Skip to main content
The diffraction limit has been overcome by engineers at harvard. Now for the first time we will be able to view a cell surface in all its glory. Previously, we were able to view the cell surface with the electron microscope but the preparation techniques denatured the proteins. Now, however, we will soon be able to use an optical microscope to view objects in the 100 nanometer range and below.

Education is a two-edged sword. I remember hearing about the diffraction limit and coming to the conclusion that we would never be able to view the cell surface in an unaltered state. Indeed, you must always take everything you learn with a grain of salt.

What does this mean with regard to progress in Cell Recognition Factors? For one thing, we will be able to demonstrate the importance of cell recognition in development. And speaking of development, we may, in our lifetime, be able to manufacture a cell sorting machine that can recognize adult stem cells and pluck them out for further study. What an exciting time it is for the young researcher just starting out in Biology!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Biological Pathways Symbology

Post a Comment
Read more
How would you go about reprogramming cancer cells back to normalcy? You would first identify the most likely candidate(s) for Cell Recognition Factor(s) and determine how they change during the development of, let's say, a pancreatic cell. From the time of the first egg mass to mature adult cell, what CRF's were being expressed? Take these and chemically attach them to a carrier that is able to diffuse through tissue. Inject the complex into the blood or lymphatic system. Repeat the cocktail until normalcy is achieved. Once we know the exact sequence that particular CRF's are expressed, we can just inject stage-specific CRF's in a particular sequence. A difficulty that I'm hoping does not present itself is that of individual variations in CRF's. We may not want to have to design a sequence on an individual basis. It would be much better, at least initially, if one sequence for differentiation of pancreas cells was the same for all individuals. Essential elements...
Post a Comment
Read more
Tumorigenesis: Actions to initiate the cancer state. The Cell Recognition Factor theory of cancer maintains that detachment of a cell from its neighbors is necessary for most cancers to arise. After that, a malfunction or replenishment of the telomere, or a reversion to stem cell, is necessary to permit the growth of cancer cells. The immune system then comes into play in keeping cancer cells in check or in promoting their elimination. A daughter cell has three additional hurdles to overcome on its road to cancer. It must eliminate the threat of apoptosis; eliminate telomere degradation; and, prevent itself from ending up in an inhospitable environment away from resources. I. Stem cell (immortal) . a. Detach from neighbors . b. Escape from Immune Surveillance II. Daughter cell (specialized, mortal) . a. Detach from neighbors . b. Escape from Immune Surveillance . c. Prevent Apoptosis . d. Stop Degradation of the Telomere . e. Prev...
1 comment
Read more