Understanding Internal Body Systems through Technology

Today, there are various technologies that enables medical practitioners to see our internal body systems such as the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems. There are also many technologies that help treat any problems that are found in our bodies. 

An example of a technology that helps doctors see inside our bodies is Ultrasound. Ultrasound images, or sonograms, use high-frequency sound waves to produce a picture of parts withing our bodies. Ultrasounds are captured in real-time, so the structure and movement of internal organs and blood flow can be seen. Ultrasounds are not painful and do not use radiation like x-rays.

Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scanning combines powerful computers and x-ray equipment to create images of the body's insides. These pictures can be examined on a computer monitor, printed or transferred on a CD.

CT scans are used to look for:

- Internal bleeding

- Broken bones

- Signs of cardiovascular disease

- Cancer

- Trauma

An example of a technology that helps treat health problems is Insulin. The insulin was invented by two Canadian doctors, Charles Best and Frederick Banting. Insulin is an injection used to control blood sugar for people who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or people who have type 2 diabetes that can't be controlled only by medications. The injection is used to take the place of insulin that is normally produced in the body and also helps to move sugar from blood to other tissues for energy. It is also used to stop the production of more sugar by the liver.

Although technology is not always necessary in health care, it helps doctors determine any problems we have in our bodies quicker, as well as cure them faster before it gets worse.

Sites used:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ctscans.html

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

http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/diabetes/diabetes-what-insulin

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

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682611.html

Pictures from:

http://www.hvurology.com/services/diagnostictests-ctscan.php

http://drpinna.com/insulin-is-both-good-and-bad-5819

http://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~jharlow/teaching/phy138_0708/lec04/ultrasoundx.htm

Feeding a Growing Population vs. Conserving Biodiversity

With the rapid growth of human population, some are wondering whether the agriculture industry can produce enough crops and livestock to accomodate for everyone. Farmers are using two ways of raising food that will hopefully better the system and produce animals and crops faster.

Industrial Agriculture

Industrial Agriculture is a form of intensive farming in which machines are used in substitute for the labor of animals and humans. The purpose of Industrial Agriculture is to get low food prices for American consumers, be a potential energy source, and substantial exports to foreign markets. But even though this way of farming can benefit farmers and consumers, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.

- Genetic diversity in agriculture is very important but has been declining because of industrial agriculture. This decline has had a bad effect on crops. Crops that are similar to each other in appearance and yield may also be similar in their vulnerability to disease. Growing millions of acres of plants that are genetically the same make the supply very susceptible to disease.

- Industrial agriculture relies on pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. According to the Environment of Protection Agency, the U.S. used a total of 1.1 billion pounds of active pesticides ingredients in 1992.

- Before, farmers raised crops and animals on the same farm. Products and byproducts produced could be recycled on the farm. This reduced off-farm purchases. Now, some animals are grown in concentrated livestock. They generate water-polluting manure that has become and unsafe waste product instead of a valuable contribution.

But is an industrial-style agriculture the only way to produce food for the world? No, sustainable agriculture can be another option.

Sustainable Agriculture

Sustainable Agriculture is a way of raising food that doesn't harm the environment, provides fair wage to farmers, is humane for workers and is safe and healthy for animals and consumers. There are many advantages in using sustainable agriculture as a way of farming.

- Sustainable agriculture is better for biodiversity because farms produce different kinds of plants and animals.

- Seasonally, plants are rotated around the fields. This results in enriched soils and prevents diseases and outbreaks of pests.

- Farmers take care of their animals by facilitating them to exhibit their natural behaviours.

- Sustainable agriculture increases the use of renewable environmental resources and is therefore beneficial for the environment.

In the end, even if industrial agriculture is a faster way of producing livestock and crops to feed more consumers, it can be dangerous to the environment, as well as the animals and plants itself, which ultimately leads to the risks of health problems for people buying it. Also, biodiversity is decreasing as plants and animals are being produced to be genetically similar. By using sustainable agriculture as a way of farming, not only will it be substantially less harmful to the environment, but it will also be advantageous to the diversity of livestock and plants.

Sources used:

http://www.economywatch.com/agriculture/types/industrial.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/023326_food_culture_consumers.html

http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/impacts_industrial_agriculture/industrial-agriculture-features.html

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

Pictures from:

http://www.grinningplanet.com/2004/04-13/agriculture-farm-workers-3-article.htm

http://www.greenhopes.in/?p=81