Scientists are now using the genetics of sea urchins to uncover new discoveries and to better understand diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy and also possibly unlock the mystery of infertility. The sea urchin, although an invertebrate, actually shares a common ancestor and over 7,000 genes with humans. This allows scientists to study a simple creature, yet complex enough to gain knowledge on diseases unmercifully plaguing man. Quite a few of the sea urchins’ amino acid sequences are a perfect match to human genes. Using a complete DNA map, doctors can examine the disease and cancer related genes to create cures and even eventually prevent them all together. Since sea urchins can create 20 million eggs, researchers can practically produce an “unlimited amount of material” to work with. Although Scientists and doctors are making progress towards researching these diseases, it is unclear how long before this analysis generates any definite cures. This indefinite time span might be the downfall of the research as it is unclear how much money will be required to sustain it. I believe this research is crucial to further knowledge on these diseases and with additional effort spent to broadcast this new study, great outcomes will come.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/0304sea_urchins_reveal_medical_mysteries.htm
This article is a perfect example of the necessity of animal habitat preservation and the importance of various forms of life. Many medicines are created from plants and animals through the various chemicals and hormones found naturally occurring within them. If species of life are allowed to go extinct, many medicines could not be created. The future of our lives and health is found through the safety and life of plants and animals.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't think we should have to rely on these plants and animals. Its not fair to them. They were here before us and we are hurting and even killing them everyday. Why should these innocent animals have to save us when all we do is disrupt them and homes. People are going to die, its part of the life cycle and its not right to disrupt it.
ReplyDelete@ Nicole
ReplyDeleteIn Amber's blog, she stated that the sea urchin produces about 20 million eggs. Sea urchin eggs can be easily replaced; however, you (a person) cannot be easily replaced. You do have a point about that people do die, but wouldn't you want to save someone if you were able to?
I believe animal testing is not something to be taken lightly, but with the increase of catastrophic diseases wrecking havoc on the bodies of our families and friends, can we truly sit around and watch their lives be cut short?
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