3 Questions. 3 Hints. 3 Answers. Every Tuesday.
1. What line of products, said to benefit the environment, are joining the ranks of genetically modified foods in the labeling debate?
Hint:
Answer: the environmentally conscious company Ecover, is using an oil in its laundry detergent produced by genetically altered algae grown in a bioreactor. Like a fine wine, the algae is then harvested and pressed to release an oil used as an alternative to less environmentally friendly options. Synthetic biology has been practiced for a few years but is rapidly gaining ground thanks to its many current and promising applications. This worries certain groups who believe products derived from the use of synthetic biology should be labeled as having been so produced. Some have gone so far as to criticize the synbio industry as offering “false solutions.” A very familiar tune to anyone who has navigated through the scientifically unsubstantiated arguments involving genetically modified foods. Read the details here.
2. How might science eventually solve the ongoing drug use and overdose problem?
Hint:
Answer: scientists are developing vaccines against the “Big Four” addictive substances: methamphetamine, nicotine, heroin and cocaine. They caution, however, that the vaccines should not be viewed as being a magic bullet and should, once on the market, be used in combination with other addiction treatment therapies. One reason is that while an anti-drug vaccine counters the drug’s effects, it does not curb a user’s desire for the drug. The individual still has to want to overcome an addiction and may need the assistance of an experienced professional to get and stay clean. Read about the process and its potential limitations here.
3. It’s a dirty world out there. Further to last week’s MRSA scare in the skies, what else might cause bacteria to prevail?
Hint:
Answer: not so cool: just like cigarette smoke, e-cigarette vapor exposure weakens our immune system giving bacteria the green light to potentially cause intrusive and deadly infections. E-vapor appears to make bacteria more aggressive, more difficult to kill and suppresses the ability of our cells to attack and kill bacteria. MRSA, especially, is of great concern since it is highly communicable, aggressive and has antibiotic resistance. MRSA infections can be hard to eliminate and we are running out of antibiotics able to do the job. Read the story here.