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Key Takeaways From the Chapter
In the past 20 years, science and technology have allowed the medical field to develop significantly, encouraging society, as a whole, to improve. Medical technology, vaccines, gene editing, and stem cell research are helping to pave the way to an even more technologically advanced future.
- Medical equipment technology is continuing to improve, and develop. Surgeons are now able to do faster and more accurate procedures at a fraction of the cost for patients.
- Prosthetics and MRI technology have developed significantly in the 21st century, and scientists and doctors are continuing to improve their research.
- Vaccine improvements continue to grow, as new research is discovered. Vaccines will be needed to prevent future outbreaks and illnesses in the developing world.
- Completion of the human genome draft has allowed for a plethora of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to be developed and has encouraged research for new disease and cancer treatments. However, this technology still has limitations and continues to be considered controversial.
- Stem cell therapy can be derived from three different sources: Adult stem cells, Induced Pluripotent stem cells, and Embryonic stem cells. The application of stem cells through medicine has helped with the fight against cancer, as well as produced necessary bodily tissue and organs used for transplant.
- Society, politics, and the economy all effect the creation and implementation of new medical technologies.
Review Questions
- List some medical advancements and how it has improved over the 21st century.
- Explain the 6 main stages a vaccine goes through. Which phase is the most important? How long does it typically take to develop a new vaccine?
- List three ways that gene editing could be helpful. Why is gene editing considered controversial?
- List each type of stem cell with a short description of each one. Then describe a way in which stem cells have been applied to the treatment of certain medical conditions.
- Which worldly effects do you think have the most influence on the implementation and acceptance of medical advancements and technology?
