Question

Section: Weekend, pg. B04

CANCER is horrible. If our bodies were nations, cancers would be like
terrorists who show a complete lack of regard for civility and
normal processes and attempt to cause as much damage as possible.

Unlike terrorists, though, cancers don't try to do anything. They
are mindless lumps of cells whose genetic code has gone awry.

It seems we all know someone who has been affected or killed by cancer,
so it appears very common. In fact, our bodies have elaborate
anti-cancer systems, guardians of the integrity of the genetic
code, that prevent it from

Answer 1

happening much more frequently.

Simply because we're alive, our cells have to replicate to do things
such as replace tired blood cells or repair tissue damage.

During such replication -- in which DNA, the genetic code, must itself
be replicated -- mistakes can occur. Also, environmental stresses
such as cigarette smoking or getting sunburnt can damage DNA.
The anti-cancer systems can detect damage or mistakes in DNA and
kill the cells that contain it so they don't become cancerous.
It is when a mistake slips through the system or when the anti-cancer
system is itself damaged, as is often the case in families
where cancer is common, that cancers crop up.

Of interest, ageing can be considered as a very mild version of cancer.
As we get older, some of the mistakes in our DNA that get past
the anti-cancer system and don't cause cancer still cause the
kinds of damage to our cells we associate with ageing -- things
such as wrinkly skin, muscle decline and organ failure.

Would it be possible to somehow boost the levels of anti-cancer systems
within the body so cancer could be reduced or eliminated and
the symptoms of ageing could be slowed?

Many research groups have been studying that with respect to cancer.
It has already been shown that mice, which have all the same types
of cancers and anti-cancer systems as we do, can be made to
have lower levels of cancer by increasing the levels of anti-cancer
enzymes within them.

Answer 2

In a new study, published in this week's issue of the journal Nature,
researchers have found that when the levels of two components
of the anti-cancer system are boosted, the mice have reduced rates
of cancers and live longer.

Two enzymes, known as p53 and Arf, were boosted in mice using genetic
engineering techniques. The mice appeared to look and behave
as normal except that they were very resistant to the cancers the
researchers tried to induce in their cells.

When they examined the lifespan of those mice, they found that, amazingly,
they lived 16 per cent longer than normal mice or mice which
had boosted levels of either p53 or Arf only. Moreover, the
symptoms of ageing were diminished and delayed in those super-mice.

So why don't we all get engineered to have high levels of p53 and
Arf? It's possible there are some bad side effects we don't know
about. Also, not many people would want to be genetically engineered.
Still, it is possible drugs could be developed to boost p53
and Arf levels without genetic engineering.

Would you consider using them?

Answer 3

1.) Explain why increasing the amounts of the two enzymes changed the life span of the mice.

Answer 4

@stonewoods

Answer 5

1. The two enzymes p53 and Arf, were injected with a genetically engineered technique, and made the mice live longer than a normal mouse.

Answer 6

ahh thanks! :) mind helping with a few more questions? :)

Answer 7

sure :)

Answer 8

Ok :)

Answer 9

Sorry this next question is fairly long but here goes nothing xD
2.) Express your opinion about whether people should be engineered to have high levels of the two enzymes. Should people have the option to do this if they would like? Should parents be allowed to have it done to their children? Is it okay to stop cancer but not ok to stop aging?

Answer 10

I know its supposed to be my opinion but, i cant come up with a real good answer..

Answer 11

2. I think every one should be introduce to the two enzymes because there are many people out there dyeing from health conditions and disease and i think if this was put out there would be a lesser death rate.

Answer 12

Your awesome @stonewoods :)

Answer 13

Last One, I Promise :)
3.) Express your opinion about potential problems that could result from this technology. Who should bear the responsibility for solving these problems? Explain your point of view. Give examples to support your view point.

Answer 14

@Hotchellerae21

Answer 15

@jakeslife04 help me with the last one :) <3

Answer 16

I believe that education should be an empowering process that allows and guides children to develop their passions, critical thinking, compassion, and orientation towards wisdom for timely action.

In other words, self-cultivation should be the purpose of education. Understanding self-cultivation in terms of being a part of a unified field of relationships is key to the growth of a mature culture of peace. When the natural web of our relationships is used to strengthen our depth of knowledge, the feedback from the environment supports timely adjustments and refinements in our emotional and technical developments.

For this conversation, please focus on the question "in your opinion, what should the purpose of education be?" .