Abstract A look at the process of identifying disease-causing genes. The author examines the advantages of such progress for both individuals and the general population. The author argues that families with a high risk of colon cancer will benefit from this type of knowledge.
From the Paper "Cancers come from the interplay of multiple changes, or mutations, in several different genes, in combination with environmental factors such as diet or lifestyle. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the United States, (Digestive Health Specialists, 1995). More than 500,000 people worldwide (HHMI, 1995) and 131,000 Americans are diagnosed with colon cancer each year. Unfortunately, more than 54,000 Americans die each year from this disease. Colorectal Cancer strikes men and women nearly equally, (The Associated Press, 1998)."
Abstract This paper summarizes the conditions that lead to antibiotic resistance. The author examines aspects such as over-prescription, high level of both bacteria and antibiotics in hospitals and the use of antibiotics in livestock feed that lead to a resistence. The author discusses the increasing uselessness of newer antibiotics and new strategies for preventing the spread of infectious disease.
From the Paper 'Antibiotic resistance has been building in bacterial populations for decades, but advances in medicine (i.e. new types of antibiotics) have always stayed one step ahead. Antibiotics are becoming harder and harder to develop ? there is a limited number of ways to recreate antibiotics, and drug companies may have come to the end of the list. Vancomycin ? considered the drug of last resort when all other antibiotics fail ? is no longer a sure cure. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have been reported in hospitals across the U.S., and some of these infections are untreatable with any current antibiotic. However, vancomycin is being prescribed more and more often when other drugs fail ? and VRE populations are growing (Mitchell, 1998)."
Abstract This paper is on the mating behavior of elephants. The author briefly covers the estrus period in females and mainly focuses on the musth period in the bull elephants. It covers the multiple steps involved in the courtship of both males and females.
From the Paper "A female, being lighter, can usually outrun a male that is pursuing her. Thus she does not have to mate with every male that is pursuing her. When the female goes into consort with a musth bull they exclusively mate ensuring the offspring will have the genes of the dominant male. Throughout the description of the sexual behavior of elephants it becomes clear that the mating patterns elephants have evolved are extremely well suited to their lifestyles. This highly adaptive form of mating behaviors ensures that the elephant will successfully mate and pass on dominant genes for many years."
Abstract This paper examines the novel mechanism of disease transmittal in prions as well as the diseases themselves (mad cow disease and Creutzfeld-Jacobs disease). Functions of normal prions are also discussed. The paper also examines how prions are devoid of nucleic acids, and thus carry no information other than their tertiary structure.
From the Paper "Knockout mice survived up to their 70th week, and then they began to display signs common with brain disease, which included a loss of motor coordination. Curiously, the symptoms shown by these knockout mice were similar to those found in many cases of prion diseases."
Tags: brain, cow, creutzfeld, disease, infectious, jacobs, mad, prions, protein
Abstract An in-depth look at aspects of human cloning. The author outlines some major points about the ethics, myths and process of human cloning. Included is an examination of various cloning foundations, the history and development of cloning, legal issues and an analysis of the ethicality and moral issues around the topic.
From the Paper "Cloning is one of the foremost thoughts on people's minds today. A clone is a group of genetically identical cells. The term clone also refers to a group of organisms that are genetically identical. Today science can clone an entire plant or animal, not just a group of cells. The process of cloning humans is currently being deemed unethical, but there are some in the scientific community that are in favor of this experimentation. A clone would look identical to its predecessor. All of the genes in the clone would also be the same but the application of these genes may be different. The clone would not have the same personality or mentality of his or her predecessor. Identical twins are clones of each other but they develop into two different people and are not considered to be the same. A person's clone would grow up differently and not be subjected to the exact same environment as it's predecessor, therefore so they may not be the same person except for in looks and genes. "
This paper provides background on the basic mechanisms of speciation and then compares the three different ways that species can form in plants and animals.
3,360 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 95.95
Abstract This paper examines the three basic steps required before speciation: geographic or genetic isolation of individuals, either through a physical barrier (as in allopatric speciation) through differential habitat preferences (as in parapatric and sympatric speciation) and genetic divergence.
From the Paper "The Earth is home to an estimated 13 million species. The roots of this remarkable biodiversity can be found in the process of speciation, the slow accumulation of genetic differences that eventually prevents the exchange of genes between two populations of plants or animals. Speciation results when genetically diverse groups of individuals become reproductively isolated from one another. This isolation can be caused by extrinsic factors, such as geographical or temporal separation, or intrinsic factors, such as differences in courtship signals or dispersal ability. For both plants and animals, speciation can be allopatric if populations become separated due to geographic isolation, parapatric if hybrid zones are formed in areas of habitat overlap, or sympatric if niche specialization and reinforcement of reproductive isolating mechanisms takes place."
Abstract This paper discusses the advanced reproductive technologies that enable In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The author describes the various possible reasons for infertility and indicates that IVF is a favorable solution to such problems. He further examines the advantages and disadvantages of IVF.
From the Paper "With only a 40 percent chance of survival, Lance Armstrong, a noted racer bicyclist, was determined that his name live on?not through newspaper clippings, magazine articles, nor even through awards earned at the Tour de France. Armstrong wanted a child. So, although he had been diagnosed with testicular cancer, he had the foresight to freeze some of his own sperm. Thanks to his planning, in October 1999?his wife gave birth to a healthy son. And Armstrong, having overcome the cancer, can enjoy a baby that would have possibly been only a pipe dream had his wife not been fertilized with her husband's sperm. (Shifting 78). Had his child been cloned, the likelihood of that child suffering cancer in his lifetime could have been avoided.
?By applying decades of expertise in IVF [in vitro fertilization], it's possible to make cloning as safe and efficient for people as are other reproductive technologies. ?Some IVF physicians already screen human embryos by plucking out one cell and checking it for specific mutations before placing the rest of the embryo in a woman's uterus.? (Travis 250)."
Abstract This paper discusses how ecological footprints, effective ecological tools used to help maintain our world, impose many questions in sustaining the earth's life. Charts are included with the paper.
Defining Our Ecological Footprint
Dependency on Nature
Carrying Capacity of Cities and Earth
Comparison between Countries
Natural Capita: Effects on the Earth
Impact of the World Economies
Solutions
From the Paper "The world economy has a great impact on the ecological footprints of the world. Every country wants to obtain economic growth to produce more money. But in doing this, they have to deplete their natural capital, which in turn, is not helping in sustaining this world. As William Rees states, "there is simply not enough on the planet to sustain present international development trends using prevailing technologies" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). So something drastic has to be done. As the ecological footprints of humans are already too large for the earth to handle, how can we accommodate the rising materials and rising in population, while trying to sustain the earth. Most analysts agree that it can happen in two ways: through a reduction in the standard of living or through the increase in material and energy efficiency (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). These two issues also apply problems, through cultural, economic, and social values. Especially in the more developed countries. To lower the standard of living would be outright rejected in the more developed countries such as Canada and the U. S. So indeed, most people agree that "global sustainability is achievable only through large increases in the consumption of goods and services in both poorer and richer countries" (Westra and Werhane ed. 1998, 115). But still a problem arises. There will still be inequity in the growth of the more and less developed countries. It seems the richer get richer and the poorer get poorer. A consensus seems to be emerging though. They say that the needed consumption will work if there is a reduction in the material energy costs of goods and services. "
Abstract This paper is an in-depth research paper on the history and development of cloning. The author discusses such topics as procedures and methods, specific experiments, and risks and repercussions of genetic engineering. The paper also includes a discussion of birth defects in cloned animals, stem cell research, and the political and ethical debates concerning genetic engineering.
From the paper:
"Cloning is a form of genetic engineering in which the DNA of a person, animal, plant, or bacterium is used to produce a perfect or near perfect genetic replica of the original. A new individual is created from a single cell. Each group of researchers has its own specific technique. The best known is the Roslin technique, and the most effective and most recently developed technique is the Honolulu technique. The most commonly known are the Roslin Technique, The Honolulu Technique, and nuclear transfer. A technique known as twinning also exists, but it can only be used before an organism's cells split. The cloning of Dolly the sheep is considered by many to be the most important event in cloning history. Dolly was created by the Roslin Technique, which was created by the researchers at the Roslin Institute in Scotland. It spurred public interest in cloning and proved that the cloning of adult animals could be achieved. Until then, it was not known if an adult nucleus was able to produce a completely new animal. Genetic damage was possible, and researchers did not know if the damage would be reversible, but nevertheless, they took the chance."
Abstract This paper takes macroeconomic's view of the biotechnology industry by showing how the industry is currently made up of several small and medium sized firms along with few large concerns. The author indicates how the industry has been growing steadily for almost a decade and how it is making significant profits even when the economy on the whole is faced with a recession-like situation.
From the Paper "As the biotechnology industry is rapidly expands it has been attracting attention of both the government and the investors. Many firms have entered the field though there are only a handful of large multi-million dollar firms. The industry has been engaged mainly in the research and development of biotechnology products including several drugs and vaccines, which are based on biomedical research. Biotechnology is fast becoming the center of attention as scientists and researchers are taking a keen interest in this field. The government has also shown keen interest in the development of this industry but with biotechnology thousands of protests have also emerged."
Abstract This paper discusses the illogical nature of the Unites States? ban on hemp. The author presents many examples of the practical uses of hemp in society and also presents reasons why hemp is wrongfully considered a dangerous plant.
From the paper:
"How many times have Americans wished there was one simple solution to so many of the major problems of today, such as deforestation and sub-standard building supplies? Industrial hemp is a possible solution to many of these problems and more, however, a problem with using hemp for these purposes is that it is currently illegal to grow hemp in the United States. If we as a country were to abolish this law, we could easily put an end to so many of today's dilemmas. Growing of industrial hemp should be legalized in the United States."
This paper examines how the advent of agriculture stopped the evolutionary progression of our bodies and at the same time created a new means to destroy them.
1,110 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, 2001, $ 38.95
Abstract The following paper discusses the revolutionary transition from hunting and gathering to food production. The writer details life before agriculture as well as the pros of agriculture and the Neolithic revolution.
From the paper:
?Our bodies and our minds were not designed for this modern world, nor were they designed for the world of agriculture. Besides paranoia, isolation, disease, stratification, and an increase in specialization, agriculture also caused many changes in the physical health of the individuals. Agriculture may provide a somewhat steady source of food but it also provides a limited variety of foods. In the early days of food production the types of foods grown were severely limited, this led to a sense of monotony in the diet.?
Abstract This paper analyzes the U.S. Human Genome Project and how this technology might effect the individual in the future. It looks at the plans of this project, the benefits it claims to have on medical and scientific research and how these advances might impact on humans in the coming years.
From the paper:
"The Department of Energy (DOE) Human Genome Program and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) together make up the U.S. Human Genome Project. It commenced in 1990 and originally planned to continue for fifteen years. This project will accomplish six objectives. These are to 1) identify all (approximately 30,000) genes in human DNA, 2) determine sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA, 3) store this information in databases, 4) improve tools for data analysis, 5) transfer related technologies to the private sector, and 6) address the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) that may arise from the project. "
Abstract This paper defined disease as anything impairing the normal state or functioning of the body as a whole or of any of its parts, explaining how certain diseases are short lived, but severe, others chronic. The author classifies diseases by their cause and how infectious they may be.
From the paper:
"Disease can be defined as anything impairing the normal state or functioning of the body as a whole or of any of its parts. Some diseases are short lived, but they are accompanied by severe symptoms. Others are chronic, or diseases that last a long time. Diseases are classified by their cause; this could be a virus, bacteria, rickettsias, or protozoa. Fungi and parasitic worms can also cause diseases. Human, certain animals and insects, and infected objects can transmit only infectious diseases. Chemical and physical agents such as drugs, poisons, and radiation can also cause disease."
This paper gives an overview of the symptoms and causes of multiple sclerosis. It includes illustrations of myelin sheathe damage, author's personal experiences with MS, and in-depth descriptions of three drugs commonly used to treat MS.
Abstract This is a concise paper explaining the symptoms of MS as well as the difficulty involved with diagnosing the disease. It explains the cases for some accepted potential causes and also examines the different types of MS. The three drugs used most commonly to treat MS - Avonex, Copaxone, and Beta-Seron - are compared and contrasted, and the pros and cons are duly noted. Paper written by an MS sufferer who also details her own experiences with the disease.
From the Paper "In normal human beings, the immune system will spot and attack threats to the human body, like viruses or harmful bacteria. In a person with MS, the immune system sees myelin as one of these threats. Immune system cells come into the central nervous system and start attacking the myelin sheath, creating an autoimmune response - when the human body attacks itself. On these demyelinated areas, lesions known as "plaque" develop. The plaques eventually turn into scar tissue, sclerosis, in many different locations, which is where the name "multiple sclerosis" comes from. Thus, people with MS are more or less walking around with scars on their nerves."
