Is a new generation of bandages coming our way soon? group of researchers working at a pharmacutical company claim that they have created bandages that, once applied, can actually turn genes on or off, and can thus cause healing to move faster, or even cure conditions we just cannot cure at the moment, using special RNA strands. |
While DNA is the blueprint of life, it has a cousin - RNA. RNA is like the builder that uses DNA as guidance. RNA carries the info from DNA and decides what genes will be expressed in the body. It is this ability by the RNA to influence the activity level of genes that makes using it a crucial step in our quest to cure diseases on a genetic level - including cancer tumors, chronic diseases and wounds.
This approach is called 'RNA Interference', which makes use of short strands of RNA molecules and supplying them to the places we need them to change, or in other words, the places where they can affect the genes we want to become more or less active. However, most delivery systems for RNA strands require them to travel through the bloodstream, which they rarely survive.
Now, a new strategy is trying to bring RNA strands directly to the place we want them to influence. For instance, critical wounds near the skin that won't heal on their own. For this, we will take a bandage which is specially coated with RNA strands. If we want to deal with tumors located deeper within the body, then surgeons can leave some polymers on the tumor, and they will gradually dissolve and release the RNA strands, which will seek out the remaining tumor cells and 'turn off' the genes that promote their growth, effectively stopping them.
To test this innovative method of delivering RNA, the scientists involved in the project took nylon bandages and coated them with the strands. They then applied the bandages to layers of human and animal cells. The results showed that within 10 days, the bandages released about 2/3 of their payload, and that they had almost completely shut down the genes they wanted to 'turn off'.
|
Images courtesy of: Sippakorn, Stuart Miles / freedigitalphotos.net
Breakthrough: Lion's Mane Mushrooms Boost Memory & Nerves!
Researchers have recently uncovered the mushroom's potent compounds, particularly hericene A, that could help nerve cells grow and better interact with each other.
Breathalyzers May Be More Important Than You Thought
This video does a great job in breaking down how in the future, breath analysis can be used to detect disease and prevent more invasive procedures.
Can A.I Catch What Doctors Miss? A Fascinating Talk
How close are we to that and can AI really do better than a human doctor? This fascinating TED Talk addresses these issues.
Medical Lesson: What ARE Enzymes?
This handy animated video is perfect for the job of explaining what enzymes are.
Vaccinations SHOULD Trigger Side Effects, Here’s Why
Once you watch this video and understand why vaccine side effects happen, you may even be happy to get that headache.
This Anti Viral Drug Can Potentially Block Covid-19
You probably heard of the anti-viral drug remdesivir and its potential against Covid-19. Here’s an overview of the drug and how it works.
What Happens When You Quit Sugar? You'll Be Surprised!
What happens to your body when you quit sugar? Find out!
Lose Weight by Using This Japanese Breathing Technique
This extraordinary deep-breathing weight-loss technique is known as the Japanese breathing technique to losing weight.
10 Great Uses For Your Leftover Stale Bread
Sometimes bread gets stale, but next time don't throw it away - you can still put it to good use!
Doctors Explain: 2 Powerful Tools in Dealing With Anxiety
A renowned doctor equips you with not one, but two phenomenal tools to effectively manage and control your stress.
25 Things About the Human Eye That Will Surprise You
Ophthalmologist Ashley Brissette, MD answers common eye-related questions for you.
Let's Talk About the Anti-Cancer Benefit of Sweet Potatoes
Lets Talk About the Anti-Cancer Potential of Sweet Potatoes
4 Simple Exercises to Reduce Vertigo and Dizziness
If you are suffering from vertigo or unexplained dizziness, try these simple exercises to relieve the annoying and unbearable spinning sensation.
Simple Tips for Giving Your Brain a Well-Deserved Rest
In this video, you'll find valuable tips for giving your brain the respite it needs from the never-ending stress of daily life.
How to Increase the Amount of Oxygen in Your Blood
How can we make sure we're getting enough oxygen in our breathing? This video will make sure you know how.
Do You Really Need to Walk 10K Steps Every Day?
The 10,000 steps a day myth is ingrained in our minds. In this post, Harvard professor Dan Lieberman explains why it's not as black-and-white as it seems.
Feeling ConstantlyTired? You May Suffer From Chronic Fatigue
Did you know that millions of people suffer from Chronic Fatigue annually? Read about the symptoms and treatments for this plaguing condition.
3 Ways to Self Pop Your WHOLE BACK for Instant Pain Relief
Learn how to pop your own back for instant pain relief.
Is a Diet High in Fiber an Effective Anti-Inflammatory?
Fiber is an essential part of our diet, for more reasons than just bowel movement.
Think Over-the-Counter Medications Are Safe? Think Again!
It's easy to think over the counter drugs are harmless, but you better read this before purchasing! Let's look at the dangers of taking over-the-counter drugs and how they can be avoided.
Suffer From Dizziness? These Home Remedies Will Help...
We all experience dizziness from time to time. These home remedies will help alleviate the symptoms.
Can Aging Be Cured in Your Lifetime? It May Be So...
Could there be a cure for aging? Watch this video and find out!
Hemorrhoids: How to Treat Them the Natural Way
In this article you will find out what are the causes of the problem, what are its symptoms, how to alleviate it in natural ways as well as other ways to deal with its symptoms.
Don’t Believe These Lies: 12 Popular Egg Myths Busted
For the sake of french toast and sunny side up eggs for breakfast, we decided to bust 12 harmful and simply untrue beliefs about eggs
Dissolve Blood Clots from Your Body With These Vitamins
Untreated blood clots can lead to life threatening complications. Here are some vitamins that can help dissolve them safely.
The Best Natural Remedy for Enlarged Prostate
This simple natural drink can be helpful for shrinking an enlarged prostate.
What You Should & Shouldn't Eat With a Stomach Ache
Not sure what you should and shouldn't eat with an upset stomach? This video has all the answers!
How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately - The Perfect Remedy
If you're over 50 and have regular leg cramps, stop everything and watch this video.
Massage These 3 Points if You Have High Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure is caused by a variety of things, its most common cause is hypertension. Reduce your high blood pressure by using the ancient technique of acupressure.
Having Leg Cramps at Night? Then You Need to Know This
Night leg cramps beyond annoying: they can interfere with sleep and life quality. Here's everything you need to know about night leg cramps.
How to Cope With Back and Sciatic Pain While Driving
Take note of these tips to cope with back, neck, and sciatic pain while driving.
Does Our Stomach SHRINK When We Eat Less? Our Answer
Eat less, and your stomach will shrink over time.. is that the truth?
The Hidden Benefits of Nasal Breathing No One Told You
Discover the benefits of nasal breathing during sleep and exercise in this informative video.
Unusual Signs of Vitamin B3 Deficiency You Mustn't Ignore
You may not realize you have Vitamin B3 deficiency!
Restorative Yoga to Relieve Sciatica You Can Do Lying Down
This yoga practice is safe for those suffering from sciatica and was compiled specifically to help relieve the pain associated with it
Here’s How You Can Lose the Fat UNDERNEATH Your Belly
Visceral fat is found inside your abdominal cavity. Getting rid of it can be a challenge, but not if you follow these simple tips.
These Weigh Loss Myths are Common But Simply Not True
A video where dietitians debunk 18 common misconceptions on weight loss.
An Ancient Chinese Story with a Lovely Moral
This beautiful Chinese tale tells the story of a maid and how she learned respect for her mother-in-law
The Added Benefits of Walking No One Told You Before
We all know walking is good for our health. But we bet you didn’t know about these little-known benefits of the activity.
Sciatica Back and Leg Pain - 5 Pain Relieving Exercises
Flareups are common for sciatica, but they can be managed and reduced with the help of specific exercises and stretches.
3 Easy Exercises to Alleviate Light-Headedness
If you're feeling dizzy or out of balance, these three exercises will help alleviate your symptoms.
Feeling Bloated? This Is How to Improve Digestion Quickly
How can you improve your digestion quickly? This guide explains.
10 Healing Scents That Can Do Wonders for Body and Mind
Smell evokes memories and happy memories but there’s more to scent than nostalgia. Smell offers many benefits for your body and mind.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Healthy Tropical Fruits
Learn about eight easy-to-come-by tropical fruit that are both delicious and oh-so-healthy for you!
9 Things Your Fingernails Can Tell You About Your Health
This video delves into nine revealing aspects of your fingernails that could signal important information about your health.
This Little Piece of Plastic Does Wonders For Your Feet
As we age, our toes tend to cram together. Spacing them promotes blood flow and prevents pain!
This 10-Minute Brain Exercise Will Recharge Your Brain
Suffer from headaches, migraines, or brain fog? This 10-minute exercise can really help.