Virus Structure

Viruses are not plants, animals, or bacteria, but they are the quintessential parasites of the living kingdoms. Although they may seem like living organisms because of their prodigious reproductive abilities, viruses are not living organisms in the strict sense of the word.

Without a host cell, viruses cannot carry out their life-sustaining functions or reproduce. They cannot synthesize proteins, because they lack ribosomes and must use the ribosomes of their host cells to translate viral messenger RNA into viral proteins. Viruses cannot generate or store energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), but have to derive their energy, and all other metabolic functions, from the host cell. They also parasitize the cell for basic building materials, such as amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids (fats). Although viruses have been speculated as being a form of protolife, their inability to survive without living organisms makes it highly unlikely that they preceded cellular life during the Earth's early evolution. Some scientists speculate that viruses started as rogue segments of genetic code that adapted to a parasitic existence.

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Posted in: Microbiology

DISEASES

Communicable diseases are those caused by viruses, bacteria, and other microbes. Among the most well-known communicable diseases, otherwise known as infectious diseases, include sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and leprosy.

These diseases are readily transferable, often through contact with someone carrying the disease.

They can be spread by direct human contact, through air or water, and by insects. Many health officials predict an increase in communicable diseases in the coming years, including the reemergence of diseases such as tuberculosis that were thought to have been virtually eradicated.

One cause for concern is antibiotic-resistant microbes, which make illnesses more life-threatening because existing treatments are less effective.

There is also a growing concern about the use of disease-causing microbes as weapons in the form of biological warfare or bioterrorism.

The reports of anthrax sent by mail are a well-known recent example. Smallpox is one other potential threat, but the risk of bioterrorism occurring is unknown.

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Posted in: General knowledge

HEALTH & WELLNESS

The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Eating right, exercising, and sleeping well are all very important in the prevention of infections and diseases, but equally important is a good sense of self, a loving support network, and the potential for continued personal growth.

Many of us are not in control of the factors that cause us to become ill – whether they be genetic, environmental, or something else entirely. And too many of us do not really know how to take care of ourselves; instead we rely on doctors to “cure us.” There are many avenues we can take to improving our health; natural therapies, and both traditional and modern medicines.

But the playing field is not level, and most people cannot access or afford proper health care. Knowledge of healthy sanitation and hygiene practices and preventable diseases should be fundamental, but health education is not a given [awkwardly put] . Many people are disenfranchised because of poverty, geographic location, disability, or social stigma against certain behaviors, illnesses and diseases. Sexual health is a contentious issue around the world and ignorance about certain diseases (particularly sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS), can cause unsafe behaviors, isolation, and premature death. The most pressing health issue today, many believe, is the education, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS

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Posted in: General knowledge