Biotechnology in the Rio Grande Valley

Biotechnology in the Rio Grande Valley

When you get right down to it, the Rio Grande Valley is a lot like a cell. Everyone in the valley contributes to its existence, working day and night, keeping everything working. Our unique cultural blending serves as the DNA, and tacos seem to serve as our primary food source. Oh, and not to mention that the vast openness of the King Ranch serves as our cell membrane. The Valley, even though our quiet and simple life may not speak it, is well aware of the science taking place in the world around us, as well as in our own backyard.

Lately, major scientific advances have been made in the area of biotechnology and medicine. People don’t always recognize it, but they are definitely feeling the ramifications of such major advancements.

I like to sit down to a healthy breakfast of pan dulce (doughnuts that is). Oh, and not just any doughnuts, the ones drowned in glaze, and don’t forget about the ones dipped in pink sugar stuff that I don’t even know the name of. Yes, I might as well eat cyanide, but it makes me think. People all over the valley can’t do that. They suffer from a disease called diabetes. Oh yes, I know this disease well… my grandmother lost her big toe due to that tyrant of a problem. Even my fellow youth in my Biology class suffer from it. The battle for health is not a one sided one however. Scientists have just recently mapped the human genome, and are now working on finding the “flaws” of our bodies. Once we can pinpoint the problems, or the places in our bodies, which have a hard time dealing with diseases and viruses, we can work on solutions, or cures.

Just recently, I have discovered the horrors of old age. My grandfather of 81 years has a major case of Alzheimer’s. I mean, I sit on the couch and watch as the poor man tries to remember how to put a sandwich together. What once was the most simple of tasks now poses a half hour problem. It’s times like those when you realize that we all take youth for granted.