Manmade Diseases
Introduction
At Santa Maria College(SMC), research into man-made diseases at Santa Maria College(SMC) typically spans two primary categories: engineered pathogens (synthetic biology and biosecurity) and anthropogenic/environmental illnesses (diseases caused by human pollution, lifestyle, and industrial activity). These are described below.
1. Synthetic Biology and Engineered Pathogens
This field focuses on organisms modified or created in laboratory settings, either for defensive biosecurity, medical advancement, or weaponisation. At SMC, research in this area involves:
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Gain-of-Function (GoF) Studies: Altering pathogens to increase their transmissibility, lethality, or host range to anticipate mutations and develop preemptive vaccines.
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Biothreat Detection and Attribution: Developing genomic sequencing techniques to differentiate naturally occurring mutations from deliberate gene editing (such as CRISPR modifications) and tracing them to their source.
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Medical Countermeasures: Creating broad-spectrum antivirals, reliable decontamination procedures, and rapid diagnostic tools (such as portable electronic cytometers) to respond to potential lab leaks or biological warfare.
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Human Challenge Trials: Intentionally exposing healthy volunteers to controlled doses of a pathogen to deeply monitor early immune responses and accelerate vaccine testing.
2. Anthropogenic and Environmental Illnesses
This branch studies how human innovation, industrial processes, and modern habits inadvertently damage human health. At SMC, research in this area involves:
|
Research Focus |
Description & Impact |
Key Methods Used
|
|---|---|---|
|
Microplastics & Contaminants |
Evaluating how accumulated microplastics (e.g., polystyrene) disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to obesity, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction.
|
In vivo animal testing, in vitro cell culturing, and metabolic profiling. |
|
Industrial & Occupational Hazards |
Tracking chronic diseases resulting from workplace exposures, such as Sick Building Syndrome, chemical toxicities, and aerosol inhalation.
|
Epidemiological charting, high-throughput screening of compounds. |
|
Iatrogenic & Lifestyle Diseases |
Studying illnesses inadvertently caused by medical treatments (iatrogenic), drug resistance from antibiotic overuse, or massive avoidable ill-health from tobacco/alcohol. |
Data modeling (in silico simulations), machine learning safety assessments. |
Summary of Manmade Diseases Research Areas
In summary, at SMC, the scientific field of manmade diseases covers several key areas thus:
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Gain-of-Function Studies: Altering genetic codes of viruses or bacteria to increase their transmissibility, lethality, or host range to understand potential mutations.
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Genetic Engineering: Using tools like CRISPR or synthetic biology to build or modify organisms, which can help create medical treatments or model how diseases spread.
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Biosecurity and Defense: Studying potential biological threats to develop vaccines, antiviral drugs, and diagnostic tools against weaponized agents.
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Genomic Attribution: Analyzing DNA sequences to detect if a pathogen has been artificially manipulated or engineered.
Conclusion
Therefore, at SMC, research in manmade diseases involves looking into the deliberate modification, enhancement, or creation of pathogens and biological agents in a laboratory setting, including their effects on mankind.
For More information, please contact: research@santamariacollege.org.uk
We are located at:
Various international locations where the Association of Health Care Professionals (AHCP) and International Association of Health Care Professionals (IAHCP) Society members are based.
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