Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

A search process (e.g., for a new pharmaceutical) that first involves the construciton of a large “pool” of polynucleotide sequences (at least some of which are likely to possess the desired pharmaceutical properties), synthesized by a totally random process. This is followed by repeated cycles of screening (for those sequences possessing desired properties) and/or enriching,…

Any process or procedure in which an organism’s immune system is utilized to attack or inactivate the reproductive cells (e.g., sperm) within the organism. The development of antibodies to bind with gamete-specific antigens, i.e., antigens on eggs, sperm, or sex hormones, as a means of preventing conception.  

A molecule that has been formed by attachment to each of two originally different molecules. One of these is an antibody and, hence, the word “immunoconjugate.” Classic organic drug molecules such as methotrexate, adriamycin chlorambucil, etc.; radionucHdes; enzymes; toxins; and ribosome-inhibiting proteins may be conjugated to antibodies. The salient point is that the antibody portion…

The use of antibodies to identify and quantify (measure) substances by a variety of methods. The binding of antibodies to antigen (substance being measured) is often followed by tracers, such as fluorescence or (radioactive) radioisotopes, to enable measurement of the substance. A process for measuring an organic chemical by inducing an animal to develop an…

The region of the antibody molecule that enables each antibody to recognize a specific foreign structure (i.e., epitope or hapten) is said to have an idiotype (for that epitope or hapten). An identifying characteristic (or property) of the thing we are talking about. The unique parts and characteristics of an antibody’s variable region. They may…

This refers to the protein content in the feed ration (food) eaten by livestock or poultry. Feed that contains “ideal protein” contains protein(s) that (when digested by the animal) yields all the essential amino acids, in proper proportions, for the growth and/or maintenance needs of that animal. “Ideal protein” varies for different species (e.g., pigs…

Application to the Food and Drug Administratioa(FDA) seeking approval to begin clinical studies of a new medical device. An agreement through which the federal government permits the testing of new medical devices.