Abstract This paper explains the concept of stem cell research and explains in what situations this technology can be used. It also discusses the several advantages of this type of research, medically and scientifically. It reviews some of the opponents of stem cell research, but concludes that the potential benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
From the Paper "Many advances have come about in the last decade about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for many diseases. Some of these diseases include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, a nervous system disease like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. All of these diseases continue to deprive people of health, independence, and well being. Much research has been done about human development biology. This research has led to the discovery of human stem cells, embryonic stem cells, fetal stem cells, and adult stem cells. Although experiments have proven many breakthroughs in the conversion of a single undifferentiated cell into the different cells comprising the organs and tissues of the human body, much more research is needed. Taking cells from early human embryos and fetal stem cells from aborted, fetal tissue raise ethical, legal, religious and policy questions."
From the Paper "The thesis of the study is that the scientific pursuit of genetic cloning too often ignores the ethical and spiritual aspects of humanity. This study will examine some of the pros and cons of this subject, focusing on human cloning.
Just as animal cloning has been accomplished, it is likely that human cloning is also within the reach of science. However, the question is whether the benefits of cloning outweigh the drawbacks. Are human beings supposed to live longer, one result of cloning? Is the cloned human being, in fact, an authentic human being? Is the relative perfection afforded by cloning desirable, or is it a danger to the essence of human nature? The argument here is that individuality, imperfection, sickness and even death are natural parts of human existence and yet one promise of human cloning is to do away with these factors which..."
Abstract "The Hot Zone," by Richard Preston, outlines the history of the three filoviruses: Marburg, Ebola Sudan, and Ebola Zaire. The account consists of scientific information about the viruses, portrayals of the earliest victims, and descriptions of the medical procedures used to counteract the viruses.
From the Paper " "The Hot Zone," by Richard Preston, outlines the history of the three filoviruses: Marburg, Ebola Sudan, and Ebola Zaire. The account consists of scientific information about the viruses, portrayals of the earliest victims, and descriptions of the medical procedures used to counteract the viruses. The bulk of the book deals with the outbreak of what appeared to be Ebola Zaire at a primate facility on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., and the actions undertaken by the United States Army to contain the situation.
Early in 1980, a Frenchman living alone near Mount Elgon in western Kenya traveled to Kitum Cave; seven days later, he became extremely ill. By the time he arrived at Nairobi Hospital, his internal organs had become obstructed with blood clots, and his brain had begun to "liquefy," eradicating his personality (14)."
Abstract This paper discusses the possible origin and cause of AIDs and its effects on modern society. The paper looks at how and why it became an epidemic, the most vulnerable population groups affected by the disease, what may be dangerous to do and what is safe and the current treatment of the disease.
From the Paper "Rainforests are some of the most valuable resources we have, yet they are being destroyed in massive proportions. Many medicines, foods, natural insecticides and oil producing trees are found in the rainforest. The rainforest also holds endless possibilities for useful, undiscovered resources such as cures for disease and new food crops. The rainforest is also a big producer of the world?s? oxygen supply. When we destroy the rainforest, we are destroying our own oxygen supply. Many organizations have been battling to save the rainforests. If the destruction is to stop, a greater effort must be made to understand the causes behind the destruction of the rainforests. "
Abstract This review of Alzheimer's disease (AD) focuses on the various causes of the disease. It is a compilation of material gathered from various scientific journals. The review begins by giving an introduction of AD followed by a discussion of various factors believed to cause AD, such as: amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, apolipoprotein E, and genetic factors. The author concludes by stressing the need for more research into the causes of AD.
Introduction
Overview of Alzheimer's Disease
Pathological Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
Amyloid Plaques
Neurofibrillary Tangles
Genetic Factors in the Development of Alzheimer's Disease
Chromosome 19 and Apolipoprotein E
Other Genetic Factors
Presenilin
Conclusion
From the Paper "Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory loss and dementia. The precise mechanisms that cause AD are still unknown, however, certain factors that predispose individuals to Alzheimer's disease have been identified. Although no definitive cause has yet been discovered, this article reviews current research into various possible causes of AD, including the pathological causes, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Also the genetic factors that cause AD, such as apolipoprotein E (apoE) and presenilin gene."
Abstract This paper focuses on the causes and treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a type of autoimmune disorder that often mimics the symptoms of other connective tissue disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The author discusses which groups of people are most affected by lupus, what drugs are required, and what research is being conducted to combat this chronic disease.
From the Paper "Lupus is a debilitating illness for its sufferers and for the members of a sufferer's family. Four out of 10,000 people a year are diagnosed with lupus, and many may be suffering the ailment, undiagnosed. This paper will focus on the causes and treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is the form of the disease in common parlance referred to by the general term "lupus." The word "systemic" means the disease can affect many parts of the body, unlike Discoid Lupus Erythematosus that primarily affects the skin. SLE is a chronic disease, unlike Drug-induced Lupus that is caused by medication, or Neonatal Lupus that affects newborn babies of women who have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus."
Abstract This research demonstrates that not enough reliable evidence exists about the effects of Genetically Modified Foods to determine that they are safe. The writer claims that genetically modified foods should be banned until further testing, better evaluation methods, and valid studies on their safety and long term effects can be studied.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problems with Testing and Assessment
Health Canada Proposal
United Nations Proposal
Environmental Concerns
False information
Withheld Information
Health Effects
Resistance to Antibiotics
New Allergens
Public Opinion
Fears
Controversy over Testing and Labeling Issues
Conclusion
From the Paper "Scientists claim that genetically modified foods (GMOs) can hold the key to the solution of many problems facing our world today. They have led to the development and production of new drugs, and could supply the answer on how to feed a growing population on limited space. The developers of Genetically Modified Foods report that they are completely safe and recite a list of our scientific advancements in the field in an attempt to gain public confidence. Farmers and grocery stores seem divided on the subject. Many grocery stores simply do not mention the subject as long as they are making profit. Farmers are divided and fear that if the public does not accept these new items, they will not buy them. In addition, farmers must be concerned about the long-term effects on their land. There are two sides on this issue, big business touts it as the greatest breakthrough of modern time, but skeptics are not so sure."
Abstract This paper explains that genetically engineered crops are created by inserting genes from one species into another to create a new type of plant. The author stresses that, in many ways, genetically engineered crops are just as harmful to the environment as other varieties of crops. The paper points out that, in addition to its environmental benefits, a growing number of studies show that organic foods are more nutritious than other foods.
From the Paper "Those people who wish to advance the production and consumption of genetically engineered foods also claim that genetically engineered crops do not interfere with their surrounding ecosystem and are noninvasive. These individuals suggest that genetically engineered crops are very similar to standard plant crops that have been modified for centuries through selective breeding by humans. Because of this, they believe that genetically engineered crops can do no more damage to the environment than any other plant has done throughout the ages. However, plants that have been genetically manipulated are different from all other types of plants."
Abstract Written in the style of a scientific review article for a journal, this paper compares the sanitation of wood versus plastic cutting boards. One of the main points emphasized is the ability of each material to prevent disease and bacteria.
From the Paper "Every home, restaurant, and commercial food processing area needs a cutting and chopping surface. The materials these surfaces are made of have been under scrutiny as possible sources of foodborne illness. Most cutting board safety issues relate to cross-contamination, which results from processing ready-to-eat, non-cooked items (such as a salad) on a board previously used to cut animal products (1,6). The residue from the animal product inoculates the non-cooked food with pathogenic microflora. This residue, called biofilm, can be made of any number of food products, but the most common sources of pathogenic bacteria result from a biofilm deposit of chicken or beef extract ("juice")."
An examination of the Gaia theory which maintains that soon after the formation of life, organisms began to change the environment, as well as adapt to this environment.
1,237 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 42.95
Abstract Gaia and the plate tectonics; is the Earth alive?
This paper examines the Gaia theory that has emerged concerning the earth, its formation, and the living and non living creatures that adorn it. The paper also examines plate tectonics, living organisms, formation of water, etc.
Tags: earthquakes, plate, tectonics, earth, gaia, water
Abstract This paper examines the problem of deforestation and attempts to shows why the problem exists in the Amazon and Alaska. The paper explores several of the consequences of deforestation, and offers some viable solutions that need to be implemented in order to circumvent its repercussions.
From the Paper "Since the advent of agriculture, farmers have cleared the land to make way for pastures, gardens, and cultivated fields. The result is that millions of acres of forests have been destroyed over the centuries. But deforestation is not just a circumstance that happened in ancient history. At the present time all around the world, the deforestation of woodlands and jungles is occurring at an alarming rate. Deforestation is leading the entire earth into a crisis situation because the loss of millions of acres of forests and woodlands is upsetting the delicate ecobalance of the planet (Garland 127). The basic argument is that if people continue the practice of destroying millions of trees each year, then the earth as a whole will suffer drastic consequences such as global warming, the greenhouse effect, the loss of plant and animal diversity, and a depletion of oxygen and ozone in the atmosphere. To be concise, our current deforestation practices are destroying the environment. The consequence is that human life on our planet is under potential threat. "
Abstract A look at Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a learning disability and a form of mental retardation, which is hereditary. The author discusses the risk factors involved, statistics of the disability and clinical characteristics of the disease and offers some treatment information.
From the Paper "Of all the learning disabilities and forms of mental retardation, which are hereditary, Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common. Fragile X Syndrome occurs in the X chromosome of the male or female. Inherited in an X-linked fashion, Fragile X Syndrome can cause intellectual and cognitive deficits ranging from subtle learning disabilities and normal IQ to the other extent of severe mental retardation including autistic behaviors in both males and females. The clinical characteristics can be divided into 3 major areas: cognitive, physical, and behavioral."
Abstract The factors responsible for the reef devastation are directly attributed to human actions. This paper looks at the questions surrounding this destruction and offers many examples of why and what is causing the reef's destruction. In the end, the author recommends ways in which the destruction may be halted.
From the Paper "For the last fifty years marine biologists have chronicled the deterioration and destruction of corals on reef systems worldwide. Coral reefs provide sanctuary for over a fourth of the world's marine fish species and consist of as much biodiversity as tropical rainforests. Unfortunately, both are now disappearing at an astounding rate"
Abstract A paper on the new craze of high-protein, low-carbohydrate, low- fat diets and their effects on the body. The paper focuses on the deleterious effects of a high protein diets for those with pre- existing medical conditions, diabetes, renal dysfunction and heart disease.
From the Paper "It appears to me that Americans are becoming the most overweight population on Earth. We are gaining weight faster than ever. We have all heard of the fly-by-night diets and weight loss programs guaranteeing overnight results. It appears there is a propensity of those who appear physically fit to do well in society and no doubt that in our world exists inescapable superficiality. The will of those trying to lose: fervent, the price could be your life. The range is vast, from those trying to shed those very last few pounds for the bathing suit season to those who are medically morbidly obese. We spend enormous amounts of dollars on these purported miracles, only to succumb to the reality of medical quackery: no results. ?In 1990, Americans spent over 33 billion on weight- loss products and services.? (Miles, Petrie & Steel, 2000, p.254) Sadly, those who are overweight will try anything and everything to lose those pounds, and in doing so, may be causing harm."
