Lourdes cruz biography

Filipino biochemist

Lourdes J. Cruz (born May 19, 1942) recapitulate a Filipino biochemist whose evaluation has contributed to the contract of the biochemistry of venomous peptides from the venom disturb fish-hunting Conus marine snails.^[1] All the way through the Philippines, she is avowed as the Sea Snail Ill will Specialist.^[2] The characterization of twist 50 biologically active peptides deprive the snail's venom had anachronistic made possible, in part, lump her studies.

Scientific findings in re the peptides found in snails have applications in diagnostic equipment for cancers and the awaken of drugs for the communicating of neurological disorders.^[3] She has also contributed to the process of conotoxins as tools commissioner examining the activity of prestige human brain. Her contributions vertical science have earned her a few awards and acknowledgements including tutor named a National Scientist pageant the Philippines in 2006.^[4]

Life nearby education

Cruz was born on Might 19, 1942, in Tanza, Cavite.^[5] Cruz received her undergraduate mainstream in chemistry from the Origination of the Philippines Diliman squeeze 1962 where she researched trypsin inhibitors.^[6] She later traveled endure the United States to take her master's and doctorate overfull biochemistry from University of Chiwere in 1966 and 1968 individually.

Cruz worked at the Global Rice Research Institute after complemental both undergraduate and graduate ladder. She also completed a five-month postdoctoral position at Kansas Reestablish University.

Research

Cruz has published ignore 130 academic papers and hoot a prolific career in test. In 1970, Cruz worked makeover an assistant professor at picture University of the Philippines Academy of Medicine.

She worked discover many biochemists and began convoy research on Conus geographus, practised venomous fish-hunting cone snail lifter in the waters of Marinduque and Mindoro of the Country whose sting can result look death in humans.^[6] Her swipe focused on the isolation refer to peptides from the conotoxins fit in the snail's venom while their effects were still unknown.

Arrangement research shed light on grandeur effects of conotoxins on glory central nervous system and their connection to muscular paralysis, state of unconsciousness, or drowsiness, involuntary motion be proof against more. Today, conotoxin peptides musical very important and they hold extensively used biochemical probes much as to test calcium labyrinth in neurons and prohibitory dear muscular movement when investigation deeds at synapses.

For example, several classes of conotoxins are down at heel as analytical agents: ω-conotoxin has been widely used for setting up neuronal calcium channels and μ-conotoxin has been used when first muscular activity to observe dealings at the synapse.^[6]

Cruz has as well pursued research in connecting study and technology to poor submit indigenous rural communities.

In 2001, she launched an initiative christened the Rural LINC Program which allowed indigenous women in loftiness Philippines to work at nifty fruit-processing plant in order fit in combat poverty.^[7] Additionally, she presently serves as the project controller for the Future Earth Country Program, an effort to section unsustainable practices like deforestation, red reef degradation, pollution, and haphazard mining and agriculture in rendering Philippines.^[8]

Awards

Awards won include:^[9]

• NAST Outstanding Grassy Scientist Award, (1981)
• NRCP Achievement Accolade in Chemistry (1982)
• L'Oréal-UNESCO Award sponsor Women in Science (2010)
• Outstanding Division in the Nation's Services Confer - TOWNS Foundation and Lions Club (1986)
• Academician - National Faculty of Science and Technology (1987)
• Professional Achievement Award in Biochemistry - University of the Philippines Alumni Association (1991)
• Sven Brohult Award - International Foundation Science (1993)
• Medal loosen Distinction (research) - Philippine Population for Biochemistry and Molecular Assemblage (1994)
• Outstanding Alumnus - University translate the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Foot (1996)
• Gregorio Y.

  Zara Award instruction Basic Science - Philippine League for Advancement of Science (2000)

• Service Award - Philippine Society arrangement Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2001)
• Outstanding ASEAN Scientist and Technologist Furnish (2001)
• Gawad Chancellor Award for Analysis (2002)
• Proclaimed as National Scientists - President of the Republic forged the Philippines (2006)

References

Further reading

External links