sharrath's blog

Redox reactions are chemical reactions in which the oxidation states of atoms are changed. These reactions involve both reduction and oxidation processes. Oxidation processes lose electrons with the use of a reducing agent. Reduction processess gain electrons with the use of an oxidizing agent. For every oxidation reaction there must be a reduction reaction as no free electrons remain in a cell. This energy transfer and the use of these electrons is determined by a reduction potential, meaning the reactions affinity for electrons or how likely it will be reduced. This energy transwer occurs between molecules with lower affinity to higher affinity, allowing for the release of energy resulting in the reaction being favorable. Spontaneous redox reactions have a positive E value and these redox reactions are essential for coupling between biochemical pathways. 

Intermittent fasting(IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of both eating and fasting. The idea behind this plan is for individuals to essentially lose weight however, partnered with working out you will exceedingly begin to build muscle. IF is aimed for individuals to fast between 12-36 hours essentially lowering the amount of time your gut is actively breaking down molecules for energy. Studies have shown that intermittent fasting is a great way to lose and manage weight while providing a vast amount of health benefits. These benefits include; reduced risk of chronic heart conditions, improved brain health, reduced insulin resistance (which lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes) and reduced oxidative stress within your body. Although you are fasting for a majority of your day, individuals must ensure that they are receiving enough nutrients to nourish ones body. 

Metabolic couping between biochemical pathways is an essential mechanism that concentrates on the transfer of energy that is released from an exergonic pathway to provide energy needed for an endergonic pathway. Metabolic coupling occurs in a series of connected reactions; in which these reactions share products/substrates. A main method of energy transfer in these biochemical processes is the removal of phosphate groups by hydrolysis. Molecules with more negative delta G of hydrolysis can phosphorylate molecules with less delta G of hydrolysis. The energy that is released by hydrolysis is used to power other reactions. ATP is known as the main energy currency molecule. The intermediate delta G of hydrolysis of ATP to ADP + Pi releases enough energy to be useful for other biochemical pathways/reactions. The formation of ATP from ADP + Pi would be a dehydration reaction and does not require an excessive amount of energy.

Metabolism is the chemical process that occurs within living organisms to sustain and maintain life. In simple terms, metabolism is the conversion of food into energy. There are two processes that are involved in metabolism; catabolic and anabolic proccesses. The catabolic process involves breaking down molecules into smaller units that are either oxidized to release energy or used in anabolic reactions. Anabolic reactions are those who take smaller units to create larger molecules. Catabolic reactions are favored and categorized as exergonic reactions as they release energy. Anabolic reactions are unfavorable and are categorized as endergonic as they use up energy. 

“The guardian of the genome” or p53 is essentially a gene that codes for a protein that regulates the cell cycle. One may categorize p53 as a tumor suppressor as many of the genetic mutations could lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The protein itself was discovered in the 1970’s and ever since has been well-studied as its key role in the pathogenesis of human cancers is fundamental. The gene converts incoming signals into alternate cell fate decisions by changing the expression of hundreds of target genes. With its wide range of function in activity of interacting pathways and various types of stimulus that is generated, the p53 system has the ability to generate multiple responses. This lab aims to explore the cellular responses of the p53 pathway given different forms of genotoxic stress. Genotoxins are destructive chemical agents that result in a negative effect on cells genetic material. These genotoxins can be mutagens, carcinogens or teratogens, in which they all result in some type of damaged genome. 

If there is only enough vaccine to save one pregnant mother and her puppies, the German Shephard dog breed should be saved. These dogs are confident, courageous, smart and are highly ranked due to their loyalty. These large muscular dogs are a preferred breed for many types of work including disability assistance and many police distinguished roles (Greenberg, Aurora). These dogs are dog kind’s finest all-purpose worker as their trainability exceeds that of many other breeds of dogs. German Shepherds require lots of movement and exercise, but the breed is very easy to maintain “usually requiring just a quick brushing every few days or so” making them simple to groom and manage (Greenberg, Aurora). Every family deserves to experience life with a loving and protecting dog. What was once a mutual service contract between two very distinct species became something much more like love. Being able to save this breed, will allow people to become more joyful and live the life they enjoy with this outstanding breed of dogs. 

Our internal self is constantly fighting with the thoughts and opinions of others in trying to decide how impactful they are. However, sometimes people’s opinions can be beneficial to us(under certain circumstances). The idea here is that, you must recognize that whatever they say is their particular view or judgement. With that recognition, we are able to release ourselves from the belief that their judgement should matter the most. We’ll slowly be able to “free ourselves from fear and we no longer need to look outside for validation”(Formica, Michael J). We only look to others for some sort of validation to help support our self-esteem. A sense of validation from outside sources boosts our self-esteem ultimately “making us feel better as people”(Suval, Lauren). We shouldn’t have to rely on others to help us boost our self esteem, instead we should be completely satisfied with ourselves and not really need one’s intake of words.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that continuously invests in scientific innovation to develop transformative medicines for patients living with life-threatening diseases. The company offers a wide variety of summer internship programs within several departments, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities to work alongside first-class innovators in medicine. Scientific research is an essential component in the advancement of healthcare as it can provide important information about disease trends, outcomes of treatment and functional abilities. Vertex Pharmaceuticals has more than a dozen ongoing research programs focused on targeting underlying mechanisms of a variety of serious diseases. 

            The relationship between urban societies and its rivers have become a critical issue in many developing countries as it has placed a barrier preventing populations from enjoying the various benefits of water bodies. As urban river ecosystems degrade, the intensity of significant health problems have begun to rise and could be aggravated when it comes to flooding. Nature-based solutions are receiving increasing attention to tackle issues such as climate change adaptation, population health, food security and natural disasters. The project aims to develop and test nature-based solutions in storm water management, water quality improvement and river restorations. The project involves a wide range of interdisciplinary collaborations which allows researchers to accelerate findings and solidify experimental implementations as mass urbanization presents one of the most urgent challenges of the 21^stcentury. 

“The guardian of the genome” or p53 is essentially a gene that codes for a protein that regulates the cell cycle. One may categorize p53 as a tumor suppressor as many of the genetic mutations could lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. The protein itself was discovered in the 1970’s and ever since has been well-studied as its key role in the pathogenesis of human cancers is fundamental. It converts incoming signals into alternate cell fate decisions by changing the expression of hundreds of target genes. With its wide range of function in activity of interacting pathways and the type of stimulus that is generated, the p53 system has the ability to generate various responses. This lab aims to explore the cellular responses of the p53 pathway given different forms of genotoxic stress. Genotoxins are destructive chemical agents that result in a negative effect on a cells genetic material. These genotoxins can be mutagens, carcinogens or teratogens, in which they all result in some type of damaged genome.