From the Paper "Advances in medicine and biology offer great possibilities for future medical procedures and for entirely new procedures such as genetic splicing to create new forms of life for good or ill. These new possibilities bring with them great responsibility and require that experimentation and development in biology be conducted following ethical precepts. The issues raised are not simple and are not easily answered, making it all the more vital that critical thinking be developed and applied to issues of bioethics. Cloning is only the newest scientific advance to raise such issues, but it is an issue we need to consider carefully and an issue that cannot be decided on the basis of first impressions alone. It raises questions of ethics and morality, and it poses a threat to our sense of self and of our own uniqueness and autonomy. Human cloning is not yet possible.."
From the Paper "As human beings, we are masters of our domain. We are the undisputed occupiers of the top rung of the food chain. In this, we have the burden of choice. We must decide where we will be merciful and where we will be ruthless, where we will defend and where we will persecute, where we will commit our attention and where we will be ignorant. We contend that reason and necessity govern our behavior. We believe, at least individually, that we are compassionate beings. And yet today, we are collectively ruthless, we collectively persecute, and we are collectively ignorant regarding those beings which are weaker than we: we are the cruel overlords of the animal kingdom.
At present, on an average day in the United States, 130,000 cattle, 7,000 calves, 360,000 pigs, and 24 million chickens are killed.."
From the Paper "This research paper will address the issues involved in stem cell research. The following topics will be included in the discussion: stem cell research with definition and uses, ethical issues, and legal issues; professional and personal experiences on moral positions; bioethical decision making with key individuals and moral stance, and value conflicts; who should make decisions; range of actions and outcomes; course of action; and evaluation of action results.
Stem Cell Research
Definition & Uses
Stem cell research involves investigation of the use of stem cells from human embryos to treat conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and cancer."
Background; role of science & Darwin's theories. Ethical issues & negative aspects of using genetics to produce "better people." Dangers of manipulating human genes. Nazi experiments. Human Genome Project.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 8 sources, 2001, $ 71.95
From the Paper "The eugenics movement started at the end of the nineteenth century with the application of scientific methods to human behavior and even to then human organism itself. Eugenics is the study of human genetics and of methods to improve inherited characteristics, physical both and mental, of the race. Eugenicists analyze human beings to see what characteristics are to be promoted and what characteristics are to be eliminated and then encourage breeding accordingly. In terms of the evolution of society at large, social Darwinism refers to a kind of social eugenics. Critics from the first insist that human beings cannot be treated as animals and that neither human behavior nor human evolution can be reduced to such simplistic ideas about improving the stock. While eugenics in its early forms has..."
Abstract The paper defines Dysmenorrhea as "difficult menstrual flow", and shows that it is a condition that is often underrated in terms of how life altering it can be and how even the simplest daily activities can be affected. The paper examines the symptoms and treatments of this disorder and uses graphs and illustrations to present information.
From the Paper "Approximately 50% of women in the world have this disorder, but the percentage could actually be higher due to the fact that many women overlook this as a possibility for causing discomfort during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea is a common cause of recurrent absence from work, school, or other activities (Mishell et al., 1997). Dysmenorrhea mainly affects younger women, especially between the ages of 15-19, a few years after menarche, which is when one experiences menstruation for the first time. The first few menstrual cycles after menarche are anovulatory, meaning ovulation does not occur, and without ovulation this disorder is nonexistent (Baker et al., 1999)."
Abstract The ethical treatment of animals in today's society has come to a crucial standoff between those who oppose any use of animals for testing along with the mistreatment of factory farm animals, and those who believe that the use of animals for such activities are important to protect and feed humans. The paper reflects where the line should be drawn - should animals have the same rights as humans, or are they of a lesser life-form and be used as a resource? This paper discusses the far extremes of this matter, being the absolute disregard for animals having any rights, versus the belief that animals are capable of feeling emotions and pain.
From the Paper "A small rat sits alone in a cage. On an hourly basis a chemical is pumped through the air supply. This is a project that will eventually kill the rat, but it might just save millions of humans. "Every day, consumers in more than 140 countries purchase P&G (Proctor & Gamble) products - from deodorants and shampoos to laundry detergents and household cleaners. They take for granted that these products will be safe when used as instructed. " Five chickens are crammed in a cage so tight they cannot turn around thus, their energy is stored in the body to create more flesh. Their beaks have been removed by heated blade so that they do not peck each other to death. Their feathers have been rubbed off and their skins chaffed. These chickens are deprived of light so that they will eat larger amounts of food. They will provide more poultry meat than any free range chickens. This isn't Old MacDonald's Farm."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine research on the involvement of the heart and its processes in relation to sleep apnea. The reviewed material begins with a definition of sleep apnea and discusses the stages and prevalence of the disease along with cardiac complications associated with the different types of the disease.
From the Paper "Cardiac Effects of Sleep Apnea
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to examine research on the involvement of the heart and its processes in relation to sleep apnea. The reviewed material begins with a definition of sleep apnea and discusses the stages and prevalence of the disease along with cardiac complications associated with the different types of the disease. This is followed by a discussion of respiratory and hemodynamic changes associated with sleep apnea. The final section discusses methods and treatments for sleep apnea and the effects of these on cardiac effects.
Sleep Apnea: Definition, Types and Prevalence
According to Dealberto, Ferber and Garma (1994) sleep apnea..."
From the Paper "Primates and humans share a lot of common behaviors, such as care of their young, reactions to stressful situations, and shyness, and are believed to show many similar emotions. The evolution of human behavior is studied by anthropologists who often try to piece it together by looking at primate models. This paper will look at the validity of such studies as ways to gain an understanding into the development of human behavior.
Scientists at the Laboratory of Clinical Studies in Poolesville, Maryland are studying the qualities which distinguish primate leaders from minions, incline females to prefer some males over others, and cause some monkeys to be ejected from a troop (Segell, 1996). The study has shown that the dominant males are not necessarily the most aggressive ones. Rule is usually be consensus rather than fiat, and their main..."
This paper compares and contrasts psychological and behavioral processes of human and animals; knowledge of animals gains a deeper comprehension of the similar processes in humans.
Abstract This paper discusses that both humans and animals have strong psychological needs that modify attitudes and behaviors. The author states that cognitive processes, including thinking, feeling, memorizing and perceiving, strongly influence the entire welfare of animals and humans. The paper concludes that there are acute differences between the humans and animals in their psychological processes that mutate their behavior.
From the Paper "Research demonstrates that learning about psychological and behavioral processes of both animals and humans can greatly assist psychologists, physiologists, biologists and most of all general public in ameliorating human/animal interaction and in the successful management of all animals. Over the years, physiological processes have been studied thoroughly and paid much attention to, however, psychological needs and behavioral processes associated to them have neither been examined nor researched, thereby neglecting the most cardinal facet of both animal and human behavior for exploration of the same proves that animals like humans have strong psychological needs that modify and determine their behavior."
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the Hepatitis C virus/disease. It introduces the disease and the virus that causes it. The paper talks about the pathophysiology and the natural history of the disease, followed by signs and symptoms, ways of transmission, risk factors and statistics (frequency, geographic and population, etc.). The paper also covers methods of treatment, screening tests, prevention of the disease, morbidity and mortality rates.
From the Paper "In the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum (site of protein and steroid synthesis, and detoxification) is the first organelle that undergoes a change after being infected with HCV. This causes the liver functions that depend on these processes to be altered. The degree of impairment depends on how much damage is done to the endoplasmic reticulum. Vascular tissues and tissues of the ducts then undergo inflammatory changes, leading to the diseased liver. The Hepatitis C virus is not sufficient to destroy or damage liver cells by itself. There is still not a full understanding of the complex process of liver cell injury and formation of fibrous tissue in the liver (4)."
Abstract This paper argues for and against the use of genetic engineering from a number of perspectives. It shows that, even though God has given man the knowledge to manipulate genes in such a way as to eliminate almost any blemish, the question remains whether this is the right thing to do. The paper mentions that, on the one hand, the scientific potential is mindboggling; but on the other hand, many fear that the power of eliminating certain types of genes, could be blown out of proportion.
From the Paper "The alteration of the genetic structure of any organism is done by means of Genetic engineering that provides characters beneficial or pleasing to the individual performing the alternation. In other words it is a treatment of the DNA or RNA pool (Sarah. 2002). For instance, the most greatly well known example of genetic engineering is the sheep Dolly that was cloned in the year 1996. Here, in order to create Dolly, the scientists took out cells from the udder of a pregnant, six year old ewe and then these cells were put into not related host eggs that had their DNA separated. Thus, as an alternate of creating one fertilized egg, a reproduction or a duplicate of an adult animal was made (Sarah. 2002)."
Abstract The paper begins by explaining the process of pollination and its necessity for reproduction. It distinguishes between different reproductive structures - sexual cells within the plant or cones. The paper first examines the procedure of cone-bearing pollination and then that of flowering pollination. This is followed by a study of self- pollination and the strengths and weaknesses possessed by species with this type of pollination. The benefits of cross-pollination are discussed and the paper concludes with a look at the role of pollinators.
From the Paper "Pollination is when pollen grains from the male structures of plants are transferred to the female structures of plants. The pollen grains are vital for reproduction ? they contain cells that will develop into male sex cells. The female structure contains the female sex cells, more commonly known as the egg. Pollination prepares the plant for fertilization ? when the two sex cells join. Nearly all grains, vegetables, wildflowers, trees, and fruits must go through pollination in order to produce seeds (or fruits). Pollination is also critically important in the reproduction of crops grown agriculturally, such as corn, rice, wheat, apples, tomatoes, and squash. (Dickson)"
Abstract This paper reviews the article "The little plankton that could... maybe" by Marx, which describes a new proposal to use plankton to fight global warming. The paper illustrates how high carbon dioxide levels cause global warming and that plankton trap carbon dioxide on the ocean floor, which could recreated the ecological balance. The paper questions the theory's feasibility and raises many unanswered questions.
From the Paper "The first question relates to how to increase plankton numbers. The options given involve fertilizing plankton the same way plants are fertilized. Chemicals essential for growth, such as nitrogen and iron, are dropped into the ocean. The article suggests this can be done by ship ?to essentially make up for their negative impact on the local environment.? The question that this leads to, is what impact this fertilizer will have on other sea life."
This paper provides a general overview on the data collected on twins regarding the question of personality development being influenced by nature or nurture. Includes the author's opinion and analysis at the end.
Abstract Explores the idea of using twins to determine whether personality development is acquired through environment or genes. The paper also covers the topics of IQ, behavior, disorders, diseases, life events and genetic constellations in twins. It includes some twin study results, as well as criticism of twin studies and evidence for twin studies. The paper concludes with the author's opinions and application of findings to education.
From the Paper 'Personality development in children and adults is one of life's greatest mysteries. Do we develop our personalities in accordance with the environment we grow up in and the events that are imposed upon us daily? Or do our genes and DNA determine whether we become popular and outgoing or introverted and rejected? This controversy of nature vs. nurture in the science of human psychology has raged on for centuries and probably will continue for years to come. A strong preference for one or the other has led the human population to measures of absurdity such as the eugenics (selective breeding) movement that was part of the purpose of the Holocaust. One of the reasons behind the difficultly in solving the nature vs. nurture problem is the near impossibility to scientifically test any theory that attempts to answer the question. This is where twins come in. They are the perfect specimens"two persons with the same DNA. Clones. Theoretically, if they grow up to have the same personalities, that means personality is inherited. If they don"t, that means personality is acquired through environment. Unfortunately, it isn?t as simple as that. There are many other factors to consider, such as the environments they were raised in, together or separately."
Abstract This paper examines the discoveries of two famous men, Galilei Galileo and Charles Darwin, and compares the way in which their respective ideas were accepted in their ages of discovery. It discusses how Galileo's discovery of the telescope and subsequent proving of the solar system's existence, led him to be branded as a heretic. The paper shows how Charles Darwin's 19th Century book "On the Origin of Species" also caused him to be labeled a heretic, especially when he related his theory to the evolution of man. The paper shows how both Galileo and Darwin undermined the Catholic church and in the face of enormous obstacles, eventually led people to accept their theories.
From the Paper Galileo Galilei once said, " All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them." Contrary to his thoughts, however, all truths are not easy to understand, and some are even harder to sustain. Upon his development of the telescope in 1609 Galileo was able to present empirical evidence to prove Copernicus' heliocentric view of the solar system. Regardless of his evidence Galileo met the same fate as his precursor as his findings were cast aside and he was labeled as a heretic."
