"Vaccines didn't cause autism, court rules."

Summary

In “Vaccines didn't cause autism, court rules,” the author report on special Court’s decision on one of the longest case of autism. Special Court declared no involvement of vaccine causing autism. Three families: the Cedillos, the Hazelhursts and the Snyders believed their children have autism due to vaccines like measles, mumps and rubella combined with vaccines containing thimerosal, containing mercury. But court made the decision due to not enough evidence. Meanwhile the medical community is trying their best to find a link between autism and vaccine, and also the cause of the autism.

Personal Response

In my opinion there should be more research on connection between vaccine and autism. But parents should not stop vaccinating their children until link is found.

“Genes Controlling Affiliative Behavior as Candidate Genes for Autism”

Summary

In “Genes Controlling Affiliative Behavior as Candidate Genes for Autism,” the scientists are researching for specific genes that can cause Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder in neuron development. The cause of ASD is unknown. One of the common features of ASD is lack of affiliative behavior, which includes impaired social, linguistic and, motor skill. It has been said that certain genes can cause ASD but, they have not discovered yet. There are also some known environmental factors that can cause Autism-like Symptom. As of May 2008 only 10% of all ASD cases have known cause. There are six genes (OXT, OXTR, PRL, PRLR, DBH, AND FOSB) scientists believe have some influence on maternal and affiliative behavior.
In this study DNA samples have taken from Autistic children and their families. The six genes are separated for further study. The result shows that there are some genes, PRL, PRLR, and OXTR, involved in developing affiliative behaviors.

Personal Response

In my opinion it is great that they have discovered at least something responsible for the behavior noted in ASD children. But they should consider some factors that have impact on those genes. We also need to look at environment those children live in. Maybe it was environmental factor that have impact on genes. It would be good if scientists can develop a test that can be done before baby was born to see any sign of something going wrong with the genes causing ASD.

"Medical Marijuana: The Debate Rages On."

Summary

In “Medical Marijuana: The Debate Rages On”, the author describe the pros and cons of the most controversial debate of all time on medical marijuana. Instead of marijuana the term we’re familiar with are “Pot” and “Weed”, but the scientific name is Cannabis. This name comes from plant Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana smoking became famous in US among “flower people” in 1960’s. US and many countries consider marijuana smoking illegal and possession of it is crime punishable by law. But in some countries marijuana is considered as herbal medicine. Recent studied has declared that some substance in marijuana has medical proprieties, and it can be used in terminal disease: cancer or AIDS. In 1999 the Department of Health and Human Service studied marijuana’s medical properties. The result is the Institute of Medicine’s “Marijuana & Medicine: Assessing the Science Base.” The result stated the pros and cons but did not give clear conclusion. After ten years of its publication the debate is still going on. In 2006 US Food & Drug Administration listed marijuana in Controlled Substances Act, Schedule I for major three reasons: 1. High potential of abuse, 2. No current accepted medical use in United States, and 3. Lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. But technologies and our understanding in medicine has been improved since 1999. Therefore, more research on marijuana’s medical proprieties is needed to update the IOM’s 1999 report.

Personal Response

In my personal opinion there is not enough evidence on use of marijuana as medicine. By the study all we know is it’s not healthy to smoke marijuana. Also it has high rate of abuse. It should be illegalized until the researchers find the evidence of its medical proprieties, which has no side effects.


http://healthworldnet.com/HeadsOrTails/medical-marijuana-debate-rages/?C=5381.