Most of us take safety for granted, but safety is not a universal reality, especially in our current world. Zoulfa Katouh’s novel “As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow” is a moving portrayal of survival, love, and resistance during the Syrian civil war. It is a deeply human story told through the eyes of Salama, a young pharmacy student who unexpectedly finds herself amid a revolution and is forced to become a surgeon.
The book does not merely recount the horrors of war—it reveals how war lives inside a person and shapes their everyday reality. It highlights the stark contrast between the comfort of peace and the chaos of conflict. It shows what it means to make impossible choices when your country is falling apart and safety is a rare luxury.
Anxiety, hallucinations, and PTSD dominate Salama’s life. Along with external battles—finding food, clean water, shelter, and physical safety—the book presents her internal struggles. Salama hallucinates a figure she names ‘Khawf‘, the Arabic word for fear. Khawf walks her through the worst-case scenarios, acting as a “safety mechanism,” as she speculates in the novel, used by her mind to scare her into choosing flight in a fight-or-flight situation. But how can a seventeen-year-old abandon her entire life—her home, her past, her family’s graves?
War forces decisions no one should ever have to make. Salama faces them every single day, whether at work in the hospital or her personal life.
Katouh says,
“Fear is a cruel thing. The way it distorts thoughts, transforming them from molehills into mountains.”
One day, Salama meets a boy whose sister she is treating at the hospital. A series of events leads to a bond of faith, trust, and emotional dependence between them. This relationship becomes a rare breath of fresh air for readers. Despite the heartbreak around them, their connection represents resilience and hope in a war-torn city.
When we talk about the mental toll of war, we must understand the severity of the decisions involved. Imagine choosing to let an eight-year-old die because your hospital has no neurosurgeon. Imagine deciding which incubator babies to save because you can only carry a few while fleeing a bombed hospital. War destroys not only buildings, it deteriorates the mental and emotional well-being of entire generations.
Salama, the story’s protagonist, is stricken by war and forced to be a surgeon to save lives in a time of need. Illustration credit: Judy Albarazi. As long as the lemon Trees grow
Blood, body parts, mutilated children—these images should be enough for the world to stop and pay attention. But they’re not. The world is mostly indifferent. People avoid politics until war knocks on their door.
The novel makes it painfully clear that there are no “correct” choices in such circumstances. For some, staying is an act of bravery. For others, leaving is an act of survival. Salama’s journey is both devastating and empowering because it captures the full emotional storm behind such choices.
Katouh says, “Survivor’s skin is a remorse we are cursed to wear forever.”
Despite the darkness, the book ends with a sense of hope. The lemon trees in the title are more than a plant—it is a powerful symbol. It reminds us that no matter how hostile the world becomes, life continues. The lemon tree stands for home, memory, and resilience. It tells readers that even in the harshest conditions, people can hold on to love, kindness, and strength.
Zoulfa Katouh doesn’t offer an easy resolution or a small enemy. But she does offer resistance—proof that as long as even a seed of it remains, hope is alive. In her words, the oppressor may be powerful, but they are not all-powerful. The story closes not with a victory, but with a quiet promise: survival itself is a form of defiance.
I remember having a cup of tea that day with my colleagues beside a hotel along the road overlooking the Swat River. The water was calm, the scenery was photogenic, and tourist families were enjoying, taking selfies as a light breeze cooled the valley. I observed people having breakfast beside the hotel constructed on the riverbank, snapping pictures and even going into the water despite the unpredictable weather and numerous alerts.
Then, in a matter of moments, the sky darkened, the river turned muddy, the water roared, and the calm river started to transform into a flash flood. Many people still couldn’t restrain themselves from going out until it was too late. We heard about a family of 17 people who became trapped between the rising waters, and soon after, they were swept away by the merciless waves.
Later, social media showed visuals of a family—women, children, and elderly men—caught in the raging waters, crying out desperately for help as the flood surged around them. One by one, they were swept away by the merciless currents. As of now, rescue operations are ongoing: four people have been rescued alive, while 12 bodies have been recovered, and one person is still missing.
A resident informed me that this isn’t an isolated incident; many similar events have occurred in previous years, and this won’t be the last. Officials involved in the mismanagement have been suspended, and an inquiry is underway. However, this response feels more like a swift reaction rather than a genuine effort for reform or a prevention strategy.
Ali Ahmad, a climate change expert, emphasizes that incidents like these serve as a continuous reminder that climate change is a pressing reality and not just a random occurrence in nature. He points out that the Germanwatch Climate Risk Index Report for 2025 reveals that Pakistan ranked Number one on the Climate Risk Index for 2022. Ahmad further explains that our monsoon season has become increasingly unpredictable and extreme as a direct consequence of climate change, evident from the events of 2022 and the current situation in Swat.
Ahmad warns that the “rapid melting of glaciers combined with erratic rainfall contributes to massive flash floods that cannot be effectively managed with just sandbags and rescue operations; instead, they require comprehensive long-term planning”.
He stresses the need to redirect funds towards the construction of diversion channels and small dams. Additionally, he states, “Our efforts must include reforestation, the dissemination of accurate weather information, the establishment of community-level early warning systems, and restrictions on construction along riverbanks.”
Ahmad emphasizes that integrating climate change education and safety measures into the school curriculum is essential for raising awareness in future generations. He insists that the government must prioritize climate change as a top national issue rather than treating it as merely a seasonal concern.
Standing on the riverbank, watching the locals and rescue teams search for missing people, he views this as a natural warning. He added that we are among the most vulnerable yet least prepared for climate change.
“These floods are no longer surprising; rather, it is our inaction that is shocking.” He argues that if the tragedy in Swat doesn’t motivate us to take action, then the next flood undoubtedly will, and it will come at an even greater cost. We should transform the SWAT flood response into a national initiative rather than allowing it to become a forgotten headline. If we fail to act, tragedies like this will continue to impact our communities with even greater intensity.
The floods in Swat should mark the moment we finally take climate change and safety seriously, rather than allowing it to become just another disaster we choose to overlook.
Dr. Muhammad Mustafa, a renowned science communicator, professor, and cancer researcher, has represented Pakistan nationally and internationally on multiple occasions and platforms. He has empowered thousands of students both inside and outside classrooms to be more. More passionate, more empathetic, and more vocal about science.
His passion is visible as he sits surrounded by children of all ages, social backgrounds, and interests, all smiling ear-to-ear, captivated by the words and scientific spectacles they see. His experience is reflected by the multiple lectures, teacher-training sessions, and guest talks he has given in university classrooms and conferences, both locally and internationally.
However, behind all the success, memories, and moments, he is simply a man who loves science.
And so, on 25th June 2025, I sat down with him at Hairat Manzil (KSS headquarters) to ask him about his journey in science and how he knew that teaching science was his calling. We talked about pursuing one’s passion, finding scope, and how students can learn from his experience.
He smiled as he mentioned that he was never good at studying; although he enjoyed learning, he didn’t particularly enjoy reading. He had memorized most of the concepts that came along with his Matric textbooks, and although he passed his Matric exams, he didn’t quite understand the concepts well.
It was only when two juniors found him sitting outside his house and asked him to explain some concepts to them, did he discovered his passion for science and teaching and began to understand things more deeply. With a pencil and a few sheets of paper freshly purchased from their small neighborhood shop, they huddled together, and a mini-lecture started. One conversation turned into a class, then a few classes, and soon he was taking on the role of a paid tutor.
Dr. Mustafa is an Assistant Professor at Forman Christian College and the Executive Committee Member of Khwarizmi Science Society. Credit: Dr Mustafa
He recalls smiling that teaching became his north star. The magic of conveying information, the chaotic environment as students gathered around their teacher, and the feeling of satisfaction that came from each session was what he held on to for a long time and looked for at every stage of his life. When asked about pursuing his passion, he said, “It’s not about knowing what to pursue, it’s about knowing what not to.
There were multiple stages in my life where I could’ve moved away from teaching, but I never got the satisfaction that teaching a class of students gave me, and so I always returned. I knew what not to pursue and narrowed it down to what I wanted to pursue.”
It’s not about knowing what to pursue, it’s about knowing what not to—Dr Mustafa
With his primary studies in Chemistry and a PhD in Medical Sciences, he mentions that his interdisciplinary path was quite non-traditional, but it allowed him to see things in ways biologists or chemists individually couldn’t.
When I questioned him regarding how he made the decision and whether there was sufficient scope for these subjects at that time, he said, “Scope is not in the subjects one studies but, in the person studying them”.
For those who are unsure of what they want to pursue, Dr Mustafa says, “Your career comes later. First, you need to identify whether you resonate with the subject.”
He encourages students to sit with different fields, explore them in depth, and see how their minds react to them. He elaborates using astronomy as an example, “Watch documentaries, study stars, see how radiation is measured, study how a telescope works—spend one week with these things and see how they sit with you. Don’t let other people decide for you.”
He further elaborates on Biotechnology, “If you want to try Biotechnology or any research-related field, find a way to be in a laboratory, talk to the people who are doing the research, ask them what their research is all about and the problems they come across—sometimes these basic things are the research we need to do.”
He mentions that his job as a mentor isn’t to change someone’s academic beliefs/interests. It’s to encourage students to ask different questions that lead them to their personalized path.”
When asked what he’d do if he had an unlimited amount of money, Dr. Mustafa said, “I will build a university and then start teaching in it. Credit: Dr Mustafa
When asked for his comments for people from different fields, he mentions, “You should be good at artificial intelligence…you should know how to use artificial intelligence tools that are relevant to your field, regardless of which field and what you do.”
Hearing how he came into teaching, how that drove his fascination towards science, and how he encourages students to realize their paths made me realize one thing: No single person has the same story.
With career prospects, predicted graduate salaries, and future scope predictions, one seems to think that all of us are on a similar trajectory. However, we forget that each of us is unique, and we think differently. No two people who are eager to grow and learn both in their classrooms and in their own time will ever bring the same thing to the table. What matters is not that you do well in what is asked of you, butthat you strive to do well because your heart tells you to.
Scope is not in the subjects one studies but, in the person studying them—Dr Mustafa
When asked what he’d do if he had an unlimited amount of money, Dr Mustafa said, “I will build a university and then start teaching in it. I’ve never had any regrets about teaching. I wish I could die teaching.” He wasn’t pushed to be outstanding at what he does; he yearned to be. Nobody asked him to clock in his hours and develop a work-life balance; his work WAS an essential part of his life, and it brought him happiness.
Therefore, whatever you may choose to do, think about the career prospects, financial benefits, and future scope, but don’t leave your heart out of it. Ask yourself, would I be able to do this for free?
Despite its lows and struggles, is this bearable enough for me to push through?
If it is, jump headfirst and see what story you build for yourself.
Common human typing errors and slang can trip up artificial intelligence (AI) programs designed to aid health care workers by reviewing health records, a new MIT study says.
Typos and extra white spaces can interfere with AI’s ability to properly analyze patient records, researchers reported this week at an Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) conference in Athens, Greece.
The researchers pointed out that the missing gender references or the use of slang can also foul up an AI’s treatment recommendations. They were also more likely to change these treatment recommendations for women, resulting in a higher percentage who were erroneously advised not to seek medical care, researchers add.
“These models are often trained and tested on medical exam questions but then used in tasks that are pretty far from that, like evaluating the severity of a clinical case,” said lead researcher Abinitha Gourabathina. She’s a graduate student with the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in Cambridge, Mass.
A growing body of research is exploring the ability of AI to provide a second opinion for human doctors, researchers said in background notes. The programs are already being used to help doctors draft clinical notes and triage patient messages.
This study began when Gourabathina ran experiments in which she swapped gender cues in patient notes, then fed them into AI. She was surprised to find that simple formatting errors caused meaningful changes in responses.
To further explore this problem, researchers altered records by swapping or removing gender references, inserting extra space or typos into patient messages, or adding colorful or uncertain language.
Colorful language might include exclamations like “wow,” or adverbs like “really” or “very,” researchers said. Examples of uncertain language include hedge words like “kind of,” “sort of,” “possibly,” or “suppose.”
The patient notes preserved all clinical data, like prescription medications and previous diagnoses, while adding language that more accurately reflects how people type and speak.
“The medical datasets these models are trained on are usually cleaned and structured, and not a very realistic reflection of the patient population,” Gourabathina said. “We wanted to see how these very realistic changes in text could impact downstream use cases.”
The team ran these records past four different AIs, asking whether a patient should manage their symptoms at home, come in for a clinic visit, or get a lab test to better evaluate their condition.
When the AIs were fed the altered or “perturbed” data, they were 7 to 9 percent more likely to recommend that patients care for themselves, results show. The use of colorful language, like slang or dramatic expression, had the greatest impact, researchers said.
The models also made about 7 percent more errors for female patients and were more likely to recommend that women self-manage at home, even when researchers removed all gender cues from the records.
Follow-up research currently under review found that the same changes didn’t affect the accuracy of human doctors, researchers added. Researchers plan to continue their work by testing records that better mimic real messages from patients. They also plan to study how artificial intelligence programs infer gender from clinical tests.
Researchers reported their findings at the meeting, which ends today. Findings presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
“I scroll aimlessly on my phone, stumbling onto video footage of Shaban Al-Dalou, a 19-year-old man engulfed in flames outside Al-Aqsa Hospital in Gaza. I immediately recognize the hospital and nearby flimsy tents crammed with displaced families. I had worked as a doctor on those very grounds, which became a makeshift village with its subculture.”
“In my time working as a pediatrician in Gaza, I saw starving babies gasping for air and reaching for their mothers, who were buried under rubble. I treated an entire family who had sustained third-degree burns, eyes blistered shut, children’s genitalia scorched and disfigured from bombardment,” describes Dr Seema Jilani.
Dr Seema Jilani is a pediatric specialist with extensive experience working in Afghanistan, Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Balkans. Her radio documentary, “Israel and Palestine: The Human Cost of the Occupation,” was nominated for a Peabody Award.
“The war in Gaza has taken its toll on us as mothers. I chose to leave my seven-year-old daughter behind to treat war-wounded children who resembled her, except that their limbs hung by a thread of flesh and their bodies were charred black beyond recognition,” Dr Jilani writes while describing her painful experiences in Gaza.
Dr. Seema Jilani treats a baby at al-Aqsa hospital in Gaza. Photo, Tarneem Hammad/MAP
The world has been enduring violence for a long time, with regions such as Kashmir, Palestine, Southern Africa, Yemen, and Ukraine experiencing significant bloodshed. A large part of the population is at serious risk due to violence, bombings, and unlawful killings.
In 2025, we have seen a sudden rise in conflicts among various nations. In May 2025, India launched an attack on Pakistan, followed by Israel’s attack on Iran in June. The conflicts remain unresolved, and the region feels like a ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment, putting the lives of billions in danger.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, nearly 58,400 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, as of June 2025. Hospitals in the region are facing a severe crisis due to the ongoing conflict, with many facilities either damaged or destroyed, and a critical shortage of essential supplies and staff. The situation has rendered hospitals barely functional, operating at dangerously high capacity, which severely impacts their ability to provide adequate care.
In May 2025, the World Health Organization published a new report following a renewed intensification of attacks on Gaza by Israel. The report reveals that 28 attacks on healthcare facilities and hospitals have been recorded. Of the 36 hospitals in the Gaza Strip, only 19 remain operational. These hospitals include just one that is providing basic care to the remaining patients still inside. They are struggling under extreme supply shortages, a lack of health workers, persistent insecurity, and a surge in casualties, all while staff are forced to work in impossible conditions.
“We realized early on that we would likely be one of the last hospitals standing in southern Gaza,” says Dr. Michael Grady, a volunteer with the International Medical Corps who spent six weeks at one of our field hospitals in Gaza. “I worked at a field hospital that lacked CAT scanners and MRI machines, relying solely on basic diagnostic skills to examine patients.”
Dr Grady, who was born and raised in Massachusetts, has been recognized with the International Medical Corps’ Henry H. Hood Distinguished Service Award 2024 for his dedication and bravery as a volunteer. Over the past 30 years, he has actively volunteered to provide medical care and has previously worked in Haiti and West Africa with various non-profit organizations.
Dr Grady examines a patient at an International Medical Corps field hospital in Gaza. Photo, International Medical Corps.
When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Dr Grady sought an organization where he could offer his services. A close friend introduced him to the International Medical Corps. He was impressed by the organization’s focus on training and security and decided to join their team in Ukraine.
“Ukraine was different from other humanitarian work I’ve done,” Dr Grady explains. “It was more about teaching. The individuals who had been providing emergency care before the war were recruited to the front lines, leaving significant gaps in their healthcare system.”
Along with several volunteers and staff members, Dr Grady provided comprehensive emergency and trauma care training to Ukrainian healthcare workers, public safety personnel, and other community leaders.
Soon after, the International Medical Corps deployed a field hospital to Gaza to provide urgently needed healthcare to civilians affected by the war. Despite the dangers, Dr Grady felt compelled to help and joined the International Medical Corps’ initial field hospital in southern Gaza, where he stayed for over a month.
“Gaza was an extremely intense place to work,” he recalls. Initially, we anticipated treating a few dozen patients a day. But suddenly, the numbers skyrocketed to 100 patients daily, and then to 600. We expected only a couple of cases in the emergency department each day. Instead, we were overwhelmed with 30, 40, and then 50 critically injured patients arriving one after another due to explosions.”
Dr Grady shared the painful memories of patients and their families during his discussions with CNN and CBS News regarding the humanitarian crisis in Southern Gaza. He explained that working in a war zone is always challenging for doctors and physicians, but what he observed in Gaza was particularly painful and heartbreaking. At times, the medical staff would burst into tears, finding it difficult to offer compassion and hope to the patients and their families.
A destroyed hospital in Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition is bombing the Haydan region daily. Photo, Yann Geay/MSF
When International War Laws Fail, and You Still Have to Deliver Services!
“International humanitarian law often feels like a meaningless phrase in these times. The indiscriminate attacks on hospitals and civilians—either directly targeted or conveniently labeled as collateral damage—add an extra layer of complexity to the situation.”
“Medical staff sometimes find themselves questioning whether their work in a war zone is worth the risks they take. The answer to this question should be obvious from the start; it is a question that should never have to be asked, especially given the severe humanitarian needs present.”
“Wartime doctors often face moments of helplessness. They understand that there will always be another surge of patients arriving at the hospital,” as Dr Alan de Lima Pereira noted. He served in Yemen during the war in 2016, which he described as another forgotten conflict where the most vulnerable and innocent suffered the most.
Humanity Over Personal Safety?
“I have never questioned my safety. As a doctor dedicated to humanitarian service, I have always felt secure; I have never felt at risk. In my view, my commitment to serving others and my profession as a humanitarian doctor provide me with protection,” says Dr Louise Koster.
“By using my medical expertise for the benefit of humanity, I experience the freedom and opportunity to fully trust in life. I find safety within my commitment; it is a sanctuary and a space of truth. I have learned to trust life by following my true path. By dedicating myself to humanitarian service, I am assured that life will protect and care for me.”
Dr Louis Koster has been a spiritual teacher, medical doctor, and coach in the self-help industry for over 30 years. He has worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) during the war in Liberia. He suggests that if you are an empath and want to test your strengths and beliefs, consider working as a medical doctor or volunteer in war zones. This experience will profoundly change your life!
Over the last few decades, the concept of emergency management has evolved significantly to become a part of the field of school safety. The alarming rates of war, violent acts, terrorist activities, and natural calamities have raised awareness about the need to focus on this area of education.
In addition to war-related emergencies, other crises also impact schools. These include medical emergencies, public health crises, accidents, injuries, and the loss of a school community member. Therefore, it is high time for school emergency management plans to adopt an “all-hazards” approach so that children are well-equipped to handle a wide range of challenges.
School administrators have learned to be proactive by training students before a critical event occurs. This article aims to raise awareness among school systems that are working on war emergency education for children or have not yet considered it.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ~Frederick Douglass
Children are especially vulnerable in war situations. Those living in or fleeing from war-affected areas face challenges that have lasting effects on their overall well-being. Research shows an increased risk of mental disorders and other forms of psychopathology among such children. A lack of both knowledge and preparedness further contributes to panic and trauma.
“In every war zone, it is the children who suffer first and recover last.”
~ UNICEF Report on Children in Armed Conflict (2022)
According to a report by UNICEF, over 426 million children were living in conflict zones by the end of 2021. Around 47% of these children developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 43% experienced depression. Research by Save the Children in Syria revealed that 84% of children had experienced bombing, and 71% showed symptoms of toxic stress.
A teacher in England, supervises the children in their monthly gas mask drill. Credit: Central Press/Getty Images
“The invisible wounds of war are carried longest by the youngest.”
~International Rescue Committee (2023)
The Ukraine Psychological First Aid in Schools program, Japan’s Disaster and Conflict Preparedness initiative, and Lebanon’s UNRWA Resilience Workshops are some of the successful programs aimed at developing confidence in handling emergencies. These programs incorporate practices such as role-playing, mindfulness, resilience-building activities, and war and earthquake drills.
We must introduce age-appropriate survival education in schools to prepare future generations for critical situations such as war. Children at the school level can be sensitized according to their age group by allocating one period per week to this purpose. This need not rely on lecture-based instruction; rather, children should be given a vivid and practical understanding of the challenges associated with a state of war.
Storytelling can play a pivotal role in helping students comprehend the complexities of such situations. Additionally, role-plays can enable students to simulate war scenarios and practice appropriate responses, ensuring they are not perplexed or caught off guard during real emergencies. Visual displays, such as posters in classrooms and corridors, can also serve as constant reminders of useful tips and survival strategies.
Along with first-aid training, students should also be guided on how to pack their emergency kits, including essential items such as water, snacks, a flashlight, a whistle, and an ID card. This practice will foster a sense of responsibility in children during times of conflict, as they will learn when and how to use these items effectively.
Additionally, training can be provided to help them develop mental and emotional resilience by incorporating mindfulness techniques into lessons. These may include deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, and relaxation games.
The role of parents is crucial, as they serve as a primary source of support and encouragement. Motivation from home can help children remain active and engaged during drills and training sessions at school. To facilitate this, a clear and open channel of communication should be established between teachers, parents, and emergency personnel involved in the training. This collaboration will ensure that children arrive at school well-prepared for drills or any other emergency-related activities.
According to a report by UNICEF, over 426 million children were living in conflict zones by the end of 2021. Around 47% of these children developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 43% experienced depression. Credit: UNICEF
Additionally, school administrations may consider forming a community support group for children affected by war. Such initiatives can cultivate empathy and peer support among students, helping them understand the emotional impact that war can leave on individuals. Engaging in community work will encourage children to look out for one another during times of crisis, rather than remaining solely self- or family-focused.
“Even in war, a child who is taught to hope can learn to heal.” ~Dr. Boris Cyrulnik
We know that being proactive helps prevent chaos. Including war-emergency education in schools has the potential to save countless innocent lives during critical times. Knowledge without application is meaningless, and the same applies to academic learning without survival skills.
Beyond physical preparedness, psychological first aid is equally essential in shaping empowered survivors. Educational policymakers must seriously consider formalizing emergency training within the school curriculum. Our goal should be to raise prepared, resilient children, not helpless victims of war.
“Children may not remember what you taught them, but they will remember how you made them feel in a crisis.” ~Maya Angelou
Peltonen, K. (2024). Children and war–vulnerability and resilience. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 1-13.
Santa Barbara, J. (2006). Impact of war on children and the imperative to end war. Croatian medical journal, 47(6), 891.
United States. Department of Justice. (1998). Annual report on school safety. US Department of Education.
McDonald, A., Buswell, M., Khush, S., & Brophy, M. (2017). Invisible Wounds: The impact of six years of war on the mental health of Syria’s children. Save the children.
Canton, H. (2021). United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East—UNRWA. In The Europa Directory of International Organizations 2021(pp 286-289). Routledge.
Galatsch, M. Enhancing Access to Healthcare for Displaced and Conflict-Affected Children.
EVER, T. (2023). INVISIBLE AND FORGOTTEN.
Pillay, M. (2025). Education as a Catalyst for Peacebuilding beyond the Classroom.
The climate crisis is not an anomaly to us. The only difference between the climate crisis today and a few decades ago is that it’s worsening at an unprecedented, exponential pace. The Global Energy Review 2025 by the International Energy Agency shows CO₂ emissions reaching an all-time high of 37.8 billion tonnes in 2024! Rising population rate, indeed, is a major facet in increased energy usage, ultimately leading to extreme carbon emissions.
In recent years, though, another major factor has presented itself: the rising energy requirements of enormous AI data centres. Another report by the International Energy Agency predicts that the energy consumption for massive data centres is expected to grow 15 percent annually, more than four times faster than the growth in all other sectors.
Adverse impacts that follow these increased emissions continue to pose serious challenges to the environment and us human beings. In 2022, for instance, Pakistan suffered from severe floods caused by global warming, and, at large, such effects are only expected to rise in the upcoming years. With all this in the equation, it’s imperative for us to generate clean energy and, that too, at large scales. Utilising pre-existing clean energy sources to do so is inherently unreliable.
The wind doesn’t always blow, nor does the sun always shine, and most importantly, these methods are less efficient as compared to conventional methods of burning oil, coal, or gas. Given this, the infamous nuclear energy may be able to rescue humanity. “Now I’ve become hope, the savior of worlds?” Let’s find out.
Nuclear Fusion Benefits & Challenges
Fusion involves joining or ‘fusing’ two nuclei together to release energy that could power our homes someday. The compelling ability that it entails is producing an abundant amount of energy, nearly 4 million times more than the traditional combustion of fossil fuels, as reported by ITER, a leading project in the area. And if that wasn’t enough, the process also doesn’t release any harmful emissions like CO₂ and other greenhouse gases. A case study by MIT Energy Initiative found that incorporating fusion into New England’s energy mix would cut annual energy costs by $36 billion.
Extending this 7% price reduction across all energy consumption in the United States could save consumers $199 billion per year. MIT’s analysis further shows that fusion power could increase global GDP by $68 trillion to $175 trillion. While this boost to GDP could help wealthy nations grow, its greatest impact may be in regions like South Asia and Africa, where renewable power is sparse and electricity needs will grow nearly tenfold by the century’s end.
Fusion involves joining or ‘fusing’ two nuclei together to release energy that could power our homes someday. Credit: ShineFusion
Conditions required to achieve this promising process are quite complex, though. The main ingredient is plasma, a state of matter with free electrons. Next, the plasma needs to be concentrated or confined close together for an adequate period so the nuclei can fuse. As easy as it may sound, this process initially involves heating the plasma to temperatures as high as 100 million degrees Celsius. Furthermore, we need to maintain this temperature, which is hotter than the very core of our Sun, so that the nuclei can gain enough energy to overcome the electrostatic forces between them and fuse.
In reality, the behaviour of plasma and how to control it is still not well understood. During magnetic confinement, plasma often experiences unpredictable turbulence, chaotic motion that causes it to drift away from the centre of the reaction. As it moves toward the edges, plasma cools down due to heat loss to the surrounding boundaries.
This loss of heat not only prevents plasma from reaching the high temperatures necessary for fusion, but also reduces the overall efficiency of the process. The challenge does not end there. When plasma comes into contact with the reactor’s boundaries, the intense heat can erode the reactor walls. As a result, the plasma can become contaminated, which further disrupts the fusion process. This leads to frequent maintenance and the need for replacement of damaged components, making fusion energy extremely expensive.
Recent Developments
Usage of AI has surged in the past few years, and recently, researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) successfully deployed machine learning methods to predict the behaviour of plasma. With the ability to analyse vast amounts of data in real time, such AI models can anticipate instability events and then quickly adjust the plasma parameters (magnetic field strength, plasma current) in real time, thereby minimising such events. The research team at PPPL was able to demonstrate the highest fusion performance without any plasma turbulence at two different fusion facilities.
Active research is also being done on new kinds of materials, including smart alloys, that can be used as boundaries of reactors and, most importantly, have the ability to withstand erosion. Very recently, in April 2025, the French WEST Tokamak reactor broke all records by maintaining stable plasma confinement for over 22 minutes. This breakthrough was achieved without any corrosion of the reactor’s components or contamination of the plasma, which gives us reason to be optimistic that progress is indeed being made on finding erosion-resistant materials.
Recently, researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) successfully deployed machine learning methods to predict the behaviour of plasma. Credit: Bumper DeJesus / Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment
In recent years, new heating methods have emerged, which allow plasma to be heated efficiently and rapidly without significant loss of heat. One plausible method brought to light is heating through neutral particles, currently being tested in the ITER Neutral Beam Test Facility. Particles having a neutral charge can be accelerated towards the core of a fusion reaction without being influenced by electrostatic forces that exist in the reactor.
In principle, this deep penetration inside the plasma would precisely transfer energy to, or heat, the central region; thereby, the heat lost to the boundaries and, ultimately, more heat required to cover that loss to reach high temperatures would be avoided.
Commercialisation Of Nuclear Fusion
Imagine you wake up in a world where the energy crisis is no longer a concern, cheap and clean electricity flows into your home, and as you go out to take a stroll, you enjoy a deep, long sigh of purer air. Well, this imagination is not far from reality.
Throughout history, scientific progression has never followed a straight path; rather, it has relied on failures and mistakes to improve. The cumbersome number of fusion reactor designs being tested is indicative of the technological immaturity that currently exists. However, the global race to achieve commercialization has already begun. Recently, Japan’s government released a draft plan regulating commercial fusion.
In Europe, Germany’s newly elected government has set an agenda to develop the first fusion power plant in Germany. The UK, on the other hand, allocated about $530 million to fusion this January. In 2023, by some estimates, it was reported that China’s spending in the area was $1.5 billion alone, twice that of the Department of Energy in the US.
Given this increasing commitment, it’s only evident that fusion is the way forward for clean energy. A study by MIT’s Energy Review predicts that by the end of this century, fusion can account for a maximum of 50% of the total global share. Advancements in fusion are developing at an exponential pace at the moment; however, experts suggest that the scale and timing of fusion deployment in different regions will be driven largely by macroeconomic factors and decarbonisation goals. Factors like economic growth, population density, electrification needs, decarbonisation targets, and relative prices of electricity will play an important role in the commercialisation of fusion.
As a teenager visiting my hometown and Abbottabad city, I was disappointed by the land waste at the gateway to the Northern areas, worrying about its impact on the tourists. I always used to think about sustainable and innovative waste treatment solutions. When I came across biotechnology’s potential to generate energy, treat waste, and remediate the impacts of industries and agriculture, I immediately decided to choose it as a field.
Throughout my academic journey, I have commonly heard discouraging remarks regarding biotechnology as a field in Pakistan. Many credited it as a subject with uncertain career prospects. This concept is not entirely true.
As Yuval Noah Harari said in his book “21 Lessons for the 21st Century”, biotechnology is one of the fields that will define the 21st century and is set to reshape human lives and industries in a way that we are only beginning to comprehend. As Pakistan navigates food insecurity, public health crisis, and climate change, biotechnology offers timely and transformative solutions rooted in science and sustainability.
Biotechnology has surpassed 3 trillion USD in global industry with prompt advancements in synthetic biology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering, with applications ranging from healthcare to environmental sustainability.
Today in Pakistan, with an increasing focus on sustainable agriculture, as evidenced by the introduction of resilient crop varieties (e.g., Bt Cotton and wheat-AZRC-Dera), and the launch of biofertilizers by the leading fertilizer companies like AlMoiz Industries Limited, paints an optimistic outlook. The increasing investments in biotechnology startups, research institutions, and industrial applications, e.g, the production of biogas, guarantee a promising future.
Opportunities in this field are expanding due to global challenges like climate change and healthcare issues. Today, more than a hundred universities in Pakistan are offering degree programs in Biotechnology, creating prospects for those who are willing to contribute to this transformative science.
The following are the recent trends in biotechnology;
Synthetic Biology and Genetic Engineering
These technologies enable precise genetic modifications and have applications in enhanced crop resilience and disease treatment (e-g, treatment of Thalassemia). Genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 have introduced synthetic biology to new frontiers. As per the GEN report, the global synthetic biology industry would generate revenue of around ＄30 billion by 2026.
Biotechnology has surpassed 3 trillion USD in the global industry with prompt advancements in synthetic biology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering. Credit: Unsplash
Biofertilizers and Sustainable Agriculture
Due to rising concerns over chemical fertilizers, the focus on biofertilizers has increased. Biofertilizers are microbial inoculants that promote plant growth and improve soil fertility even under environmentally stressed conditions. This envisions a promising future of sustainable agriculture where surplus food is produced without compromising the environment.
Biotechnology in Healthcare and Precision Medicine
Biotechnology is accelerating the research in personalized medicine and transforming healthcare. Stem cell therapy and pharmacogenomics are enhancing patient outcomes with targeted treatments. More research is being carried out in precision medicine, whose goal is to make medical decisions according to the individual characteristics of each patient, most prominently tailored to the genetics of each person.
Advancements in Nano-Biotech
With the integration of nanotechnology and biotechnology, the use of nano-biosensors has increased for efficient drug delivery and industrial products with enhanced function. Advancements in nano-biotechnology are promising in the healthcare and food industries.
AI-Biotechnology intersection
According to the report by Science Daily, researchers have improved AI-driven microscopy for cell analysis and enabled the analysis of 17,000 cell images within a few seconds. Such advancements, along with AlphaFold (which predicts protein structure), are accelerating growth in healthcare and agriculture. A unique blend of AI and Biotechnology has a promising future, and it is yet to predict what this area holds for us in the future.
Institutions with leading Biotechnology Research in Pakistan
The following institutions are offering research opportunities that help drive innovation in the field.
National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE)
This premier biotechnology research center, working under the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), is located in Faisalabad. It focuses on research in plant biotechnology, health biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and genetic engineering. Other research divisions include soil and environment biotechnology and the division of technical services. The institute also offers collaborative research opportunities at the postgraduate level to international and national students.
NIBGE has also introduced biofertilizer products, that are BioPower and Phosphorus Pool, into the commercial market with approval from the Government of Punjab. In addition to this, NIBGE hosts National Biology Talent contests and commodity auctions.
Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab
CEMB is a leading research institute known for its advancements in molecular diagnostics, crop improvement, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1985, it contributes to human resource development in molecular biology through its graduates. Moreover, CEMB offers commercial lab services in areas like agriculture, stem cell, forensics, and molecular diagnostics. It is known for extensive research in various domains of molecular biology. Its major research areas include genetics, biopharmaceuticals, proteomics, genomics, stem cell research, plant, health, microbial, and environmental biotechnology.
CEMB maintains collaborations with renowned national and international institutes such as the University of Washington, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Cincinnati. Furthermore, CEMB has successfully developed GM varieties of cotton, rice, and sugarcane with resistance to pests and other environmental stressors. It has also played a pioneering role in the genetic screening and diagnosis of hereditary and infectious diseases in Pakistan.
CEMB offers commercial lab services in areas like agriculture, stem cell, forensics, and molecular diagnostics. Credit: CEMB
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC)
It is an apex national institution that promotes and coordinates agricultural research in Pakistan. It focuses on the development of genetically modified crop varieties with improved environmental resistance, biopesticides, biofertilizers, and encourages sustainable farming practices.
The major bodies of this grand research institute are the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad; Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), Bahawalpur; the Mountain Agriculture Research Centre (MARC), Gilgit-Baltistan; and the National Sugar and Tropical Horticulture and Research Institute (NSTHRI), Thatta.
In collaboration with international partners, PARC has developed more than 20 varieties of plants and crops with improved resistance. Moreover, PARC has also pioneered tissue culturing techniques in Pakistan, leading to the production of virus-free seed potatoes and the micropropagation of crops like banana. PARC has also implemented programs aimed at improving indigenous livestock breeds and enhancing feed efficiency.
International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS)
It is located at the University of Karachi. It comprises two main centers: Dr. Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research and HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry. ICCBS is an internationally recognized research facility. It has specialized research groups in molecular biology, drug discovery, genomics, and bioinformatics. ICCBS has active industrial collaborations and prominent international linkages.
The Centre offers MPhil/PhD programs in various biological/biotechnological courses and offers diverse campus life along with research opportunities. ICCBS has garnered international acclaim for its groundbreaking research, advanced training programs, and significant contributions to science and technology. It contributed significantly to the study of natural products and contributed to the discovery of novel medicinal compounds.
To sum up, biotechnology is at the junction of sustainability and breakthrough. Its applications in agriculture, the environment, and healthcare will reshape future industries. As professionals in this field, we are obliged to harness its advancements effectively to drive positive change in the country.
It is our responsibility to accept the recent trends in the world of science, as this would help us to be relevant in this modern age. Biotechnology is more than just a career for me; it has given me the purpose, which is to contribute to innovative and sustainable solutions for global challenges.
“Ethics in the Line of Fire: Pakistan’s Calculated Response vs India’s Civilian Toll”
In modern warfare, where satellites guide missile routes and media shape the overall narratives, one element that is often overlooked becomes most defining: ethics. The recent tensions that escalated between India and Pakistan offered the world more than a clash between two nuclear-armed nations; it revealed a contrast in psychological discipline, military conduct, and ethical restraint.
The current crisis originated on April 22, 2025, when terrorists brutally killed 26 tourists, including a Nepalese national, in Pahalgam. The attack was executed by the Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy organization established by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to obscure its direct involvement in terrorism.
In response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Indian Army and Air Force jointly launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, a precise, targeted strike on terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
The operation successfully struck nine targets in Pakistan, notably including the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) at Markaz SubhanAllah in Bahawalpur, and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters at Markaz Taiba in Muridke. 3
“Families on the LoC are subjected to Indian and Pakistani whims and face the brunt of heated tensions,” Anam Zakaria, a Pakistani writer based in Canada, told the BBC.
“Each time firing resumes, many are thrust into bunkers, livestock and livelihood are lost, infrastructure like homes, hospitals, and schools is greatly damaged. The vulnerability and volatility experienced have grave repercussions for their everyday lived reality,” Ms Zakaria, author of a book on Pakistan-administered Kashmir, said. 2
A burst of narratives by local and international newspapers elevated the situation. India’s approach, veiled in psychological warfare, involved strikes on civilian-populated areas near Pakistan’s eastern border, damaging the residential areas, schools, and vital water and power lines. Experts note that such strikes are not just military tactics; they are calculatedly engineered to instill mass fear and break down morale —a strategy with a prolonged, controversial history in modern warfare. Yet the repercussions of targeting civilians and residential areas go far beyond geopolitical consequences; they leave scars on both societies and soldiers.
This level of precision and ethical discipline, even under provocation, reflected not only faith-based values but modern scientific understanding of warfare psychology. Photo: Duniya News
In a well-calculated and timely counter-response, Pakistan demonstrated restraint and strategic maturity. Instead of retaliating emotionally, the Pakistan Armed Forces focused on military targets like the weapons depots, supply chains, and command infrastructure. This level of precision and ethical discipline, even under provocation, reflected not only faith-based values but modern scientific understanding of warfare psychology.
The Science of Ethical Warfare
Scientific studies in behavioral psychology and neuroscience have shown that soldiers who engage in actions perceived as unjust and unfair, especially harming civilians, are more likely to experience higher levels of moral injury, combat stress, and PTSD. Research from the Journal of Traumatic Stress and Defense Studies shows that brain scans (fMRI) of soldiers reveal heightened amygdala activity and impaired prefrontal cortex functioning when they commit or witness unjust acts in war.
On the contrary, military personnel who operate under clear ethical guidelines like those aligned with humanitarian laws or religious values are likely to exhibit stronger emotional regulation, cognitive processing, and post-war mental stability. This is not just moral theory; it is measurable science.
Today, in an age where the art of warfare is monitored by drones and judged on global platforms, Pakistan’s approach sends a message: ethics are not a weakness; they are strategic power.
In the recent escalation between Pakistan and India, Pakistan’s response was witnessed as avoiding civilian harm, which aligned with both Islamic principles of warfare and modern military ethics. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid down wartime conduct over 1400 years ago: no harm to women, children, elderly, or religious clergy; no destruction of crops or water sources; no mutilation or betrayal.
These principles were upheld in battles like Hunayn and Tabuk, where Muslim forces won not only through military might but through moral restraint and justice. Today, Pakistan’s military doctrine echoes that same legacy.
Dr. Naveed Ahmad, a defense psychiatrist in Rawalpindi, explains: “Combat conducted without clear ethical boundaries causes disorientation among soldiers. They lose their psychological compass. Pakistan’s strict adherence to targeting only military assets protects not only civilians, but the minds of its soldiers too.”
Both India and Pakistan possess nuclear arsenals and weaponry, with a Rutgers University study estimating that a nuclear exchange could kill 127 million people if 250 warheads were used. The recent strikes have escalated tensions to a critical point, with both nations exchanging fire along the Line of Control (LoC) and suspending bilateral treaties. Pakistan’s measured response thus far demonstrates restraint, but continued provocation could force a defensive nuclear posture, plunging the region into catastrophe. 1
Cognitive Warfare and Long-Term National Strength
Modern conflicts are no longer just fought with bombs or weapons, they’re fought with information, perception, and ideology. When one country maintains moral clarity in war, it strengthens its image on global grounds, national unity, and post-war resilience. Pakistan’s clarity of intent in its recent actions reinforces the psychological strength of both its military and its citizens.
India’s strikes on civilian regions may seem powerful in the short term, but scientifically and morally, such tactics deteriorate the attacking side’s international standing and internal discipline. Civilian-targeted warfare fosters generations of trauma, psychological distress, radicalization, and diplomatic isolation. Ethical warfare, on the other hand, fosters peacebuilding and post-conflict healing.
In the words of a senior Pakistani commander stationed along the border, “We have precision, but more importantly, we have principles. Our strength lies not in destruction, but in direction.”
Conclusion: Science Meets Sunnah
Today, in an age where the art of warfare is monitored by drones and judged on global platforms, Pakistan’s approach sends a message: ethics are not a weakness; they are strategic power. The alignment of Islamic war ethics with scientific mental health research gives Pakistan’s military response both divine and data-driven strength.
As the world watches two decades-old rivals clash in modern ways, it is not just firepower that defines the future; it is how, where, and why that firepower is used. Weapons may shape the battlefield, but ethics shape the nation’s soul. And with that stance, Pakistan played very well.
For a long time, scientists believed that much of our DNA was just biologically static, i.e., sequences that didn’t code for anything meaningful. These stretches were nicknamed “junk DNA” and considered evolutionary leftovers. But recent discoveries have challenged this view. Hidden in this so-called junk are fragments known as jumping genes, or transposable elements (TEs), which appear to play a surprising role in aging and disease.
Researchers now suspect that these elements are not as dormant as once thought. They may be actively involved in causing DNA damage, stirring up inflammation, and undermining the genome’s stability as we grow older.
The exciting part? Scientists are exploring ways to silence them to potentially slow down some aspects of aging.
Hidden Hitchhikers in Your DNA
Jumping genes are bits of DNA that can move from one location to another in the genome. They come in different types; some make copies of themselves and insert elsewhere, while others cut themselves out and relocate. One group in particular, called LINE-1, is especially active in humans. These sequences are a type of retrotransposon, meaning they use an RNA intermediate to replicate and integrate back into the genome. In doing so, they sometimes disrupt the key genetic functions along the way.
When not kept in check, LINE-1 elements may insert themselves into critical regions of the genome, damage DNA, and provoke immune responses. Think of them as stealthy, virus-like intruders embedded in our code.
In youth, our cells use epigenetic mechanisms to suppress this movement. But as we age, these control systems weaken. It’s like having a firewall that gradually deactivates, and the intruders start getting in.
Jumping genes are bits of DNA that can move from one location to another in the genome. Credit: ISTOCK.COM/The Scientist
From Mobility to Mayhem
Once LINE-1 elements are active, they set off a chain of reactions:
DNA breaks and mutations: As LINE-1 replicates and reinserts itself in the genome, it can cause double-stranded DNA breaks, which are the kind of damage that cells find hard to fix.
Inflammatory signaling: These fragments mimic viral RNA, which triggers an immune alarm known as the interferon response.
Cellular senescence: Cells experiencing too much damage stop dividing and become senescent, releasing more pro-inflammatory signals.
This self-sustaining cycle of LINE-1 activity, inflammation, and senescence leads to tissue dysfunction. This is a hallmark of inflammaging, which is the chronic low-grade inflammation linked to aging and its diseases.
Recent findings also suggest that this LINE-1 activity can affect mitochondrial function, increasing oxidative stress and impairing energy production. The result? A slow but persistent decline in organ and tissue function.
When DNA Turns Against the Brain
It’s not just your skin or joints that suffer. Your brain may be especially vulnerable to these tiny saboteurs.
A study published in Frontiers in Neurology explored the role of LINE-1 in neurodegenerative disorders. The findings were striking: LINE-1 activation in the brain is associated with DNA damage, oxidative stress, and the kind of inflammation observed in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Why does this matter? Because neurons are post-mitotic, that i,s they don’t divide. When damage accumulates, they can’t replace themselves easily. This makes them prime targets for cumulative genomic damage from active transposons.
And it’s not just aging brains at risk. Some evidence links increased LINE-1 activity to conditions like autism and schizophrenia, suggesting that TE regulation is critical across the lifespan.
A Virus Fighter that’s Rewriting the Story of Aging
If transposable elements are behaving like viruses, could antiviral drugs stop them? That’s exactly what scientists asked.
De Cecco et al. (2019) found that LINE‑1 activity spikes in aged and senescent cells, triggering type-I interferon-mediated inflammation. Treating aged mice with lamivudine (3TC), a reverse-transcriptase inhibitor, significantly reduced this inflammatory response.
Building on this, Vallés-Saiz et al. (2023) showed that 3TC improved outcomes in P301S tau-transgenic mice. These mice exhibited fewer signs of tau pathology, lowered neuro-inflammation, better memory, and improved motor function after treatment, while 3TC also blocked tau-induced LINE‑1 activation.
This raised an important question: if a simple antiviral can suppress transposon-induced inflammation and reverse some signs of aging, could it be used as a preventive treatment in humans?
Silencing the Genome’s Noisy Intruders with RNA Therapy
While repurposed antivirals like 3TC show promise, the real future is in precision RNA-targeted therapy. Cas13a—a CRISPR system engineered to specifically cleave RNA has proven effective in mammalian cells, allowing precise and reversible knockdown of target transcripts without genome alteration.
Similarly, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), targeting LINE‑1 RNA, have demonstrated promising outcomes in the mouse models of premature aging, reducing transposon expression and improving the genomic stability and lifespan.
These RNA-based platforms, including siRNAs, ASOs, and CRISPR–Cas13 systems, stand out because they are not only reversible but also tunable, allowing for a controlled therapeutic window and safer clinical application as compared to permanent DNA edits.
To deliver these tools effectively, scientists are adapting lipid nanoparticles similar to those used in mRNA vaccines for targeted delivery to the brain and aging tissues.
Researchers are also looking for epigenetic drugs that restore DNA methylation and repressive histone modifications at LINE‑1 loci, reinforcing the genome’s natural defense system.
Some scientists even speculate that natural differences in TE suppression might explain why certain people live longer, healthier lives. Credit: sporlab
This multi-pronged, reversible approach offers a promising path toward treating or even preventing TE‑driven aging and disease.
Could Blocking Jumping Genes Become Preventive Medicine?
If LINE-1 activity truly contributes to aging, then suppressing it might:
Delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases
Reduce cancer risk by preserving genome stability
Enhance immune function by minimizing inflammaging
Maintain tissue regeneration and organ health
Imagine reaching your 70s or 80s with the cognitive sharpness and mobility of someone much younger by simply preventing genomic self-sabotage.
Some scientists even speculate that natural differences in TE suppression might explain why certain people live longer, healthier lives. Genetics, lifestyle, and environment may all influence how tightly these elements are kept under wraps.
Furthermore, lifestyle interventions like exercise, a healthy diet, and certain plant polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin) are being studied for their potential to influence cellular processes, including gene expression, DNA damage, and inflammation, suggesting that they could play a role in maintaining transposon silencing, opening the door to combined strategies involving both pharmaceuticals and lifestyle adjustments.
But Let’s Not Demonize All Transposons
As promising as this line of research is, we must remember that not all jumping genes are harmful.
In embryonic development, transposons help regulate genes and contribute to genomic diversity. Some elements may even play protective roles in specific contexts. Silencing them completely, without nuance, could interfere with essential biological functions.
Therefore, the goal isn’t total suppression. It’s context-specific control that is quieting jumping genes when they become harmful, especially in aged or diseased tissues.
A balanced approach ensures that we maintain the beneficial evolutionary roles of these sequences while minimizing their negative impact on aging and disease.
What’s Next? From Lab Bench to Human Trials
The road to clinical use is still being paved. Scientists need to:
Run long-term safety studies on RNA-targeted therapies
Understand tissue-specific roles of different transposons
Design tailored delivery systems for different organs
Explore biomarkers that signal when LINE-1 suppression is needed
Combine TE suppression with other anti-aging strategies for synergy
But momentum is growing. Research is expanding from animal models to human tissues. Some early-stage clinical projects are even looking at using reverse transcriptase inhibitors for age-related conditions beyond HIV.
The vision? A new class of anti-aging drugs targets the genomic saboteurs we’ve long ignored. These therapies could eventually join the growing arsenal of longevity science alongside senolytics, NAD boosters, and stem cell technologies.
The Future of Aging Science
We used to think of aging as something inevitable, slo,w and passive decline. But what if part of that decline is driven by internal saboteurs we can tame?
Jumping genes may have helped our ancestors evolve, but in our later years, they become unpredictable and disruptive. Now, with a blend of old antivirals and next-gen RNA tools, we have a chance to fight back.
By targeting the root causes of genomic instability and inflammation, we may not only treat disease but also redefine what it means to grow old.
We stand on the edge of a new era in medicine, one where aging could be managed not by treating its symptoms but by addressing its genomic triggers. And that shift may begin with taming the restless, jumping genes within us.
De Cecco, M., Ito, T., Petrashen, A. P., Elias, A. E., Skvir, N. J., Criscione, S. W., Caligiana, A., Brocculi, G., Adney, E. M., Boeke, J. D., Le, O., Beauséjour, C., Ambati, J., Ambati, K., Simon, M., Seluanov, A., Gorbunova, V., Slagboom, P. E., Helfand, S. L., Neretti, N., … Sedivy, J. M. (2019). L1 drives IFN in senescent cells and promotes age-associated inflammation. Nature, 566(7742), 73–78. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0784-9https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30728521/
Vallés-Saiz, L., Ávila, J., & Hernández, F. (2023). Lamivudine (3TC), a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor, Prevents the Neuropathological Alterations Present in Mutant Tau Transgenic Mice. International journal of molecular sciences, 24(13), 11144. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241311144https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37446327/
Abudayyeh, O. O., Gootenberg, J. S., Essletzbichler, P., Han, S., Joung, J., Belanto, J. J., Verdine, V., Cox, D. B. T., Kellner, M. J., Regev, A., Lander, E. S., Voytas, D. F., Ting, A. Y., & Zhang, F. (2017). RNA targeting with CRISPR-Cas13. Nature, 550(7675), 280–284. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature24049https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28976959/
