Everyday scientists perform different tests on cells (known as in vitro testing) to assess numerous concepts, such as drug efficiency and nanoparticle toxicity. Unfortunately, these tests do not always provide the best or most accurate results since the human body is composed of several different cell types, all of which interact and cause robust responses that cannot accurately be mimicked or studied with single cells. Thus, current techniques are being employed to imitate the complexity of the human body by using more than two cell lines combined together.
Previous techniques used single cell types, or what is commonly known as a monoculture system to study cellular responses. This is often used for simplicity and for studying single cellular responses rather than cellular interactions. It is useful for studying the general response cells may have under experimental conditions, such as testing toxic materials. It is also useful for studying the mechanisms by which the toxic material exerts their effects. Unfortunately, it is not useful for measuring cellular responses following cell signaling mechanisms. For example, one cell type may not be damaged by a toxic particle whereas a different cell type may be damaged or even killed following exposure. This response is due to the different responsibilities of different cells. Some cell types are capable of controlling for toxicity, while others are not designed to handle toxicity and typically rely on other cells to protect them. This has resulted in inaccurate measurements of nanoparticle toxicity when compared to toxic exposures in animals or humans. This is due to the complex cellular system in living creatures compared to the simplistic monoculture model. For example if scientis...
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...signal to each other to change the response. This model provides a more accurate representation of how the human body would respond to a toxic nanoparticle since it is more complex and allows for cellular interactions and robust responses. This model is also useful if scientists are interested in studying animal responses to the nanoparticle, since the measured results are more accurate compared to monoculture models.
Monocultures have long been used for toxicity testing. While they provide many benefits, their ability to represent what may occur in humans or animals is not sufficient. Co-cultures are able to better represent complex systems because bodies have more than one cell type that would respond following exposure. This complexity allows for cellular interactions which can more closely represent human and animal responses.
She points out that many harder drugs first started out with the use of drugs and alcohol. Her conclusion to this paragraph and to the article was, “On top of all of this, as mentioned above, nearly half the country has already tried pot which is more than how many Americans know who Jennifer Lawrence is and much much more than the percentage of Americans who are left-handed,” (10). Jacques is implying that since it is a common theme among many Americans to smoke marijuana, it should be legalized. Her analogy does not have any reputable numbers to back it up, therefore, a reader will have a hard time believing this bit of information. This is a logical fallacy within her argument. There are plenty of things that are common within this country that cannot be legalized. There are a great number of people who run stop signs everyday, but it does not mean a law should be passed saying it is okay to speed right through them without hesitation. This is a weak ending to Jacques’s argument and does not leave the reader confidently on her
Stokes, W.S. “Animals and the 3 R’s on Toxicology Research and Testing.” Human and Experimental Toxicology December 2015: 7. Academic Search Premier. Web. 14 February
Marijuana is a drug that is harmful to a person¡¯s health. It has been found to have adverse impacts on one¡¯s mental processes such as memory, attention, judgement, and problem- solving (Butcher, Mineka, Hooley, 2004, p.415). Also, marijuana can interfere with a person¡¯s ability to think rationally and logically. Thus, the lapse in judgement caused by the drug use can lead to risky sexual behaviours and this may result in increasing sexually transmitted disease such as AIDS. Moreover, the long-term use of marijuana may cause chronic breathing problems and cancer ...
Nanotechnology is special because it can ensure that the other healthy body cells won't be affected by the
The similarity between marijuana and alcohol is numerous, they are closely related in terms of usage and toxicity. Majority of the population nowadays would use alcohol to escape this cruel reality, escape into somewhere very pleasant and joyful, by being intoxicated. Similarly, marijuana helps people become “relaxed individual, free from the anxieties and cares of the realities of life” (Source D), again by the user being
"Marijuana is the second most popular drug after alcohol in the country today. So many people smoke marijuana that the numbers alone seem to legitimize and condone its presence in people's lives. Yet, even in moderation marijuana is not 'safe.' Somehow this information had not filtered down to people who think they are smoking a fairly innocuous drug. Our society perpetuates the myths about pot being a fun, harmless, recreational drug. These myths feed into people's denial of marijuana's problems" (Baum 6). However, the abuse of marijuana is a problem. It is not only a personal problem, but also more importantly a social problem. Throughout history marijuana has been used to serve various purposes in many different cultures. The purposes have changed over time to fit in with the current lifestyles. The cultivation of the marijuana plant in the United States began as far back as the Jamestown settlers around the year 1611. At that time the main focus was on survival rather than for psychoactive purposes. Medicinal uses of marijuana eventually changed to enjoyment manipulation. Beginning in the 1960s marijuana use saw a reemergence with the rebellious youth, and the "hippie movement." This evolved into increased use among the older population as well. This trend continues to this day. Marijuana use can be termed abuse. Today the debate over marijuana is a major controversy that affects our society as a whole. During the 60's it was easy to depict marijuana as a beneficial and completely harmless substance because there was not enough scientific research done during this time (Grolier Wellness Encyclopedia). Today we know that the levels of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana called tetrahydr...
Many could argue that marijuana is destructive physically as well as mentally. “The National Institute on Drug Abuse says marijuana can cause heart irregularities, lung problems, and addiction” (Welch). “One joint can be just as damaging to [the lungs] as smoking at least two and a half cigarettes” (Ruff). According to Dr. Tom Wright, director of a substance abuse treatment center for adolescents in Rockford, “teens may be especially sensitive to marijuana’s effects because their brains are still being formed” (MJ Rebuttal). However, the marijuana legalization proposition would have tight restrictions and regulations by the states that would eliminate some of those issues, such as age. These facts are not consistent; the evidence is not backed from reliable sources. One institute is referred to, but more experts are needed to verify the information.
The American Medical Association's Council on Scientific Affairs should be commended for its report, "Marijuana: Its HealthHazards and Therapeutic Potential." Not only does the report outline evidence of marijuana's potential harms, but it distinguishes this concern from the legitimate issue of marijuana's important medical benefits. All too often the hysteria that attends public debate over marijuana's social abuse compromises a clear appreciation for this critical distinction.
...f the product is given to a human through the skin. It is said that this could be a new and very effective alternative to Animal Experiments. Scientist have grown a small piece of human liver tissue from stem cells which might one may be possible to perform initial ‘human’ safety trails in a lab. I suppose that if the laws on the necessity for animal testing were relaxed, it would encourage the scientist to develop other methods of testing toxicity that were equally effective. There are alternatives, it is just whether or not the scientist will peruse them.
Europe and Canada have implemented regulations; however, the United States has voluntary guidelines. According to the Center for Food Safety there is a possibility for the inhalation or ingestion of nanoparticles from food packaging and food where nanotechnology is used. After they are in the body some types of nanoparticles can circulate through the body and migrate to sensitive parts of the body like lymph nodes, kidneys and liver. (Stonebrook) As new technology is being researched it is imperative that safety be integrated for the good of the society. In the event that it becomes toxic people must know. As with all new technology human institutions must come up with safe way to use
... believes this to be very true. But the smokers do not want to be associated with the “pothead” stereotype. They want very much to destroy the connection of marijuana with the tie-dyed, hippy era. Society just assumes smokers are useless, lazy, uneducated bums; which is very inaccurate. There are many hard working people out there that smoke marijuana recreationally to relieve stress. First, this cannot be true because there are an inestimable amount of marijuana smokers that successfully keep their habit a secret. These people are able to blend with society, allowing them to make friends/acquaintances that don’t agree with smoking marijuana. People who use marijuana do not look negatively upon the rest of society. They relate and form bonds with the whole culture as normal people would.
Gabe went on to point out that marijuana that is used medically would have to be higher in CBD than THC so that benefits such as shrinking tumors, lowering anxiety, and so on, can be obtained. I also found it interesting that use of marijuana for just 5 or more days in a month could affect cognitive ability in terms of academics, as Gabe pointed out in one of the studies she spoke of. Another study, which was longitudinal and followed boys from middle school until age 35 found that continual marijuana use resulted in a decrease in IQ as well as no gain of those extra IQ points that others gain as they get older. In terms of the marijuana itself, I had no idea that the potency has increased dramatically since the 1960s, which was 1-2%, to an average of 15% today; that, coupled with the fact that the potency has a significant effect on the brain, is especially troubling. As a college student who knows individuals who smoke marijuana, I now have a heightened awareness of the dangers of marijuana, which are much more expansive than I would have ever originally
There has always been controversy about marijuana and the affects it has on health and the issue of legalization. Some people believe it is very destructive to one’s health, and yet others feel the complete opposite about it. Is Marijuana truly harmful to one’s health? “Marijuana, the Deceptive Drug”, written by George Bierson, was published in the Massachusetts News. In this article, Bierson determines that marijuana is harmful in many ways. He seems to think that it damages the brain, the reproductive system, and also contributes to the halt of production in the immune system. Bierson also tries to persuade the reader that marijuana is a “gateway drug” that leads to larger drugs in the future. However, by conducting research of my own, I have come to the conclusion that Bierson’s article simply lacks truth.
The motive for smoking marijuana unlawfully depends on the user. Unlawful smoking of marijuana is done for several reasons; these include peer pressure, pressure from outside the peer group, the desire to relax, and the need to even identify themselves with popular media icons. The effects of the substance also cause symptoms that seem to be highly desirable. When smoking marijuana the user feels a sensation of exuberance, as ideas begin to flow more easily, creative and philosophical thinking emerges. Music becomes more appreciated as a deeper bond is felt. The user's awareness of their senses increase while a pleasant feeling takes over the body. In the end, an enhancement between mind ...
On the other hand, nanotechnology has disadvantages and risks on the human beings life. Some doctors state that nanoparticles are very small in size so that they can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, the membrane that protects the brain from harmful and toxic chemicals in the bloodstream, where larger molecules cannot pass through. After they cross the blood-brain barrier, the particles will pass to organs such as the kidneys, and liver (R. Smithers, The Guardian, 2010). For example, nano materials present in the food packaging would migrate from the package to the interior of the food which may contain chemicals or molecules that may harm (C. Ortiz, 2014). Although some risks are being discussed but this does not apply to all nano materials and does not reflect the risk of nanotechnology itself since it depends on many different settings.