Perfection’s true beauty

Dr Fahim Chand | Monday May 20, 2024 06:00

Yet, its elusive nature often leads to the realisation that perfection’s true beauty lies in its absence; the imperfections are what make a work unique and human. By what standard could perfection be judged? Could it be the sun’s radiant sphere, whose light sustains all life on earth? The effortless charm of a perfect smile? As I stood, contemplating the panorama, I questioned its genuineness. I searched the hidden nooks for imperfections that hinted at our cherished planet’s touch. As I cast my gaze skyward, the spellbinding beauty of the flawless blue expanse mesmerised me.

My journey through this enchanting enclave continued, the transcendence unbroken. The perfect temperature, orchestrated by an unseen divine architect, surrounded me with an aura of serene tranquility. The buildings, initially appearing simple, revealed upon closer inspection an infusion of world-class design and materials, showcasing the best the world has to offer. Within this magnificence, the walkways were adorned with endless expressions of nature’s finest creations. Impossibly large and ornate flowers discharging the most vibrant and varied colours were framed by deep green foliage. I navigated this impossibly beautiful world with my wife Shabana. We were in an outdoor shopping mall in Northern California.

The shops offered the best fashion and products the world offered. Amidst this shopping paradise, the flowers commanded the most attention. Stopping at a plant display, Shabana leaned over and imbibed the fragrance of the largest and most beautiful pink rose I have ever seen. She smiled as she released the flower, and I knew I had to experience nature’s finest perfume for myself. As I leaned in, I lifted my right leg to steady myself on the stone platform surrounding the display. But I misjudged its height, causing my foot to collide with the edge. With the laws of physics firmly working against me, my momentum propelled me forward, and I tumbled into the magnificent display.

As I sheepishly looked up from my unexpected descent, I saw Shabana laughing hysterically. As the French say, “rire aux éclats”—she was laughing out loud! I steadied myself, and once the initial shock faded, I couldn’t help but laugh at the slapstick theatre that had unfolded. Though no one else seemed to witness my unexpected escapade, I’m sure they would have appreciated the humour in the situation. My kind-hearted wife took every opportunity to playfully remind me of my close encounter with nature’s finest each time we passed the “scene of the crime.” Her teasing was always accompanied by her delightful laughter. In the midst of life’s stresses, these moments of comic relief are vital. As a provider of this laughter, I was more than happy to do my part for humanity. While we can laugh about my “accident”, more serious incidents in the world require medical intervention, such as blood transfusions. Blood transfusions are a life-saving medical marvel, replacing depleted or damaged blood with fresh, healthy cells. The process hinges on blood typing to ensure donor and recipient compatibility. A mismatched transfusion can trigger dangerous immune reactions, becoming hazardous. Done correctly, transfusions restore health and offer a chance at a new life. As blood banks worldwide, especially in lower-income countries, grapple with scarce supplies of certain blood types, a solution may be on the horizon.

I recall working at Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana, where the blood bank’s low levels often prompted urgent blood drives. Researchers have found that common gut bacteria can manipulate enzymes in blood to create a universal donor type. Scaling up this process could have significant benefits for areas with blood shortages. Blood types are based on the presence of A and B antigens on red blood cells, with Group O lacking both. Transfusing the wrong type can be fatal.

The researchers from the Technical University of Denmark and Lund University discovered that the bacteria’s enzymes could remove A and B antigens, creating a safe, steady supply of universal donor blood. However, it’s too early to determine if this process will revolutionise transfusions. Clinical trials are needed, and even with success, commercial production is still years away.

Humans may not be the most physically resilient species, but we are undoubtedly the most ingenious. Our unyielding quest to enhance both the span and quality of life is tireless. This serious pursuit stands in stark contrast to my unplanned tumble into the flower display in California.