Abstract Depression is often assuaged by a change in circumstances or a visual, olfactory, or gustatory stimulus. This essay identifies the underlying neurobiological and clinical causes of depression, especially, chronic depression. It also explores the medications that either have been used in the past or are currently in use. It also considers other factors that cause depression, such as sociological concerns, adverse reactions to drugs, and an emotional crisis.
From the Paper "Non-neuronal hormones are also implicated in depression. This is associated with an increased level of the hormone cortisol that is secreted by the adrenal glands located near the kidneys. Cortisol levels have been shown to decrease when the symptoms of depression go away. Even cortisol secretion finds its origin in the brain. The hypothalamic region in the brain makes corticotrophic-releasing hormone. This then stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotrophic hormone. The next step in this pathway is the secretion of higher (than necessary) levels of cortisol. (Mackin & Allan H. Young, 2004)."
Abstract This paper examines how past research on procreation technology has provided numerous opportunities for infertile couples, or individuals wishing to become pregnant, a chance at creating life. It looks at how, in thirty-five years, the technology has advanced from extra-corporeal test tube babies to major breakthroughs in stem cell research, frozen embryo transfer, and cloning. It also discusses how the ethical implications of this research continues to be at the heart of many heated debates. It examines how society has changed in light of this technology.
From the Paper "Procreation technology is the science, research and technology associated with creating human life. The first extra-corporeal, outside the human body, fertilization of human egg by human sperm in occurred in 1969 (Garrett, 1999). Until this time all human procreation had taken place inside a woman's body. Dr. Robert Edwards conducted research for almost ten years (and one hundred and three attempts) before the first successful test-tube baby was born in 1978; her name is Louis Brown. Since this time the field of procreation technology has exploded. The more science reveals about the human body the more we are able to manipulate and control aspects of procreation believed possible only in science fiction novels."
Abstract This paper begins with an explanation of what DNA is and then describes its function, appearance, and structure. Next, the paper gives examples of good DNA and bad DNA and explains each form of DNA testing, how it is done, why it is done, and the results. Additionally, the paper explains DNA fingerprinting.
From the Paper "Every human body is made up of deoxyribonucleic acid, also known as DNA. DNA the responsibility of DNA is to preserve, copy, and send out information within the cells from generation to generation. (Mitochondrial DNA and Human Evolution) In humans, DNA molecules are made up of two strands that wrap and twist around each other. (Darwin to DNA, Molecules to Humanity) They look like a twisted ladder. When it looks like this, it is referred to as a double helix. DNA is enclosed in chromosomes. Chromosomes are the cells within the DNA that carry the gene information. (Inheritance of Mental Illness) (Genes and the Mind) They are located in the nucleus of every cell."
Abstract This paper explains that the three elements of language ? abstractness, grammar, and cultural ramifications ? are not unique to human language, but merely more advanced or merely more evident from our perspective than the language of animals. The author points out that chimps and parrots in laboratory settings seem capable of grasping abstract terms (such as "mad" or "bad" or "blue"), generating new combinations of words to express new ideas, and referring to distant events or objects. The paper relates that animals may be more driven by instinct than by learned behavior, yet they show a propensity, in many cases, to learn language.
From the Paper "Grammar is one of the strictest supposed differences between human and animal languages. Grammar involves the organization of discrete words into complex sentences that have specific required orders and syntaxes. Even human sign language tends to require certain specific syntaxes. While animals appear capable of understanding syntax, there is little evidence that they use it in communication (though it is difficult to prove a negative). According to one influential chimp research, Terrace, "No chimpanzee has learned sign language. They"ve certainly learned some gestures, but sign language is not just a system of gestures. It's a full, grammatical language with its own systematic grammar, like Latin.? The lack of grammar is evident in cases such as that of Koko, one of the stars of the talking-chimp movement."
Abstract This paper discusses the controversial issue of genetic engineering. Darwin's perspective on the topic is explained as the next step in the evolution of the human capacity to ensure the survival of the species. The paper introduces the issue of cloning in order to debate in favor of genetic engineering. The paper emphasizes that the science of genetics should be applied with ethical responsibility.
From the Paper "According to Darwin, the survival of a species is determined by the degree of strength of its members. Thus, the "fittest" in terms of physical prowess as well as to a degree mental capacity survives. Human beings have long used their mental capacity to overcome the challenges of the physical environment. The very first discoveries of tools, fire and the wheel have set the species apart from the rest of life on earth. Human beings use their mental capacity to create tools in order to ensure and facilitate their survival in the face of challenges such as weather, predators and illness. From the Darwinian viewpoint, genetic engineering is simply the next step in the evolution of the human capacity to ensure the survival of their species."
Abstract The debate about nature vs. nurture has raged on for many years. This paper discusses how, the more society learns about science, the more it learns that nature has a significant impact on the shaping and development of a person. It explains that this is important because it will change the way law enforcement agencies, educators, and others plan for the future. Rehabilitation, preparation for students, and other things will be looked at from a different angle once it becomes accepted that nature and genetics, through an evolutionary process, provide the cornerstone for development in the shaping of people.
From the Paper "Those who believe in the nurture theory argue that it is in the raising of the child and the lessons he or she is taught that ultimately shapes the end result. Those who favor the nature side of the argument disagree, and believe that the genetic component is much more important than anyone realizes when it comes to the eventual adult creation.
Two experts in the field of science when it comes to human nature believe that nature is the underlying driving force behind the design of people."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of hybrid vehicles. Specifically, it argues that, since it has been proven that the technology for hybrid vehicles works, we should only build and sell hybrid vehicles so that we can help reduce the damage done to the nation's air quality.
From the Paper "Hybrid electric vehicles have been talked about for many years. It is only in the last decade that they have been made both affordable and applicable to the daily lives and commutes of millions of Americans. Dictionary.com defines the word "hybrid" as: "Something of mixed origin or composition." Indeed, these vehicles, produced primarily by Japanese manufacturers Toyota and Honda at the present, combine the best of two fuel sources ? gasoline and electric. This technology uses the best of each type of fuel, and can save drivers at least 50 percent at the fuel pumps (Editors). In addition to being less costly to drive, HEVs are much cleaner than conventional gas and diesel engines. They do not pollute as much, and this is a vital consideration for the air quality in America, and in the world. Our air quality is suffering dramatically, and automobile emissions are one of the leading causes in the depletion of our overall air quality."
Abstract This paper provides background information on genetic engineering and then delves into a consideration of the ethical and moral issues concerning this technology. Next, the paper describes some of the benefits of potential applications of genetic engineering and refutes the main arguments presented by those who oppose genetic engineering.
From the Paper "Genetic engineering and cloning have played important roles in agriculture for many generations. Bananas and seedless grapes, for example, are, quite literally, living genetic clones (Krock, 2001). Prior to the last decade of the 20th Century, human cloning was purely a subject of science fiction, but by the dawn of the 21st Century,
researchers had already cloned several mammals successfully."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of proteins and protein folding to the human body. The paper explains that, during the different stages of protein folding that include primary, secondary, tertiary and sometimes-quaternary structures, the protein becomes susceptible to incorrect folding by binding with other molecules. The paper explores these "misfoldings", which may cause diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, and many cancers. The paper states that researchers continue to try and comprehend the reasons and methods of protein "misfolding" to further our knowledge of the diseases that are caused by it.
From the Paper "Proteins are the biochemical molecules that make up cells, organs and organisms. (1) Like the larger structures, proteins also put themselves together, in a process termed "folding." Protein folding is the process by which a protein assumes its functional shape or conformation. All protein molecules are simple unbranched chains of amino acids, but it is by coiling into a specific three-dimensional shape that they are able to perform their biological function. The proteins fold into either alpha or beta helices with the assistance of chaperon proteins. (1)"
Abstract This paper claims that environmental oil spills are one of the most hazardous and preventable accidents that occur. The paper explains that, although there are a number of agencies that support the ongoing transport of oil via major waterways, by and large, such transport often leads to devastating consequences. The paper describes the importance of the establishment of stringent protocols for the safe transport of oil across waterways. The paper contends that environmental protection agencies need to work in collaboration with tanking and shipping organizations to ensure that every measure is taken to protect the environment from the hazardous effects of oil spills.
From the Paper "Many oil tanker companies and major corporations such as Exxon have adopted protective measures to help guard against spills in the future. Despite these efforts however spills, small or large in nature continue to occur. Exxon even had another oil spill that was much smaller, but a spill nonetheless a few years after the Valdez disaster. Most of the companies involved in spills argue that the environment and ecosystems affected can recovery quickly and efficiently, and that most environments can return to a normal state of existence as they were before a spill. It is according to Dicks (1998) unrealistic to define recovery as a return to pre-spill conditions but rather recovery is defined as the re-establishment of a healthy biological community in which the plants and animals characteristic of that community are present and functioning normally (Dicks, 1998:2). Generally the area will not have the same composition or structure that was present prior to a spill and continues to change over time."
Abstract This paper explains the potential benefits of stem cells result from the fact that they can transform themselves into literally any cell in the body, thus replacing the injured or damaged organs, which will render today's medicines obsolete. The author points out that there are formidable challenges to be overcome; the most serious is the 'ethical' opposition to stem cell research led by pro-life advocates who consider the use of embryos for creating stem cell lines as the killing of potential human beings. This has resulted in restriction of federal funding for stem cell research. The paper states that there are several formidable scientific barriers, such as the tendency of the immune systems to attack transplanted cells, which have to be crossed; therefore, the author believes that stem cell research deserves full support.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Types of Stem Cells
How Are Stem Cell Lines Created?
Sources of Stem Cells for Research Purposes
Fertility Clinics
Aborted Fetuses
Cloning
Made to Order
The Ethics of Stem Cell Research
Arguments Against Stem Cell Research Arguments for Stem Cell Research
Other Ethical Concerns
Issue of Federal Funding
Conclusion
From the Paper "One of the most dramatic breakthroughs in the history of biological research occurred in November 1998, when two independent teams of American researchers managed to isolate and grow a special kind of human cell called the stem cell. Until then, scientists had struggled long and hard to isolate the elusive cells but capturing them had proved difficult. One reason for this difficulty was that most stem cells only exist in their original form for a short time before turning into the various specialized cells of the body; the other was that the cells need a highly specialized environment to keep them alive outside the body. Other scientists had previously succeeded in culturing stem cells for only short periods; the 'breakthrough' accomplishment was that the pioneering scientists successfully created conditions under which the stem cells could replicate over time without specializing."
Abstract This paper seeks to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and the need to improve its recognition; more studies are needed to provide the possibility of a genetic marker from the density of white and gray matter in the brain. It compares and contrasts two journal articles on bipolar disorder and gray and white matter in the brain.
From the Paper "Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that involves both manic and depressive phases that affects one's mood, emotions, and behavior. The mood disorders can be depressive episodes, manic episodes, or mixed episodes. Some symptoms of the depressive state would be a down mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, weight loss or gain, sleep problems, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt, problems thinking or concentrating, thoughts of death, suicidal attempt, etc. Some symptoms of the manic state of bipolar would be elevated or irritable mood, inflated self-esteem, sleeplessness, more talkative than usual, flight of ideas or racing thoughts, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity or hyperactivity, excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, etc. One or more of these episodes may be followed immediately by its opposite. A mixed episode would be the simultaneous occurrence of both of the above stated episodes."
Abstract This paper explains that many people in America see stem cell research as a potentially life-saving technology but others suggest that the manipulation of the building blocks of life is immoral and perhaps even murderous. The author points out that, in the past, it was a commonly accepted scientific practice to experiment on asylum inmates and criminals; today, it is becoming difficult even to justify experimenting on animals. Therefore, because of this expansion of moral sentiment, many religious groups and other bioethicists tend to look with some suspicion of anything resembling human experimentation. The paper relates the evidence that stem cells might possibly provide miraculous cures is somewhat lacking because of the restrictions under which scientists must operate in the area of stem cell research.
From the Paper "In heated public debates, both sides may loose track of the fact that not all stem cells are harvested in the same way, and there may be some way to resolve this conflict without jeopardizing scientific research. Stem cells, which are fully unspecialized and proliferate, may be harvested from blastocysts, but they can also be harvested from the cord-tissue of newborns, and possible harvested in smaller numbers from blastocysts without destroying those embryos. "All stem cells-regardless of their source-have three general properties: they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods; they are unspecialized; and they can give rise to specialized cell types.""
Abstract Since the ban on creating new embryonic stem cells in the United States went into effect, researchers in stem cell technology have been forced to limit their research to the existing lines of stem cells or to the less flexible adult stem cells. This paper examines moral and ethical issues which are connected to stem cell research.
Paper Outline:
What are Stem Cells?
Current US Policy on Stem Cell Research
Moral and Ethical Issues
Advice for Government
Works Cited
From the Paper "Critics of the Bush government's policy against cutting federal funding for new stem cell lines point out that the United States is falling behind in stem cell research (Devitt 2003). This means that European countries could be the first to develop, market and therefore benefit from cures for several illnesses. Given the potential of stem cells for curing a host of diseases, this could also mean that the United States could lose its dominance in medical research."
Abstract This paper describes the coral reef ecosystem, briefly discussing its history, structural characteristics, and how it benefits humans. The paper then discusses the current status of coral reefs, explaining how almost all the coral reef ecosystems are threatened because of pollution and over fishing. Finally, the paper talks about what is being done to protect the reefs as well as what still needs to be done.
Introduction
Structural Characteristics
Benefits to Humans
Current Status
What Should be Done?
How is the U.S. Government Helping?
How Can We All Help?
From the Paper "Coral reefs are one of the oldest ecosystems in the world, existing for more than 450 million years. A coral reef is a type of biotic reef that develops in tropical waters. Coral reefs are found in all oceans of the world, generally between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn because the reef-building corals are living in this waters. A water temperature of 20 to 28?C is needed for growth of the coral reef. Massive reef structures are built over thousands of years by tiny coral polyps aided by minute algae called zooxanthellae that live in their tissues, calcifying algae, and other organisms that secrete calcium carbonate and adhesives. The process of reef formation is heavily dependent upon photosynthesis by reef-building organisms. Once formed, the complex, rock-like reef framework provides food and shelter for the multitudes of organisms that inhabit the reef. "
