Technology, Saving Lives One Advancement at a Time!

For years, our society has witnessed the great developments in technology that has immensely improved our lives in numerous ways. Technology advances has significantly benefited our world, from entertainment, to everyday convenience and efficiency, to agriculture, and most importantly, in the medical field. Nowadays, doctors and researchers have the ability to view and understand our internal body systems. Not to mention, detect and control diseases, as well as develop a variety of medication and find appropriate cures for these diseases. 

Cancer has been around for as long as human kind has. Some of the earliest evidence of cancer has been found in fossilized bone tumours, ancient manuscripts, and the Egyptian mummies. The oldest description of cancer was discovered in Egypt and dates back to about 1600 B.C., which described cases of tumours, or ulcers of the breast, that were treated by cauterization using the tool “fire drill”. It was also recorded that there was no treatment for the disease. However, to better understand cancer, autopsies were performed in 1628 by Harvey. A century later, anaesthesia allowed surgery to flourish and cancer operations such as radical mastectomy was developed. The 19^th century saw the use of modern microscope in studying diseased tissues which allowed understanding of cancer’s damage and later helped with the development of cancer surgery. The 20^th and 21^st century saw the greatest progression in cancer research. During these centuries, a variety of cancer treatments including surgery, hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy were developed. Technology involving cancer screenings as well as, early detection and prevention of cancer were also developed.

One of the greatest technological advancements in medical history is the development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which not only screens and detects cancer, but also allows doctors to diagnose multiple sclerosis, brain tumours, torn ligaments, tendonitis, and various other health issues. MRI is an imaging technique which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce high quality images of the inside of the human body. In 1977, physician and scientist, Dr. Raymond Damadien produced the first MRI machine. It has certainly revolutionized medicine since it is known to be non-invasive, which means it does not require skin incision, insertion of any instruments, or medical, while allowing doctors to view diseases that, in the past, could only be found at surgery or autopsy.

It is evident that technology has played a vital role in the medical field. Technological advancements, such as the MRI has improved society’s way of life. We are now given access to the appropriate treatment that needed in a more efficient way, without having to undergo greater pain. It has, more importantly, saved the lives of many. There is no surprise that medical advancements are still develop, with hopes to rid of all diseases in the present, as well prevent those in the future.

WORKS CITED LIST

"Learn About Cancer." American Cancer Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 May 2011. 

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerBasics/TheHistoryofCancer/index

"How MRI Works." Discover: Fit & Health. Discovery Communications, LLC, n.d. Web. 9 May 2011

http://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/tests-treatment/mri.htm

"MRI of the Body." Radiologyinfo.org: The Radiology Information Resource for Patients. Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (RSNA), n.d. Web. 9 May 2011. 

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI Scan)." MedecineNet.com. MedicineNet, Inc., n.d. Web. 9 May 2011. 

http://www.medicinenet.com/mri_scan/article.htm

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR or MR)." Children's Hospital Boston. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 May 2011.

http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site2131/mainpageS2131P9.html

 COMMENTED BLOGS

Michelle Seguin

http://seguin-biologyblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/who-would-of-thought-biosolids-as.html?showComment=1304933317866#c4121778906051770533

Claudia Luk

http://claudia-d-123.blogspot.com/2010/12/first-in-canada-to-use-endoscopic.html?showComment=1304933747162#c8287785316962824607

Sustainable Agriculture: The Future of Farming?

Increased productivity, greater profits, and reduced cost. It is no wonder why some may consider the industrial shift in agriculture as one of the greatest successes in human history. Nonetheless, with our focus to increase productivity and profitability, we have greatly disregarded the consequences this innovation has brought to our economy, biodiversity and environment for the future years to come. 

Since agriculture and food production are essential factors to human survival, agriculturalists, through the use of technology, began to develop efficient and innovative ways to improve the production of food for our world’s growing population. These methods, which have become dominant in our society, evolved to what we now call as “Industrial Agriculture”.  This type of intensive farming involves the purchase of machinery in order to reduce human and animal labour. Farmers today have the ability to produce an adequate amount of crops and livestock, while minimizing cost, the labour and the amount of production time. There is no doubt that industrial agriculture is beneficial. However, when looking at the pros and cons, it seems that its benefits cannot outweigh the disadvantages.

But, how much do we actually know about these methods? We adore the idea of having access to cheap and abundant foods.However, we tend to disregard its negative impacts to society.With our growing population and high demand in food production, the agricultural industry has encouraged industrialization to keep up with this rapid growth, and even go further to provide us with more than enough food than we need. It seems that our greed has pushed us to desire more, even if it means jeopardizing lives. Modernized farming violates animal rights since livestock, such as cows, pigs and chickens are placed in small, filthy conditions where they are vulnerable to infectious diseases, until they are finally slaughtered for our next meal. It also requires the immense use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetic manipulation, and irrigation water. These methods result to pollution, the depletion of earth’s ozone layer, crops’ vulnerability to insects and diseases, increased production cost, extinction of wildlife, erosion of soil’s natural fertility, loss of diversity, ground water contamination, and health risks due to chemical intake.

Alternatively, sustainable agriculture allows us to receive similar benefits without risking our planet’s well-being. This type of farming focuses on the environmental health by conserving all resources and minimizing waste, while attempting to address social concerns and improve economic profitability. Its main goal is to produce food without the excessive use of chemicals, which avoids health risks and production costs. Hence, why even allow industrial farming?

With the numerous benefits it has brought to our lives, we tend to ignore the even greater downsides industrial agriculture has on our global economy, not to mention, our environment and the biodiversity we so preciously are attempting to maintain. It is time for us to put action to fix the damages caused by industrial farming. Thus we must tell ourselves and others that sustainable farming is the only way to go!

WORKS CITED LIST:

"What is Sustainable Agriculture?" UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. 

http://www.sarep.ucdavis.edu/concept.htm

"The Costs and Benefits of Induatrial Agriculture." Alberni Environmental Coalition. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. 
http://www.portaec.net/library/food/costs_and_benefits_of_industrial.html
"Industrial Agriculture." Economy Watch . N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. 
http://www.economywatch.com/agriculture/types/industrial.html
 
"Advantages of Industrial Agriculture." Bright Hub. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. 
http://www.brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/73606.aspx 

"Advantages and Disadvantages Organic Farming: Good Things, Barriers and Environmental Effect"Fantastic Farms. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. 
http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html

COMMENTED BLOGS:

Dyrosha Ithayaneesen

http://dyrosha-bioblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/feeding-growing-population-vs.html?showComment=1301356591210#c2730629290114731929

Kendra Spencer-Cole

http://itsbiotime.blogspot.com/2011/01/industrial-vs-sustainable-agriculture.html?showComment=1301356812024#c2336582292284775283