Isip, Jean Pierre N.

August 6, 2014
AEF-BSA Reflection Paper
SCIMATB V24

Biomedical research has become more than a major catalyst in revolutionizing medical
services. The researches done have been used to find treatment or cure to various ailments and
diseases that are threats to both humans and animals. Moreover, the findings that were found are
used as a basis on how to employ science for healthcare.
Some might overlook biomedical research because it is not fancy and it does not belong
to the perceived upper echelons of science such as quantum physics and rocket science. However,
it is the one, which has the most beneficial yield to mankind. Quantum physics can provide you a
mathematical explanation for anything and everything but it cannot keep you alive. Rocket
science might be cool but the only purpose of its existence is to help mankind see and understand
things beyond the world we live in. But, biomedical research can prolong the lifespan of a person.
It can also prevent epidemics that might wipe mankind off the face of the Earth.
In times like this wherein countless diseases are threatening everyone, biomedical
research is the saving grace. Recent reports by ITAR-TASS have shown that the Ebola virus took
the lives of 887 people in West Africa. Rodgers (2014) acknowledges that the US biological-
warfare unit is still working on the treatment for the deadly virus. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), the Ebola virus has a fatality rate of up to 90%. It only shows that this is
not only deadly but also highly life threatening.
In all honesty, at first, I was not really interested in biotechnology, specifically
biomedical research. I do not hate biology but also do not like it. I am a physics type of guy. Im
more of a fan of Einstein or Feynman than Mendel or Watson and Crick. I think that biology is
too tedious to study about. However, during the seminar, I was really in awe that Filipinos could
make their names abroad in the field of biomedical research. So that got me thinking that it may
not be too tedious as I had previously thought it was. Ms. Muoz has convinced me that venturing
your time and effort on biomedical research would pay off.
The first part of her presentation was mainly looking at the bigger picture of biomedical
research. Then, as the she went on, her focus became more concisethe animal model of
inflammation. She listed the benefits for humans in using animals as models: life-saving surgical
procedures, cancer therapies, organ transplantation, vaccines, consumer-friendly products, and
treatment for other disorders. However, the one that caught my attention was when she
enumerated the reasons for using animals. I think that this topic is very sensitive because theres a
thin line between scientific research and unethical use of animals. In my humble opinion, her
reasons were clearly justified and ethical standards should be set aside for animals because this
would benefit a greater specieshumans.
Interestingly, I found out that aside from mice and primates, ferrets and cats can also be
experimented on. Mice are cheap and low maintenance so for me it is the most efficient and
affordable choice unless a research necessitates an animal that bears more similarities to the
physiological structure of humans like primates. On the other hand, utilization of cats are centered
around AIDS research and nervous system disorders. Im fascinated that cats can be used for
AIDS because they do not even bear resemblance to humans, externally. But, when she
elaborated on that matter, I was simply amazed.
Another topic that caught my attention was when she mentioned allergic rhinitis, which
Im suffering for the most part of my mornings. I can relate to what she is saying because allergic
rhinitis is really bothersome.
I learned a lot when she elaborated on the differences of chronic diseases and acute. I
thought it was the other way around so it was great that she clarified things about that.


Overall, I can say that the presentation was excellent. The question and answer portion
was also very interesting when the professors asked their questions. I am aware that the
government does not prioritize research but I did not know that researchers in the Philippines
have to rely on their own pockets or from grants to continue with their research. It just shows the
lack of interest of the Philippine government in scientific research.
Several advanced researches are being done abroad to further extend the reach of our
capacity for optimum healthcare. Osby (2014) states that researchers from Clemson University
have been granted a federal grant worth $11 million to make a research on a tissue that can treat
various conditions. In essence, they are synthesizing a super tissue that can help people
suffering from multiple types of diseases. With the amount of financial support they have, I am
confident that they can carry this out sooner or later.
Biomedical research is clearly not an easy path to take. But, I think it is worthwhile
because it is not pure science that only explains things. It belongs to applied sciences, which
actually makes innovations for the betterment of all humankind. Despite the lack of financial
support for Filipino researchers by the government, I think Filipino students should start thinking
of this as a great avenue for them to pursue. We may not have an abundance of funds, but Im
sure that Filipino researchers can be as good as anyone in the world.


































References

Osby, L. (2014). Clemson biomedical research pumped by $11M federal grant. The State.
Retrieved August 3, 2014, from http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/17/3568155/clemson-
biomedical-research-pumped.html

ITAR-TASS (2014). Ebola virus disease claims 887 lives in West Africa. Retrieved August 3,
2014, from http://en.itar-tass.com/world/743516

Rodgers, P. (2014). BioWar lab helping to develop treatment for Ebola. Forbes. Retrieved August
3, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/paulrodgers/2014/08/04/biowar-lab-develops-
cure-for-ebola/

WHO (2014). Ebola virus disease. Retrieved August 3, 2014, from
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/