Curated Paper 2 - Derek Baker

It is often remarked that every subject is simply comprised of another. For example, sociology is psychology, psychology is biology, biology is chemistry, chemistry is physics, and physics is just math. Through this common chain, we can determine that there are infinite connections between certain academic disciplines. In this paper, we will explore the connections of biology through cognitive disorders, anabolic steroids, and genetic editing to other subjects like sociology, ethics, economics, and medicine. 

Cognitive disorders and brain injuries are some of the most complicated disruptions in human pathologies to deal with. This difficulty usually stems from multiple reasons. The brain is complicated to understand and to observe scientifically. It is not something that we can dissect and prod to analyze while still grasping its full potential as a part of a living organism. To study the brain in vivo we must use other tools that merely guide us in a certain direction regarding function. We can see which areas of the brain consume the most glucose, have the most blood flow, or are most electrically stimulated during certain mental tasks, but we have yet to scratch the surface of mapping the true anatomy and physiology of the human brain. 

When studying the brain it is hard to determine the main goal of such an organ. It is obvious that the objective of the cardiovascular system is to supply blood to the body, and anything that impedes that would be considered a disorder of that system. So, what is the function of the brain? Is the brain made to communicate, to survive, to create, to ponder, to argue, to love, or to hate? Such a multifaceted organ makes it difficult to determine what a deficit or a disorder is, especially when every brain is so different. With no one true objective, there is no saying whether it is better or worse to be left or right-brained for example. Many of these cerebral variations that we perceive are concepts that only exist in the context of human society. 

This last point brings me to the reality of the cognitive disorders of ADD and ADHD. A lesion in the brain that disables an organism to move, breathe, eat, or sleep is quite obviously a disorder as they are all based on primal biological functions. What happens however when the symptoms of a disorder look more like an inability to sit still for a long time, focus their attention on a lecture, or have “time blindness”. None of these “problems” are ever seen outside of the context of human cultures where they are considered important. Furthermore, they are only a tool (or a list of symptoms) that helps us label something we can’t fully explain by cause, but rather by effect.

Key symptoms of ADHD are constituted as the following: Inattention1, which may present as difficulty organizing tasks, general forgetfulness, and being easily distracted. Hyperactivity2, which can manifest as rambunctious energy, inability to sit still, and excessive talking. Impulsivity3, usually seen as acting without thinking, disregarding the consequences of actions, interrupting others, and making rash decisions. Once again these behaviors are key in making a diagnosis of ADHD with our general lack of knowledge on what causes this neurodivergency. 

Given all of the biological symptoms and science-related interventions, there are also many societal impacts of ADHD. ADHD can have a significant impact on education and employment in general. An additional study published by the National Library of Medicine found that ADHD diagnosis correlated with lower levels of secondary education graduation and tertiary education attainment. They also found that ADHD was tied to higher levels of unemployment and being a recipient of state benefits. These lower levels of educational attainment create financial strain on these individuals and strain on the economy for those who need certain benefits and financial assistance. In this same study, ADHD was also found to correspond with increased imprisonment by a factor of 10, increased homelessness, and an increased inability to maintain long-term relationships. 

In addition to ADHD we can also see connections to other fields through drugs. One of the more controversial and debated topics in the realm of drug use is the abuse and safety of anabolic-androgenic steroids. AAS better known as steroids are synthetic molecules that are made to mimic the effects of testosterone and create an overall “masculinizing effect” on the body. 

Abuse and overuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids is most prevalent among athletes, bodybuilders, and post-pubescent males (typically ages 20 - 30). Extreme pressure to perform a certain way or look a certain way is what propels these demographics to misuse AAS. Due to their non-medical illicit use, it is hard to determine exactly what demographics are affected by this drug abuse. We do know however that muscle dysmorphia (an obsession with one's muscle mass typically characterized as seeing oneself as smaller than they are) is a contributing factor to people seeking out this drug. For athletes, steroids have helped them push the barrier of what was considered humanly possible in an athletic sense. This is also where most of the controversy stems from surrounding AAS because of their legal and ethical considerations in professional sports competitions. 

Increasing muscle mass at such an incredible rate also leads to many muscular injuries. The tendon growth and support can not keep up with the muscles and will often rupture. If steroids are taken in adolescents it can also stunt growth by prematurely closing the epiphyseal plate in the bones. Increased testosterone also leads to increased sebaceous gland activity, making the skin oily and acne-prone. Testosterone will also increase feelings of aggression (often coined as “roid rage”), depression, anxiety, and paranoia. Other side effects include an increased risk of prostate cancer, kidney failure, sleep apnea, weakened immune system, and abnormally high RBC. 

Overall, the abuse of anabolic-androgenic steroids has led to unrealistic body standards that feed into and perpetuate its misuse. This misuse leads to an incredible amount of health complications that throw the body away from its precious balance in many aspects. 

Lastly we look at how genetic editing extends into fields outside of biology. As it stands, GGE has a long way to go before it is ready for human use. The accuracy and efficiency of gene editing agents must improve dramatically, as well as our knowledge of how undesired traits arise from genetic changes. The biggest mechanical barrier is finding an optimal delivery approach for the newly edited genes. Though difficult, these problems face no challenges like the ethical dilemma of GGE (Zhou et al. 2022).

Many advocates for genetic editing turn to the presence of similar technologies being used today as arguments for its legality. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is a technology that allows geneticists to see the genetic makeup of embryos and determine which ones are viable for implantation after IVF therapy (Hammerstein et al. 2019). Viewpoints are held that selective abortion after prenatal genetic diagnosis expresses negative and discriminatory attitudes towards the organism, along with the undesired trait itself. If PGD meets the similar criteria for concern as GGE, why is only one legal? Critics of GGE argue that its legality should not be resumed based on PGD because PGD is much safer and allows an option for maintaining the genetic integrity of the child without modification. Proponents argue that GGE can offer genetic therapy for individuals who are both homozygous recessive for a gene, a luxury unoffered with PGD (Flinter, 2001). 

A major argument from the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights by UNESCO states that “The human genome underlies the fundamental unity of all members of the human family, as well as the recognition of their inherent dignity and diversity. In a symbolic sense, it is the heritage of humanity (UNESCO, 2000).” Simply put, our unaltered genetic heritage is what binds us all together. However, supporters of GGE believe that humanity is more accurately defined by our continuous drive for innovation and advancement and that halting the legality of GGE is detrimental to our race. 

Proponents of GGE turn to the major economic implications we would see as a country. To date, no other country comes close to spending the amount that we spend on healthcare and we only rank 11th in overall health as a nation. In fact, we spend $4.5 trillion on health care alone. Elimination of genetic diseases would dramatically reduce the amount spent in our country, especially when considering the tie between genetics and health. For example, 65% of Americans suffer from a genetic-related health problem. Another recent statistic showed that 38% of hospital visits were the cause of a genetic-related disorder and accounted for 50% of hospital costs (Peter G. Peterson Foundation, 2024). Critics of GGE are quick to remind us that it won’t just solve all of our healthcare problems, and the dramatic reduction of healthcare needs would leave many without jobs. But should the negative economic implications hinder the effort to benefit the patient? 

The last argument deals with what is truly considered disadvantaged. If GGE were to be legalized and practiced, what are the parameters, and who gets to decide them? Society would be forced into deep introspection of which characteristics are truly a disablement and which are disadvantageous based on societal biases and perceptions. In other words, is the use of this technology considered just, and when in use, how do we maintain that justice? Take the following rhetorical question as an example. Imagine you were to find that your future child had a gene that made them 6 times more likely to experience depression, 4 times more likely to commit suicide, and twice as likely to experience teen homelessness (University of Utah, 2021). Would you want to remove it from them? What if I told you that gene identity was being gay? Would the difference between true disablement and societal discrimination change your mind? Would you still want to spare your kid from these statistics regardless?

The ethics of GGE are complex and multifaceted. Although the technology is not quite there for regular clinical practice the conversations of its ethics need to happen today. I know that for myself the idea of such a technology is exciting as long as we have the correct measures put into place. The thought of having any eye problems I currently have, edited out 22 years ago, is amazing and would have saved me so much financially between glasses, contacts, and Lasik in the future. That being said it is important to remember that we do not always know what each genetic combination will bring whether good or bad. The genetic diversity that we find today is a product of genes replicating in ways “they aren’t supposed to”. This imbalance or shift to what we perceive as healthy can affect diversity which could be our saving grace in generations to come. 

Overall, we can see that many differing aspects of biology are connected to other fields like sociology, ethics, economics, and medicine through the lens of ADHD, drugs, and genetic editing. 

Curated Paper 2 - KP

Starting off with brain research I decided to watch the video that was given to us. I know our brain is divided into two halves and that it's super wrinkly. It’s cool that the brain differs between everyone, each with its own experiences and memories inside. When I was a junior in high school, I decided to take an anatomy class. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life at that point but figured it wouldn’t hurt to try something new. I fell in love with the class and was invited to go stay up at Utah University for a medical camp. While I was there I learned a lot of things but one of the days totally changed my life. I got to hold a real human brain. They asked if I was comfortable with it of course but how could I say no? I held the brain and I’ve never felt so much wonder within myself since that day. To think an entire person is inside of there, all of their insecurities, their thoughts, regrets, happy moments, all bundled up in one little organ was seriously the most amazing thing I have ever seen in my life. This experience brought me to love anatomy and learning about the brain and all of its crazy functions. Anyway, back to the video. The brain is separated into four lobes each lobe containing its own areas that function differently from others.

The first lobe is the frontal lobe, it covers problem solving, intellectual activities, as well as attention and a few other things. The second lobe is the parietal lobe, it covers pain reception, visual functions, and some other things. The temporal lobe covers visual and auditory memory (helpful that it’s right by the ears as well). The last lobe is the occipital lobe, it helps with recognizing colors, words and movement. The cerebellum is technically part of the brain and helps with balance, posture, and coordination. Hearing about these parts of the brain reminded me of a topic I discussed in a psychology class about the amygdala of the brain where people who had committed crimes often had less function in their amygdala than normal. So this got me wondering if I could find the study we discussed in that class.

I straight up searched “low amygdala activity” and I found a pretty good one that talks about the amygdala activity. It was a study done to basically figure out if the amygdala does work during hard thinking. They saw images and had to push a button when another image came up that was identical to the one they were supposed to remember. They did find that it was connected and that a significant moderation effect was found in the left amygdala. Although it isn’t quite what I discussed in high school, it is really cool to see what other effects the amygdala might have on everyday life. This got me thinking about other imbalances in the brain so I decided to look that up next.

I ultimately decided on depression because that’s what came up the most when looking up chemical imbalances inside of the brain. In this study they took ninety undergraduate students and basically took a three part questionnaire that asked about their treatment, their demographic and history of mental health problems. The questions also had a text before or after about how depression is a common imbalance in the brain. This study covered more of what they felt about these sayings rather than the actual chemical imbalance they have. Regardless, it is still interesting to see how they feel about these types of statements. In the study it says that individuals who endorse a chemical imbalance explanation might have more favorable perceptions of depression itself and treatment. This is very interesting to me because most of the time when someone is told there is an imbalance of some sort it comes out as rude to them and they take it in the wrong way. Seeing here that some people feel more comfortable with that definition is really cool to see. This also got me thinking about drugs and their effect on the brain. I started my research by hopping into google scholar (like usual) and looking up How drugs affect neural pathways. I found one about addiction and decided to read it.

This paper first starts talking about cocaine and other drugs and how they somehow promote addictive behaviors for the drug. It states that cocaine and amphetamines enter the brain and mess up the function of cell membrane transporters. The interference makes a fast rise of dopamine levels that result in psychomotor stimulation; being high. It is still a mystery though of how these drugs induce a compulsive pattern of seeking and taking. It also mentions that some drug addicts are vulnerable for many years to relapse and cravings. A really interesting thing it mentioned was also that animal studies suggest that the progression from initial dosage to addiction is from habit-based learning. These parallels are found between the signal transduction cascades and molecular adaptations associated with both processes. This big chunk of information is followed by the fact that regular dosage of amphetamine or cocaine actually changes the morphology of dendritic spines in regions of the brain that are related to addiction. These same areas are also thought to be related to learning. That’s literally crazy. This got me thinking about addiction that I’ve seen in my life. Mild addictions to addiction that has taken life. I’ll only mention the mild as it connects better with habit related learning.

Throughout my life I have had many family members who liked to smoke cigarettes. I would stay over at my aunt’s house and she would smoke about every hour (always outside when we were there though). It was a little confusing to me when I was younger because I didn’t get why she would go outside no matter what activity we were doing (we did TONS of arts and crafts at her house). But knowing what I know now, I know how it feels to almost instinctively move towards something. I’ve also seen a different aunt of mine with her smoking endeavors. She smokes occasionally here and there but no matter what will smoke before she goes to bed and right after she wakes up. It’s the same interesting routine that makes me think about learned behaviors. When thinking in a classroom setting sometimes professors will say “Get into a routine of studying and you will do better in my class” This sense of routine is crucial in some people’s lives and breaking that routine can throw off their entire day and mood.

Anyway enough yapping let’s get back to what the paper says about neural pathway changes. The paper mentions Long term potentiation (LTP) . I want to take a quick detour and cover what that is because I really have no idea. So I just looked that up and found that it is the long-lasting change in output response to transient input. What the heck is transient input you ask? No idea, let’s find out. Transient input is the signal your brain sends when remembering a memory or learning something new. It’s like little pulses of electricity running down your neurons, really cool!

Taking drugs alters another thing called the accumbens, this structure acts like a middle man for the limbic and motor systems. The drugs are altering the connection between them so that they exhibit more drug-seeking behavior. It mentions that plasticity can underlie addiction because of its signals through glutamate. Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter in maintaining neuroplasticity which is important for the formation of certain neural pathways. The change to the accumbens mentioned above is a change in the glutamate transmission within it. It mentions how the drugs interact with the dopamine transporter itself and mess up the process of its removal as well as have a longer, more unregulated, dopamine release. 

This got me curious if the synaptic cleft can be damaged. From what I found it’s really only injury and inflammation but I want to know if there is anything that can irreversibly bind to the synaptic cleft. The information I got on a paper was that certain toxins bind themselves to the neurotransmitter itself and not necessarily the synaptic cleft which was pretty cool to see. I still wonder if there are things that can bind in the cleft but I’m not looking up the right things.

Anywho, LTP and LTD are important in creating new pathways of learning and are actually generated by projections from the prefrontal cortex. This connection of these pathways is thought to be the reason that addiction becomes a behavior. Behavior is a large part of becoming addicted to something and it’s very interesting to me that it alters behavior so dramatically and so quickly in some cases. This behavior (mostly observed in rodents) is also called sensitization, the models made from this are observed to be very useful in the study of human behaviors as well. It is so amazing that drugs themselves can disrupt the neurons and reroute our way of thinking. There is also a theory that there are feelings of liking and wanting that are produced normally while the wanting is what is altered and intensified with continued drug use/exposure. It also mentions that the amygdala might also participate in the process of sensitization. This interests me greatly. As I mentioned before, damage or low development of the amygdala can produce individuals who are more likely to break the law in serious ways. Murderers were my example above and although I couldn’t find anything about them, I do remember the amygdala having a key role in their studies.

Overall, the papers I have been referencing were actually so amazing and had such good details that I loved reading about. The brain has so many functions that we know and so many more that we have no idea about. It truly is amazing to see the different processes that can be observed just by introducing drugs into the brain. Although it may be a little cruel, we would never know these things if we had never dared try them. Addiction is also a very interesting topic to me because I have so many relatives who struggle with it. Seeing how the drugs themselves alter the pathways in our brains and how that can even change the way we think is so incredible to me. The neurons that bind our very beings are so fragile and interchangeable it really is incredible to think about. I could really go on and on about the nervous system because it really is such a fascinating subject, the unknowns involved are very intriguing and I hope to learn more and more about drugs and their effects on the body and mind.

Curated Paper 2- Colton Koch

 

Curated Paper 2

            In high school, I got to take a course that is an introductory course to the medical field and all the different careers and specialties within it. One of my good friends in the class has a father who is a pathologist. Because of this, he was selected to give a presentation on pathology. He collected dozens of photographs from his dad showing different diseases and diagnosis. I was incredibly fascinated by how small changes that can only be seen under the microscope could cause serious complications and unfortunately for some, death.

            Growing up there would be random times when the term monocultures would turn up. While I was a teenager, I watched a video about why do bananas taste so different from their candy favoring counterparts. This is because the bananas that we grow today are a completely different strain from the ones that were being grown in the early 1900s. The bananas back then were the Gros Michel variety, and they had a taste similar to that we find in candy like laffy taffy. They were grown in huge monoculture planation bananas around the world for years. This was until the 1950s when a fungus that causes Panama Disease infected the plantations. This killed all the harvest and essentially made the Gros Michel banana commercially extinct. This caused the banana industry to switch to the now used Cavendish banana which is immune to the Panama Disease causing fungus. There are still concerns from scientists today about the next disease-causing extinction of another species of bananas, because we continue to produce them on large monoculture plantations.

            In my Microbiology class, we talked extensively about different plant fungi and how they cause diseases. We talked about plant rust which causes growth retardation and causes unsightly brown and red dots to appear on the leaves. This decreases the marketability and amount that farmers can sell their products. However, there are some fungi that we use and benefits the farmers. There is a type of fungus that grows on corn and in Mexico instead of destroying it and burning fields like they may in the United States the farmers eat it. In Mexico, this is called huitlacoche and it is a delicacy that is eaten in tacos and other dishes. A nonedible example is that there is a fungus that causes hypertrophy in plants and especially trees. This causes a large burl to form on the tree, and many woodworkers love this wood due to the intricate grain patterns. This means that objects crafted from burl wood can fetch significantly higher prices than a similar object made from ordinary grain wood.

            During my Evolution course, we spoke on different adaptation strategies that are used by various viruses. If a virus is evolving in an area of low population density, it will evolve to have a high transmission rate and a low mortality rate. We see the inverse effect when it evolves in a high population density area where there is a relatively lower transmission but a much higher level of mortality. There are so many things that pathogens have to consider when they infect a host. Some will be in the host for years before there are symptoms of infection. The pathogen will wait in an “inactive” form until the conditions are just right to multiply and infect other hosts.

            As a kid, I would play the game Plague inc. so much during my free time. The premise of the game was to develop a disease to a level high enough to infect all humans and eventually kill everyone. To do this you have to create new strains that are increasingly more contagious while also increasing resistance to drugs, heat, and the cold. One of the most important elements to winning was providing different ways of transmission. You can create a pathogen that is spread by water, air, blood, rats, livestock, birds, and many more. Each one of these had its perks but also downsides to it. The main strategy that I would use was to create a highly infectious disease, but it would not kill anyone, because once it becomes fatal the scientists would start working on a cure. You would wait until late in the game when everyone is infected and then you would increase the lethality so that everyone would eventually die from the disease before a cure.

            Gene therapy, I believe, is the next great element of the pharmaceutical industry. We can either through gene editing provide ways to eliminate different diseases such as HIV or AIDS. We could also provide specific medications and methods that are suited best for our genes. With this we could treat infections and diseases far more effectively. However, there are major ethical situations that become prevalent to the argument for or against gene editing. In Pre-AP biology in high school, my class watched the 1997 film Gattaca. This movie is set in the dystopian future where scientists through gene editing have created the “perfect” human. They talk about how the best athletes are geniuses and lack ailments that are also found in the unedited humans. Unfortunately, this means that humans conceived the traditional way are considered inferior and are not given the same treatment. Gene editing while beneficial to eliminating diseases and pathogens can create increased discrimination against those who are unable to afford the treatment.

Many times, our body doesn’t need extensive treatment. We have an immune system that is easily capable of preventing and stopping different pathogens. This is where ayurveda comes back into play. We can return our bodies to a balance and then have it fight the imbalance that is brought on by these pathogens. While shadowing a physician, he showed me some of the awards that he received over the years. Two of the awards he was most proud of were “Highest Patient Satisfaction” and “Lowest Amount of Medication Prescribed.” What made these awards increasingly impressive was the fact that he won both in the same year. Many physicians will only listen to a patient for a couple of minutes before prescribing a medication and moving on to the next appointment. The physician that I shadowed would listen to the patient and their needs before coming to a decision on any prescribed medications that they may need. He found that many did not need extensive doses but only need to make minor changes to their lifestyle.

In recent years, concern about over prescription of antibiotics has become increasingly more mainstream. Many pathogens have become drug resistant to simple antibiotics like penicillin. This in turn makes the drug ineffective to kill the bacteria and can return medicine to a dark age of being unable to treat these diseases. We have come up with drugs of last resort such as Vancomycin which are used in dire circumstances where the disease is resistant to all previous treatments.

Pathogens are going to be a regular part of our daily lives forever. We need to learn how to avoid their devastating effects by limiting the use of monocultures. We also need to change our method of prescribing medications and increasing our use of ayurveda in medicine. Finally we need to increase research into gene editing and its ethical applications to increase our resistance to different pathogens and diseases.

Curated Paper 2-Emmalee Nonnenmacher

 Curated Paper 2

The brain is an extraordinary organ that is involved in almost every single aspect of our lives. The brain can be thought of as the "command center" in our nervous system in that it controls such basic functions as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion, while at the same time overseeing complex processes such as cognition, emotion, and behavior. Composed of over 100 billion nerve cells, the brain governs the transport of information inside itself and with the rest of the body. It helps an individual react to one's surroundings, thereby coping with the changing environment. Even with modern-day technology, the activities of the brain are partially known. On the other hand, scientific literature shows how fragile the brain is and how the little imbalances resulting from injury, drugs, and mental disorders have a wide influence on the general functioning of our bodies.

Imbalances in the brain can significantly affect both mental and physical health, leading to a range of disorders and dysfunctions. Among the significant contributing causes to such imbalances are brain injuries. Brain injury often brings about profound and far-reaching effects on the way the brain functions, leading mostly to a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and physical problems. Traumatic brain injuries are pathologies caused by an external physical force to the head predominantly to the frontal/temporal regions of the brain (Struss 2011). Cognitive abilities such as mood and personality are often impaired with TBI's. Children, infants, substance abusers, and elderly individuals are considered high risk groups with TBI. A case study of four children affected by TBI showed that they were more likely to have impaired attention, increased irritability, and impairments in academic productivity (Mateer & Williams 1991). This study shows how much of an impact TBI's have on an individuals cognitive capabilities and personality, especially in adolescent years. However, these issues that arise in childhood can carry on further into adulthood. 

TBI may also be associated with a range of psychological disorders. Research has suggested traumatic brain injury may contribute to the development of psychiatric illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and borderline personality disorder later in life (Van Reekum 1996). These disorders can have a profound effect on the social, professional, familial, and community levels of interaction with a patient. Such an example is violent crimes themselves. TBI has increasingly been recognized as an important factor in violent crimes, both as a possible risk factor for aggressive behavior and as a consequence of such incidents. Research has indicated that TBI can alter impulse control, emotional regulation, and cognitive processing in ways that increase an individual's propensity to commit violent acts (Maresca et al. 2023).  Addressing the links between TBI, violence, and psychiatric illnesses is crucial for prevention strategies that support both individuals affected by brain injuries and communities at large.

 While there is a lot of literature published about TBI, the effects and treatments for such injuries are very seldom known. The treatment of brain injuries is particularly challenging because of the fragility of the brain structure and function, combined with a great variability in the responses of individuals after injury. No two TBIs are alike. Each injury is different, depending on factors such as the kind of damage that occurred, its location within the brain, and its severity. At the same time, no commonly agreed-upon criteria have been established with regard to TBI classification, and these norms may substantially differ (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2022).

I never personally had a TBI nor am I close to anyone that has. When I was a little kid, I somehow ran straight into a wall, which gave me a slight concussion. I vomited a lot, but that was the closest I have been to having a brain injury. While researching, it was interesting to find how TBI is most prevalent in younger people, which comes with great risks. Causing damage to such fragile brains at an early stage in life can have a huge impact on the overall function of adult brains.Within the theme of Ayurveda in this class, imbalances in a system-in this case, our brains-can set off cascading negative effects on our emotional and psychological well-being. What follows as a result is this interesting linkage in our bodies, connecting all these vital systems: metabolism, the microbiome, and the brain.

Drugs have a profound impact on the brain, altering its chemistry and functionality. Altering brain functionality can have both short-term and long-term effects on the overall function of our bodies. Drugs such as opioids, stimulants, and depressants influence neurotransmitter systems and, therefore, mood, perception, and behavior. These interactions may hijack the brain's reward pathways and create powerful feelings of pleasure that often lead to repeated use and, in some cases, addiction.

Addiction is a disorder that can be described by the compulsive use of a drug which can alter the overall structure and chemistry of the brain. All ages can be affected by drug addiction whether that be teens, adults, or babies. However, research shows that early onset of drug misuse can increase the chance of a person developing a drug addiction due to its harmful altercations with developing brains (Volkow 2010). The motivations behind substance abuse in teenagers and young adults can be peer pressure, curiosity, or the urge to escape from psychological tension and stressors. Serious consequences-from aberrant brain development to academic problems-can arise as a result of substance abuse experimentation. In extreme instances, death can result from drug addiction. Homicide, suicides, and accidents remain some of the leading causes of deaths in adolescent Americans, and a large proportion of these violent incidents can be traced to drug use (Morrison 1990). 

As mentioned before, drugs dramatically alter the brain's communication systems by interfering with the brain chemistry. In this class, we have focused on the brain and its importance in relation to the overall functioning of our bodies. Imbalances of the brain can lead to various ailments and dysfunctions, which may have enormous impacts on one's mental and physical health. All drugs differ in their action on the functioning of the brain. All drugs differ in their influence on brain function. However, a vast majority of them create intense feelings of pleasure and boost the activity of dopamine in our bodies. While initially rewarding, the brain adapts rather quickly to the presence of drugs. Over time, this adaptation could give rise to tolerance, wherein one needs greater and greater doses to get the same effect, further reinforcing their dependence. These can be attributed to the chemical and neurological imbalances in our brains. These chemically induced imbalances caused by drugs will finally cause deficits in memory and formation of memories related to reward (Rezayof et al. 2023). This may result in a person becoming addicted; this will be hard to get over and lead to the further exacerbation of this vicious cycle of drug dependence.

This also ties in with the biological perspective in criminology, where theories emphasize the role of neurobiological factors in criminal behavior. It is suggested that offenders are most likely to commit crimes since the neurological effects of drug use or an underlying brain dysfunction finally render them more susceptible to criminal behavior. Criminologists also point to social and environmental causes for drug use and allow that substance abuse can be a consequence of criminal environments, just as it is a cause of criminality; indeed, such a suggestion reveals a complex feedback loop among brain chemistry, free choices, and the incidence of crime.

Pathogenicity is the ability of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa to induce disease in a host. In reality, it is a complex process involving a series of interactions between the pathogen and the host, whereby the pathogen is dependent on a number of mechanisms that allow it to invade, survive, and proliferate successfully in its host environment. The study of pathogenicity allows for an understanding of the development, spreading, and harmfulness of infectious diseases. While pathogenicity is the ability of an organism to cause a certain disease, virulence describes the severity of such an infection.

Such pathogenic microbes have evolved ways to infiltrate a host's cellular and molecular barriers. Ultimately, these pathogens can manipulate a host's responses, and ensure their survival and growth within a host. First, pathogens must gain entry into a host through a host's natural openings such as the mouth, eyes, or skin. Once a pathogen gains entry into a host, it needs an ideal environment to grow and multiply. This involves hijacking the host's resources including nutrients and energy. Humans and other hosts offer a warm and nutrient-rich site where these pathogens can reside and spread. In this way, microbial pathogens can be described as opportunistic organisms because they are capable of adapting to desirable living conditions that give priority to reproduction over survival (Alberts et al. 2002).

Molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis explain the interaction of the pathogens and their hosts at genetic and biochemical levels. New genomic research has shown that pathogens have evolved elaborate mechanisms for inserting their genetic material into host cells. For example, viruses can permeate into a host's cell and diffuse their genetic material into the cell. The viral DNA inside the host can be integrated into the host cell's DNA and from then on, the virus may hijack the host cell machinery. (National Human Genome Research Institute). Bacteria on the other hand, transfer genetic material into hosts through a method called conjugation. Conjugation utilizes a bacterial cellular structure known as a pilus. The pilus attaches to the recipient host cell and transfers its DNA through a physical connection between the two cells (Lacroix & Citovsky 2016). These mechanisms enable pathogens to gain new genetic information, such as resistance genes to antibiotics that greatly enhances their survival and virulence.

Over time, the human genome has been impacted by past viral infections due to the considerable amount of viral DNA that still resides in our genome after we are infected. As mentioned before, viral DNA enters the genome of the host cell and remains there for the host cell's lifetime as an integral part of the cell's DNA. This new DNA can be harmful or beneficial to a human host. Recently, researchers have found that stretches of viral DNA embedded in the human genome actually produce proteins that could help block infection by viruses (Ancient Viral DNA May Help Humans Fight Infections, 2022). However, viral DNA sequences can also be harmful to a human host by disrupting the function of existing genes, potentially leading to disease. HIV is an example of these diseases that is well-studied. HIV or human immunodeficiency virus- is a virus that targets white blood cells in the body, impairing the immunological system. This increases the risk of contracting illnesses like TB, infections, and certain types of cancer. HIV has had a profound impact on societies worldwide. The disease has claimed millions of lives and is still considered a global public health issue (World Health Organization 2024). 

Currently in my evolution class, we are learning about how HIV is an example of disease-host coevolution. The coevolution of HIV and the human immune system is a chronic process where the virus and the immune system are in a constant state of adaptation to one another. Rapid mutations in HIV combined with a very fast immune response of the body leads to a chronic infection in humans. Another disease we have been discussing in evolution is a disease that has affected us all in one way or another: the coronavirus. Along with HIV, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided a real-world example of rapid pathogen-host coevolution. The virus has been able to evolve into new variants that increase transmissibility and weaken immune evasion capabilities against the virus. In one study, researchers found that immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to more variants (mutations of the virus) because these people are not able to kill off the virus with their own immune systems (Choga et al. 2024). COVID-19 is considered an active evolutionary arms race between pathogens and hosts. Further research into viruses like HIV and coronavirus can help us understand and mitigate the burden of emerging infectious diseases.

Pandemics and epidemics can lead to significant economic disruption, often with severe impacts on workforce productivity and supply chain disruptions. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to business closures, a surge in unemployment rates, and reduced levels of international trade. It is also important to remember that poverty, lack of healthcare, and nutritional deficiencies make populations more susceptible to disease. This, in turn, creates a vicious cycle where poor health worsens economic conditions. Economics is also important in developing proper public health responses, ultimately aiding in the prevention of infectious diseases.

Curated Paper 2 Maia Florence

     The brain is a highly complex organ that follows the theme of Ayurveda. I have enjoyed learning more about the brain from the perspective of biology and psychology. Last year, in my biochemistry class I learned about several diseases that can develop in the brain if balance is not maintained. These diseases include storage, neurological, personality disorders, and diseases caused by prions. Individuals who develop these diseases often have symptoms that limit their ability to live normal lives. While speaking with my psychology major friend I also learned how memories affect our brains. 

The translation of proteins is a very complex and specific process. When mistakes are made in the genetic code, such as repeats, insertions, or deletions, there may be negative consequences regarding which protein is synthesized. Huntington’s disease is one such disease that is caused when a repeat region on the chromosome becomes expanded. The expansion causes changes in the proteasome, making it unable to remove misshapen and nonfunctional proteins. The mutated proteins accumulate and can lead to a person developing dementia. 

Dementia is a condition that interferes with an individual’s ability to remember, think clearly, and use proper judgment. Besides Huntington’s disease, dementia can also result from stroke, amnesia, and Alzheimer’s disease. I have an elderly neighbor who has early-onset dementia. She has trouble remembering things ranging from turning off the stove to the names of friends and family. It has been sad to see her decline mentally over the past months and years. Recently, my grandpa has been showing symptoms of dementia. I have had several conversations with him, and he forgot what he had been talking about a few minutes ago. He has a difficult time remembering who people are and recent events. 

Alzheimer’s disease has proven to be a puzzle in the medical field. Experts are unsure of the cause of the disease and there is yet to be a definitive cure. It has been found that Alzheimer’s is heritable and that it develops in later years. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often have plaques, which are build-ups of beta-amyloid proteins between nerve cells. Another common factor is tangles in neurons. The plaques and tangles make it difficult for messages to be transmitted between neurons. Currently, Alzheimer’s is being treated with drugs that inhibit acetylcholinesterase. 

The functionality of the brain can be altered by the development of Huntington’s disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. In addition, traumatic brain injuries affect the proper functioning of the brain. Traumatic brain injuries occur when physical force is applied to the brain. This trauma can lead to changes in the personality and mood of a person. The effects of brain injuries impact all aspects of a person’s life. They may have difficulty functioning in society and familial relationships can become strained. 

Traumatic brain injuries can result from car accidents, sports, falls, and violence. When I was a senior in high school I got a concussion while playing in a soccer game. A player on the team threw her head back into mine when we were both going to head a ball. Immediately, I knew that something was not right. I fell to my knees and an athletic trainer came over and proceeded to carry out the concussion protocol. The trainer informed me that I had a concussion and that I would be unable to play soccer for a couple of weeks. In the following days, I slept a great deal and had constant headaches. Over time the headaches receded and I was returned to my normal activities. Fortunately, my concussion did not cause long-term damage to my brain. 

Our brain is responsible for storing memories and developing habits. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that deals with memory. In 1953, Henry Molaison had his hippocampus removed. Previous to the removal of his hippocampus, he had suffered from seizures. After surgery, his seizures stopped, but he was unable to remember anything from the past decade. He did not have any memories. This helped further the understanding of the role of the hippocampus in memory. Our memories shape us into the person that we are. Past experiences guide our present actions. Without remembering these experiences, the differences between who we are now would be vast. 

Eugene Pauly played a vital role in understanding the relationship between the brain and habits. Viral encephalitis had damaged the tissue of his medial temporal lobe, making it difficult for him to learn new information. Eugene was able to practice the habits of walking in his neighborhood and around his house, but he could not describe the layout of either. He was able to perform these tasks without thinking. These findings helped to link the basal ganglia to habit formation.

Disorders can arise in the brain due to complications in development. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to individuals having different ways of behaving differently in how they interact and communicate with others. Autism may make it difficult for people to converse with others and make friends. Usually, individuals develop rigid routines and become fascinated with niche hobbies. The root cause of autism is unclear. There is a link to it being hereditary, but for the most part, it is unknown. 

Signaling pathways play a significant role in the functioning of the human body and can be affected by drugs. Drugs affect how signals are received and sent by neurons and they can mimic chemicals already present in the brain. Some drugs can amplify or disrupt communication that is taking place in the pathways. Drugs can have adverse effects when improperly used, but when used correctly they provide beneficial treatment. There is still significant research that needs to be conducted on how drugs affect the brain. Many side effects are not fully understood and some have not yet come to light. Further support for the concept of Ayurveda is found in the interactions between signaling pathways and drugs. 

Signaling pathways are specific and the conformations of a molecule determine its function. Drugs are synthetic molecules that resemble compounds made by the body. The binding site for molecules has an induced fit. When the correct compound binds, then the site can become activated. Once a drug has bound to a receptor, then it can begin to carry out its functions. 

Drugs come in many different forms such as prescription, recreational, over-the-counter, illicit, and herbal, and can be administered by various methods. They can be taken orally, inhaled, or injected intravenously. To reach their end goal, the drugs must enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, they attach to receptors in various locations and are broken down. The chemicals can then be removed and excreted as waste.

The effects that drugs have on the body are often physiological. They can increase heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and muscle tension, and alter thoughts, mood, and pain levels. Stimulants are drugs that affect the nervous system. They increase the nervous system’s activity and cause anxiety, agitation or hallucinations. Drugs that cause hallucinations target sensors involved in sensory input. These types of drugs have been known to cause paranoia and even death. 

The downside of using drugs is that an individual can become dependent on them, which ultimately leads to addiction. Typically an individual with an addiction will have a difficult time overcoming it. This can be attributed to the structure and chemistry of their brain being changed. They have become completely dependent on a substance. I have seen many individuals battle addictions. It is heart-wrenching to see them sacrifice all that they have for drugs. Addiction robs a person of balance and Ayurveda is lost. 

Many people abuse drugs because of the pleasure that comes after use. The drugs target the reward system in the brain. Dopamine is released upon drug use, which plays a role in pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction. As drug use continues, the amount of dopamine produced is reduced. This leads to individuals using drugs to feel pleasurable feelings that are out of balance. Drug abuse contributes to economic costs for healthcare, criminal justice, and loss of productivity. Those who abuse drugs have to receive medical treatment and may not be able to be a part of the workforce because of incarceration or the need for rehabilitation. 

When I was in high school I was involved in a car accident which resulted in me breaking my back. I was given opioids during the recovery process to help overcome the extreme pain that I was in. The doctors warned me of the dangers of opioid addiction, which is a growing problem. Many people become addicted to opioids and seek to obtain them when they are no longer needed. I played it safe and only took the drugs when I needed them. I did not want to become reliant on them like others had and embark on the road of addiction. 

The use of drugs has become prevalent in professional and collegiate athletes. My mom works in the athletic department at Southern Utah University where she helps to coordinate drug testing with the NCAA. The athletic trainers meet with the athletes and review the types of drugs that are not allowed during competition. They are unable to use performance-enhancing and illicit drugs. These types of drugs are banned because the NCAA wants the playing field to be equal amongst athletes and because of the significant health risks. 

Drugs are complicated and fascinating compounds, but they should be used cautiously. They can treat many diseases, but when left unchecked they can become quite hazardous. As always it is vital to appreciate the need for balance in the body. Drugs can alter signaling pathways and disrupt homeostasis. This can have adverse side effects that may be long-lasting and even life-threatening. 

Curated Paper #2 - Kaden Jensen

 

The data and topics presented in the recent modules have been profoundly impactful, with many personal and emotional connections for me. Beyond these personal ties, it’s been fascinating to see how these subjects are inextricably connected with concepts I’ve delved into during past and present courses. As I’ve explored these topics, I’ve gained a more nuanced understanding of my personal and social situations that has instilled within me a profound gratitude and perseverance that I did not have before.

I started off my journaling experience by delving into Multiple Sclerosis, and it was an emotionally difficult start. My brother-in-law struggles with M.S., and it has been very disheartening to watch him deal with it. My brother-in-law struggles with M.S., and it has been very disheartening to watch him deal with it. He loves the outdoors and spends as much time as he can doing the things he won’t be able to do later. He high-lines multiple times a week, rock climbs, and slacklines constantly, but his M.S. flare-ups often leave him unable to leave the house and extremely fatigued. My sister and he recently divorced, and it was very difficult for my family. None of us really understand why it ended up happening, but the educational slides about M.S. mention that M.S. can cause mild emotional disturbances, and it pains me to wonder if that could have been a factor in the dissonance in their marriage. This idea of interpersonal conflict was discussed recently in my Introduction to Communication course. In this course, I learned about a conflict pattern type called “symmetrical withdrawal.” Symmetrical withdrawal is when neither partner is willing to confront the other to come to a resolution. When one person stops speaking because of conflict, the silence is reciprocated by the other. I wonder if these mild emotional disturbances brought about by M.S. led to such a conflict pattern. My sister mentioned that they never talked about any problems and that no big fight had caused anything. She just decided they no longer had a connection, and she wanted to find something new.

The slides mentioned that the cause for M.S. is unknown, but I think it’s important to note that genetics play a fairly large role. My brother-in-law’s older sibling also was diagnosed with M.S. years before he was. He has always talked about the fear of passing it on to future children, and he actually got a vasectomy to prevent that from ever happening. It’s very disheartening to consider how much these incurable neurological diseases affect people in so many ways you’d never even think of. And the spontaneity of M.S. is really a difficult factor. We never know whether my brother-in-law will be chipper and participate socially or be out of commission for multiple days trying to recover from sporadic flare-ups.

It’s intriguing to consider the interconnectedness of the body with M.S. The underlying cause of M.S. is not known. I found an article that is beginning to carry out research surrounding oligodendrocyte death to see how the body reacts to oligodendrocyte death. It’s exciting to consider how measuring the balance of other molecules in the body could possibly lead to pinpointing factors that lead to oligodendrocyte apoptosis and prevent those factors from initiating the process. Or identify different measures of molecules that could be damaging oligodendrocytes. I do think my brother-in-law shows the importance of Ayurveda in chronic neurological illness. He is constantly striving to live life in a fulfilling way that enhances his outlook on life and daily experiences. As a result, his illness doesn’t entirely consume him. He got a tattoo that says “Mind/Matter” to remind himself to be strong and work to improve and live a great life despite the drawbacks he experiences with MS. He has also surrounded himself with a very wonderful social circle that supports him and ensures he is safe and healthy. My sister still checks in on him and makes sure he is healthy. He’s still on her insurance, so it’s wonderful to see that he is still protected. Taking time to consider his social circle led me to connect this idea of Ayurveda and living a healthy life with an Introduction to Sociology course I took a few years ago. During that course, we talked about what are called “Blue Zones.” This term refers to geographical areas where people live longer and healthier lives compared to the rest of the world population. One of these blue zones is Okinawa, Japan. We discussed the lives these people led and found that one of the most significant aspects of their lives was having a strong community and social bond. A significant social network that cared for them and to which they contributed. That class discussion elucidated that having a strong social community was one of the largest predictors of longevity. This connects to the idea of Ayurveda because it shows that by maintaining a healthy social network, people are healthier and happier.

The introduction to pathogens brought up genetically engineering crops resistant to pathogens, which was really exciting because I learned about a genetically engineered crop that is saving the world. Researchers have developed a strain of rice called “Golden Rice” that contains genes that encode the enzymes to synthesize a precursor of vitamin A. This has helped to alleviate vitamin A deficiencies, which affect roughly 400 million people, and has the potential to cause blindness if extreme. Also, this golden rice contains genes for a protein that functions in iron storage, ameliorating iron deficiency, which affects roughly one-third of the entire world population. Considering how our development of technology has allowed us to alleviate health stress so much of the world population suffers led me to realize that a topic I’d been discussing in my U.S. Economic History class absolutely pertains to this idea as well. A very influential work of economic literature titled Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson discusses how for a nation’s economy to grow persistently, the key is changing the quality of a nation’s factors of production, or changing a nation's level of technology. Improving technology enhances the quality of life. This is perfectly portrayed through the development of these genetically modified crops that have improved the lives of millions. During my U.S. Economic History course, we also discussed how several very important people’s lives could not be saved but whose conditions would be trivial now. For example, Nathan Rothschild (one of the richest men in the world), William Henry Harrison (a U.S. president), and James Garfield (a U.S. president), all died from illnesses or medical complications that would seem trivial to us now. These deaths highlight how our technology dictates outcomes in life and that our current technology has facilitated saving the lives of millions from what can now be considered a trifle.

I really appreciated the drug discussion’s presentation of addiction. It is a disease that changes the brain, and this is really significant because people need to realize that when loved ones are addicted to substances, how they act is a result of those addictions, and how they may treat you is due to the addiction. Their brains have changed. My uncle is an alcoholic, and my mom frequently discussed how violent he became over the years. My mom mentioned a time when she went on a camping trip with my uncle when she was a young teenager. She wanted her brother to be sober for a night, so she dumped all his alcohol out onto the ground. She said that she had never been more scared for her life than when my uncle found out what she had done. My mom has hope that he will be able to become sober and work on correcting his brain’s physiology to return to lucidity and prudence. The time I spent considering alcohol addiction and people’s personality changes led me to think back to when I took Introduction to Psychology. During that course, we discussed how addiction to substances is recognized as a disorder. The addict is a victim of their disorder, and their actions should not be taken personally. They need help. They have a genuine disorder that is not their fault. During Introduction to Psychology, we also discussed how, in many cases of intense substance abuse, the brain’s chemistry is changed to where the amount of chemicals released that are intended to induce happiness during everyday life activities is reduced substantially, and the only time they can even feel relatively normal is when they are high.

In summary, exploring these modules has been an eye-opening journey, weaving together my personal experiences surrounding M.S. and addiction with insights from other courses. Reflecting on my brother-in-law's resilience in coping with M.S. highlighted the profound role of social support, community, and holistic wellness in managing chronic illnesses. This journey also emphasized how advancements in technology, in the form of genetically modified crops and medical developments, have drastically improved lives for all people, regardless of socioeconomic status. Each topic I explored reminded me how intricately connected science, health, and society are, shaping lives in profound and often unexpected ways. This experience has deepened my understanding of the importance of a social network, resilience, and helping to advance technological change in navigating the complexities of both health and human relationships.

Curated Paper-Jin Yoo

 Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder, results from the body’s inability to regulate glucose levels effectively. Glucose, the primary energy source for cells, plays a critical role in bodily functions, much like amino acids do in protein synthesis. However, with the rise of modern, high-sugar diets, we are experiencing a surge in metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes (T2D). while conventional treatments exist, there is a growing interest in exploring alternative approaches, such as Ayurveda, to manage these conditions.

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medial system, emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and environment. Rooted in natural treatments, ayurveda offers holistic strategies, including lifestyle modifications, nutritional adjustments, and herbal medications, many of which have been used for centuries to treat metabolic disorders. Although skepticism around Ayurvedic practices persists, particularly due to concerns about their scientific grounding, recent studies suggest that certain Ayurvedic treatments might complement conventional medicine in managing chronic diseases like diabetes (Farooqui et al., 2018).

The body’s glucose regulation system is delicate and can be easily disrupted by poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles. Overconsumption of sugar leads to insulin resistance, a hallmark of T2D. in this condition, the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, preventing the efficient transport of glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This results in elevated blood glucose levels which, if left unchecked, can cause a range of complications, including neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases (Rippe & Angelopoulos, 2016). Since diet plays a crucial role in the treatment of diabetes, Ayurvedic treatment has the potential to lower the risk of diseases associated with diabetes. Not only are the choices of what to eat important but also avoiding certain substances is even more critical. For example, recreational drugs and alcohol should be avoided, whether one has diabetes or not. While significant research on the effects of drugs on diabetes is limited due to their illegality in most countries, experts indicate that these substances can disorient individuals, making it difficult for diabetic patients to keep track of time. This can impact essential activities such as insulin administration. For instance, my grandmother had diabetes and had to inject insulin at specific times and closely monitor what and how much she ate. 

Alcohol, on the other hand, is more accessible and has a significant impact on diabetes management. Alcohol can affect blood sugar because some alcoholic beverages contain carbohydrates that rapidly raise blood glucose levels. Additionally, when alcohol is present in the liver, it halts its normal function of glucose production and release into the bloodstream. The liver prioritizes breaking down alcohol, considering it a toxin. Therefore, blood glucose levels can significantly drop when alcohol is consumed.

In my personal opinion, diabetes can be especially challenging for both patients and their families. Managing the disease involves strict dietary monitoring, which can make eating out a difficult experience. When my family went out for meals, my grandmother’s dietary needs always had to be considered. I recall one occasion when she expressed a rare desire to eat cake, which I knew was full of sugar and carbohydrates-substances harmful to diabetic patients. My initial response was firm, and I felt cruel for denying her request. The incident left me emotional, as she seldom voiced her preferences. Furthermore, while exercise is beneficial for diabetic individuals because it improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels, my grandmother had a patella issue that left her mostly bedridden. While diabetes may not always have visible symptoms, it is true that it significantly restricts food choices, which is a fundamental pleasure for most people.

Beyond the health and social issues associated with diabetes, the economic burden is substantial. Diabetic patients must purchase insulin, delivery devices, and blood glucose monitors, and in the U.S., this can cost between $100 and $1,800 per month. The variation in cost is significant due to the absence of universal public health insurance and the differing policies among private insurers. In contrast, South Korea’s public healthcare system and strict drug pricing regulations result in costs that are about one-ninth of those in the U.S. Regardless of location, diabetic patients must spend money on treatment. 

The socioeconomic impact of diabetes extends beyond individuals. In the Unites States alone, direct and indirect costs related to the disease exceed $996 billion annually (Elflein, 2024). Globally, diabetes affects over 400 million people, with projections indicating that number could surpass 600 million by 2040 (Bommer et al., 2018). While lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of diabetes, genetic factors also play a role. Research has identified several gene mutations associated with T2D, adding complexity to disease management. Consequently, diabetes is not just an individual issue but a worldwide health and economic challenge. 

             Ayurveda offers an intriguing approach to managing metabolic diseases by focusing on balancing the body’s doshas-Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-which are believed to govern physiological functions, including metabolism (Gupta, 2024). According to Ayurvedic principles, diabetes, particularly Madhumeha (diabetes mellitus), is primarily a Kapha disorder characterized by impaired digestion that leads to sluggish metabolism and poor glycemic control, or the maintenance of blood sugar homeostasis (Singh et al., 2022). Ayurvedic practitioners often prescribe lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and dietary adjustments to restore balance and improve the body’s natural ability to manage glucose levels (Modak et al., 2007). Herbs such as bitter gourd, fenugreek, and turmeric, which are commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments, have shown promise in managing blood sugar levels. These naturally sourced remedies contain various bioactive compounds and generally have fewer side effects and lower costs compared to pharmaceutical drugs (Modak et al., 2007). Recent research indicates that these herbs can reduce glucose absorption in the intestines and enhance insulin sensitivity (Modak et al., 2007). This aligns with modern strategies for diabetes management, which emphasize reducing sugar intake and improving the body’s insulin response. 

             Despite the growing interest in alternative treatments, conventional medicine (CM) remains the foundation for diabetes management, heavily relying on pharmaceutical drugs like insulin and metformin. However, Ayurveda’s holistic approach is gaining attention, especially for chronic conditions where conventional treatments may not fully address the complexity of the disease. Studies on the integration of Ayurvedic treatments into diabetes care have shown promising results, with patients experiencing improved insulin sensitivity and lowered blood sugar levels (Gordon et al., 2019).

             In South Korea, there is a similar trend with Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) gaining popularity alongside conventional medicine. although skepticism exists, particularly among younger generations, older adults increasingly turn to TKM for treating chronic conditions, including metabolic disorders. Like Ayurveda, TKM takes a holistic approach that complements conventional treatments by focusing on restoring balance within the body (Park et al., 2021). Both Ayurveda and CM have their strengths. CM provides evidence-based, targeted interventions, while Ayurveda offers a comprehensive, mind-body approach that emphasizes prevention and long-term balance. My own experiences with traditional treatments, including successful encounters with TKM, have expanded my outlook. While I initially favored conventional, science-based treatments, exposure to alternative methods has opened my mind to their potential, especially in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. 

             In conclusion, while modern medical practices have made significant progress in diabetes management, incorporating traditional systems like Ayurveda presents a promising avenue for more holistic care. Both approaches stress lifestyle changes and prevention, but Ayurveda adds a focus on natural harmony and balance. As ongoing research continues to assess the effectiveness of these treatments, bridging the gap between traditional and conventional medicine is increasingly important for offering patients a comprehensive approach to health. Moving forward, the combination of these diverse healing systems offers an innovative approach to managing chronic diseases, paving the way for a new frontier in healthcare.