Sunday, March 28, 2010
Prospectus Workshop Summary
It was a pleasure reading the work of the members in my group, and also an education, since our interests lie in different areas of science. I did my best to give helpful and constructive criticism, although my classmates needed very little help. The quality of their work was impressive! I did give some helpful (I hope) suggestions about the methodological approach of the Literature Review, as well as pointing out a few grammatical erros, but other than that, there were no major areas of concern within my group. For myself, I worried mostly that my prospectus was too long and technical and that it would not be interesting enough. None of my group mates made any comments to that effect, so I left it pretty much intact except for some minor changes before posting my final paper as a Google doc. One of the things that was a bit cumbersome was some of the reformatting required when utilizing the wiki and google docs. All in all, it was a fairly painless process. The most difficult task for me was actually coming up with the questions for the review comments on the Research Design. The whole process has made me more confident with writing that is more technical than creative in nature. I think I've learned a great deal from this project.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Research Problem
I don't think I posted this previously, so I'm going to go ahead and post it prior to inclusion in my Draft Research Prospectus (even though it still needs some work):
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurological disorder, facing millions of children worldwide. Diagnosis is typically made in early childhood by trained professionals, based on a scale of specific characteristics established by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R), which developed only as recently as the 1990s. ASD can often be overwhelmingly devastating, with impairments in language, perception, cognitive development, and social interactions. (Abrahams and Geschwind 2008)
Identification of the cause(s) of ASD remains elusive. Unfortunately, many parents forego important immunizations for their children for fear that they will cause autism. However, a link between childhood immunizations and autism has not been proven. Rather, current scientific studies have indicated that there are possible genetic linkages which increase the susceptibility to the disorder, although environmental factors have not been completely ruled out. Chromosomal abnormalities, although rare, have also been shown to be a factor. (Weiss and Arking 2009) Additionally, there appears to be a crossover of genetic linkages between ASD and other neurological disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and mental retardation. (Gregory et al 2009)
Several key questions need to be answered in order to effectively attack the problem of autism spectrum disorders. Can autism be diagnosed, and if so, how early? Is it possible that one day genetic counselors will able to identify factors during pregnancy? Could a test, similar to the PKU test conducted on newborns be developed in order to provide early intervention? Does genetic risk act alone or in concert with environmental factors?
It is clear that, although significant findings have been promising, more studies that involve both genetic and environmental factors are needed to narrow the focus. (Abrahams and Geschwind 2008) The rates of autism related disorders are clearly on the rise, and although we have been able to find effective therapies, the best outcomes require early diagnosis, early intervention and if possible, prevention. This proposal seeks to conduct a study which will address each of these issues equally.
Bibliography
Abrahams BS, Geschwind BS. Advances in autism genetics: on the threshold of a new neurobiology. Nat Rev Genet. [Internet] 2008 May:9(5):341-355. [cited 2010 Feb 26] Available from: http://www.nchi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=gene. Doi:10.1038/nrg2346.
Gregory SG, Connelly JJ, Towers AJ, Johnson J, Biscocho D, Markunas CA, Lintas C, Abramson RK, Wright HH, Ellis P, et al. Genomic and epigenetic evidence for oxytocin receptor deficiency in autism. BMC Medicine. [Internet] 2009, 7:62 [cited 2010 Feb 26] Available from: http://biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/7/62. Doi:10.1186/1741-7015-7-62.
Weiss LA, Arking DE & The Gene Discovery Project of Johns Hopkins & the Autism Consortium. A genome-wide linkage and association scan reveals novel loci for autism. Nature [Internet] 2009 8 Oct, 461. [cited 2010 Feb 26] Available from: http://nature.com/nature08490. Doi:10.1038/nature08490.
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurological disorder, facing millions of children worldwide. Diagnosis is typically made in early childhood by trained professionals, based on a scale of specific characteristics established by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R), which developed only as recently as the 1990s. ASD can often be overwhelmingly devastating, with impairments in language, perception, cognitive development, and social interactions. (Abrahams and Geschwind 2008)
Identification of the cause(s) of ASD remains elusive. Unfortunately, many parents forego important immunizations for their children for fear that they will cause autism. However, a link between childhood immunizations and autism has not been proven. Rather, current scientific studies have indicated that there are possible genetic linkages which increase the susceptibility to the disorder, although environmental factors have not been completely ruled out. Chromosomal abnormalities, although rare, have also been shown to be a factor. (Weiss and Arking 2009) Additionally, there appears to be a crossover of genetic linkages between ASD and other neurological disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and mental retardation. (Gregory et al 2009)
Several key questions need to be answered in order to effectively attack the problem of autism spectrum disorders. Can autism be diagnosed, and if so, how early? Is it possible that one day genetic counselors will able to identify factors during pregnancy? Could a test, similar to the PKU test conducted on newborns be developed in order to provide early intervention? Does genetic risk act alone or in concert with environmental factors?
It is clear that, although significant findings have been promising, more studies that involve both genetic and environmental factors are needed to narrow the focus. (Abrahams and Geschwind 2008) The rates of autism related disorders are clearly on the rise, and although we have been able to find effective therapies, the best outcomes require early diagnosis, early intervention and if possible, prevention. This proposal seeks to conduct a study which will address each of these issues equally.
Bibliography
Abrahams BS, Geschwind BS. Advances in autism genetics: on the threshold of a new neurobiology. Nat Rev Genet. [Internet] 2008 May:9(5):341-355. [cited 2010 Feb 26] Available from: http://www.nchi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=gene. Doi:10.1038/nrg2346.
Gregory SG, Connelly JJ, Towers AJ, Johnson J, Biscocho D, Markunas CA, Lintas C, Abramson RK, Wright HH, Ellis P, et al. Genomic and epigenetic evidence for oxytocin receptor deficiency in autism. BMC Medicine. [Internet] 2009, 7:62 [cited 2010 Feb 26] Available from: http://biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/7/62. Doi:10.1186/1741-7015-7-62.
Weiss LA, Arking DE & The Gene Discovery Project of Johns Hopkins & the Autism Consortium. A genome-wide linkage and association scan reveals novel loci for autism. Nature [Internet] 2009 8 Oct, 461. [cited 2010 Feb 26] Available from: http://nature.com/nature08490. Doi:10.1038/nature08490.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Freewrite #5 - State of Research Prospectus
I found that working on the Literature Review this week was very helpful as far as organizing my thoughts on my Research Prospectus. I now have a better idea of what kinds of studies have been done on both the genetic and environmental links to autism. I’m still unsure what it is that I’d propose for the experiment, although I do know what areas I would like to focus on. The literature that is out there was very technical in nature, and I almost felt like this was something I’m not yet ready for in my educational career. However, even though I was not familiar with the technical terms and procedures covered in the studies I reviewed, I found I was able to understand all of the concepts. I will probably be doing more of this a year or so down the road, since I’ll be entering my junior year in the fall and planning for graduate studies, so I’m sure this will be very beneficial to me in the long run. I started this course not having a clue as to what I would propose, but already I have a much clearer picture.
Freewrite #4 - Open Topic: Is it Spring Break Yet?
This has been a most exhausting week! I’m looking forward to spring break, although it won’t really be that much of a break other than not having to commute to classes all week. I have two lab reports, an extra credit paper and the assignments for English 302 all due the week after the break, not to mention quizzes to study for and reading to catch up on. Let me rephrase that first sentence – this has been a most exhausting semester! I can’t believe it’s already spring break, though. It really doesn’t seem like it’s been that long. I wish I could take off for the week, but I had planned to spend it getting the taxes done (besides the school work). I have gotten so behind on bookkeeping for my business since I returned to school, I don’t know how I’m going to get it all done in time. It’s always nice to get the refund, though, so I know it will all be worth it. This is my constant juggle: schoolwork, family, business, pets. Oh yeah, and there’s that other thing I’ve been neglecting lately – sleep! That’s where I’m heading right now...
Freewrite #3 - Reading the Literature Review
The Literature Review I read recently related to the topic I wrote about for my Draft Literature Review assignment, autism. It covered quite a few more article references than mine did, and was rather long and thorough. The subject material was organized both methodologically and chronologically to give a picture of how studies progressed over the years. It was quite different in structure and content from the article I used for my Anatomy of a Journal Article assignment. In that case, the article reflected one study and was highly technical in content. I’d have to say that the Literature Review is not that dissimilar from other research papers I’ve written in the past, except for the strictly methodological organization and the number of required sources. I found it quite a bit more work to review so many technical articles and then write about them in a way that extracted only the most important details. It was definitely a challenge!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Science Article Summary #15
Walton, D. “Archbishop in genome health study.” BBC News. February 18, 2010. BBC MMX [Internet]. [accessed Feb 21, 2010] Available from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/8519954.stm
Archbishop in genome health study
In a study on genetic diversity and health, a group of scientists analyzed the genomes of five South Africans, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their findings, which were published in the journal Nature, provided valuable insight into the connection between health and genetics.
The Archbishop, and four indigenous hunter-gatherers from different parts of the Kalahari region were the subjects of the study. Each were about 80 years old and had lengthy health records available for review by researchers. Archbishop Tutu himself has had a history of both cancer and TB and was quite relieved to learn that he had no genetically-linked diseases to worry about.
South Africans have not often been involved in medical trials in the past. However, there are many advantages to be had, since they are genetically distinct from Europeans, Asians and West Africans and show a great deal more diversity. Much of this diversity may be explained by adaptation to the environment, lifestyle and diet. For instance, the allele associated with light skin color as well as one related to the digestion of milk were not present in their genes. They are also missing an allele which provides resistance to malaria. Since the Kalarahi desert is mostly free of malaria, the Bushmen living there might not survive if they were to move to another location where malaria is more prevalent.
Archbishop Tutu is very much in support of the study of genetic diversity, which he believes is one of humanity’s greatest assets. After all, Africa is one of the most diverse environments on earth, and the origin of modern man.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/8519954.stm
Archbishop in genome health study
In a study on genetic diversity and health, a group of scientists analyzed the genomes of five South Africans, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their findings, which were published in the journal Nature, provided valuable insight into the connection between health and genetics.
The Archbishop, and four indigenous hunter-gatherers from different parts of the Kalahari region were the subjects of the study. Each were about 80 years old and had lengthy health records available for review by researchers. Archbishop Tutu himself has had a history of both cancer and TB and was quite relieved to learn that he had no genetically-linked diseases to worry about.
South Africans have not often been involved in medical trials in the past. However, there are many advantages to be had, since they are genetically distinct from Europeans, Asians and West Africans and show a great deal more diversity. Much of this diversity may be explained by adaptation to the environment, lifestyle and diet. For instance, the allele associated with light skin color as well as one related to the digestion of milk were not present in their genes. They are also missing an allele which provides resistance to malaria. Since the Kalarahi desert is mostly free of malaria, the Bushmen living there might not survive if they were to move to another location where malaria is more prevalent.
Archbishop Tutu is very much in support of the study of genetic diversity, which he believes is one of humanity’s greatest assets. After all, Africa is one of the most diverse environments on earth, and the origin of modern man.
Science Article Summary #14
Gill, V. “Singing ‘rewires’ damaged brain.” BBC News. February 21, 2010. BBC MMX [Internet]. [accessed Feb 21, 2010] Available from:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/8526699.stm
Singing ‘rewires’ damaged brain
There is new hope for stroke patients who have damaged the part of the brain responsible for speech. If one’s “speech centre,” which is on the left side of the brain, is damaged by a stroke, they can learn to use their “singing centre” on the right side of the brain.
At the annual meeting of the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Diego, researchers presented finding from their ongoing clinical trial led by Gottfried Schalaug, a neurology professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. The trial is focused on how the brain responds to what they refer to as “melodic intonation therapy.”
This therapy is not new in the medical field. It was first used on stroke patients who had damaged the left side of their brain, but were still able to sing. This study combines the melodic intonation therapy with brain imaging so that researchers can actually see what’s happening as patients sing their words. Brain imaging studies have previously shown that the “singing centre” in the right side of the brain of professional singers is overdeveloped. It is believed that it can be developed in stroke patients through therapy. Brain imaging provides a means for monitoring the activity in the brain and the progress made with therapy.
Dr. Nina Kraus, a neuroscientist from Northwestern University has also conducted studies of the brain’s responses to music by using electrodes attached to the scalp. Since neurons function with electrical impulses, they can be played back through speakers to hear how the brain processes sounds. Dr. Kraus suggests that musical training can enhance the performance of reading and other tasks as well as speech and should be encouraged as a part of a child’s education.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/8526699.stm
Singing ‘rewires’ damaged brain
There is new hope for stroke patients who have damaged the part of the brain responsible for speech. If one’s “speech centre,” which is on the left side of the brain, is damaged by a stroke, they can learn to use their “singing centre” on the right side of the brain.
At the annual meeting of the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Diego, researchers presented finding from their ongoing clinical trial led by Gottfried Schalaug, a neurology professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. The trial is focused on how the brain responds to what they refer to as “melodic intonation therapy.”
This therapy is not new in the medical field. It was first used on stroke patients who had damaged the left side of their brain, but were still able to sing. This study combines the melodic intonation therapy with brain imaging so that researchers can actually see what’s happening as patients sing their words. Brain imaging studies have previously shown that the “singing centre” in the right side of the brain of professional singers is overdeveloped. It is believed that it can be developed in stroke patients through therapy. Brain imaging provides a means for monitoring the activity in the brain and the progress made with therapy.
Dr. Nina Kraus, a neuroscientist from Northwestern University has also conducted studies of the brain’s responses to music by using electrodes attached to the scalp. Since neurons function with electrical impulses, they can be played back through speakers to hear how the brain processes sounds. Dr. Kraus suggests that musical training can enhance the performance of reading and other tasks as well as speech and should be encouraged as a part of a child’s education.
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