Types of Vaccines: Whole Pathogen, Subunit and Nucleic Acid (mRNA & DNA)

This past year of the pandemic has brought with it much suffering, but it has also brought an amazing advancement in medical science. It will be the first vaccine that uses a form of nucleic acid, in this case, mRNA (messenger RNA).

Not only will this vaccine bring the world out of the shadow of COVID-19, but it will also open the door to a myriad of other healthcare developments.

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First, an overview of how vaccines work. Your body is naturally good at defending itself against intruders such as bacterias and viruses. In fact, you are exposed to thousands each day. If any make it through your first line of defense, your immune system takes action.

A virus is called an antigen. It alerts your immune system to create antibodies, which kill the virus or render it ineffective. Depending on the virus, these antibodies, once triggered, stay effective for months, years, and often a lifetime.

A vaccine works by tricking the body into creating these protective antibodies, without the body needing to get sick.

Traditional or classic vaccines use a method referred to as Whole Pathogen. They use the entire virus, either inactivated (dead) or attenuated (weakened) form.

Another type of vaccine is called Subunit. It uses only part of the virus.

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The newest form of vaccine and the type used for COVID-19 is a Nucleic Acid vaccine, which uses either DNA or mRNA (messenger RNA). This genetic material tells the cells to manufacture the virus or a portion of it. The COVID-19 vaccine uses mRNA that creates just the spike protein that is found on the coronavirus. Our immune system will create antibodies that then attack the coronavirus since it is covered in these spike proteins.

It is the first nucleic acid vaccine ever approved and in use. It is certainly laying the groundwork for many other vaccines to help rid humanity of other diseases.

Without this worldwide health crisis bringing focus and a global collaborative effort, it may have taken many years or even decades for Medicine to have advanced to this point.

History of Prosthetics: From Ancient Egypt to Today

 

Prosthetics originated in the Near East around 3000 BC, with the earliest evidence appearing in ancient Egypt and Iran. The first known example was a big toe on the foot of a mummy found in 2000 in the Egyptian necropolis near ancient Thebes.

In the 1st century AD, Pliny the Elder recorded the story of Roman general, Marcus Sergius, who lost his right hand in the Second Punic War and got an iron replacement so he could hold his shield in battle.

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Improvements in amputation surgery and prosthetic design came in France during the 1500s from Ambroise Paré. Among his inventions was a kneeling peg leg, which had an adjustable harness, a fixed foot position, and a locking function.

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Through the years Prosthetic devices have been an asset to people in the armed forces. Countless field workers who have lost limbs in battle have had their lives transformed by the benefits of prosthetic technology. The Iraq war led to rapid advancement and development in prosthetic technology and now over 1,000 Iraq war veterans use prosthetic limbs.

Today, prosthetics can be made by hand or with the help of computer programs that create designs and analyze the items using 2-D and 3-D graphics. Advancements in robotics continue to improve prosthetic items and in the future, it is not inconceivable that replacement limbs will be as effective as organic ones.

For stock images of prosthetic technology follow the link above and for science products check out our storefront below.

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Down Syndrome Awarness

 

Last month was Down Syndrome Awareness Month. According to The National Down Syndrome Society, the month is an opportunity to spread awareness about people with Down Syndrome by celebrating their abilities and accomplishments, rather than their disability.

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Over the years, The National Down Syndrome Society has devoted itself to the specific health and education needs of people with Down Syndrome. The NDSS raises money through direct donations and fundraisers such as the Buddywalk each election year. They also advocate for legal protections for people with down syndrome and fight to preserve government assistance programs.

Down Syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal diseases, affecting about 6,000 newborns each year. While there is no cure for Down Syndrome, organizations such as the NDSS continue to provide people with the condition with the help and opportunities they need to live happy and fulfilling lives. As their website mentions, people with Down Syndrome drive cars, go to college, get jobs, date, and get married every day! Find out how you can help them fulfill their dreams by visiting the NDSS website below.

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At Science Source, we proudly celebrate people from different backgrounds and experiences. We are excited to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month by offering a broad and inclusive selection of stock images and videos.

The National Down Syndrome Society