mRNA Vaccine!
08/15/25
Hey guys! So, recently there has been a breakthrough in the cancer world, specifically a new cure. The recent development of the mRNA Cancer Vaccine. According to SciTechDaily, the vaccine iteself delivers stunning results. The new expieremental mRNA vaccine has shown the ability to awaken the immune system and wipe out tumors in mice! This is amazing news as studies that work on mice often work similarly on humans due to biological makeup. The effects of radiotherapy are devistating, most patients stating that their faces age, their immune systems weaken rapidly, and survival is not guaranteed. So, being near a possible vaccine to one of the most deadly genetic mutations is beyond incredible. However, miracles don't always come true. According to USN, Robert F. Kennedy made some major budget cuts for the oncologists and scientists involved in creating the vaccine. Now, many oncologists and scientists warn that extensive cuts to mRNA funding will have devastating impacts on cancer vaccine development. As stated by USN; "While HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed support for using the science for oncology and the funding cuts don’t extend to oncology research, scientists warn that the larger campaign against the technology and funding cuts to other areas like viruses and infectious diseases will cause confusion and significant delays to what could be a groundbreaking lifeline." Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman were the pioneering scientists whose dedication to understanding messenger RNA (mRNA) has reshaped modern medicine. Their foundational contributions to mRNA technology moved it from a theoretical concept to a practical tool. This work has paved the way for advancements in various therapeutic areas, creating a new approach to disease prevention and treatment. However, their work is now at risk due to these budget cuts which I find obscure and dispicible. This is due to the fact that if something is proven to be working that could benefit all of humankind, whi stop it? According to Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 4 Canadians die every year to some form of cancer, and many early on in their lives. So why stop now? The expieremental aspects of creating the cure follow ethical guidelines, and are effective. This puzzles me, primarily the fact that we have the resources to solve a grand issue, but haphazardly the budget is cut and for a partially plausable reason. Issues like this really make me think "why?"
AI and Digital Healthcare Issues
08/31/25
Yes, you heard right. AI being a hot topic in healthcare yet again. As a teenager in 2025, I am no stranger to AI, and I even use it time to time. However, as the normalization of this tool continues, more future healthcare workers are relying on it to essentially learn for them and do all the hard work. I for one want to be apart of the healthcare community when I am older, but the accessability of AI makes it easy to slip and take the easier route to finish school. However, education is humanity's biggest advantage, and us not using it to our full advantage is why this is such a big concern. Recently, on a short form app, many are admitting to using AI tools to get through university to do jobs where another life is at risk. This poses a concern because when we get older how are we going to rely on getting a proper diagnosis and treatment for certain diseases? Are we going to have to ask ChatGPT? In 2025, healthcare leaders will need to carefully balance this potential with critical considerations around ethical implementation, data privacy, and equitable access to technology. It has it's advantages such as helping get a earlier prognosis, understanding your healthcare issues, and it provides adequate advice. But, with this power comes great responsibility (see what I did there!) But in all seriousness, we as a community need to set boundaries on how AI is used, and encourage traditional learning so it can be used in full effect to save other lives. In times of panic, these basic skills are needed to save others. We should not have to leave mid-surgery (or if someone is bleeding out) to ask AI what to do.
