New Use for Tobacco

We all know how harmful tobacco products can be, so it seems a little strange to think that tobacco could possibly have medicinal benefits. Researchers are creating genetically modified tobacco plants that are able to produce anti-inflammatory proteins. These proteins could then be used to treat several diseases including diabetes.
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Lead scientist Mario Pezzotti states, "Transgenic plants are attractive systems for the production of therapeutic proteins because they offer the possibility of large scale production at low cost, and they have low maintenance requirements. The fact that they can be eaten, which delivers the drug where it is needed, thus avoiding lengthy purification procedures, is another plus compared with traditional drug synthesis." The next step in the study is to see how effective the plants are by feeding them to mice with auto-immune diseases.
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New Use for Tobacco

We all know how harmful tobacco products can be, so it seems a little strange to think that tobacco could possibly have medicinal benefits. Researchers are creating genetically modified tobacco plants that are able to produce anti-inflammatory proteins. These proteins could then be used to treat several diseases including diabetes.

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Lead scientist Mario Pezzotti states, "Transgenic plants are attractive systems for the production of therapeutic proteins because they offer the possibility of large scale production at low cost, and they have low maintenance requirements. The fact that they can be eaten, which delivers the drug where it is needed, thus avoiding lengthy purification procedures, is another plus compared with traditional drug synthesis." The next step in the study is to see how effective the plants are by feeding them to mice with auto-immune diseases.

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Why Lizards Shed Their Tail

Aegean wall lizardCredit: Johannes Foufopoulos

Did you know that some lizards have the ability to quickly shed their tail when under attack from a predator? Researchers had assumed that predator-prey relationships were a key factor in determining this ability in lizards. A deeper look however has given insight into why some lizards have this ability while others don't. The answer lies in the type of predator, specifically those that kill their prey with venom.
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In a study of lizards in Greece and the Aegean islands, researchers noticed that lizards with the quick tail-shedding ability were located in areas that were also populated by vipers. This ability is advantageous. If the lizard is bitten on its tail, it can shed the tail before the deadly venom is able to reach any vital organs. The lizard can then regrow its tail over time. Lizards that are located in areas where venomous snakes are not around do not have this same ability to quickly shed their tails.

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Cholesterol Crystals and Heart Attacks

Researchers from Michigan State University have discovered that heart attacks can be caused by cholesterol crystals in the blood stream that disrupt plaque found in arteries. Plaque consists of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances that build-up and reduce blood flow. As cholesterol builds on artery walls, it crystallizes and expands. The sharp crystals eventually move into the blood causing damage to arterial they move along. As the body tries to repair itself through the prwalls as ocess of clotting, it can lead to the development of blood clots that completely block blood flow. When this happens, a heart attack occurs.
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Cholesterol CrystalsImage courtesy of Michigan State University

The image to the right shows cholesterol crystals. The protruding elements seen in the different slides are the crystals. Those elements are arising from within the artery wall, causing tearing and damage to the artery. The colors have been added for enhancement and imagery.

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How To Extract DNA From a Banana

Extracting DNA from a banana may sound like a difficult task, but it is not very difficult at all. The process involves a few general steps which include mashing, filtration, precipitation, and extraction. Mashing exposes a greater surface area from which to extract the DNA. Substances are also added that will help break-down cell membranes to release the DNA. The filtration step allows for the collection of the DNA and other cellular substances. The precipitation step allows the DNA to separate from other cellular substances. Finally, the DNA is removed from the solution.
Renee Comet/National Cancer Institute

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All living organisms contain DNA. That includes you, me, and even a banana. DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is housed within the nucleus of our cells and contains the genetic information for cellular function and the reproduction of life.

Extracting DNA from a banana may sound like a difficult task, but it is not very difficult at all. The process involves a few general steps which include mashing, filtration, precipitation, and extraction.

Mashing exposes a greater surface area from which to extract the DNA. Substances are also added that will help break-down cell membranes to release the DNA. The filtration step allows for the collection of the DNA and other cellular substances. The precipitation step allows the DNA to separate from other cellular substances. Finally, the DNA is removed from the solution.

Here's How:

1. Using your knife, cut your banana into tiny pieces to expose more of the cells.
2. Place your banana pieces in the blender, add a teaspoon of salt and slightly cover the mixture with warm water. The salt will help the DNA stay together during the mashing process.
3. Mix in the blender for 5 to 10 seconds making sure the mixture is not too runny.
4. Pour the mixture into the glass jar through the strainer. You want the jar to be about half full.
5. Add about 2 teaspoons of liquid soap and gently stir the mixture. You should try not to create bubbles when stirring. The soap helps to break-down cell membranes to release the DNA.
6. Carefully pour very cold rubbing alcohol down the side of the glass stopping near the top.
   Wait for 5 minutes to allow the DNA to separate from the solution.
7. Use the toothpicks to extract the DNA that floats to the surface. It will be long and stringy.
   Tips:

• when pouring the alcohol, make sure that two separate layers are being formed (The bottom layer being the banana mixture and the top layer being the alcohol).
• When extracting the DNA, twist the toothpick slowly. Be sure to only remove the DNA from the top layer.
• Try repeating this experiment again using other foods such as an onion or chicken liver.
  What You Need:
  
• Banana
• Salt
• Warm water
• Liquid soap
• Blender
• Toothpicks
• Strainer
• Glass jar
• Rubbing alcohol
• Knife
  

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