Discovery of Design by Hobbs Derrik & DeYoung Donald

Author:Hobbs, Derrik & DeYoung, Donald [Hobbs, Derrik]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: SCIENCE / Applied Science, RELIGION / Christian Education / General
ISBN: 9781614582236
Publisher: Master Books
Published: 2009-10-01T00:00:00+00:00

Reference

Weiss, Peter. 2006. Pumping alloy. Science News 170(1):8–9.

Questions for further study

1. How many muscles are in the human body?

2. Which metals have the largest thermal expansion?

3. How much weight is an adult capable of lifting?

This example of a practical design in nature may lack appeal, but it is vitally important to our health. A common phrase is to “lick one’s own wounds.” This saying expresses the effort to care for one’s own needs and generally to look after oneself. There is a more practical application, however. Dutch researchers studied the chemical compounds in human saliva. They found an abundance of simple proteins called histatins that fight infection. Also present were compounds that cause epithelium skin cells to close over a wound. Most of us have experienced the benefits of these saliva components. Small cuts inside the mouth tend to heal more quickly than external injuries, and mouth healing leaves little scarring.

The study of histatins is changing approaches to clinical medicine. It was previously assumed that mouth saliva contained complex compounds called growth factors that aided healing. However, growth factors are not found in significant amounts. A major benefit is that histatins are easier to manufacture and purify than growth factors. Thus, histatins are now emphasized in medical treatment.

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