Water Wednesdays

The surface of the planet we live on is approximately 71% liquid water, and the average adult is about 65% water. The understanding of life centers on liquid water: without water, we assume there is no life. It is the most common solvent in labs, and when it is contaminated, it is the cause of so many deaths that it sets nations back by centuries. I am passionate about water safety and ending the world water crisis, so every Wednesday will be Water Wednesday. Look for articles, infographics, or links to water-related issues. These may be like today's infographic on water in labs, it may be a chemistry lesson on water, it may be articles about specific water-born illnesses or pathogens that are, for some portion of their lifespan, dependent upon water to mature, infect, or breed. It may be about water purity, or water safety, it may be cautionary, informational, or even, occasionally, just fun. But Wednesdays will be dedicated to the liquid that brings us life.

By our powers combined...

OK, no, this isn't really a Captain Planet themed post, sorry. It is brought to you by LinkedIn. No, they don't sponsor me (but that would be nice!) In reality, it's about combining the study of immunology and genetics. Immgen.org is home of the Immunological Genome Project. The goal is to map the entire immunological genome of the mouse, a common research model for preliminary studies. Before diseases and drugs can be studied in human models, they are studied in mouse or rat models. By mapping the genetic data of the immune system and immune responses of these animals, it may be possible to reduce future animal testing and increase the use of computer modeling instead. It may also increase the understanding of human or animal disease processes, leading to treatments or cures for disorders.

So if you're thinking of future careers, immunology or genetics can combine and lead down similar paths. And if you're opposed to animal research, work like this may someday help eliminate some of the need.