Ciencia Boricua Profiles

Every month we profile the work of an outstanding CienciaPR member or discuss a topic of relevance to our community

Genomas: Personalized Medicine

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Genomas
Overview of Genoma's PhyzioType System

Did you know that most of the prescribed or over the counter drugs have adverse reactions that we donít even know? The problem is that all the drugs that go out in the market, although tested in clinical trials, are studied in a representative sample of a population that probably will not represent what will happen to you. Most of the time when they go out to the market they present adverse reactions not reflected in the clinical trials. Then, what we should do? How we can predict if a drug that is supposed to cure me will kill me eventually? Thanks to Genomas and Dr. Gualberto Ruaño research, nowadays this is possible.

"Proteomics", Mass Spectrometry and Puerto Rico

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ESI-MS of Hemoglobin
ESI-MS of intact human hemoglobin showing the alpha-Hb (15,130.0) and the beta-Hb (15,869.8).

We know that you are asking yourself what these three words from the title have in common: Proteomics, Mass Spectrometry and Puerto Rico. However, if we analyze them closely you will figure out. Beginning with proteomics, the word in Spanish is a bit difficult to pronounce: proteomica. Proteomics is the science field that studies proteins and their structure and function. And what does "Mass Spectrometry" have to do in this? WellÖ a lot because mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the analysis techniques used to determine the mass, identity and modification of proteins. And for those that are wondering what is Puerto Rico's role in all this; please blame Dr. Irving E.

Corazón Hispano: protecting cardiovascular health in vulnerable Hispanic populations

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heart
CT reconstruction of a human heart

Heart disease is the main cause of death in Puerto Rico and Latin America. According to the American Heart Association, every 35 seconds somebody dies due to complications regarding cardiovascular disorders.

The heart is responsible for pumping blood to all tissues. In spite of its strength, the heart is a delicate organ, susceptible to environmental risk factors.

Global health landmark: The genome of Aedes aegypti

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Aedes aegypti
Aedes aegypti, dengue vector

Aedes aegypti is the mosquito that transmits the flavivirus that causes dengue, a disease that afflicts about 100 million people annually. Aedes aegypti is also the vector for yellow fever and chikungunya virus.

Last month Nene et al published the complete genome sequence of Aedes aegypti in Science. This work will now allows researchers to develop sound strategies that prevent vector competence. For instance, this study will allow the identification of new genes and proteins that control the transmission of the pathogen, the mosquito resistance to insecticides and the mosquito behaviors that give rise to the transmission of the disease. The identification of those genes will then allow scientists to develop targeted drugs.

Quinones: cancer cell destroyers

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células cancerosas
Breast cancer cell

We have all been touched by this terrible illness. According to the American Cancer Society more than a half-million people die annually of cancer in the US. In Puerto Rico, the mortality rate is 5,000 patients per year, with a 2% increase each year.

Cancer results from uncontrollable cell proliferation, which leads to the formation of malignant tumors in different parts of the body. These tumors affect the physiological function of tissues and organs and are the target of cancer treatment.

Nanofibers: tomorrows high-tech bandages

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Nanofibers
Nanofibers, new medical biotechnology that heals

The diabetic ulcers are the primary cause for amputations in the World. Diabetics are prone to circulatory problems. When circulation is poor, the tissue in the extremities is not well oxygenated, allowing these areas to become more susceptible to wounds development. If the wound is not treated promptly the extremities have to be amputated.

Aktiogavialis puertoricensis: fossilized history

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Gavial
Gavial

Gavialis gangeticus, from the Indian subcontinent, is the only living gharial species related to the Puerto Rican gharial

28 million years ago "pepinianos", as the residents from he Puerto Rican town of San Sebastián are known, could frolic in the shores of their hometown. This is because 28 million years ago the now landlocked town of San Sebastián was a seashore town. Pepinianos looked very different then, though. There were no plazas, or traffic jams, or town fairs... as a matter of fact, 28 million years ago there were no humans, not in Puerto Rico, not anywhere else.

What San Sebasti·n did have were gharial: very large crocodiles basking in its shores.

Unlocking the mysteries of the brain

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Learning & Memory journal cover
Grand slam! Three lab groups with P. Rican researchers published in this issue of L&M

"Si por casualidad duermes, y sueñas que te acaricia la brisa..."

Those verses from Bobby Capó's song "SoÒando con Puerto Rico" transport us with their melody to the coasts of Puerto Rico. While taking this trip down memory lane, we relive the experience with the same intensity as if we were physically there. How is it that the brain allow us, just by thinking about it, to feel the tropical sun and dream of Puerto Rico?

In December's issue of the prestigious scientific journal Learning and Memory three articles by Puerto Rican authors were published, and those articles address these mysteries of the human brain.

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