Modern Medicine 1900-present

Question 1

discuss the development of understanding genetics

Answer 1

during the 19th century, Mendel showed how human characteristics could be passed between generations

In 20th century new technology (electron microscopes/X-rays) let scientists analyse human cells in greater detail. They found that every cell in the body contains DNA

James Watson and Francis Crick worked together on how genetic codes of DNA fitted together

They analysed X-ray crystallography by Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin at King’s College Hospital (London) and eventually worked out the double helix structure of DNA in 1953

In 1990 James Watson led the human genome project and started identifying and mapping every gene in the human DNA

Question 2

what new possibilities did the human genome project and discovering the structure of DNA create

Answer 2

• a better understanding of some genetic conditions such as down syndrome
• predicting whether individuals are at a higher risk of developing some cancers
• the discovery that stem cells can be grown into different cells

Question 3

what is there not yet

Answer 3

• cure or effective treatment for most genetic conditions

- way of preventing most genetic diseases

Question 4

what lifestyle factors did people discover

Answer 4

they can negatively affect health and increase the chance of contracting disease

Smoking:
- link with emphysema, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer

Drinking alcohol:

• drinking linked to cancer
• liver and kidney disease

Diet:
- eating a balanced diet of different foods and limiting sugar and fat reduces little chances of getting certain types of cancer of heart disease

Question 5

what were some improvements in diagnosis

Answer 5

• used own knowledge, books, medical testing, science and technology combined now
• laboratories to test skin or blood
• x-rays, scans and endoscopes to see inside the body with more clarity than before
• monitors to see what is going on over a period of time

improved scientific understanding and technology made diagnosing more accurate

Question 6

give some examples of technology used in the 20th and 21st century

Answer 6

• microscopes
• incubators
• X-rays
• Prosthetic limbs
• MRI, CT and ultrasound scans
• endoscopes
• pacemakers
• dialysis machines
• insulin pumps
• blood pressure and blood sugar monitors
• hypodermic needles

Question 7

discuss keyhole and microsurgery

Answer 7

with the development of tiny cameras and surgical instruments surgeons can use small incisions instead of large cuts to access the body which reduces patients recovery time
the small instruments make it possible to re-attach small nerves and blood vessels

Question 8

discuss robotic surgery

Answer 8

• some surgery can now be carried out remotely with with surgeons controlling robots through computers. This has also made surgery more precise