Sunday, April 25, 2010

Article Blog 14: Technology Plays Role in Marathons (April 25, 2009)

Marathons and other long distance races have been becoming more popular over the last few years, and as a result, the more racers means there is more of a need to use technology to watch hundreds of racers in case injuries come into play during the race. In the article, "Technology May Help Injured Marathoners," (see link: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/04/technology-may-help-injured-marathoners-during-a-race.html) Jeannine Stein explains why it is important for doctors and medical physicians to use technology to keep an eye on the runners throughout the race. Stein stresses the importance of communication between runners, doctors, and family members throughout the race. Stein writes, "After collecting data from a few races, however, Guyer hopes race providers will be better prepared to handle serious problems such as heart attacks by placing doctors, physical therapists and other medical staff, plus defibrillators, at key points along the route." Using technology during marathons will only improve the quality of health and concerns throughout a long distance race.

Technology has the ability to play an important role in marathons. Marathons are long distance races that with hundreds, even thousands of racers at some events makes doctors and physical therapists aware of the injuries and life threatening situations, such as heart attacks, that can occur throughout the longevity of a course. In the article, "Electronic Medical Record Technology Aids Marathon Participants," (see link: http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/9526/865/Electronic-medical-record-technology-aids-marathon-participants/) it shows that technology helped facilitate the care of the 19,372 runners at the 2009 Detroit Free Press Marathon. This is extremely important to society because not only does it improve the quality of marathons, but it makes sure that every individual runner is accounted for from a health perspective. This article brings to the forefront the benefits associated with using technology to facilitate the care of runners. "All medical team members were able to coordinate patient care in real time with other medical providers and hospitals. Race organizers and staff could quickly assist families in locating injured marathon participants or spectators along the route. Researchers will have data available to them that should improve the ability to identify trends in injury patterns and as such, improve the preparation for future mass participation events." The use of technology will greatly impact marathons. By health and safety issues being taken care of and watched for during these large events, this could ultimately lead to even more participants in marathons.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Article Blog 13: Offshore Drilling and Modern Technology (April 18, 2010)

For decades now, America has been debating whether or not to partake in offshore drilling as a means to solve America's dependence on other nations for oil. In the article, "The Conversation: Is it Time to get Beyond the Santa Barbara Oil Spill? No," (see link: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/18/2685021/the-conversation-is-it-time-to.html) Richard Charter explains that even with safe, modern technology there is still the possibility of damage in case another oil spill occurs. Many environmentalists continue to oppose this idea of offshore drilling that has been supported by three consecutive presidents. Charter writes, "Offshore drilling accidents and related oil spills happen with alarming frequency throughout the world, despite modern, "safe" drilling technology." Charter, along with many other Californians, wants to protect California's shore from harmful drilling operations and industrial development.

The impact of technology, along with the need for other oil resources, has increased the decision to lobby for offshore drilling practices. Technology in America has continued to improve in all facets of life. Granted the last major oil spill was over forty years ago in Santa Barbara, there are still mixed emotions about whether or not it is time to move on from the past and rely on technological advances to resolve America's oil problems. In the article, "Offshore Oil Drilling Might Make Environmental Sense," (see link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/01/AR2010040102800.html) Eric Smith writes, "In 1969, we had many reasons to fear offshore oil drilling. But in the past four decades, offshore oil has become far safer, and our country faces new environmental risks. The real question about drilling off our coasts can be settled by due diligence: How much greenhouse gas is release into air when we drill for oil along our coasts, and how much is released when we import it?" Smith supports offshore drilling as he believes that the necessary technological advances are ready to be put to the test. Here are two contrasting articles on whether offshore drilling should put its technology to the test. With new technology, there is always reasons to forget the past and move on. Whatever the decision is, whether or not to drill offshore, will greatly impact society. If the decision to not drill offshore is the answer, then environmentalists will be satisfied, but Americans will still be left with this ongoing problem of have to rely on other nations for oil. On the other hand, these new technology methods have proven to be more environmentally friendly and by America having its own source of oil, the economy and many other aspects of American life would greatly benefit.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Article Blog 12: Iran and Nuclear Weapons (April 11, 2010)

Just this past Friday, President Ahmadinejad of Iran announced at its National Day of Nuclear Technology that they have made tremendous progress in developing nuclear technology. In the article, "Iran Unveils New Technology in Spite of Obama's New Policy," (see link: http://www.americasnewsonline.com/iran-unveils-new-technology-in-spite-of-obamas-new-policy-904/) Victor Hatley writes, "Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presented a new technology that brings Iran up to speed with the rest of the Nuclear world. The development of the third generation nuclear centrifuges will allow them to refine the uranium necessary for weapons grade material much faster." This third generation of centrifuges are six times more efficient than those used previously. This has the potential to help bolster their output in nuclear weapons and mass proliferation. In addition, by Iran gaining nuclear weapons and technology, this causes great concern around the world, especially for countries like Israel and the United States.

It is no surprise that now, more than ever, since Iran has now developed usable, productive nuclear technology that society will be impacted around the globe. For nations like Iran to reveal to the rest of the world that it now has nuclear energy that can be used for weapons, it brings an extreme level of concern for nations which are at odds with Iran. In the article, "Ahmadinejad: Iran has 'Fully Mastered' Nuclear Technology," (see link: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/04/09/iran.nuclear/) by the CNN Wire Staff, it says, "In a speech celebrating National Nuclear Day, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad slammed "selfish behavior" by "arrogant" countries that have tried to negotiate a halt to Iran's nuclear activity. As he spoke, a crowd chanted "God is great" and "Death to America."" By the crowd chanting "Death to America," it causes a lot of concern. It is widely known that Iran is at odds with America, and now that we have heard the crowd chanting something like this along with the advancement in nuclear weaponry, the outcome may not seem so positive. In his speech, Ahmadinejad also accused the United States of encouraging nuclear proliferation through its policies and the recent signing of an arms deal between the United States and Russia. Many members within the federal government have already pushed for sanctions against Iran. Countries like Iran and North Korea are a threat to the rest of civilization with weapons of mass destruction because they are so radical in their decisions to cause harm to another nation. Given the previous relationship between America and Iran, and depending on the outcome of this ordeal, society will be reshaped in more ways than one.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Article Blog 11: Advancements for AIDS Vaccine (April 4, 2010)

In today's society, people all across the world are dealing with the AIDS virus. As we all know, it is, at the moment, incurable. In the article, "Hope for Shot? Structure of HIV Protein Unveiled," (see link: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Hope-for-shot-Structure-of-HIV-protein-unveiled/articleshow/5758543.cms) by The Times of India, it reveals that scientists may have discovered the first breakthrough in finding a vaccine for HIV and most of those efforts use gp120. Having more structural information will facilitate better vaccine design." Scientists at the California Institute of Technology are working to discover whether or not this protein gp120 will help in working towards a vaccine.

The AIDS virus is affecting millions of people worldwide, and so far there have been no advances in creating a vaccine to help delay the spread of the virus or to find a cure. Currently, the only ways to help inhibit the spread of the disease are through prevention, treatment, and education, but once one acquires the deadly, chronic illness there is little they can do to be cured. In the article, "Researchers Discover Structure of Key HIV Protein," (see link: http://topnews.us/content/215265-researchers-discover-structure-key-hiv-protein) Jason Ramsey explains, "In a ground breaking research that might carve the path for a vaccine against AIDS, scientists have provided what they say is the first-ever glance of a structure of a key protein, gp120, found on exterior of a subgroup of HIV-1." If this protein proves to be useful in discovering a vaccine, this will not only affect life here in the United States, but across the globe as well. A vaccine that could prevent the infection would be extremely useful, especially in cities like Washington, D.C. and places such as Africa where the HIV rate is higher that practically every other place in the world. Only time will tell whether or not this protein will be effective. Either way it will greatly affect society. Even if it does not result in the right vaccine, it is definitely a step in the right direction.