TED Health
Are life-saving medicines hiding in the world's coldest places? | Normand Voyer
Dec 19, 2023
Chemist Normand Voyer explores the mysterious molecular treasures found in plants thriving in the cold. These organisms hold immense medical promise. Researchers investigate and extract natural substances with potential antimalarial properties. The importance of preserving biodiversity in the coldest places on Earth is highlighted, along with ongoing efforts to search for new natural substances and medicines.
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Quick takeaways
- Organisms in the Arctic produce unique chemicals to protect themselves, which could hold immense medical promise
- The Arctic's molecular treasures, such as Mortiamites, have the potential to provide solutions to global health challenges
Deep dives
Searching for Medical Solutions in the Arctic
Normand Voyi, a natural product chemist, explores the Arctic in search of peculiar fungi and lichens that may hold medical solutions. By studying the unique stresses and conditions faced by organisms in the Arctic, Normand believes that they produce chemicals to protect themselves. For example, lichens in the northern ecosystem have defense chemicals that efficiently block UV rays. Through careful research and analysis of lichens, Normand has discovered 13 natural substances, including two that are unique in the world. These findings open up new possibilities for drugs to treat diseases and inspire further research.
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