Modern Medicine Flashcards
What was the understanding about the cause of disease in this period?
It was clear that microbes did not cause all disease and illness. The cause of hereditary diseases were still unknown.
When was the cause of hereditary disease discovered?
1953 - when DNA was discovered.
How was DNA discovered?
By Watson and Crick - they saw enhanced X-rays of DNA created by Franklin and Wilkins and built their own model of DNA and started to understand it’s structure.
What were scientists able to do once they understood DNA’s structure?
Break it apart and look at the parts which caused hereditary diseases.
When was the Human Genome project started and when did it finish?
Started in 1990. Finished in 2000.
What did the Human Genome project help scientists to do?
Look for the mistakes in the human genome which caused hereditary disease.
What was the Human Genome project?
Scientists all over the world worked to decode and map the human genome.
What was the impact of the discovery of DNA and the genome project?
Not yet led to the treatment of genetic conditions but actions can be made to prevent disease (e.g. mastectomy - removal of the breast to prevent breast cancer)
How has understanding of lifestyle affecting illness improved?
- Smoking has been linked to cancer and heart disease.
- Unhealthy diet’s have been linked to type 2 diabetes.
- Drinking has been linked to kidney and liver disease.
How has diagnosis been improved?
X-rays
CT and MRI scans
Ultrasound
ECG
Endoscope
Blood testing
What do CT and MRI scans help to diagnose?
Internal damage and tumours.
What do ultrasounds help diagnose?
Kidney stones.
What does ECG help diagnose?
Irregular heart movement.
What does an endoscope help diagnose?
Digestive problems.
What are 2 examples of magic bullets developed in this period?
Salvarsan 606
Prontosil
What was Salvarsan 606?
First example of magic bullet - attacks microbes without harmful side effects.
Who developed Salvarsan 606 and when?
Paul Ehrlich in 1909
What is prontosil?
A cure for blood poisoning.
Who developed prontosil and when?
Gerhard Domagk in 1932.
What are antibiotics?
Medicines that destroy or limit the growth of bacteria in the human body.