Biology Analysis: Capsaicin Critical Thinking Examples

The article, entitle, “Pepper Component hot Enough to Trigger Suicide in Prostate Cancer Cells,” found that lab rats experiencing prostate cancer could be given certain amounts of pepper in order to force their cancer cells to experience apoptosis. Capsaicin, the spice that makes jalapenos so hot and fiery, is the spice responsible. It was estimated by researchers that the capsaicin given to mice directly from habaneros, depending on Scoville rating, was the equivalent of a grown man eating 400 milligrams of capsaicin three to four times a week. The spice was found to stop the cancer from mutating, as it often does to avoid apoptosis. Lab rats experiencing prostate cancer also experienced cell shrinkage at a 90% higher rating than lab rats that were not given capsaicin.
Though the primary aim of the article was to explain the progress made with cancer research, there would have been no progress without the studies performed on lab rats. These developments in scientific research make it more important for all of us to try coexisting in peace and harmony with one another. Peter Kroptin’s, “Mutual Aid: A Factor in Evolution,” expresses that many species need one another for the advancement of their own kind. Research performed on lab rats is a perfect example of this idea. Lab rats are cured of their own diseases in an effort to help humans, while humans are able to test methods on animals before testing on themselves. The process of symbiosis is born as we help one another. However, it is not completed unless we fully appreciate what the mice have done for us, caring for them after the research has been completed. This is one of the greatest reasons that I want to live in peace and harmony with not only mice, but also all people and animals. Each living creature deserves the love and kindness of all other living creatures surrounding it. We are able to help one another and ensure survival through helping for, and caring for one another. There should be an emphasis, however, on caring for animals, since the success of many experiments hinge on their existence.

Works Cited

Kroptkin, Peter. Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution. Boston: Courier Publishers, 2012. Book.
"Pepper Component Hot Enough To Trigger Suicide In Prostate Cancer Cells." 19 March 2006. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/03/060319150754.htm. 2 March 2015.