C1900- present Modern Britain Flashcards
What were some new possiblities after discovering the structure of DNA?
. A better understanding of some genetic condition such as Down’s Syndrome.
. Predicting whether individuals are at higher risk of developing some cancers.
. The discovery that stem cells can be grown into different cells.
What did the understanding of lifestyle factors lead to?
. After finding out that various factors such as diet, drinking alcohol and smoking negatively affect health, research began to show what we should be consuming and lifestyle factors such as smoking should be avoided.
What things were used to diagnose illness?
. Laboratories to test skin or blood
. X-rays, scans and endoscopes to see inside the body with more clarity than ever before.
As during this period there was a better scientific understanding and improved technology, what were some medical technological advanced that were (and still are) used?
. Microscopes . Incubators . X-rays . Prosthetic limbs . Endoscopes . Pacemakers etc.
What were the magic bullets?
The magic bullets were that different chemical dyes stained specific microbes (Koch) Behring discovered the body manufactures antitoxins that only attack the microbe causing a disease.
What did Koch discover which lead Paul Ehrlich to research for a ‘magic bullet’?
Koch discovered that different chemical dyes stained specific microbes.
What was the second magic bullet?
The second magic bullet was developed by Gerhald Domagk which was that Prontosil cured some types of blood poisoning.
When was the NHS set up and what did it provide?
. Set up in 1948
. Funded a wide range of healthcare such as seeing a GP, ambulances and emergency treatment and health care for the elderly.
How did the NHS improve access to health care?
. The NHS had improved access to health care as all treatment was entirely free, so everyone could access the same care.
What was a disadvantage of the healthcare during this time period?
. Healthcare provision was unequal across different parts of the country in terms of the number of doctors and the standards of the hospitals.
Why did some people chose not to have compulsory vaccinations?
. In the late 19th and early 20th century, people had to pay to receive them and many could not afford them.
What were some prevention measures the government made to prevent people from getting ill?
. Funding more testing and vaccinations. . Better disposal of rubbish and sewage. . Laws reducing air and water pollution. . Laws improving health and safety at work Etc.
Who discovered the first antibiotic, penicillin?
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.
When did Fleming publish his findings?
1929
Why did the development of penicillin stop?
Fleming did not believe that penicillin would work on living people and had no funding to continue his research.
Several years later, who continued Fleming’s research on penicillin?
Howard Florey and Ernst Chain.
What did Florey and Chain prove?
They proved that it was effective on mice so they tested it on humans and found that penicillin killed bacteria and therefore the infection.
Why wasn’t penicillin used for medical treatment during this period?
. This is because huge amounts were needed to treat one person and growing the mould took time and lots of space and therefore expensive.
What did Florey ask ask UK drug companies to do?
. He asked them to help but these were being used for the war effort.
What did Florey and Chains work result in?
Their work demonstrated the effectiveness of penicillin and in 1942, US drug companies began mass producing penicillin and so did British drug companies in 1943.
