Technology at it's Best

Technology plays a huge factor when it comes to understanding internal body systems. Humans rely on medical technology for diagnosing and curing illness. There are many different machines and computer researchers that have significantly impacted the health care development for the better.

The use of medical technology has been able to diagnose many different illnesses. The X-ray machine, invented in 1875 is used to penetrate solid objects. It is a form of electromagnetic force and is capable of diagnosing many bone and soft tissue conditions. It works by using x-rays to expose film. The machine emits electromagnetic waves and exposes the different internal parts of the body.

Surgeons using x-ray technology

MRI scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is another example of a technology contribution to medical development. MRI scans are extremely accurate and are often used by neurosurgeons to detect brain trauma. It is capable of detecting many abnormalities including tumours, strokes, and brain aneurysms. These scans are also used to evaluate the spinal chord, joint structure, and many organs in the circulatory system.

A safe and painless procedure

Aside from the scanning devices, technology has also allowed a pill cam to be a safe and reliable method for internal examination. The pill cam is an ingestible capsule that contains a miniature camera. They are frequently used in the digestive system to diagnose damage and disease.

The ingestible camera pill.

The stethoscope is an overlooked medical invention that is used as an acoustic medical device. It is essential for basic measurements in the circulatory system. It is capable of listening to the lungs, intestines, arteries, and veins.

Don't you LOVE stethoscopes?

Other medical inventions include: Heart pacemakers, defibrillators, ultrasounds, and monitors. The list goes on with brilliant contributions to the health care industry. Technology plays an obvious role in diagnosing and curing a wide variety of illnesses.

What about Canada?

Fredrick Banting played a major role in one of the most recognized Canadian contributions to medicine. The discovery of insulin took place in 1992. Prior to this invention, diabetes meant a certain death. levels of glucose stimulate the cells of the pancreas to increase the amount of insulin absorbed into the blood. Insulin was found to circulate around the body and stimulate muscle and liver cells to take glucose. It is a hormone that reduces blood sugar levels. With the help of technology, Banting was able to assist in this life changing discovery.

Without technology, these medical advancements would not be possible. These devices and discoveries have all contributed to the understanding of our internal body systems. They have without a doubt saved millions of lives in safe and easy methods.

Websites Used:

http://bloodsugardiabetic.com/diabetestreatment/insulin/how-does-insulin-work/

http://www.discoveriesinmedicine.com/To-Z/X-ray-Machine.html

http://nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/insulin/discovery-insulin.html

http://www.ehow.com/video_5112781_x_rays-used-today_.html

http://www.givenimaging.com/en-us/healthcareprofessionals/pages/FAQs.aspx

http://www.medicinenet.com/mri_scan/article.htm

Images:

http://www.bytelove.com/images/uploads/Gadgets/linuxgear/x-ray-tux-sticker.jpg

http://www.badgerboomers.com/tag/heart

http://www.gadgetspage.com/wp-content/uploads/pillcam.jpg

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Industrial Agriculture: is it Worth it?

The importance of feeding the growing population versus the conservation of bio-diversity has been under controversy for many years now. The term Industrial agriculture refers to the modern form of farming in which machinery and chemicals replace human labour. This allows animals and plants to have more desirable traits to satisfy human consumption and our population. Sustainable agriculture refers to the practice of farming using natural methods. These methods are healthy for animals, consumers and the environment. So is it more important to feed the growing population at a rapid rate or is it more important to sustain biodiversity?

Although Industrial agriculture can produce food faster and at a higher quality, it contains many costs that negatively impact our society. Large amounts of water, chemicals, and energy are being used to maintain the industry. This means waste and chemicals accumulate in water and ground. Fertilizers and pesticides often flow into water systems where many organisms are damaged. Fossil fuels are used and contribute to ozone pollution. Billions of dollars worth of environmental damage take place every year. Aside from environmental issues, there are also economic expenses. There are indirect costs required for the energy of modern agriculture; Fuel, pesticides, and fertilizers just to name a few. With the chemicals going into our foods, there is also an increased health risk. Many negative factors come with Industrial agriculture that can strongly impact our society.

Water pollution from an industrial agriculture farm

The treatment of animals in Industrial and factory farms is said to be inhumane. Approximately 5000 Americans die every year from food contamination related to factory farming. It is said that industrial agricultural farmer act upon maximizing profits without regard for human health. Crops associated with industrial farming often contain more nitrates and have been under heavy use of pesticides which can increase the risk of cancer.

Animals often given little room when being raised.

Sustainable agriculture is a much more environmentally efficient way of farming. Limited or no pesticides or chemicals are used in the process. Farmers are able to use animal manure as fertilizer, replacing the use of chemical fertilizers. A common misconception is that without industrial agriculture, there would not be enough food for the world. However, world hunger is not caused by lack of food, but rather poverty. People live in areas where access to food is denied, as well as the owning of land. The health of the consumers as well as animals would be much better as opposed to that of industrial farming. Sustainable farms also help to conserve biodiversity by raising a wide range of animal breeds and crop varieties.

Although industrial agriculture may be quicker and more profitable, sustainable agriculture will protect our biodiversity as well as the health of humans and our environment. Sustainable agriculture reduces pollution and risks of diseases. Our technology of industrial agriculture farming has been taken advantage of, and is now putting our environment at risk.

Sustainable agrigulture offers a safer environment

Websites Used:

http://www.sustainabletable.org/intro/comparison/

http://www.keepmainefree.org/myth6.html

http://scienceblogs.com/worldsfair/2009/05/industrial_agriculture_v_susta.php

http://lifemorenatural.com/?p=1155

http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm

http://www.alternet.org/story/13900/

http://www.economywatch.com/agriculture/types/industrial.html

Blogs Commented on:

http://bioblog-erica.blogspot.com/

http://what-the-bio.blogspot.com/

Our Kids Our Future

Ever since 2004, the huge controversy of designer babies has been overflowing the media. Technology has developed so greatly that genetic modification could be performed on humans. The big question is, is it ethically acceptable?

Although the process has not been mastered yet, it is only a matter of time before scientists will able to safely perform the procedure. The main two reasons for designer babies are medical purposes, and cosmetic purposes. Some people say it is unethical to modify humans. Some say there are many benefits and it should be acceptable. I stand somewhere in between the two arguments.

It is almost certain that the future will be able to master genetic engineering

Although I believe it is true that the parents should accept their child no matter the genes they are given, in some cases, genetically engineering can be beneficial and prevent common diseases such as Down syndrome and blood diseases. If our technology is capable of safely removing these diseases, then I support them. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis or PGD, is the term used to refer to embryo screening for medical purposes. I feel this is an excellent and safe procedure that can eliminate all unwanted diseases. If today’s technology allows us to diagnose and remove genes that cause harmful disease, then I think it is morally acceptable for us to perform these actions. Designing babies has been proven to save lives as well as successfully remove diseases. I think humans should take advantage of this technology and use it whenever necessary.

However, I do not support the modification of genes for cosmetic purposes. Designing babies should only be used for causes that will save lives or remove diseases. It should not be used to simply choose specific traits of a child. Designing a child for the wrong reasons can limit the Childs ability to make choices. There are certain characteristics that could be given to a child, however the child may not want to obtain them. Certain races and ethnicities will be rarer in the future if designing babies becomes more common. This can trigger an increase in discrimination and exclusion. The process of genetic modifications should be done under control with valid reasoning.

The risks of genetically engineering are very high, and they should not be taken for unnecessary reasons. The results are unpredictable and can have an effect on other genes. Any small errors can lead to death and other issues. When technology finally masters genetic engineering, I am almost positive it will be extremely costly. Certain traits and characteristics shouldn’t be only available to the wealthy. When the ability to change physical features and characteristics is made possible, it may be abused and can have negative impacts on our society. I believe that humans should have the control to refrain from designing babies for any reason other than medical.

Some things should be left alone.

Blogs commented on:

http://graceelkhechen.blogspot.com/2010/11/designer-babies-future-generation.html#comment-form

http://biologyislyfe.blogspot.com/2010/11/bio-engineered-kids.html#comments

Websites Used:

http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html

http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/dbcont1.htm

http://www.pgdcenter.com/

Don't Forget Water

“Humans are the most invasive species.” This doesn’t necessarily mean negative things. Humans all around the world are making movements to create a positive impact on today’s biodiversity. Aquatic life is the most overlooked endangered species. Whales, dolphins, turtles, and fish are killed by the thousands from simple and preventable causes. The World Wildlife Fund is one of the world’s largest international conservation organizations. It’s a non-governmental organization that focuses on environmental related projects. Over 1300 projects are currently taking place everyday!

The humpback whale. Often killed for its bones and meat.

So what exactly is the WWF doing? Let’s start with our lakes. The great Canadian shoreline cleanup is a huge project calling everyone from all over the world. Volunteers simply clean the shore of the Canadian great lakes. This massively reduces litter and animal debris which are harmful to certain aquatic species. Last year, the same project cleaned nearly 2,500 km of shore! Imagine all the wildlife that saved. Other than the lakes, projects include anti-whaling campaigns, and illegal fishing prevention. A team of people stop the killing of whales and whale testing to conserve the endangered species. Many organizations all over the world patrol the waters to prevent over fishing and killing of illegal species. Thousands of threatened species are saved to conserve our wildlife. The WWF is calling for a set of regulations and brought attention to the importance of water cleanliness and aquatic life. This relates to the harmful oil spill in the gulf of Mexico.

Lake Superior after the Great Shore Cleanup

Aside from volunteers, the government is also contributing their part to saving wildlife. The WWF works with the government and first nations to help develop plans and execute them. Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) states specific endangered species and laws against hunting. Certain fish and whales were made illegal to kill because of the rarity. The WWF tracks and manages the decisions made to sustain our biodiversity, saving millions of animals. Humans everywhere are taking steps towards saving biodiversity, and creating a cleaner earth. Humans can prevent the deaths of endangered species and turn our waters into a clean environment for aquatic life.

Sources:

http://wwf.ca/about_us/successes/

http://wwf.ca/conservation/oceans/

http://wwf.ca/takeaction/events/gcsc.cfm

http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm

http://marinebio.org/Oceans/Threatened-Endangered-Species.asp

http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/cetaceans/whalesanddolphins.html

http://s3.amazonaws.com/picable/2008/04/28/152640_Lake-Superior_620.jpg

Comments:

http://jaelorenz.blogspot.com/2010/09/world-wide-fund-for-nature-wwf.html#comments

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