If I were funding research into research on microbes, I think I would fund a study that looked into the connection between gut microbes and cancer. Colon cancer so often goes unnoticed until it is in its late stages, and looking at this connection could potentially reduce the incidence of colon cancer.
Writing Exercise #14
Part 1: Asthma, IBS, colon cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes Part 2: I was able to think of many more diseases this week than I was able to at the start of the course. I have learned throughout this term that microbes influence way more than I previously thought. I will takeaway from this course… Continue reading Writing Exercise #14
Writing Exercise #13
Can experiments detect differences that matter? This question is important because it asks if the results of a study are significant. This is important when discussing controversial scientific topics because it determines if research holds any weight in a discussion. Does the study show causation or correlation? This is an important question because studies are… Continue reading Writing Exercise #13
Writing Exercise #12
We have seen from our readings that gut microbial communities can impact mental health. Eating diets high in sugar and fat can negatively impact the gut microbiome, which, in turn, may negatively impact cognitive function and mood. Poor mental health can impact diet as well. When someone is very depressed they are less likely to… Continue reading Writing Exercise #12
Writing Exercise #11
The peer review process was very interesting for me. One of the essays I was assigned I felt was nearly ready for submission. The other essay, though, needed a lot of work before the final draft. It was difficult for me to critique someone else’s writing fairly harshly because it was obvious some level of… Continue reading Writing Exercise #11
Writing exercise #10
Peer review is carried out by sending the manuscript of a scientific article to other experts in the field to check for accuracy and validity. This is good for the credibility of a work because it is checked and verified by multiple people instead of just the authors of the piece. The authors might have… Continue reading Writing exercise #10
Writing Exercise #9
Changes in human behavior that cause decreased exposure to microbes: -Increased hand sanitizer use -Increased use of anti-bacterial hand soaps and laundry detergents -Increased use of surface sanitation (I.e Clorox wipes) -Mask usage and social distancing (although necessary, may have long-term implications for microbe exposure) -People spending less time outside due to global climate change… Continue reading Writing Exercise #9
Writing Exercise #8
Some of the most interesting things I’ve learned in this class are about how much dysbiosis can impact our overall health. Something so small that most of us don’t even think about can have an incredible impact on our health. Specifically, diabetes being controlled, in part, but our gut microbiota is something that I find… Continue reading Writing Exercise #8
Writing Exercise #7
Delivery by c-section: Babies that are delivered via c-section have decreased biodiversity compared to babies delivered vaginally Exposure to antibiotics: If the mother or infant is given antibiotics it may decrease biodiversity in the microbiome by not allowing bacteria to colonize. What the infant is allowed to put in their mouth: The attentiveness of the… Continue reading Writing Exercise #7
Writing Exercise #6
I’ve taken antibiotics fairly frequently in my life. I get strep throat quite frequently, and in that instance antibiotic use is necessary. I think antibiotics are one of the most powerful tools we have in modern medicine, but I do worry about over-usage as well as people not taking the full course and creating antibiotic… Continue reading Writing Exercise #6