Modern Period - Present Day and Previously Flashcards
Genetics Mendel
Mendel showed how human characteristics could be passed between generations. He provided the basis for further work on behalf of James Watson and Francis Crick.
Watson and Crick
- Worked together on how the genetic codes of DNA fitted together.
- Observed X-Rays provided by Wilkins and Franklin.
- Worked out the double helix structure of DNA (1953).
Human Genome Project
James Watson led the Human Genome Project and started identifying and mapping every gene in human DNA.
Lifestyle Factors
Since 1900 -
1. Smoking
2. Drinking Alcohol
3. Diet
4. Sun Exposure
5. Drug Use
Medical Technological Advances
- X - Rays
- Prosthetic Limbs
- MRI, CT Scans, Ultrasounds
- Endoscopes
- Pacemakers
- Dialysis Machines
- Insulin Pumps
- Blood Pressure Monitors
- MICROSCOPES
Advantages of the discovery of DNA
> A better understanding of hereditary diseases like Down’s syndrome.
Predicting high risks - breast cancer
Stem cells can be grown into desired cells
Magic Bullet
Chemical cure that could attack bacteria causing disease in the body without harming the body’s tissues.
Development of Magic Bullet
- Ehrlich and his team research Magic Bullet
- The team, funded by the German government worked for many years - Salvarsan that could cure syphilis.
- In 1909 Dr Hata joined the team and found a compound that they had rejcected worked - Salvarsan 606 (because it was the 606th.
High-Tech Medical/ Surgical treatments
> Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Kidney Dialysis
Pacemakers
Organ Transplants
Keyhole and Microsurgery/ Robotic
Tiny cameras and surgical instruments - small insections instead of large cuts to access the body.
Robotic surgery can now be carried out remotely, with more precision and higher rate of success.
Major Problems in Surgery Had been Solved
After Simpson and Lister, the final major problem had been resolved with blood transfusions.
NHS
1948
Accessibility improved vastly with the funding of the NHS through taxes.
- Seeing a GP
- Hospital Care and Operations
- Emergency treatment and ambulances
- Health care for the elderly, pregnant and children.
Mass Vaccinations
- Diptheria - 1942
- Polio - 1950
- Tetanus - 1961
- Measles - 1962
- Rubella - 1970
- MMR - 1988
- HPV - 2008
Lifestyle Campaigns
From 1948 onwards the government began launching multiple lifestyle campaigns encouraging the public to get vaccinated for diseases such as dipheria , to quit smoking and alcohol consumption and unprotected sex that can lead to HIV and thus AIDS.
Who discovered penicillin?
Alexander Flemming
Penicillin
1928 - Flemming accidentally foumd that penicillium mould prevented the growth of bacteria. Flemming publishes his findings but after trying penicillin on rat blood it doesn’t work, so he discontinues his work.
Years after, Florey and Chain unciover Flemmings research and continue it, proving it’s effectiveness.
Mass production of penicillin after funding from the US government and then in the UK.
First antibiotic.
Treatments against lung cancer
Surgery to remove the tumour or carry out a lung transplant.
Radiotherapy to attempt to shrink the tumour or prevent further growth.
Chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumour, or prevent the cancer from recurring.
Diagnosis of lung cancer
Observe symptoms:
Persistent cough; coughing up blood; breathlessness; tiredness; weight loss; chest infections.
If lung cancer is suspected the patient is likely to undergo a CT scan and if a mass is seen in the scan, then a sample of cells is collected and tested.
Government Action: Lung Cancer
- TV adverts for cigarettes were banned in the 60s.
- Tax on tobacco products regularly increases.
- In England, smoking in public spaces was banned in 2007.
- Legal age for buying tobacco raised from 16 to 18.
- Campaigns to educate people about the dangers of smoking.
- Shops aren’t allowed to publicly display tobacco products.
- Cigarette packaging became standardised and images of graphic warnings were added to deter smokers, whatever the brand.
Discovery of penicillin
In 1928, Fleming noticed that Penicillium Mould that he had accidentally grown in a petri dish, was killing surrounding bacteria.
The following year he publishes his findings but did not believe that penicillin would work on living people.
Why did Fleming not think that penicilin would work on humans?
Difficulty Isolating and Purifying:
Fleming found it challenging to isolate penicillin from the mold extract and to stabilize it, making it difficult to produce in sufficient quantities.
Focus on Topical Use:
Fleming may have initially viewed penicillin as a topical antiseptic rather than a systemic treatment for infections.
Belief in Internal Cures:
He seemed to lean towards the idea that the body itself had the capacity to heal, rather than relying on external agents like penicillin
Who were Florey and Chain?
Several years after Fleming discovers Penicillin, Florey and Chain continue his research and prove its effectiveness on ,ice/ Penicillin worked against infections - a miracle drug after an eternity of not being able to cure infections.
In the 1940s US drug companies agree to help fund the production of…
penicillin
After the US entered the 2nd world war, the demand for penicillin increased
so the US government began funding 21 other companies to mass-produce it.
