In 1997 the ?rst mammal to be cloned from the tissue of an adult animal was born. A technique that scientists have been trying to perfect for decades, the success of the Roslin Institute, near Edinburgh, in producing ‘Dolly’, a cloned sheep, has profound implications. Already some scientists are talking of cloning humans, although this has great medical, legal and ethical consequences. The key to the scientists’ success in producing Dolly was the ability to coordinate the fusion of a donor cell (from an adult) containing all its DNA with a recipient egg from which DNA had been removed. The di?culty of the technique is shown by the fact that, out of 277 fused pairs of cells where the donor cell was from adult tissue, Dolly was the only survivor and she has developed premature arthritis. Research suggests that cloning may be accompanied by a higher than normal incidence of congenital defects.
Since Dolly was born, other animal clones have been produced and American researchers have cloned the ?rst human embryo – which grew to six cells – with the aim of providing stem cells for therapeutic use. As a result the UK government passed emergency legislation to outlaw human cloning for reproductive purposes.... cloning
Habitat: Indigenous to the Molucca Island, cultivated in Zanzibar, Madagascar, Java, Penang.
Features ? Flower buds brown ; nail-shaped, calyx tube encloses ovary containing tiny ovules; four calyx teeth surrounded by unopened corolla consisting of four petals.Part used ? Flower buds.Action: Stimulant, aromatic, carminative.
Combined with more specific remedies in flatulence and other affections of the alimentary tract. Is an excellent carminative to reduce griping action of purgatives. Dose, 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls of the infusion.Coffin holds that Cloves are the most powerful of all the carminatives.... clovesWhen a blood vessel is damaged, it constricts immediately to reduce blood flow to the area. The damage sets off a series of chemical reactions that lead to the formation of a clot to seal the injury. First, platelets around the injury site are activated, becoming sticky and adhering to the blood-vessel wall. Then, the activated platelets release chemicals, which, in turn, activate blood clotting factors. These factors, together with vitamin K, act on fibrinogen and convert it to fibrin. Strands of fibrin form a meshwork, which traps red blood cells to form a clot.
There are several anticlotting mechanisms to prevent the formation of unwanted clots. These include prostacyclin (a prostaglandin), which prevents platelet aggregation, and plasmin, which breaks down fibrin (see fibrinolysis). Blood flow washes away active coagulation factors; and the liver deactivates excess coagulation factors.
Defects in blood clotting may result in bleeding disorders.
Excessive clotting (thrombosis) may be due to an inherited increase or defect in a coagulation factor (see factor V), the use of oral contraceptives, a decrease in the level of enzymes that inhibit coagulation, or sluggish blood flow through a particular area.
Treatment is usually with anticoagulant drugs such as heparin or warfarin.... blood clotting
Habitat: Fields and roadsides.
Features ? This is the common clover of the field, long cultivated by the farmer, and is found growing to a height of one foot or more. The leaves, composed of three leaflets, grow on alternate sides of the stem. The leaflets themselves are broad, oval, pointed, and frequently show a white spot. The stem is hairy and erect, and the red (or, perhaps, purplish-pink) flower-heads (the part of the plant employed in herbal practice) are formed by a large number of separate blossoms at the end of a flower stalk. Both taste and odour are agreeable.Action: Alterative and sedative.
The infusion (1 ounce to 1 pint of boiling water, which may be drunk freely) makes a reliable medicine for bronchial and spasmodic coughs. The alterative character is best brought out in combination with such agents as Burdock and Blue Flag.Fernic writes of Red Clover ? "The likelihood is that whatever virtue the RedClover can boast for counteracting a scrofulous disposition, and as antidotal to cancer, resides in its highly-elaborated lime, silica, and other earthy salts."... red cloverClove oil is sometimes used to relieve abdominal pain due to flatulence and as a remedy for toothache.... clove oil