Menentukan DNA Melalui iDNAtity

JAKARTA - Pakar sains dari University of Western Australia, Gary Cass, menggelar lokakarya bertajuk 'iDNAtity, Strike a Chord: The Science of Music' di Pusat Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Teknologi (P-Iptek), Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta, yang diikuti 11 siswa SMU Negeri 8 Jakarta.

Lewat iDNAtity, Cass ingin mengajak pelajar, seniman, dan masyarakat umum tentang pentingnya pemanfaatan bioteknologi dalam seni. Lantas apa itu iDNAtity?

Menurut Cass, iDNAtity merupakan sistem komputer untuk menghasilkan musik dengan menggunakan ururyan DNA unik masing-masing individu. "Kita dapat memecahkan pertanyaan tentang DNA unik lewat pengenalan wajah dan keunikan fisik. Contoh sederhananya adalah warna mata," papar Cass. Menurut Cass, warna mata memudahkan kita untuk memetakan aspek susunan genetisasi pemilik mata.

Dalam lokakarya itu, Cass terus mengingatkan pentingnya mempelajari iDNAtity. "Pentingnya iDNAtity adalah bukti peran bioteknologi dalam sains, seni dan kehidupan bermasyarkat," paparnya. Dia terus menyemangati pelajar untuk bersaing dalam bidang bioteknologi.

Cass lantas memperlihatkan rentetan kode DNA yang terpampang di layar monitor dan menjelaskan kombinasi DNA tersebut. Kemudian dia memperdengarkan alunan musik yang dihasilkan kombinasi DNA.

"Kita punya frekuensi bunyi yang berbeda. Anda juga bisa menghasilkan musik seperti ini," pesannya.

"Ada seorang pelukis asal Yogyakarta, Anang Saptoto namanya," katanya mengawali penjelasan mengenai DNA. Cass mengenal Anang sebagai pelukis yang unik. "Dia bisa menghasilkan karya yang berbeda dari pelukis lain," tuturnya.

Anang selalu menggunakan kode genetika dalam berkesenian. Cara ini ampuh untuk menghasilkan lukisan yang menarik. "Lihat lingkaran-lingkaran ini," kata Cass sambil menunjuk ke layar. Di layar tampak hasil lukisan Anang. Berbeda bukan? Tanya Cass yang diikuti dengan anggukan kepala peserta.

"Anda tidak perlu kuliah dengan biaya mahal hanya untuk menentukan DNA," katanya dengan suara lantang. Dia mengambil beberapa alat peraha dan membawanya ke depan siswa SMU 8.

"Anda akan lihat, saya bisa melakukan sulap. Lihat saja," katanya berkelakar.

Cass adalah ilmuwan yang energik. Dia bukan pembicara yang kaku, Cass memilih berdiri di tengah-tengah siswa SMU 8 untuk memberikan penjelasan sederhana tentang iDNAtity. Cass kerap memakai kiasan supaya pelajar mudah memahami pemaparannya.

"Saya ingin pelajar bisa mengeksplorasi genetis dengan menentukan keunikan fisik kita," papar Cass. Dia berlari kecil ke arah siswi SMU 8 dan beberapa menit berikutnya sudah beralih ke sekumpulan siswa yang tengah sibuk mendengarkan penjelasannya.

Pakar sains yang tampak santai dalam balutan celana selutu ini lantas mengajak peserta untuk berdiri.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
"Bangun dan tentukan DNA-mu," katanya. Kemudian Cass mendekati setiap siswa SMU 8. Dia memberi tahu cara kerja alat peraga yang ada di atas meja. Dia meminta peserta untuk membuang ludah ke dalam tabung khusus, kemudian mencampurnya dengan etanol.

"LIhat, ini seperti sulap. Ini DNA-mu. kerja yang bagus, Teman," katanya memuji peserta.

Sebagai ilmuwan, Cass yang tinggal di Perth, Australia, telah melakukan berbagai kolaborassi sains. Hasil penelitian Cass diaplikasikan ke dalam ilmu pertanian, biologi, hingga proyek penelitian mahasiwa.
sumber:Disini
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How to Get a DNA Test

Being stuck in a scenario of questionable paternity can become a high stress situation. To avoid prolonging a stressful paternity situation, parents should consider DNA paternity testing. DNA paternity testing is designed to determine if a man and child share the same DNA. The man's DNA is analyzed and compared to that of a child to determine whether or not the man is, in fact, the child's father. Paternity testing is popular for women who had more than one sexual partner during the time the child was conceived.

DNA paternity tests are now available over the counter at the pharmacy. However, to ensure the reliability and authenticity of a DNA paternity tests, parents should consider using a professional paternity testing center. In order to get a paternity test, it's a good idea to first contact your doctor or the local authorities to get information on legitimate locations that offer paternity testing. If you're paternity test has been court order, the court system will provide you with a list of acceptable laboratory facilities.

The second step in paternity testing is to contact and organize the time of testing. In most cases, the mother, child, and the men that are suspected to be the father of the child will be required to visit the facility for testing. Legitimate DNA testing will typically require a blood draw from each of the participating individuals. However, some locations use a cotton swab on the inside of the cheek to determine DNA through saliva collection.

Once all of the participating individuals have been tested, laboratory officials will process the information to determine accurate paternity. DNA testing results are usually available within a week. There are some facilities that offer results within 24 hours. Most of the time, DNA tests are boasted at more than 99% accurate - It is important to note DNA paternity testing is considered to be 100% in terms of determining fatherhood.

If the results of a paternity test are surprising, or create some form of trauma between mother and child or the mother and her current partner, it's a good idea to seek the services of a professional counselor. Because DNA paternity testing can be surrounded by dramatic and stressful personal circumstances, consulting with professional counselors can help to ease any transition that takes place. In some situations, counseling is court ordered in paternity cases. If you're involved in a custody battle, consider asking your legal counsel for advice on DNA paternity testing for information on any counseling you wish to seek after the testing has been completed.
DNA paternity tests are now available over the counter at the pharmacy. However, to ensure the reliability and authenticity of a DNA paternity tests, parents should consider using a professional paternity testing center. In order to get a paternity test, it's a good idea to first contact your doctor or the local authorities to get information on legitimate locations that offer paternity testing. If you're paternity test has been court order, the court system will provide you with a list of acceptable laboratory facilities.

The second step in paternity testing is to contact and organize the time of testing. In most cases, the mother, child, and the men that are suspected to be the father of the child will be required to visit the facility for testing. Legitimate DNA testing will typically require a blood draw from each of the participating individuals. However, some locations use a cotton swab on the inside of the cheek to determine DNA through saliva collection.

Once all of the participating individuals have been tested, laboratory officials will process the information to determine accurate paternity. DNA testing results are usually available within a week. There are some facilities that offer results within 24 hours. Most of the time, DNA tests are boasted at more than 99% accurate - It is important to note DNA paternity testing is considered to be 100% in terms of determining fatherhood.

If the results of a paternity test are surprising, or create some form of trauma between mother and child or the mother and her current partner, it's a good idea to seek the services of a professional counselor. Because DNA paternity testing can be surrounded by dramatic and stressful personal circumstances, consulting with professional counselors can help to ease any transition that takes place. In some situations, counseling is court ordered in paternity cases. If you're involved in a custody battle, consider asking your legal counsel for advice on DNA paternity testing for information on any counseling you wish to seek after the testing has been completed.
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Early Symptoms Of Angina Pectoris

Angina pectoris is a chest pain which originated from the heart. This condition occurs when the heart did not receive enough oxygenated blood because the blood vessels may be partially blocked due to blood clots and hardened arteries.


This condition is usually due to cholesterol and fatty build-ups in the blood vessels of the coronary arteries. If the pain is predictable and can be triggered by different levels of exertion, it is considered as stable angina. However, if it becomes unpredictable and occurs even at rest, this is considered as unstable angina.

Unstable angina is life threatening condition and considered as a medical emergency. There is a 3rd type of angina called variant angina. It is caused by spasms in the blood vessels. These 2 types can occur in different circumstances and they also share common signs and symptoms. Here is a list of the primary symptoms of angina pectoris:

Symptoms Of Angina Pectoris

1. A feeling of pressure and pain around the chest.

This is the most common symptom of angina pectoris. Only one or both of them can be felt in the chest area, and can radiate into the left shoulders, left arm and jaw. The pain can be described as a sensation of pressure or something heavy or a squeezing feeling in the chest. Chest pains and pressure are more likely to be felt by men than women.

2. Shortness of breath or “dyspnea”

Shortness of breath is medically termed as “dyspnea”. In stable angina, shortness of breath can be triggered during activity and will subside when the person is at rest or with the use of drugs like a nitroglycerin (often prescribed to patients experiencing angina pectoris).

However, in unstable angina, shortness of breath can happen even the person is at minimal activity or at rest. This symptom can occur more likely to diabetics and elderly people.

3. Lightheadedness, anxiety and gastrointestinal problems.

These atypical symptoms occur more likely in women than in men. One significant symptom is a panic feeling or a sense of an impending doom. Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and nausea are also considered as atypical symptoms of angina pectoris. Other symptoms are lightheadedness, dizziness and fainting.
by: Ethel Henry
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Diet Mediterania Cegah Serangan Jantung, Obesitas, & Diabetes

DARIPADA menjalani diet sembarang, coba jalani diet Mediterania saja. Selain membuat tubuh mencapai bobot ideal, diet populer ini sangat baik untuk kesehatan jantung dan organ tubuh lainnya.

Selain mencegah sindrom metabolik, diet Mediterania memiliki efek positif pada faktor-faktor risiko individu, seperti ukuran pinggang, kadar kolesterol baik (HDL), kadar trigeliserida, tingkat tekanan darah, dan metabolisme gula darah. Demikian seperti dilaporkan sebuah studi baru yang dinukil dari Times of India, Selasa (22/3/2011).

Diet Mediterania adalah pola diet yang ditandai dengan konsumsi tinggi asam lemak jenuh tunggal terutama yang bersumber dari buah zaitun dan minyak zaitun.

Untuk konsumsi sehari-hari, Anda dapat memenuhinya lewat buah-buahan, sayuran, sereal gandum, dan produk susu rendah lemak. Sementara untuk mencukupi kebutuhan gizi mingguan, Anda dapat memenuhi lewat sumber protein, seperti ikan, unggas, daging merah, dan kacang-kacangan.

Demosthenes Paniotakos, Profesor di Biostatik Epidemiologi Gizi, Departemen Ilmu Diet dan Nutrisi University of Athens dan Kastorini Christina-Maria Kastrorini menganalisis hasil 50 studi tentang diet dengan populasi memelajari sekira 1,5 juta partisipan.

"Prevalensi sindrom metabolik meningkat dengan cepat di seluruh dunia, seiring dengan meningkatnya insiden diabetes dan obesitas. Bahkan, sekarang pun sudah dianggap sebagai bagian dari masalah kesehatan yang ada di masyarakat," kata Panagiotakos, pimpinan penelitian.

"Sindrom metabolik pun merupakan salah satu penyebab utama penyakit kardiovaskular (langsung atau tidak langsung) yang terkait dengan beban pribadi seseorang dan sosioekonomi. Karenanya, melakukan pencegahan kondisi ini sangatlah penting," sambungnya.

Diet Mediterania adalah salah satu pola diet yang paling terkenal dan dipelajari dengan baik karena terbukti memiliki kaitan dengan penyebab kematian. Menurut peneliti, dengan melakukan diet ini risiko penyakit jantung, diabetes, obesitas, dan beberapa jenis kanker lainnya.

Tak hanya itu saja, diet Mediterania juga memiliki efek yang menguntungkan pada obesitas perut, tingkat lipid, metabolisme glukosa, dan tingkat tekanan darah yang merupakan faktor risiko untuk perkembangan penyakit jantung dan diabetes.

Pemenuhan antioksidan dan efek antiinflmasi dari diet Mediterania yang didukung dari komponen diet terutama minyak zaitun, buah-buahan, dan sayuran, biji-bijian, dan ikan juga sangat bermanfaat.

"Untuk hasil terbaik berdasarkan pengetahuan kami, pekerjaan utama dari diet ini adalah sifatnya yang sistematis melalui analisis meta, sehingga peran diet pada sindrom metabolik, dan komponen-komponennya dapat berjalan maksimal," papar Panagiotakos.

Agar berhasil, jika Anda ingin menjalani diet yang satu ini, maka sebaiknya memerhatikan gaya hidup dan pola makan.

"Hasil penelitian kami menunjukkan, peran pelindung dari diet ini pun sangatlah penting. Seseorang yang melakukan diet Mediterania harus pula memerhatikan faktor gaya hidup dan pola makan di mana komponen ini memiliki kaitan erat dengan sindrom metabolik," tutupnya.
Dwi Indah Nurcahyani - Okezone
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What is diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas needed to regulate glucose in the blood).

The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and sedentarism appear to play roles.

In order to determine whether or not a patient has pre-diabetes or diabetes, health care providers usualy conduct a Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG)The American Diabetes Association recommends the FPG because it is fast, easy, cheap and have a good precision.With the FPG test, a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dl signals pre-diabetes, bigger values indicates diabetes

There are three types of diabetes :

Type 1 - You produce no insulin at all.

Type 2 - You don't produce enough insulin, or your insulin is not working properly.

Gestational Diabetes - You develop diabetes just during your pregnancy.

Diabetes Types 1 & 2 are chronic medical conditions - this means that they last a lifetime.

Gestational Diabetes usually resolves itself after the birth of the child.

All types of diabetes are treatable, for a patient with Type 1 the treatement is mainly injected insulin, Patients with Type 2 are usually treated with tablets.Both types must have a special diet (low fat and carbohydrates) and physical activity (walking, swimming, cycling, dancing)

Being diabetic imply a change in lifestyle. It does not mean you will not be able to pursue your career effectively, run a business, practice a sport or realize your ambition.

Diabetes will not stop you from becoming a sportsman or sportswoman, politician, actor/actress, musician, or journalist.If you will follow all indications and medication your doctor gives you, there is no reason why you cannot continue your lifetime ambitions.

The main aim of diabetes management is to keep the following under control:

Blood glucose levels - you will need a Glucose Meter. Self-monitoring is often called SMBG (self-monitoring of blood glucose). Glucose meters today are small, battery-operated devices.

Blood pressure - the force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. You can monitor your own blood pressure at home with an inexpensive blood pressure cuff and gauge, available at most drug stores and medical supply outlets.

Cholesterol levels - you will nedd a Home cholesterol monitor. Home cholesterol monitors are one of the most popular medical devices for personal use.They are not designed to replace the care of a physician.

The frequency of the tests is up to you and your doctor.
by: Radu Bogdan
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Radang sendi

PARA ilmuwan di University of East Anglia (UEA) telah meluncurkan sebuah proyek baru yang inovatif untuk menyelidiki manfaat brokoli dalam memerangi osteoartritis. Hasilnya kabar baik bagi para penderita radang sendi.

Penelitian awal di laboratorium UEA telah menemukan bahwa suatu senyawa dalam brokoli yang disebut sulforaphane memblokade enzim penyebab kerusakan sendi pada osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis sendiri merupakan bentuk radang sendi yang paling umum.

Dengan pendanaan dari Arthritis Research UK dan Diet and Health Research Industry Club (DRINC), proyek penelitian membahas bagaimana sulforaphane dapat bertindak untuk memperlambat atau mencegah perkembangan osteoarthritis. Demikian seperti dikutip Health24, Sabtu (18/9/2010).

Sulforaphane adalah senyawa bioaktif yang ditemukan pada sayuran, terutama brokoli. Makan brokoli meningkatkan sulforaphane dalam darah, tetapi para ilmuwan belum tahu apakah jumlah sulforaphane yang masuk ke sendi cukup untuk menjadikannya efektif mencegah osteoarthritis. Hal inilah yang menjadi salah satu hal di mana tim UEA berharap menemukannya, karena osteoarthritis merupakan penyebab besar kasus cacat tubuh.

Tidak ada pengobatan yang efektif

Osteoarthritis merupakan penyakit sendi degeneratif yang secara bertahap menghancurkan tulang rawan pada sendi, terutama pada tangan, kaki, tulang belakang, pinggul, dan lutut orang lanjut usia. Hingga saat ini, tidak ada pengobatan yang efektif selain pemulihan nyeri atau operasi penggantian sendi.

Prof Ian Clark, dari UEA School of Biological Sciences, yang memimpin penelitian mengatakan, "Inggris memiliki populasi lanjut usia dan mengembangkan strategi-strategi baru untuk penyakit yang berkaitan dengan usia. Memerangi penyakit seperti osteoarthritis sangat penting untuk meningkatkan kualitas hidup penderita, tetapi juga untuk mengurangi beban ekonomi masyarakat.”

Sebagai bagian dari proyek selama tiga tahun ini, tim UEA juga akan menyelidiki efek dari senyawa lain pada makanan yang berhubungan dengan osteoarthritis, termasuk diallyl disulphide yang ditemukan cukup tinggi dalam bawang putih.

Brokoli sebelumnya telah dikaitkan dengan pengurangan risiko kanker, tetapi ini adalah pertama kalinya dilakukan studi besar efek brokoli terhadap kesehatan sendi
Fitri Yulianti - Okezone
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Treating Arthritis: Use Apple Cider Vinegar

Arthritis is amongst the most prevalent ailments today, affecting literally millions around the globe. There are actually over a hundred kinds of arthritis, with the common signs and symptoms of joint pain and inflammation. This causes great discomfort, and often those with arthritis experience it to a degree that it can take over their lives. For this reason, people with arthritis often try to find remedies that will provide effective, long-term relief, in order to enjoy life as normally as possible.

Arthritis apple cider vinegar treatments are one of many methods people consider. It's been in use for many centuries, and has been proven to relieve the inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. It has actually been utilized for other conditions as well. Being full of minerals and vitamins, it allows the body to fight illnesses effectively.

One arthritis apple cider vinegar remedy uses a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed to a glass of water. Honey or even some spice may be added to this mixture to improve the taste; honey is even thought to enhance the strength of the solution. This mixture is then taken in the morning and before going to bed at nighttime, to provide relief from arthritis symptoms.

An additional way to use apple cider vinegar is to apply it as a liniment, using it straight to afflicted joints. It is almost always warmed, then applied through the use of a clean washcloth. It can then either be massaged in or simply applied to provide immediate respite from the pain.

Many people believe in the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar for arthritis. Nevertheless, whenever employing an alternative form of treatment, it's always best to check with your medical doctor to avoid any possible complications.

Apple cider vinegar is available in supermarkets, and even on the web. In purchasing this vinegar you need to also look at the quality so it will be more effective for the management of diseases. Organic vinegars are believed more potent, specially those with the mother-of-vinegar still included.

Apple cider vinegar is one of the techniques that arthritis has been treated through the years, and it has been considered effective and safe - important points for those with arthritis.
by: Meredith Walker
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