Curated Paper 2- Ellie Herd

Human genetics is a field that is recently becoming more well understood, and is gradually growing over the years. The human genome project was finished in 2003, and since then genetic studies have only grown more. But understanding brings more questions and concerns. What happens when we develop more technology to alter the genome? Who will have access to that information and what will they be able to do with it? What challenges will genetically-modified humans face, and how will society change?

Genetic counseling is a small area of science that is only steadily advancing. The profession has seen consistent growth for the past decade. I am hoping to become a genetic counselor once I complete graduate school, because it is such an interesting field of science that can help and educate so many people. There are many who would choose to live not knowing about their genetics, but I find it helpful to be able to understand exactly who and what I am. I have recently taken a 23andme genetics test, and found a lot of information. While it may not be as in-depth as I would have hoped, it is still a very interesting experience to understand more about your whole being. I hope in the future I can help others to understand themselves as well as their loved ones more.

Parkinson's disease runs in my family. My grandma and my great-grandma on my dad's side, and my great-grandma on my mom's side all suffered from Parkinsons. The cause is mostly due to genetics and exposure to chemicals, so there is a high chance I might develop the disease later in life. Onset usually occurs at around 60 years of age, so I’ll have some time before I start experiencing symptoms. 

Autism is a developmental disorder that is becoming increasingly more common. The apparent rise of autism might be due to more access to healthcare, and more awareness overall. The disorder is a spectrum that affects learning, social interaction, communication, and behavior. The cause is neurological, affects the central nervous system, and may be due to genetics. Autism, while it can be difficult for many with the disorder, is becoming more well-understood and individuals are able to live normal lives. 

Borderline personality disorder is another neurological disorder that is becoming more well-understood. However, BPD is a personality disorder that is mostly caused by genetics and can be linked to childhood trauma and abuse. The disorder is characterized by unstable moods, relationships, and behavior. I have had close relationships with individuals with BPD, and have observed this instability of behavior firsthand. The individuals that I know with BPD have been some of the most prevalent people in my life, and are very important to me. Treatment for BPD can be found through therapy, where trauma and brain functions can be talked through and understood. 

Many of these neurological disorders have unknown causes, but can mostly be related to genetics. Some, like Huntington’s disease, are more well-understood than others. While others, such as MS, have unknown causes and variable symptoms and levels of complications. Because the brain is so complicated it can be difficult to understand how these diseases come about, and how to treat them. Even just one small defect can have detrimental effects on an individual. The brain is so complicated and specialized that these small genetic abnormalities can cause massive imbalances in the brain. 

Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that are the cause of most functions in the body, including movement, emotion, memory, pleasure, and pain. Because of the broad scope of these neurotransmitters, any small change or imbalance can cause so many disorders. For example, a commonly known neurotransmitter is dopamine. Dopamine plays a role in reward and motivation, as well as movement and mental health. Overproduction of dopamine can result in impulsiveness and aggression, while an underproduction can cause depression, mood swings, and fatigue. 

I think neurotransmitters are a great example of how the body relies on balance to keep itself functioning. It is extremely common for certain neurotransmitters to be thrown out of balance, and it can be manifested in various ways. Supplements and medications are easy ways to fight the imbalances, but may also have their negative effects. Antidepressants are used to treat the underproduction of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine by blocking their reuptake back into their synapse. They may cause weight loss, emotional numbness, or a reduction in positive feelings overall. 

The story of Phineas Gage is one that I think about occasionally. The story is so interesting, and it was very educational for neuroscience at the time. Phineas Gage was a railway worker who had a tamping rod driven straight through his head. While it should have killed him, Gage was able to live for another 12 years before dying. The tamping rod was driven through his left frontal lobe and missed all major blood vessels that would have otherwise led to death. Gage was able to help many scientists learn more about the brain when phrenology was the leading science of the time. 

Phineas Gage experienced many personality changes following the accident. Before his injury, Gage was a capable foreman with calm and mild-mannered behaviors. He became more aggressive, unreliable, impulsive, and rude once the tamping rod destroyed many brain functions. The frontal lobe is crucial for personality and emotional functions, which is why Gage’s demeanor was altered. His motor functions as well as memory were left intact, however, and Gage is known as a neuroscience legend. 

Because of Phineas Gage, Traumatic Brain Injuries are more well-understood today. TBIs are common in those who have experienced trauma, especially falls, crashes, gunshot wounds, and blunt force. Individuals with TBIs can experience various symptoms, but personality and mood disorders are the most common. The complicated nature of the brain means that two similar injuries can have vastly different effects. Like Phineas Gage, personality changes are very common in TBIs, mostly similar to Gage’s. Negative behaviors such as aggression, paranoia, and instability.

Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. They can affect families, the economy, and healthcare systems. Education is also affected, as those with cognitive disabilities require specialized education. Common neurological disorders like ADHD, ADD, and autism can all affect how an individual learns and focuses. These disorders can have large effects on the individual, alienating them from their peers and causing disruptions in learning. Understanding how these disorders work can help teachers know how to teach better, and awareness can lead to better circumstances overall.

Humans are growing steadily more and more dependent on technology. Our biggest crutch is our phones, and we have already become addicted to them. Phone addiction can mimic the issues that come with drug addictions, and can in turn disrupt normal brain functions. Phones activate the pleasure center of the brain, which is also activated by addicting drugs like cocaine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction. It is used as a survival instinct and is responsible for the reward-seeking behavior that is part of surviving. Phones are programmed to specifically target the release of this reward-seeking dopamine. Every time we get a notification, we check our phones and dopamine is released. The average person checks their smartphone 144 times a day. Imagine how much dopamine is being released throughout the day when our devices are checked that often. Phone addiction can have adverse effects on other parts of the individual’s life. They may lose interest in other rewarding activities, and attention spans can decrease. 

Young adults are more likely to use substances than any other age group. This can be due to social pressures, like wanting to fit in with a crowd. Drugs can also have soothing capabilities and can be an easy way to just feel good. As an example, alcohol is a drug that can make you feel relaxed, euphoric, excited, and impaired. The legal drinking age across the world is generally around 18 years. This can mean that a lot more young people consume alcohol at this time in their lives, and an addiction can stem from there. This age is so crucial in the trajectory of the rest of a person's life and can be the root of serious problems and addiction. The gateway drug theory shows how habits can form and lead to the introduction of more intense drugs. While someone could start with just a cigarette, they may form habits that lead to cocaine or heroin use later in life. 

The most commonly used drug worldwide is caffeine. While at first it doesn’t seem like caffeine should be considered a drug, once you really think about it it makes sense. Caffeine is a stimulant, and helps the user feel more awake and focused. Caffeine is found in most coffee and tea beverages, and is also used in energy drinks, chocolate, soda, and some medications. Addiction is possible, and many can become reliant on the drug for normal brain function. Withdrawal symptoms include headache, irritability, and fatigue. I consume a lot of caffeine daily, and have noticed when I don’t consume coffee in the morning I usually feel more tired and experience headaches later in the day. 

The most commonly used illicit drug is marijuana. Its calming effects make it popular among young adults, and medical marijuana is used to treat many diseases. Short-term effects of the drug include impaired thinking, memory, and motor ability. It can also cause anxiety, hunger, dry-mouth, restlessness, and paranoia. The legality of marijuana varies across all states in the US. Most allow for medical marijuana use, and 24 have completely legalized the drug. Some states, such as Idaho, Wyoming, and Nebraska, are fully illegal.