands of books in their bag. This kind of easy information access is unprecedented, and has, as such, made learning today quicker than ever.

Classrooms today come equipped with smartboards, Wi-Fi, and other utilities, which make the learning process much easier and the information presented easier to comprehend and absorb. Students are using their smartphones and smartwatches, such as the so-called cheating watch especially designed for learning, as a way to quickly check information, or to recap on a passed lecture, with many of them actually recording lections and posting them on the Internet. A recent study has shown that a staggering 53% of students would like their schools to let them use their mobile phones in the facility, as a method to improve their learning.

Conclusion

Technology is changing everything around us, and even basic things, such as learning, are adapting and evolving in ways never before thought possible. New learning methods are making a positive change by increasing the overall happiness and interest of the students themselves, and by making the knowledge easier for lecturers to present.

References:

featured image: https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at
Classroom image: http://cdn.phys.org/
Empty classroom image: http://desales.edu/

Cite this article:
Ivanovic J (2015-05-30 12:01:00). Learning trends among students at universities. Australian Science. Retrieved: Apr 27, 2024, from http://australianscience.com.au/education/learning-trends-among-students-at-universities/

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