Abstract This paper looks at the ramifications of the 1998 breakthrough in biotechnology when scientists were able to first isolate individual stem cells. The author looks at the history of biotechnology that led up to this breakthrough,and what this breakthrough means for modern science. It examines the bio-ethical issues that are affected by this breakthrough. The debate surrounding the use of embryonic cells, as opposed to adult stem cells for research is detailed. The author also looks at several areas where stem cell research could improve the lives of people life-threatening genetic diseases, or spinal cord injuries.
From the Paper "These astounding cell therapies are possible because embryonic stem cells have a remarkable power to unlock the secrets of human genetics as well as heal various diseases as they are pluripotent cells, or cells that have the capacity to proliferate and give rise to almost all of the specialized cell tissues in the human body. (The exception is that stem cells are unable to form placental and other uterine tissue necessary for the creation of a total human embryo.) This means that stem cells hold the incipient or rudimentary power to develop into all the biological tissues that create human life."
This paper highlights and discusses all of the issues of stem cell research. Potential applications, angles on ethical objections and references to key opinions are made throughout this paper.
Abstract The following paper examines the isolation of human embryonic stem cells. The author attempts to discover what these cells are and why they are so important. This paper will also take a look at those people that recommend the use of other sources of stem cells for medical reasons.
From the Paper "This will potentially revolutionise medicine in the next century" (Smith, 1999)1 . The use of stem cells to develop drugs, study human development and provide a limitless supply of customised cells to replace damaged or diseased tissues, without incidence of adverse host reaction has replaced cloning as the perceived future of medical technology. The "Holy Grail" concept revolves around the knowledge that stem cells have the potential develop into any of the body's two hundred and twenty different types of specialised cells. The therapeutic promise of this is that once a stem cell has been isolated, it may reproduce endlessly in undifferentiated state and then be chemically coaxed to develop into any desired adult cell. Stem cells may eventually be used to produce tissues or entire organs specifically designed for their intended recipient. Cellular repair treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as many forms of paralysis, previously irreversible autoimmune conditions, are the most exciting channel for this field of research. The potential uses of these unrestricted cells could even go as far as the generation of massive amounts of human cells (e.g. heart cells) which could be used to screen dozens of potential drugs and pick out the most promising few, without harm to human or animal life."
Tags: medicine, century, drugs, study, human, development, customized, genetics
Abstract The discussion in this paper centers around two important questions proposed in the novel: "With man gone, will there be hope for gorilla?" and "With gorilla gone, will there be hope for man?" This paper examines what the author, Daniel Quinn, attempts to tell us through these questions. It is doubtless that no shortcut to advancing toward the better community of life exists. Finally, the paper concludes that people should spread the belief that the world isn?t made for us takers, and takers are not exempt from the law of life but belong to the community of life.
From the Paper "The world has been dominated by those people who admire civilization or ? takers? as the author, Quinn (1992), calls them in this book Ishmael. Takers? ideology is "the world was made for man to conquer and rule, and under human rule it was meant to become a paradise" (Quinn, 1992, p. 82) and has been supported by people everywhere in the world. To them, it appears that takers? lives, which center around civilization, technology and productiveness, has been the greatest, the most efficient and the only right way to live."
Abstract This paper presents a close look at stem cell research. The writer examines both sides of the issue and argues that stem cell research is a positive medical breakthrough, highly beneficial to those suffering from a variety of diseases.
From the Paper "The world of medicine has grown in leaps and bounds for the last few decades. We have come very far in many areas and we are now on the threshold of exploding new developments that promise to revolutionize the industry. Stem cell research has been receiving a lot of media coverage as of late, some promoting the process, while others are against it. Stem cell research is an exciting new development that is going to be able to save lives."
Abstract This paper presents an argument for the necessity of animal testing of medical products, consumer products and research for cures and discoveries for illnesses and disorders. The claim is made that alternative means of testing are not as effective.
From the Paper "Throughout the years there have been many groups who have protested using animals for the purpose of testing products. These products include medical products, consumer products and research for cures and discoveries about illnesses and disorders. The groups who protest the use of animals say that it is cruel to use them for the tests when alternative methods could be found. While alternative methods have been developed for many types of testing the use of animals for testing must still be embraced. Alternative testing methods have not proven themselves to be as reliable as animal testing."
Abstract This paper examines the bone disease Osteoporosis that often effects elderly people. The paper describes the condition and the effects on the body, which can cause a simple bone fracture to be life threatening. The author of this paper discusses nutrition and exercise to prevent the onset of Osteoporosis.
Table of Contents
1. What is Osteoporosis?
2. Who does Osteoporosis affect?
3. What Causes Osteoporosis?
4. Is Osteoporosis Preventable?
5. Is there a cure for osteoporosis?
6. Conclusion
From the Paper "Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones. More specifically, osteoporosis refers to the condition of thinning, weakening bones resulting from a calcium deficiency. The skeletal system serves two central purposes. First, it provides structural support for the organs and muscles of the body. Second, the skeletal system acts as a depository for the body's calcium and other essential minerals, such as phosphorus and magnesium. The skeleton is very important, as it holds 99% of the body's calcium. Bone tissue, like the body's other organs, is persistently being broken down and renewed again. "
Abstract Stem cell research is considered to be the one of the most promising hopes for the cure of many previously incurable diseases. This paper looks at the advances made in this field while examining the arguments against the continuation of stem cell research. Arguments include pro-life activists, political agendas and human rights groups. The process of how stem cells are removed and used is detailed and the paper shows why this is considered controversial.
From the Paper "As long as women are willing to provide stem cells, scientists may be able to create a new life for thousands. Stem cell research has quickly made its way into the media headlines and is among one of the most controversial subjects in America today. The debate on whether or not to use stem cells for research is a scientific one, but it has also become a political question, as well."
Abstract The paper discusses how antibiotics have kept our society safe from the harmful effects of many diseases since the discovery of penicillin in the 1920?s. It shows that in the decades since its discovery, antibiotics have been so widely used that bacteria have developed resistance to them. Once this resistance has been developed, antibiotics become useless. The paper examines how, through the misuse of antibiotics, society may effectively find itself returned to the pre-1920 days where no effective treatment is available for bacterial diseases like smallpox and tuberculosis. It discusses ways to prevent this from happening and to manage the problem.
From the Paper "Part of the problem relates to the misuse of antibiotics and especially the over-prescription of them. One article reports that "more than 50 million of the 150 million antibiotic prescriptions written each year for patients outside of hospitals are unnecessary" (Nordenberg). Consumer awareness involves realizing that antibiotics are not necessary for every condition. For example, the common cold is a viral infection, not a bacterial infection. Taking antibiotics for a cold does nothing to cure it. The emphasis here needs to be put on both doctors and patients. Patients need to use antibiotics only as necessary and not treat them as a "just in case" drug. At the same time, doctors need to determine that a patient has a bacterial problem before prescribing antibiotics."
Abstract This essay first delivers a general overview of ES cell research. It then looks at ethical dilemmas from both sides with the aid of four ethical theories - Act Utilitarianism, Ethic of Care, Kantian Ethics and Moral Rights Theory. In addition, it addresses the personhood of an embryo. Finally, the conclusion unites the main themes in stating that ES cell research is ethical.
From the Paper "The topic of embryonic stem (ES) cell research emerged in 1998, when James Thompson and his colleagues first derived the cells from pre-implantation human blastocysts [1]. Since then, ES cells have quickly become one of the decade's greatest philosophical dilemmas. Although this research has the potential to cure such illnesses as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, paralysis, and muscular dystrophe (among many other disorders) [3]; researchers? largest boundary is providing a concrete ethical basis for its continued study."
Abstract This paper explores the genetic causes of Trisomy 21 as well as the social implications of the disease.
From the Paper "Trisomy 21, or Down's Syndrome, is a devastating chromosomal disorder to those whose lives it affects. However, it can provide insight to the scientific world about the genetic basis of intelligence. "
Abstract ""A clone is one or more identical organisms descending asexually from a single common ancestor" (Encarta 99). It is a copy or close reproduction of a DNA sequence or gene produced by genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is the alteration of an organism's genetic code, to remove characteristics of a creature that are not wanted and to replace them with desirable ones. Members of a clone are identical in their inherited characteristics except for differences caused by attitude. They have the identical genetic makeup of the parent organism. "
Abstract This paper examines human culture and how intelligence is determined by biological factors. The author discusses the origins of the human brain, and how it evolved into a tool of intelligence more than two million years ago, and how societal cultures are learned and shared.
From the Paper "According to Wolpoff, ?while a human culture cannot be linked to a particular biology, or vice versa, for humans culture is biology.? Wolpoff, 1999, p.164. This statement means that development of a culture is dependent on biologically determined factors. The most important reason for the development of culture is adaptation for survival under changing environment, which in turn requires, on the one hand, natural selection, and on the other making choices, rather than merely acting on instinct. Intelligence, needed for the purpose of making choices has been the product of biological factors. It should be noted that even though some animals such as wild dogs also live in societies, only humans have developed culture. Culture developed side by side with the evolution of certain physical features in the human species, Homo sapiens that made intelligence possible."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of stretching and avoidance of injuries by fixing muscle imbalances, which are an alteration in the lengths of muscles. The author includes material on synergistic dominance, reciprocal dominance and strategies of stretching. The paper contains research from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, The Journal of Sports Medicine, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
From the Paper:
"If you have ever played sports, or done anything that has to do with physical activity, you have known someone who has injured him/herself from pulling their hamstring, groin, quadriceps, or other common muscles. Unfortunately, too many athletes have no idea why they injured themselves; they usually think it is from overuse, like running too hard, or lifting a ridiculous amount of weight. Never does one hear of an athlete thinking they were injured because of muscle imbalances, which lead to synergistic dominance, which lead to a tear in the muscle. Too many people, athletes in general, are unaware of 1) the causes of injury, and 2) how to avoid injury. Fortunately, injuries can be avoided through means of corrective stretching."
From the Paper "If you have ever played sports, or done anything that has to do with physical activity, you have known someone who has injured him/herself from pulling their hamstring, groin, quadriceps, or other common muscles. Unfortunately, too many athletes have no idea why they injured themselves; they usually think it is from overuse, like running too hard, or lifting a ridiculous amount of weight. Never does one hear of an athlete thinking they were injured because of muscle imbalances, which lead to synergistic dominance, which lead to a tear in the muscle. Too many people, athletes in general, are unaware of 1) the causes of injury, and 2) how to avoid injury. Fortunately, injuries can be avoided through means of corrective stretching."
Tags: arthrokinetics, exercise, imbalance, injuries, kinesiology, muscle, sports, stretch, training
This essay takes the reader step by strep through the dissection of a fetal pig, outlining the organs and body systems they belong to, as well as giving a visual perspective on each organ.
Abstract This paper examines the anatomy of a fetal pig, and indicates how to gain dexterity with the instruments used in the dissection procedure. The author compares the anatomy of the fetal pig with that of the human body.
From the Paper "The first step was to obtain the Fetal Pig and to tie it in the supine position, anterior surface facing up in side the dissection pan. To tie the animal, we used butcher's twine and secured the front and hinds legs using a lasso technique. To make the first incision I had to locate the Xifoid Process of the Fetal Pig, distal aspect of the sternum."
Abstract This paper deals with the legal, medical and ethical implications of the sale of human organs from live people and the selling of cadaveric organs. The paper explores the opinions of those both for and against legalizing organ selling, as well as describing the current situation, and concludes that organ selling should be legalized.
From the Paper "Recently the topic of organ selling has become a popular topic for debate among bioethicists. As thousands of human beings continue to suffer, many people are beginning to explore the option of human organ sales; however, while there are those who argue for such an option, they must first consider those who stand by the government and completely abhor the idea. The arguments against the sale of organs are driven by the following concerns: it could exploit poor people who are willing to donate their organs solely for payment, it might favor the wealthy, and it could motivate families to withdraw treatment. Many ethicists also believe organ selling demeans the human body. They feel that if you allow organ selling to take place, the Nation's faith in human pride will be shattered. Those opposed to organ selling raise the issue that although a Market Economy is relatively beneficial, unless it is monitored correctly, our human rights, such as social justice, bodily integrity and political freedoms will be stripped away. The greatest fear among those who strongly oppose the sale of organs is that people may murder each other in order to obtain money for their victim's death."
