Introduction
Cells are the smallest unit of life. Cells are found all over the body, like in the organ system, and in the tissues. Researchers have been trying to make cells useful many different types of ways. For example, scientists have created medicines from stem cells.
Task
Now that you know what a cell is and what scientist have been trying to do with cells.
We can finally start our quest!
Process
1. What do researchers think is one cause of memory impairment related to growing older? What does new research show that may be able to help reverse this process?
Older people often experience a decrease in blood flow to the brain, which can lead to memory loss and changes in their cognitive skills. Medication and diseases also play a major role in this memory impairment. However, scientist have temporarily been able to reverse memory decline in older patients by using electrical pulses. They seem to believe their is a disconnection between the prefrontal region of the brain and the temporal region. The pulses are able to help synchronize these two regions temporarily and studies have shown cognitive/memory improvements. Scientist also believe in other helpful tips that can be added to a persons daily life, such as, getting better sleep, staying active, reading and becoming more organized.
2. How might fat cells be able to help people with spinal cord injuries?
Scientist have found cells to have grown from fat tissue and believe these cells can be considered "nerve cells". Because these cells would come from "fat", they would be a plentiful source and may be able to treat disease. Scientists believe if a patient has a spinal cord injury, that they can take some of the patients fat, treat it and put it back in. However, this study has not been tested to work on humans yet. They still need to do a trial and observe the cell, and see if the process will actually work.
3. How are frog eggs being used in research involving human cells?
Immature frog eggs have been found to have the ability to rejuvenate adult human cells. Researchers are hoping to use this method to be able to reprogram adult cells in the future. Scientist Gurdon, conducted a study where they injected frog eggs into human blood cells, and after a couple of days they discovered a molecule, RNA was created. RNA helps DNA convert to protein, in which they feel this could be the first step in being able to reprogram cells.
4. what are Schwann Cells? How are they affected in MS patients?
Schwann Cells are a glial cell that wrap around an axon in the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) to form myelin sheath. Schwann Cells are affected in Multiple Sclerosis patients due to the loss of myelin. Multiple Sclerosis attacks the myelin sheath or the cells that produce it and maintain it and this causes inflammation and injury to the sheath and nerve fibers that surround it.
5. What roles do cells play in preventing the stomach from digesting itself?
The stomach does not digest itself because it is lined with epithial cells, which produce mucus. The stomach secrets a bicarbonate solution which lines the mucosa. This secretion is alkaline, and neutralizes the acid produced which also produces water. This production of bicarbonate does not allow the stomach to digest itself. However, some people can produce too much acid and this can cause stomach ulcers or indigestive problems.
Evaluation
Conclusion
In conclution, cells can help in many different ways. There are trillions of cells in our body. I also Iearned many things, for example, i didnt know that frog eggs and adult human cells have the same findings.