Global health landmark: The genome of Aedes aegypti

Submitted by Marcos Lopez on 1 July 2007 - 12:00am

Aedes aegypti, dengue vector

Aedes aegypti is the mosquito that transmits the flavivirus that causes dengue, a disease that afflicts about 100 million people annually. Aedes aegypti is also the vector for yellow fever and chikungunya virus.

Last month Nene et al published the complete genome sequence of Aedes aegypti in Science. This work will now allows researchers to develop sound strategies that prevent vector competence. For instance, this study will allow the identification of new genes and proteins that control the transmission of the pathogen, the mosquito resistance to insecticides and the mosquito behaviors that give rise to the transmission of the disease. The identification of those genes will then allow scientists to develop targeted drugs.

Quinones: cancer cell destroyers

Submitted by Marcos Lopez on 1 June 2007 - 12:00am

Breast cancer cell

We have all been touched by this terrible illness. According to the American Cancer Society more than a half-million people die annually of cancer in the US. In Puerto Rico, the mortality rate is 5,000 patients per year, with a 2% increase each year.

Cancer results from uncontrollable cell proliferation, which leads to the formation of malignant tumors in different parts of the body. These tumors affect the physiological function of tissues and organs and are the target of cancer treatment.

ISEF / JSHS ex-Participants

Submitted by Marcos Lopez on 12 March 2007 - 12:29pm

Hi: I was wondering if there's any of the members of CienciaPR that were participants of ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) or JSHS (Junior Science and Humanities Symposium) (we called it in those days "El Congreso de Investigacion Cientifica). I attended ISEF in 94 in Alabama and the JSHS the same year. Have a great day! Marcos Lopez