Lynn, B. (2022, May 29). Scientists discover compound in corals shown to fight cancer. VOA. Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/scientists-discover-compound-in-corals-shown-to-fight-cancer/6591024.html
Off the coast of Florida, a researcher team has discovered a chemical found in coral reefs that can help slow the growth of cancer cells. Because coral are immobile, they are able to develop chemical defenses against other sea life that threaten their survival, and these chemicals have been studied to see if they have any medical uses. This chemical, eleutherobin, was found in soft corals near Australia. Eleutherobin can break down important cell structures, whether it be predators or cancer cells. By studying the genetic code of coral, they were able to replicate the making of eleutherobin.
With the discovery of this new chemical, a widespread production of cancer treating drugs could be on the rise to changing the future, and soon be on patients bedside tables. It’s inspiring how many lives this could affect, and I think this discovery can bring hope to several patients. It has the possibility to give more time to study cancer and find a cure, give patients more time to spend with loved ones, more time to fight the cancer, etc. Ultimately, this not opens a door to what other compounds and chemicals we can find in the environment that can save lives, but also shows the beauty and important of environmental science, and reveals the massive impact it can have on humans and the world.
I agree with your statement that the development of replicating Eleutherobin can be life changing for patients who have no specific cure for their cancer. We are in desperate demand of gathering new information on how to combat cancer since there are still so many unknown factors to it. One question I have is if you think that Eleutherobin would work the same on human patients as it has with coral reefs since their genetic makeup is build differently?
That’s an interesting question! Due to the vast difference in genetic build between humans and corals, it’s hard to say if it will have the same effect in the human body. I believe it is currently undetermined as scientists are actively studying the best way to use Eleutherobin to help fight cancer.