Ecology, the oceans and medicine

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the possibility of sources of medicine and medical devices available in the world's oceans. The paper relates that scientists have also discovered the rich potential in marine microorganisms. In addition, the paper discusses the difficulties and importance of keeping the seas in good condition.

Outline:
Cancer cures from the sea
Ancient animals yield new medical breakthroughs
Salmon is more than good to eat
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"It isn't difficult to assume that the closest source of possible new medicines--the earth--has already been scoured and most potentially helpful medicinal substances discovered. While the ancients knew herbal medicine (even the New World's tobacco was considered a medicine when it was first discovered), until recently, it wasn't possible to easily scour the oceans for possible sources of medicine and medical devices. As Tibbetts noted, "The oceans, which cover 70% of the world's surface, are the least explored and least understood ecosystems on the planet. Yet today scientists realize marine organisms are becoming increasingly important as sources for new medicines and medical devices" (2004, p. 472).
Other authors have also discovered the rich potential in marine microorganisms. Dooley noted that "more than 50% of the drugs currently on the market include naturally derived ingredients, [so that] the study of marine organisms should lead to further discoveries of compounds for pharmaceutical purposes (2003, p. 223). Oceanography, like geography in an earlier age, stands at the point of being extremely important to human well-being."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Chivian, E., & Bernstein, A. S. (2004). Embedded in Nature: Human Health and Biodiversity. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112(1), 12.
• Dooley, E. E. (2003). Ocean Centers to Dive into the Mysteries of the Deep. Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(4), 223.
• Henkel, J. (1998, January/February). Drugs of the Deep: Treasures of the Sea Yield Some Medical Answers and Hint at Others. FDA Consumer, 32, 30.
• Tibbetts, J. (2004). The State of the Oceans, Part 2: Delving Deeper into the Sea's Bounty. Environmental Health Perspectives, 112(8), 472.

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• Comparison Essay # 46459 : "Kafka's "The Metamorphosis" and Sophocles' "Oedipus Tyrannus"
• Cause and Effect Essay # 108800 : "The Ocean and Global Warming"
• Book Review # 121936 : "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God"

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