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Fetal genome editing is on the horizon – a medical anthropologist explains why ethical discussions with target communities should happen sooner, not later

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With the primary goal of advancing scientific knowledge, most scientists are not trained or motivated to take into consideration the social implications of the technologies they develop. Even in genomic medicine, which is geared toward benefiting future patients, money and time pressures make it difficult Real-time ethics monitoring is difficult.

In 2015, three years after scientists discovered learn how to permanently edit the human genome, American scientists issued a statement to halt the use of germline genome editing, a controversial sort of gene editing during which changes to DNA are also passed on to the patient’s future biological descendants.
The scientists’ statement called for “an open discussion of the merits and risks” before the experiments began. But no such discussions took place.

As of 2018, at the very least two children have been born after undergoing germline editing. embryos which have been genetically modified in China.With no preemptive ethics or clear regulatory guidelines, from time to time a “cowboy scientist” comes along who pushes the boundaries of experimentation until he is told to stop.

After checking out about the children, the scientists continued talking – but mostly amongst themselves. Then in 2020 report of the international commission which gathered expert opinions, repeated the call for a public discussion on the ethics of germline editing.

I’m medical anthropologist and bioethicist which explores the values ​​and experiences behind the development of prenatal gene therapy, including genome editing.

Prenatal human genome editing has not happened yet – so far as we all know. Prenatal genome editing is not the same as prenatal genome editing. ex vivo embryosjust as the Chinese scientist did, because prenatal editing involves editing the DNA of the fetus visible in the womb of a pregnant woman – with no intention of affecting future offspring.

But the social implications of this technology are still enormous. And scientists can start exploring the ethics now, engaging communities long before then.

Engaging the community

It is not possible to really predict how technologies might profit society with none input from the people in society. Potential users of technologies specifically could have their very own experiences to supply. In 2022, a UK residents’ jury of people affected by a genetic disease deliberated. They voted that germline editing of human embryos could be ethical – if a variety of specific conditions could be met, similar to transparency and equality of access.

Recently in the USA the National Council on Disability published present your concerns about embryo editing and prenatal editingTheir most important concern was the possibility of increased discrimination against people with disabilities.

Some people consider that stopping the birth of individuals with certain genetic traits as a type of eugenicsthe disturbing practice of treating the genetic characteristics of a social group as undesirable and attempting to remove them from the human gene pool. However, genetic characteristics are sometimes associated with a person’s social identity – treating certain characteristics as undesirable in the human gene pool could be deeply discriminatory.

Losing a child to a serious genetic disorder is deeply devastating for families. But the same genes that cause disease may create a person’s identity and community, in accordance with the National Council on Disability described in its reportPeople with disabilities can enjoy a good quality of life in the event that they are provided with appropriate social support.

It’s not easy involve non-scientists in discussions about genetics. And people have different values, which suggests community deliberations that work in a single context may not work in one other. But from what I’ve seen, scientific advances usually tend to profit potential users when the technology creators keep in mind user concerns.

Not only about the fetus

Prenatal human genome editing, also generally known as fetal genome surgeryoffers the likelihood to handle cellular disease processes early, even perhaps stopping symptoms from occurring. Delivering treatments could be more direct and effective than what is possible after birth. For example, gene therapy delivered to the fetal brain could reach the entire central nervous system.

Gene editing technology has advanced rapidly in recent many years. Prenatal gene editing differs from editing embryos outside the human body since it involves editing a fetus inside the body of a pregnant person.

But fetal editing necessarily involves the participation of a pregnant person.

In the Eighties scientists managed to perform surgery on a fetus for the first time. This established the fetus as a patient and direct recipient of health care.

Viewing the fetus as a separate patient oversimplifies the mother-fetus relationship. Historically, this approach has diminished interests of a pregnant person.

And since editing the genome of a fetus can harm the expectant mother or require an abortion, any discussion about prenatal genetic interventions is also becomes a discussion about access to abortionFetal gene editing is not nearly editing that fetus and stopping genetic diseases.

Prenatal Genome Editing vs. Embryo Editing

Prenatal genome editing falls inside the broader spectrum of human genome editing that extends from the germline, where the changes are heritable, to somatic cells, where the patient’s descendants will not inherit the changes. Prenatal genome editing is, in theory, somatic cell editing.

Prenatal gene editing allows scientists to edit the genome of a fetus.
Zorica Nastasic/E+ via Getty Images

There is still a small potential for accidental germline editing. “Editing” the genome could be a misleading metaphor. When gene editing was first developed, it was less like cutting and pasting genes and more like sending in a drone that may hit and miss its target – a piece of DNA. It can change the genome in intentional and sometimes unintentional ways. As technology advances, gene editing is becoming less like a drone and more like surgical incision.

Ultimately, scientists can’t know whether unintended, collateral germline edits will occur until many years in the future. That would require editing a significant variety of fetal genomes, waiting for those fetuses to be born, after which waiting to research the genomes of their future descendants.

Unresolved Issues in Healthcare Equity

Another necessary ethical query is who would have access to those technologies. To distribute prenatal genomic therapies equitably, technology developers and health systems would wish to handle each cost and trust issues.

Take for instance: latest methods of gene editing treatment for youngsters with sickle cell disease. This disease mainly affects black families who still struggle with significant differences and barriers in access to each prenatal care and general health care.

Editing a fetus, relatively than a child or adult, could potentially reduce healthcare costs. Because the fetus is smaller, doctors would use fewer gene-editing materials at lower production costs. Furthermore, treating the disease early could reduce the costs a patient might face over their lifetime.

American teenager receives gene-editing treatment for sickle cell disease. Many people with the disease face barriers when searching for treatment in the US health care system.

However, all genome editing procedures they’re expensiveTreating a 12-year-old with sickle cell disease with gene editing currently costs $3.1 million. While some scientists want make gene editing more cost-effectiveThere hasn’t been much progress in sight yet.

There is also a difficulty of trust. I even have heard of families from groups which can be underrepresented in genomic research. who say they’re hesitant to take part in prenatal diagnostic testing in the event that they do not trust the health care team conducting the testing. This sort of research is a first step in constructing models for treatments similar to prenatal genome editing. What’s more, these underrepresented families are inclined to less trust throughout the healthcare system.

While prenatal gene editing holds enormous potential for scientific discovery, scientists and software developers could bring potential users—the individuals who stand to achieve or lose the most from this technology—to the decision-making table to get the clearest picture of how these technologies could impact society.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Women are less likely to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation than men. Training on breast mannequins could be helpful

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If someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, this may increasingly have happened minutes of life. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation may increase their probabilities of survival. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation keeps blood pumping, delivering oxygen to the brain and vital organs until specialized treatment arrives.

However, research shows that bystanders are less likely to intervene to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the person is a girl. AND latest Australian study analyzed 4,491 cardiac arrest cases between 2017 and 2019 and located that bystanders were more likely to perform CPR on men (74%) than on women (65%).

Could this be partly because CPR training mannequins (so-called dummies) shouldn’t have breasts? Our recent research we checked out mannequins available all over the world to train people to perform CPR and located that 95% of them were flat-chested.

Anatomically, breasts don’t change the cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique. However, they’ll influence whether people try to accomplish that – and hesitation at these key moments could mean the difference between life and death.

Differences in heart health

Cardiovascular diseases – including heart disease, stroke and cardiac arrest – are probably the most common diseases important reason behind death for ladies all over the world.

But if a girl goes into cardiac arrest outside the hospital (meaning her heart stops pumping air properly), that is actually what happens. 10% less likely receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation than a person. Women too less likely survive cardiopulmonary resuscitation and are at greater risk of brain damage following cardiac arrest.

Bystanders are less likely to intervene if a girl needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to a person.
Doublelee/Shutterstock

These are just among the many health inequalities experienced by women, in addition to transgender and non-binary people. Compared to men, their symptoms they are more likely to be rejected or misdiagnosed, or it could take longer to receive a diagnosis.

Reluctance of the witness

There can also be growth evidence women are less likely to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared to men.

This may be partly due to the concerns of those being accused of sexual harassmentworry may cause damage (in some cases based on the assumption that ladies are more “fragile”) and discomfort related to touching women’s breasts.

Bystanders may also get into trouble recognition the lady has a cardiac arrest.

Even in simulated scenarios, researchers found that interveners were less likely to remove women’s clothing prepare for resuscitationcompared to men. And there have been women less likely to receive Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or defibrillation (an electrical charge to restart the center) – even when the training was in the shape of a web based game that didn’t require touching anyone.

There is evidence of how people behave in resuscitation training scenarios reflects what they do in real emergency situations. This means it is amazingly vital to train people to recognize cardiac arrest and prepare for intervention, no matter gender or body type.

Attached to men’s bodies

Very Cardiopulmonary resuscitation training resources depict male bodies or don’t specify gender. If bodies shouldn’t have breasts, it’s a male default.

For example, the 12 months 2022 test taking a look at CPR training in North, Central, and South America, it was found that nearly all of available mannequins were white (88%), male (94%), and slim (99%).

The woman's hands press the torso of a mannequin wearing a blue jacket.
It is amazingly rare for a mannequin to have breasts or a bigger body.
M Isolation photo/Shutterstock

This research reflects what we see in our work once we train other healthcare professionals to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We noticed that every one the mannequins available for training are flat chested. One of us (Rebecca) had difficulty finding training mannequins with breasts.

Single mannequin with breasts

Our recent research we checked what cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins are available and the way diverse they are. In 2023, we identified 20 cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequins in the worldwide market. Mannequins are often torsos with no head and without arms.

Of the 20 available, five (25%) were sold as “female”, but only considered one of them had breasts. This implies that 95% of obtainable CPR training mannequins were flat-chested.

We also checked out other diversity characteristics, including skin tone and bigger bodies. We found that 65% had more than one skin tone available, but just one had a bigger body. Further research is required on the impact of those elements on bystanders when performing CPR.

Breasts don’t change cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique doesn’t change when someone has breasts. The barriers are cultural. And although you could feel uncomfortable, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation as soon as possible can save your life.

Signs that somebody may have cardiopulmonary resuscitation include not respiration properly or completely or not responding to you.

Perform effective cardiopulmonary resuscitationit’s best to:

  • place the heel of your hand in the middle of your chest

  • place your second hand on top of the primary and interlace your fingers (keep your arms straight)

  • press firmly to a depth of about 5 cm before releasing

  • press your chest with a frequency of 100-120 beats per minute (you may sing a song) in your head to show you how to keep time!)

An example of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation – using a flat-chest manikin.

What a couple of defibrillator?

You haven’t got to remove someone’s bra to perform CPR. But you could need to accomplish that if a defibrillator is required.

AND defibrillator is a tool that uses an electrical charge to restart the center. An underwired bra may cause minor skin burns when the debrillator pads apply an electrical charge. However, in case you cannot take your bra off, don’t let it delay your care.

What should change?

Our research highlights the necessity for a big selection of breast CPR training mannequins, in addition to a wide range of body sizes.

Training resources need to higher prepare people to intervene and perform CPR on individuals with breasts. We also need greater education on the chance of developing and dying from heart disease in women.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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