The genomic revolution promises to transform cancer care

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Biotech

Context:

Recent UK research with 13,800 cancer patients showed genomic integration with clinical data can identify new cancer targets, guiding treatment strategies and highlighting inherited risks.
NHS explores genomic medicine integration in cancer care, some trusts use preemptive sequencing.

Key Terms

Genome Sequencing:

Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome. It involves reading the order of nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) in DNA strands, providing insights into genetic variations and potential disease risks.

Oncology

Oncology is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Oncologists study the causes and progression of cancer, develop treatment plans such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, and work towards improving patient outcomes.

Insights from study:

Whole-Genome Sequencing: Central to the transformation of cancer care is whole-genome sequencing, enabling the comprehensive analysis of an individual’s DNA in a single test.
Cancer Burden: With cancer becoming a significant global health concern, initiatives like the Cancer Genome Atlas aim to understand the molecular basis of cancer, leading to the development of precision oncology therapies.
Precision Oncology: Molecular tests determine eligibility for precision oncology therapies, with genomic medicine showing potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by customizing therapies based on genomic data.

Acid rain has its origins in fossil fuels

Origins of Acid Rain:

Acid rain results from the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulphur, releasing sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, particularly from vehicles and power plants.
Natural sources like volcanic eruptions and lightning also contribute to SO2 and NOx emissions, but urban areas rely heavily on fossil fuels, exacerbating the issue.

Formation and Effects:

SO2 and NOx react with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3), leading to acid rain, snow, and fog with a pH around 4.2-4.4.
Acid precipitation can harm aquatic life by rendering water bodies inhospitable and disrupt soil bacteria, impacting ecosystems and forests.

Mitigation Efforts:

Coal power plants have reduced SO2 emissions significantly using flue-gas desulphurisation, while international collaborations like the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) aim to minimize acid rain’s environmental impact.