Prof VY General Concepts

Question 1

Types of scientific research (4)

Answer 1

1. Basic sciences
2. Translational sciences
3. Pre-clinical research
4. Clinical research (3 phases)

Question 2

Dynamic relationships among different types of research

Answer 2

Basic sciences -> Translational sciences -> Pre-clinical research -> Clinical research (3 phases)

Question 3

Source of fundings of basic research (2)

Answer 3

• government funds

- charity funds

Question 4

Source of fundings of applied research (1)

Answer 4

• private funds

eg companies & venture capitals

Question 5

Source of fundings of applied research (1)

Answer 5

• private funds

eg companies & venture capitals

Question 6

Goals of Basic Sciences (2)

Answer 6

• aim at gaining mechanistic understanding of biological phenomenon of possible importance to understanding human physiology or disease
• gain crucial insights on key concepts applicable to multiple biological systems

Question 7

Goal of Translational Sciences

Answer 7

• aim at finding ways to explore the information gained from basic science that may be suitable for exploitation for potential clinical application

Question 8

Goals of Basic Sciences (3)

Answer 8

• aim at gaining mechanistic understanding of biological phenomenon
• which is possibly important to understanding human physiology or disease
• may be applicable to multiple biological systems

Question 9

Goal of Clinical Research

Answer 9

• aims at testing in the most vigorous & unbiased manner of all aspects that are relevant for predicting safety & efficacy in broader patient population of the promising “clinical entity” using human subjects

Question 10

Basic sciences vs clinical & pre-clinical research (2+2)

Answer 10

Basic science

• more freedom & flexibility in pursuing their investigation
• more vigorously in highly controlled manner

Pre-clinical & Clinical research

• more focused
• highly regulated by pre-clinical guidelines

Question 11

Types of organisms used in basic science research (6)

Answer 11

• bacteria
• yeasts
• C. elegans worm
• drosophilia (fly)
• zebra fish
• mouse

Question 12

Goals for the different phases of clinical trials

• Phase l
• Phase ll
• Phase lll

Answer 12

Phase l
- safety & dosage

Phase ll

• safety & efficacy
• 100-500 patients

Phase lll

• safety & efficacy
• 1,000-5,000 patients

Question 13

Goals for the different phases of clinical trials

• Phase l
• Phase ll
• Phase lll

Answer 13

Phase l
- safety & dosage

Phase ll

• safety & efficacy
• 100-500 patients

Phase lll

• safety & efficacy
• 1,000-5,000 patients

Question 14

Goals for the different phases of clinical trials

• Phase l
• Phase ll
• Phase lll

Answer 14

Phase l
- safety & dosage

Phase ll

• safety & efficacy
• 100-500 patients

Phase lll

• safety & efficacy
• 1,000-5,000 patients

Question 15

An example of key organelles for processing & executing multiple apoptotic signals in mammalian cells

Answer 15

Mitochondria

Question 16

Bidentate ligand concept

Answer 16

• small molecular weight compounds with low to moderate binding affinity to proximal surfaces of target protein can be potentially bridged to achieve high binding affinity

Question 17

Requirements to become a “scientist” (2)

Answer 17

1. Hardware

2. Software

Question 18

Hardware

Answer 18

• aka hard skills

- knowledge on the important concepts & methodologies to carry out research & testing of hypotheses

Question 19

Software

Answer 19

• aka soft skills
• imagination & creativity
• can be nurtured

Question 20

How to nurture soft scientific skills (3)

Answer 20

ABC
A. Think great thoughts
B. Make great discoveries
C. Become a great scientist

Question 21

A. Think great thoughts (2)

Answer 21

• ask questions

- read & learn all the time & about everything

Question 22

B. Make great discoveries (2)

Answer 22

• notice everything

- reject nothing

Question 23

C. Become a great scientist (1)

Answer 23

• never give up