DNA – RNA & Science
How to Study Aging Cell by Computational Biology
Apr 5th
Aging is an imminent process for both the cells and the organism. Aging is the natural way to death. Aging cells are critical for the aging of the individual. We still do not know how aging takes place to the cell or how the aging of the cells can be prevented. An emerging branch of science called systems biology uses computational approaches to study aging cell.
The bulk of the experimental research employs reductionistic approaches to study biology. Though this is a simpler approach and allow us to generate vast amount of useful data, this approach does not look at the system as whole. A new paper published in PLoS Computational Biology and commented in a science news publication elaborates on the use of computational biology in understanding the aging cells. The authors said: “One important goal of computational approaches in aging is to develop integrated models in terms of a unifying aging theory, predicting progression of aging phenotypes grounded on molecular mechanisms”.
Aging cells produce less energy. Several biochemical pathways in the cells become slowly worn out resulting in this state. Most of these pathways lead to the function of mitochondria in the cell. Mitochondria is a very important organelle in the cells as most of the energy is made in this cell. When the function of mitochondria is adversely affected, the cell function is also decreased.
In aging, mitochondrial function is decreased resulting in the decrease of cell energy and cell aging is further augmented. The researchers from Drexel university focused on two pathways in the aging cell that affect mitochondrial function and used an approximation model in computational biology called fuzzy logic. Fuzzy logic considers methods of approximations to arrive at reasonably correct conclusions. Fuzzy logic can handle imprecise input, but makes precise decisions and has wide industrial applications from air conditioning to anti-lock break systems in cars, using predefined rules.
“Since cellular biodynamics in aging may be considered a complex control system, a fuzzy logic approach seems to be particularly suitable,” said Dr. William Bosl, co-author of this study.
How To Decrease Your Chances Of Finding Biological Contaminants In Drinking Water
Apr 4th
Most people don’t think about the quality of the water as it comes out of the kitchen tap, the tub faucet or even the shower head. They just assume the water’s safe. After all, everyone else is drinking it, and they’re not getting sick so it must be alright. Nevertheless, if people really knew what was in their water supply, they’d probably think twice about drinking it or bathing in it. That’s because of all the biological contaminants in drinking water. However, have those contaminants always been there?
Recycled Water
When you flush your toilet, where do you think that water goes? It goes to the municipal water plant in your immediate area where it can be filtered to make it acceptable for your consumption. Most of the biological agents who exist in our water supply come from human and animal waste from the sewer systems.
The thing is, sometimes those agents aren’t taken care of by the filtration process conducted by the local plants. Plus, there’s a chance that the water could become contaminated between the point of filtration and the point that it comes out of your faucet. For that reason, it’s important to have some sort of home water filtration system to ensure that your family is protected.
What Could Happen?
When it comes to biological agents in your home’s water supply, there could be several. These can cause a variety of illnesses, disease and even death in some extreme cases. For example, these biological agents can cause a person to be exposed to hepatitis A, B and C, Legionnaire’s disease, and E. coli.
While cases of people getting sick from drinking tap water are rare, it’s still not a good idea to take any chances. Luckily, there are several home filtration options that can help you protect you your family.
Home Filtration Systems.
If you want absolute protection from biological agents, your best bet is a home filtration system. This is a filter which is hooked up to your home’s main water line and cleanses all the water that is pumped into your home. Try activated carbon filters, they are powerful and practical and extremely efficient at eliminating contaminants.
You care about your family’s health, and you want to make sure they’re safe, whenever they drink from the faucet, take a bath or shower or cook with your home’s water supply. To protect them, get a home filtration system, and you’ll sleep well at night knowing your home’s water supply is always pristine and healthy.
