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

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

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