Abstract This essay examines a marine ecosystem and a forest ecosystem and identifies and ranks the three most important ecosystem services that are provided by these two systems, describing the nature of the relationship between two of the ecosystem services and the well being of humans. Furthermore, the essay discusses the most significant direct and indirect drivers of degradation within the two systems and discuss the scenarios that would best protect them as well as the scenarios that are most likely to happen.
Abstract This paper discusses the newly discovered phenomenon of genetically engineered and genetically modified foods that are being produced, sold and consumed in the United States of America. First, the paper describes and explains this phenomenon by using media sources. Then, it discusses various media sources and the concerns and questions they have regarding genetically engineered or modified foods. Finally, the paper notes concerns that neighboring countries, in this case Mexico, have for their own people and environments.
From the Paper "Throughout the history of the United States, science has played a large part in the foods and products that the nation's citizens consume. From new foods that are imported and incorporated into the national crop and diet, to older, standby foods that are improved or used in new or different ways, American eating and consumption has long been shaped by technology and scientific advancement. And, as such shifts and innovations have made their way into the country's fields and barns and supermarkets and onto its dinner tables, the American media has also had much to say, for good or for bad, about how science is helping or hurting the consumers that depend on and utilize such developments."
Abstract This paper discusses the moral dilemma that faces embryonic stem cell research in America. It focuses on arguments both for and against the research as well as possible resolutions to the issue. The ideology of various theorists and authors are cited throughout. The paper contends that we should embrace the potential that embryonic stem research could have on preserving and enriching the lives of many and concludes that embryonic stem research is morally justified.
Outline:
Issue
Possible Resolutions to the Issue
Our Opinion
Effects
Conclusion
From the Paper "Both the ethics of utility and the ethics of care, lend support to the embryonic stem cell research based on the above argument. The ethics of utility states that actions are to be judged solely on their consequence, and that the good that could be obtained from the destruction of embryos far outweigh the damages caused to the embryo. The ethics of care dictates that the interests of those who are close to us should be valued above that of strangers and that we should cultivate our natural capacity to care for others and ourselves. Thus acting in the best interest of fully developed humans even at the expense of embryos is only natural (Gilligan). It is hoped that through scientific developments in embryonic stem cell research, cures for diseases such as Alzheimer, Diabetes and Parkinson can be attained. "
Abstract This paper defines nanotechnology as any technology on the scale of one billionth of a meter, which is aimed at creating things with novel properties. The author points out that medical technology will most likely be the first to benefit from nanotechnology because the field of medicine calls for molecular scale manipulation of matter. The paper discuses the applications of nanotechnology for pinpoint drug delivery, biological samples, regeneration and treatment of heart problems and cancer. Several color pictures and charts are included with the paper.
Table of Contents:
Summary
Introduction
Importance of Nanotechnology
Global Research Efforts
Research Funding
Medical Applications
Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Early Detection of Plaque
Smart Planting
Treatment of Cancer
1RNA Targeted Drug Delivery
New Approach to Neuroscience
Ethical Impacts
Conclusions
Appendix A: Timeline for Application Development
From the Paper "Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are two of the many cancer treatment options available today, when invasive surgery is not an option. Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to treat diseased tissues. This kind of treatment can vary and has a wide range of side-effects because it mostly affects the fast-dividing cells in the patient's body. Radiation therapy is exactly what it sounds like. It uses ionized radiation to control the growth of diseased or cancerous tissues, when a cure is not possible. Of course, these treatments vary depending on the specific type and stage of cancer."
Abstract This paper explains that the introduction of DNA evidence has become the cornerstone of many forms of criminal investigations especially for sexual assault and murder. Nonetheless, DNA evidence still has its drawbacks. The author provides a basic understanding of DNA and the ways DNA is used as evidence at crime scenes. The paper points out the issue of privacy, the need for collaboration even when DNA associated with the accused is found, and the difficulty of explaining the complicated DNA procedures to a jury. The paper stresses that the use of DNA is most significant in the area of exonerating previously convicted individuals who were sentenced based on inaccurate eyewitness testimony or other faults of the investigation process.
From the Paper "One of the controversial advancements that has come along with the use of DNA evidence is the development of DNA databases, which store the DNA of convicted criminals from previous cases. It is very similar to the fingerprint databases that exist, only these databases store the electronic print out of a person's DNA. The controversy occurs over the desire of some political groups to include all humans in these databases and not simply criminals. Additionally, some even object to the database at all, regardless of who's DNA it contains, as they believe it is an invasion of privacy."
From the Paper "Among most critical components to the purpose of man's existence is effecting positive changes for the future. Indeed, history shows that, left unimpeded, man will naturally create improvement and progress. Humanity can, therefore, not help but celebrate the progress that has improved our physical condition throughout time. Indeed, from the discovery of agriculture and permanent settlements in ancient times to the development of large modern metropolises, and from the first witch doctors to the modern physician, advancement has not only been the constant of the human condition, but has become a human moral imperative. Consequently, we must consider implications of one of our newest and most exciting technologies, Genetic Engineering. Because of the imperative of progress, we must embrace the agricultural and scientific benefits that the new technology offers. "
An analysis of cooperative breeding, a system in which animals in addition to parents help raise offspring - a behavior found in many bird species living in warm countries.
2,820 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 10 sources, 1999, $ 83.95
From the Paper "Cooperative breeding in birds is not randomly distributed, rather it is concentrated in certain families. This supports the idea that there may be a common basis to this behavior in birds. Throughout the year they reside on defended territories yet they aren"t confined to a single habitat or a particular diet. (Skutch, 256). Some questions that arise from this behavior are why individuals who are not parents help rear other individuals, and from this what are some costs and benefits for all the organisms in question" The answers to these questions will enable us to get a better picture of cooperative breeding and the role of "helping" in several bird species across the world."
This essay avoids taking a moral stance on the delicate issue of eugenics, but gives a brief detailed assessment of the creation of the eugenic ideal and the history of the American eugenics movement.
1,060 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 4 sources, 1998, $ 37.95
From the Paper "These ideas regarding the selection of the human species are generally referred to as "Social Darwinism." Francis Galton, who first believed that an artificial form of natural selection was needed for the human species, defined eugenics as "the scientific improvement of the human race germ plasm through better breeding." "
Abstract Using drug screen tests, this investigate project wishes to observe the incidence of drug use amongst Dominican teenagers, and wishes to demonstrate to the public its results.
From the Paper "Nowadays, drugs are a major concern for adults and a great contributing factor to adolescent deaths. In the past, many persons consumed drugs, but their use was not as widespread. For the most part, the persons that consumed drugs in the past were adults, or at least past the age of twenty. However, in recent times, the amount of drug consumption has increased. Furthermore, the age in which individuals consume drugs has decreased. In the past times, drugs were used for medical purposes. Notwithstanding, drug consumption nowadays has been used for purely abusive purposes. "
Abstract This paper presents a detailed look at the group of fossils in a certain are of the Grand Canyon in the United States. The paper concentrates on the paleontology of these fossils and their uniqueness.
From the Paper "The Grand Canyon Supergroup is a thick sequence of Precambrian strata located in-between overlying Paleozoic rocks and underlying crystalline rocks. This Supergroup is comprised mainly by the Nankoweap Formation and the Chuar Group that include three sub-formations and seven members. These formations, groups, and members still puzzle many geologists and paleontologists for their is no conclusive evidence regarding the Supergroup's formation as well as classifying some of the fossils found there. The 2100 meters of the Grand Canyon Supergroup is still undergoing extensive research and will until all the mysteries surrounding it are solved."
From the Paper "There are about 15 protein factors that are known for endothelial cell growth and movement. Among these proteins, two factors (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)) are expressed by many tumors and seem to be important in continuous growth of tumor."
Abstract This is a detailed and illustrated paper on using organic fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers on plants. Results of experiments concerning this topic are included with the paper.
From the Paper "Organic fertilizers can provide enough nutrients to plants, that is the reason why the plants can grow well. Also the organic fertilizers can change the structure of soil and create a good drainage system, and well-ventilated environment which can be a better place for microorganisms to survive. The organic fertilizers contribute a lot to the growth of plants, but they still have some disadvantages. If one adds too much organic fertilizers, the plants will die because the concentration of organic fertilizers is very high."
Abstract An in depth look at electromagnetic fields and their effects on health aspects such as breast cancer, leukemia, tumors and increase in hormone levels. The author argues that no clear evidence shows that EMF's do cause human health defects, yet many studies have proved to be inconclusive making EMF's potential harmful products that need further investigation.
From the Paper "Electromagnetic fields, or EMF's, are invisible lines of force that surround all electronic devices and wiring. Researchers have explored the question of whether low- frequency electromagnetic fields can cause breast cancer, among other types of cancer, for roughly two decades now. Numerous studies have been conducted attempting to discover a link between EMF's and breast cancer, but most have been inconclusive(Rembert, 1997). They have neither come up with solid support for the hypothesis that EMF's cause breast cancer, nor managed to put it to rest(Taubes, 1997). There is no conclusive scientific evidence at this time showing a direct link between EMF's and breast cancer."
Tags: electric, magnetic, fields, exposure, cell, cancer, health
Abstract This paper provides an in depth explanation of occupational mental health practice. The author discusses those circumstances in the work environment which effects the behaviors of the workers and which influence personal well being and the performance of a job. The author provides explanations about causes of work maladjustment and treatments for the symptoms.
From the Paper "Occupational mental health practice concerns those circumstances in the work environment which effects the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of the workers and which influence personal well being and the performance of a job. The goals are to promote conditions favorable to mental health in the workplace and to identify and modify unfavorable conditions" (Mickleburgh, 1986 page 426). There are various approaches or models that attempt to explain occupational adjustment. These approaches are viewed in a variety of ways. They vary from biological, psychological and sociocultural perspectives."
Tags: employee, employer, health, organization, work, adjustment, relation, health
Abstract A detailed look into the problems researchers face when trying to obtain research funding. The author refers to various sources of funding for scientific research and discusses their contributions to technological and scientific advancement.
From the Paper "Scientific research is performed in university laboratories around the world. Research requires highly trained professionals that are geared with modern equipment to run experiments. The requirements of research also demands money. Without money, research can not be carried out. Some laboratories are funded by private foundations, but the vast majority of funding is from Government agencies. Like any other government project the process to acquire funding is slow and tedious. The largest problem researchers face is trying to find where the next round of funding will come from. Currently scientists must perform tedious research while also being able to sell their idea to promising grant donors. This essay will discuss the problems with the current grant funding system and will propose several possible solutions."
