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PET Imaging, 2005.
This paper discusses the use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to reduce the need for exploratory surgery and other invasive techniques and to target better radiation therapy in cancer patients.
3,785 words (approx. 15.1 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 104.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning is an advanced imaging technique that can differentiate between malignant lesions and benign lesions in almost every process in cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment because PET is more sensitive than CT scanning or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques. The author explains that for PET scanning, the patient is injected with positron emitting radionuclides and placed in a tube and surrounded by a ring of detectors; when one of these high-energy photon rays is detected, the source location can be determined and mapped by a specialized software package. The paper relates that, after radiation and surgery there is considerable damage to surrounding tissue; therefore, it is often difficult to distinguish living cancer cells from morphological changes caused by surgery or tissue death caused by radiation; however, because dead tissue and cancer cells have different glucose metabolism rates, they are easy to distinguish by PET imaging.
Table of Contents
Improving Outcomes for Radiation Therapy
How PET Scanning Works
Radiation Therapy
Using PET to Analyze the Effectiveness of Radiation Treatments
From the Paper
"Because PET scanning is based on glucose levels, it is important that these be controlled prior to the scan. Patients are usually told to fast for 4-6 hours prior to the test. However, they can drink water and take any medications that they are on. The goal is to get the base glucose level lower than 160 mg/dL before administering the FDG or other isotope. Patients with diabetes should continue their routine of eating small meals and taking their insulin. Then these small inconveniences, PET imaging is non-invasive and causes little discomfort to the patient."
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Viruses, 2005.
This paper discusses the history of the discovery of the relationship of viruses to disease and the exploration of the use of viruses also to fight disease.
3,510 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 98.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, unlike bacteria, viruses do not simply 'graze' on the body but rather invade it, commandeering the cells and turning them into factories for virus production. The author describes the work of Sir Anthony Epstein, a virologist, who discovered that only when cells grow outside the body and away from immune systems can the whole virus particles be seen. The paper relates that, today, in a new technique called viro-therapy, scientists are genetically engineering viruses, which will actually hunt down cancer cells and destroy them.
From the Paper
"Until 1903, heated debates raged over these 'invisible microbes. Then a scientist named Pierre Roux described these microbes as 'filterable viruses' that could not be seen under a light microscope and would not grow on bacterial culture plates. For the next three decades, these viruses were thought of as small bacteria. By 1930, scientists began to gain an understanding of viruses. But, scientists were still puzzled by the viruses' methods of infection and their process of reproduction. In 1938, with the invention of the electron microscope viruses could finally be seen. Finally, the structures and symmetries of viruses could be studied in great detail."
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The Promise of DNA Vaccines, 2006.
A review of recent work on DNA vaccines.
1,076 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper examines recent developments in the field of DNA vaccines. It discusses progress in vaccines against rabies, cancer and HIV / AIDS, as well as the role of the United Nations' Joint Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in current medical studies.
From the Paper
"Areas where the development of the DNA vaccine is concentrated are rabies, cancer and HIV. A DNA vaccine has been developed that protects monkeys from becoming infected with rabies. "DNA encodes for the surface glycoprotein of the rabies virus that induces high level of neutralizing antibodies." This is promising, since the DNA vaccine is less expensive, easy to use, and does not require refrigeration. As a result, the vaccine could be supplied worldwide, especially in areas where rabies is an epidemic."
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The Rare Giant Panda, 2005.
This paper discusses the rare giant panda of China and the research that is being done for its preservation.
1,630 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that once the geographic range of the Giant Panda extended throughout Burma, Vietnam and particularly southern and eastern China as far north as Beijing; today the remaining tatters of China's bamboo forests support only about 1,000 wild pandas in the mountains of central China's Sichuan Province, high in the mountains, shrouded in heavy clouds with torrential rains or dense mist throughout the year. The author points out that scientists have debated for more than a century whether giant pandas belong to the bear family, the raccoon family or a separate family of their own; recent DNA analysis indicates that giant pandas are more closely related to bears. The paper relates that scientists are conducting research in order to preserve the panda through the study of infant development and mating behaviors such as the importance of urine scents similar to dog mating.
From the Paper
"The newborn panda weighs barely a quarter of a pound, even though the mother weighs typically two hundred pounds. Most mammals, with which we are familiar when born find their way to the nipple to nurse. The panda mother cradles her baby against her body "so it can snuggle into her warm fur and feed" much like an ape. Immediately upon giving birth, the mother panda fasts for days, devoting all her time to the newborn. An interesting fact about the birth of twins, which happens about fifty percent of the time, is that the mother chooses one and lets the other die. Scientists believe that is due to the care the frail infant requires and the mother can only provide for one."
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Stem Cell Research, 2006.
A look at some of the issues and dilemmas involved with stem cell research.
1,415 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the ongoing debate over stem cell research and examines the controversial issues associated with the technology. The paper addresses three fundamental questions concerning stem cell research which deal with whether or not stem cell research can deliver what it promises in terms of cures and fixes, whether an alternative and better medical technology for cures can be found and when it is that life actually begins.
From the Paper
"Even more promising are cord blood cells, which are usually taken from a placenta after birth. These cells, which are much more common and less ethically questionable than embryonic cells, already have many advocates and success stories to their name. A University of Pittsburgh
research team hails these cells' abilities to produce different types of tissues (Price, "Advance Made"). And ordinary citizens such as Adam Susser and Hwang Mi-Soon provide the most compelling evidence of all: themselves. Adam, born with cerebral palsy, spent his entire youth
imprisoned by blindness and an inability to speak. Halfway across the world, South Korean Hwang lived in a similar prison. For twenty years, she lived the physical and emotional entrapment of paralysis. Now, these two individuals are now living the life they always imagined but never dared to dream. Adam is seeing the world for the first time. Hwang does not have to rely on physical herapy for exercise anymore-she can just walk around her neighborhood. What unites these two very different people?...."
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The Salivary Glands, 2006.
A look at the role that the salivary glands play in the human body.
2,624 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the major functions of the salivary glands, explaining that they play a major role in helping us to maintain good oral health, enjoy our food and keep our mouth moist and comfortable.
From the Paper
"The salivary glands are compound exocrine glands that secrete a digestive fluid (saliva) into the oral cavity. These glands are distributed in two different sets, major and minor. The major or larger salivary glands come in three pairs: the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual. The parotid glands are the largest and located in front of the ears. The submandibular glands are located below the jaw and the sublingual glands are located underneath the tongue. There are between 600-1000 minor or smaller salivary glands are located all throughout the mouth-in the tongue, the palate, and linings of the inner lip and cheek areas. Each gland produces one of three different types of secretions."
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Cloning, 2006.
Argues that the cloning of human body parts should be permitted.
1,593 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
There is a dispute in both the scientific and secular worlds regarding genetic cloning. Some scientists wish to clone headless humans to use for body parts. The paper shows that many experts in both the secular and scientific fields argue this is immoral and wrong. They call for bans on human cloning. Most people, however, feel the cloning of human stem cells to build human organs is justified. There are scientific and genetic; psychological, political and social, moral and ethical reasons for banning the cloning humans, however the paper shows that there are numerous benefits for the cloning of human body parts using stem cells and animals.
From the Paper
"In spite of the debate over human cloning, there is a consensus condoning the cloning of human tissues and organs for use as donor organs. Scientists and religious leaders agree the cloning of human embryos is justified, but disagree on the types of research that should be legal. Even, Representative Vernon Ehlers, who authored the congressional bill banning human cloning, believes the research should continue."
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Estrus in Humans, 2005.
Examines why humans do not display estrus, a phenomenon whereby the female exhibits certain physiological changes and emits secretions to attract the male for reproductive purposes.
2,336 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
Animals do not engage in human courtship rituals, asking potential partners for dates and engaging in long, sensitive conversations in an attempt to win over their trust. Instead, animals mate almost mechanically, often at set times of the year known as 'mating seasons,' in which the females enter into a hormonally induced period known as estrus, designed to attract males in order to ensure the birth of a new offspring of litter. The paper shows that such mating rituals would prove rather unsuitable for humans, since the idea of women entering a similar state of estrus is ludicrous, not to mention detrimental to the organization and smooth running of society. Indeed, civilization would become quite vulnerable if all its attentions turned to mating at certain times of the year. The paper shows that to ensure its successful existence, humans have lost this display of estrus, instead resorting to the more familiar mating rituals such as dating and wooing to ensure reproduction through a singularly pleasant means. Furthermore, reproduction among humans can theoretically take place at any time. This paper explores the phenomenon of estrus and why humans have lost this overt phenomenon, so essential to most other species.
From the Paper
"The mechanics of animal reproduction usually distinguish between attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity. Attractivity is the degree of attractions a female elicits in males, proceptivity is the female's use of signs to elicit a male's interest in reproduction, and receptivity defines how females respond to males' reproductive leads (4). In animals which exhibit estrus, these elements occur almost mechanically when a female enters estrus, or heat. In humans, however, Harris theorizes that human reproduction has evolved into a process-oriented rather than product-oriented system (4). Harris explains that "human courtship is a process that occurs over time and is the result of the behavior of both interactants" (4)."
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Darwinism, 2006.
This paper discusses Darwin's theory of evolution.
1,704 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the history of the Darwin theory from its inception of the study of the origin of species to natural selection and further developments from biological to sociological theories. The author also provides different opinions including those of the creationists. The paper explores the effects of Darwinism on present day theories and studies, namely genealogy.
From the Paper
"This fact is now accepted by most scientists and natural philosophers, namely that" an ongoing process of organic evolution (is) an established aspect of material reality." (Birx, p. 241) And, still there are those who think it is only one theory, not any better or worse than the Theory of Creationism. These religious conservatives and zealots, who cling to the Bible as an anchor in a world of If's, feel that there is no more solid proof that Man descended from lower organisms than there is that Man was created in the image of God."
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The Role of Proteins in Mitosis, 2006.
A paper on the role of microtubule-associated proteins in mitosis.
1,112 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the model that was used to study the role of microtubule-associated proteins in mitosis. The paper explains that microtubules play a significant role in a number of cellular processes, including mitosis, cell motility, and intracellular vesicle transport. It also points out that the dynamic behavior of microtubules plays a significant part both in cell cycle actions and in cell segregation.
From the Paper
"Kinesins and dyneins play significant roles throughout cell dissection. By means of RNA intrusion (RNAi) to reduce individual or groupings of motors along with immunofluorescence and time-lapse microscopy, the mitotic roles of cytoplasmic dynein and all 25 kinesins in Drosophila S2 cells are examined. It is shown that four kinesins are concerned in bipolar spindle assembly, four kinesins are involved in metaphase chromosome alignment, dynein plays a role in the metaphase-to-anaphase transition, and one kinesin is needed for cytokinesis. efficient redundancy and alternative pathways for completing mitosis were observed for many single RNAi knockdowns, and failure to complete mitosis was observed for only three kinesins. As an example, inhibition of two microtubule-depolymerizing kinesins originally formed monopolar spindles with unusually long microtubules, but cells ultimately formed bipolar spindles by an acentrosomal pole-focusing mechanism. From our phenotypic data, we construct a model for the distinct roles of molecular motors during mitosis in a single metazoan cell kind. ."
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Genetically Modified Foods, 2006.
An essay arguing against the use of genetically modified foods.
1,413 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the economic, social and health aspects of genetically modified food and argues that left uncontrolled, genetically modified foods represent an extremely serious threat to our future. The paper points out that the issue of genetically modified food must be viewed as part of the general issue of how to control technology in a democracy and that this general issue must be addressed in terms of its moral, health, economic and social implications.
From the Paper
"The world easily produces enough food to feed everybody very well could easily feed the world's population without resorting to these technologies. Although there is currently a plethora of famine throughout the world, there is also a failure to apply current techniques. There is a general lack of infra structure (food banks, for example) and, of course, poverty. If humanity collectively drew up a serious plan to overcome famine throughout the world, genetically modified foods would be unnecessary. The claim that they are needed to feed the world is nonsense."
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Happiness and Genetics, 2006.
An essay on whether there is a connection between genetics and happiness.
928 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper presents evidence supporting the theory that an individual's state of happiness is not primarily determined by genetics, but is influenced by his environment and his own mental discipline.
From the Paper
"Numerous studies have proved that the role of environmental influences and parental guidance play the most important role in the development of personality, which can be directly linked to an individual's response to circumstances. Since everyone experiences disappointment and challenges, coping skills form the most important link between state of happiness or unhappiness. Behaviorists and environmentalists believe that a child learns these responses early in his life from his parents and authority figures, peers and his own deductive powers.
Scottish philosopher John MacMurray stated that a baby's adaptation to his environment consists of his own expressions of discomfort or comfort. Parental responses provoke reactions from the infant. This dynamic continues as the child grows older. Parents who respond to their child's needs in ways that build self-esteem and confidence foster in their offspring the ability to cope with adversity and to create change in their own lives."
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