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Can we really replace an damaged iris with a silicone one in the human eye?

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On September 28, 2025

In special senses, tissues

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. tissue chapter – characteristics and locations of smooth muscle
  2. special senses chapter – structures inside the eyeball
  3. special senses chapter – location of the iris and the action of smooth muscle to change pupil diameter

The news item: Recently, the following report appeared online:

Independence woman regains sight after first-of-its-kind surgery in Missouri

In 2010, Jennifer Sanders suffered an orbital globe rupture which destroyed 95% of the iris in her right eye.

The article states that a woman whose eye ruptured in an accident suffered from poor vision and light sensitivity because of a destroyed iris. An artificial iris implanted into her eye resulted in much improved vision.

So, Why Do I Care??  In addition to trauma-caused damage of the iris, about 1% of cataract surgeries damage the iris, and there is a developmental disorder called aniridia that results in the underdevelopment of the iris. Thus, there are tens of thousands of people who suffer from the absence or malfunctioning of the iris. Poor vision affects the ability to learn in school, to get a job, to drive a car, among other things, so it is important to seek out solutions for these conditions.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about the location and function of the iris. The iris is a flat, thin ring inside the eye. For the shape just think about a donut that somebody sat on. The forward-looking surface of the “flattened donut” is the visible, colored part of the iris; this gives us the color of the eye. The backward-looking surface of the iris is made up of a thin layer of smooth muscle. The circle-shaped opening in the “flattened donut” is the pupil where light passes through towards the deeper portion of the eye. Because of the action of the smooth muscle, the pupil can be made wider or narrower. A narrow pupil prevents large amount of light entering the eye as that light would overload the photoreceptors in the retina. A wide pupil allows more light into the eye in a dim environment, so the photoreceptors can receive enough light for producing visual experience.

Second, let’s talk about the implant itself. The implant is made of silicone, and shaped like the biological iris. It is placed into its normal location, immediately in front of the lens.  Because silicone doesn’t

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Can we really make human proteins for medical treatments in lettuce plants?

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On December 10, 2022

In cellular basis of life, endocrine system, skeletal system

TeachableMedicalNews article TMN12112022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – protein synthesis on ribosomes
  3. skeletal system chapter – actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in living bones
  4. skeletal system chapter – osteons and trabeculae provide structural strength to bones
  5. endocrine system chapter – actions of PTH made by parathyroid gland

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared in cyberspace:

Humans on Mars may feast on gene-edited salad to stop bones breaking

Genetically modified salad could be crucial to keeping the bones of humans on Mars healthy.

The article states that a human gene was added to lettuce, and that the human protein, parathyroid hormone (PTH), will fight the osteoporosis that astronauts develop in space. Astronauts lose 1.5% of bone mass from weight-bearing bones, and the expectation is the PTH made by the lettuce will prevent bone loss on a trip to Mars that may last for over a year.

So, Why Do I Care??  Osteoporosis, as stated in the article, weakens bones, but not only in astronauts. Over 10 million people in the US alone has osteoporosis that makes fractures more likely. PTH is currently administered through injections, so, if we could demonstrate that eating PTH-enriched lettuce, then treatment of osteoporosis may become easier.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s summarize what osteoporosis is, and how astronauts taking PTH can fight it (this was explored in detail in TMN article 11272022). The microscopic structural reinforcement structures (osteons and trabeculae) in our bones erode, gets degraded in the disorder called osteoporosis.  Imagine a tall building or a bridge; columns or pillars are the elements of structural reinforcement in them. A corrosion of those pillars and columns weakens the building, and may cause their collapse. Astronauts in space don’t have the force of gravity to stimulate bone building, so bone loss, osteoporosis develops. PTH, when administered in short bursts, stimulates osteoblasts, and increases bone formation, and that could prevent bone loss in astronauts. Although astronauts could inject themselves with PTH, however, for long spaceflights they would have to carry lots of PTH doses. It would be better if they could produce PTH during the flight itself.  Making human PTH inside a food item would create a continuous supply of PTH.

Second, let’s talk about what is entailed with the genetic engineering of the lettuce. In general, we do genetic engineering when we are adding a new gene or inactivating an existing gene in an organism.

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Can astronauts prevent bone loss by eating genetically engineered lettuce?

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On November 27, 2022

In chemical basis of life, digestive system, endocrine system, skeletal system

TeachableMedicalNews article 11272022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein
  2. skeletal system chapter – actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in living bones
  3. skeletal system chapter – osteons and trabeculae provide structural strength to bones
  4. endocrine system chapter – actions of PTH made by parathyroid gland
  5. digestive system chapter – ingested proteins are degraded by several digestive enzymes

 

The news item:  Recently the following report appeared:

Humans on Mars may feast on gene-edited salad to stop bones breaking

Genetically modified salad could be crucial to keeping the bones of humans on Mars healthy.

 

 

The article states that a human gene was added to lettuce, and that the human protein, parathyroid hormone (PTH), will fight the osteoporosis that astronauts develop in space. Astronauts lose 1.5% of bone mass from weight-bearing bones, and the expectation is the PTH made by the lettuce will prevent bone loss on a trip to Mars that may last for over a year.

So, Why Do I Care??  Osteoporosis, as stated in the article, weakens bones, but not only in astronauts. Over 10 million people in the US alone has osteoporosis that makes fractures more likely. PTH is currently administered through injections, so, if we could demonstrate that eating PTH-enriched lettuce, then treatment of osteoporosis may become easier.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what osteoporosis is. In our bones we need structural reinforcement to keep bones from fracturing when we walk, run, jump or fall. The microscopic building units called osteons and trabeculae are the structural elements that provide such reinforcement.  Imagine a tall building or a bridge; columns or pillars are the elements of structural reinforcement in them. A corrosion of those pillars and columns weakens the building, and may cause their collapse. In our bones the cells called osteoclasts erode the osteons and trabeculae, but the cells called osteoblasts repair, and, thus, reverse that erosion. In old age, or with hormonal changes, such as menopause, the osteoblasts slow down, and the osteoclasts erode osteons and trabeculae. Osteoporosis is the condition where the erosion weakens the entire bone, and fractures are more likely.

Second, let’s talk about why weightlessness leads to osteoporosis. When we move around in regular gravity, our bone cells are under pressure caused by the weight of the body. That pressure makes

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Can we treat breast cancer by targeting a mutation in the cancer cells?

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On November 12, 2022

In cellular basis of life, reproductive system

TeachableMedicalNews article 11122022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein malfunction
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – cell division is regulated
  4. female reproductive system chapter – anatomical location of mammary ducts

The news item: Recently the following reporting appeared online:

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The article states that the newly approved breast cancer treatment, Piqray, is for the HR+, HER2 – advanced breast cancer cases. The article also states that this new drug is targeting PIK3CA mutations.

So, Why Do I Care??  There are over 280,000 new breast cancer diagnoses each year in the USA. Deaths from breast cancer is estimated to be over 43,000 each year in the USA. Every new treatment regimen reduces the number of deaths, or increases survival time. In addition, a drug that targets mutated cancer cells also lowers the side effects, because only the mutated cells are attacked.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what breast cancer is. In all cancers the normal cells of a particular portion of the body transformed, so they suddenly gain the ability to divide without control. In the case of breast cancer the epithelial cells of the inner lining of mammary ducts transform into cancer cells. The mammary duct cells divide in controlled fashion to fill gaps where cell died in the duct.

Second, let’s talk about why cancer cells divide without control. Our cells normally divide by going through the steps of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, the process that divides

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Why bacterial contamination of baby formula is life threatening for infants?

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On September 29, 2022

In cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system, microbiology, nervous system, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 09292022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – linker proteins in the plasma membrane form tight junctions
  2. tissue chapter – tight junctions of epithelial cells prevent movement of pathogens between the cells
  3. immune system chapter – reliance of white blood cells for immune functions
  4. brain chapter – the brain is covered by meninges inside the cranial cavity
  5. microbiology – the pathogen bacterium Chronobacter sakazakii

The news item:  Recently a news report appeared about contaminated baby formula:

FDA says maker of powdered infant formula didn’t take steps to prevent products from becoming contaminated | CNN

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined the company running a plant at the center of a baby formula recall didn’t take steps to prevent products from becoming contaminated during manufacturing, according to a preliminary report filed this month.

The article states that Chronobacter sakazakii bacterium caused death of two infants who used baby formula contaminated with the bacterium.

So, Why Do I Care??  While adults can easily defeat a bacterial infection, the bodies of infants are very vulnerable to such infection.  Because the immune system of infants is naturally weak, powdered infant formulas must be free of bacterial contamination. If bacteria are in the infant formula, then the infants are exposed to life threatening infection.  The number of infections is about 15 infants each year, but one-fourth of the infants die from the infection.

Plain English, Please!!!  First, let’s talk about what a Chronobacterium is. This is a very common bacterium in environment, present on many surfaces and in food items. The well-trained immune system of adults can fight off this bacterium, but the not-yet-fully developed immune system of infants has a

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Can we really put an implant inside the eye to deliver drugs to treat eye diseases?

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On June 15, 2022

In cellular basis of life, special senses

TeachableMedicalNews article 06152022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. cellular basis of life chapter – diffusion as a means of molecular movement
  2. special senses chapter – the photoreceptors rods and cones are in the retina
  3. special senses chapter – liquid-filled chambers of the eye
  4. special senses chapter – sclera, the white of the eye, is the toughest, outer layer

Can we put an implant inside the eye to deliver drugs to treat eye diseases?

The news item:  Recently a report appeared about a drug, Susvimo, that reverses blindness:

New technology helps Georgetown veteran restore his eyesight

If you’re living with blurry vision, there’s a chance a new device can help you get your eyesight back without frequent visits to the doctor. The newly FDA-approved Susvimo implant helped one Georgetown veteran preserve his vision after being diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration.

The article states that AMD (wet, age-related macular degeneration) is the leading cause of blindness over the age 60, that this disorder is caused by growth and scarring of blood vessels under the retina, and that drug-delivery through an implant has restored vision in 90% of the treated individuals.

So, Why Do I Care??  Eye diseases can rob people of their vision. Many of such diseases are treated by injection of a drug into the eye. It is estimated that there are over 10 million such injections per year in the USA. Because chronic eye disorders require several injections into the same eye, it is worth exploring alternative delivery systems for long-term administration of drugs.

Plain English, Please!!!   First, let’s review the action of Susvimo, the drug we will use as an example to learn about implants inside the eye. In a previous post of Teachable Medical News (TMN 05252022), we described the action of the drug Susvimo. Here is a brief summary:  Normally the light-sensing cell in the

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Can a nasal spray popularized on TikTok give us a tan?

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On March 26, 2022

In cellular basis of life, endocrine system, integumentary system

TeachableMedicalNews article 03272022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life – proteins are made of amino acid building blocks
  2. integumentary system – layers (strata) of the epidermis
  3. integumentary system chapter – melanocytes make the brown pigment melanin
  4. endocrine system chapter – anterior pituitary makes the melanocyte stimulating hormone

The news item:  Recently a report appeared about TikTok influencers who inhale nasal spray to get a tan:

I inhale dangerous tanning nasal sprays because I’d rather die hot than live ugly

Beauty influencers are taking to TikTok to show themselves snorting sprays that they claim give them a golden tan – but doctors warn the products could be both ineffective and dangerous.

The article states that the influencers claim to get a glowing bronze skin color from the inhaled spray, that the spray has the active ingredient dihydroxy methylchromonyl palmitate which is not approved for inhalation, and that the TikTok posts have hundreds of thousands likes.

So, Why Do I Care??  Social media influencers can act very convincingly, even when they encourage unhealthy actions for their followers. The use of a chemical designed to be used on top of the skin may damage the nasal passages, or it may cause serious illness. This is a great example of how vigilant and skeptical we have to be when seeing something that looks too good to be true.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about the natural process that gives skin a tanned color. In the top region, the epidermis, of the skin there are cells called melanocytes that make a brown-colored pigment called melanin.

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Can we get a deadly infection from an aromatherapy bottle?

By

On February 26, 2022

In cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system, microbiology, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 02272022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. microbiology – Burkholderia bacteria
  2. microbiology – bacterial movement by flagella
  3. cellular basis of life chapter – lysosomes can digest invaders, or self-digest a cell during autophagy cell death
  4. tissue chapter – cells of epithelial tissue line the lumen of respiratory and digestive systems
  5. immune system chapter – neutrophils and other white blood cells phagocytose invaders
  6. blood vessel chapter – septic shock suppresses blood pressure by causing vasodilation

The news item:  Recently the following news report appeared online:

Mysterious fatal infections tied to room spray sold at Walmart

Federal authorities warned Friday that a rare bacterial infection that killed two people has been tied to an aromatherapy spray sold at Walmart. A total of four people in four states were infected earlier this year by the rare tropical disease called melioidosis.

The article stated that four victims of melioidosis were identified in the US, that the disease is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei bacterium, that the bacterium lives in soils in Southeast Asia, and that the pathogens were traced to aroma therapy spray bottles.

So, Why Do I Care??  Infectious pathogens are found in many locations, and they can cause deadly diseases. In addition to the well-know viruses and bacteria, there are exotic pathogens that cause rare, but just as deadly infections. Therefore, it is important to understand how those exotic pathogens act. Melioidosis has a 50% death rate, and even after antibiotic treatment the death rate remains 10%.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about how this bacterium infects our body. The bacteria enter the body through inhaling or ingesting contaminated water. The bacterium then moves into the epithelial cells that line the lumen of the lower respiratory or the epithelial cells that line the lumen of digestive

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How does the nervous system grow into a hand transplant to make it functional?

By

On December 17, 2021

In nervous system

TeachableMedicalNews article 12182021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. nervous system chapter – neurons in sensory and motor nerves
  2. nervous system chapter – axons as extensions of neurons
  3. nervous system chapter – Schwann cells insulate axons, and create neurilemma

The news item:  Recently this report was published about a patient who received a double hand transplant:

First child to receive double hand transplant is thriving

At just 8 years old, Zion Harvey received two new hands, a surgery that has changed his life. According to previous reporting, the boy needed an amputation of both hands and feet when he was younge…

The article states that the patient received the transplant in 2015. The original hands of the recipient were amputated because of a spreading infection. The patient still receives ongoing physical therapy.

So, Why Do I Care??  Because successful hand transplants are examples of the regeneration of the nervous system, medical technology and treatments worked out for hand transplants may be helpful to stroke patients, or patients with physical trauma of the central nervous system where natural regeneration is very poor.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about what is the major challenge with hand transplants. At first look it seems that all a successful hand transplant needs is the meticulous surgical connection of blood

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Can a new pharmaceutical lower blood cholesterol levels to improve cardiovascular health?

By

On October 30, 2021

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, digestive system

TeachableMedicalNews article 10312021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

  1. chemical basis of life chapter – cholesterol is a steroid type lipid
  2. cellular basis of life chapter – cholesterol is needed to stabilize plasma membranes of our cells
  3. digestive system chapter – liver synthesizes cholesterol
  4. cardiovascular system chapter – coronary artery disease starts with cholesterol buildup in the arteries

The news item:  Recently a report appeared about lowering our blood cholesterol level:

 

FDA approves drug that lowers cholesterol in a new way

Nexletol was approved for people genetically predisposed to have sky-high cholesterol and people who have heart disease and need to further lower their bad cholesterol.

The article stated that high LDL levels are connected with risk of heart attacks, and that this new drug blocks the cholesterol making enzyme in the liver. This new drug, Nexletol, acts differently from the statin drugs that also lower blood cholesterol.

So, Why Do I Care??  In the USA over 1 million people die yearly from heart attacks and strokes, and those deaths are at least partially caused by high blood cholesterol causing blockage inside the blood vessels. While there are life style modifications and drugs we can use to lower blood cholesterol, new pharmaceuticals may increase the success of lowering blood cholesterol.

Plain English, Please!!!   First, let’s talk about what cholesterol is and how it causes cardiovascular disease. Cholesterol is an organic molecule classified as a steroid type lipid. Cholesterol makes cell membranes sturdy, so all cells need it, and cholesterol transporting trucks, called LDL (low density

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