patenting life essays

patenting life essays John Moore was diagnosed with hairy-cell leukemia in 1976. Under directions from his doctor, Mr. Moores spleen was removed. Among other things, Mr. Moore continued to visit his doctor for seven years following his diagnosis. During these visits, the doctor took tissue samples of bone marrow, skin a and sperm, which Mr. Moore assumed were necessary procedures to prevent the reoccurrence of cancer. After discovering that he had become patent #4,438,032, John Moore learned that the doctor was patenting unique chemicals from Mr. Moores blood for a multi-million dollar contract. Moore sued the doctor for malpractice and property theft. The California Supreme court refused to recognize that Moore had property rights over his own body, however. The doctor argued that because Mr. Moore did not possess the ability to manipulate his own body tissues into a socially useful product, he could not claim a right of ownership to these tissues. One concession the court did make to Mr. Moore was the right to sue his doctor for a breach of fiduciary duty and lack of informed consent. This issue and others are on the forefront of a growing debate over the patenting of life. Should we like John Moore tried to do in the above example be able to protect own our own bodies from being patented and thus owned by others? Where should we as a society draw the line when it comes to weighing the possible advances possible versus the dangerous applications this new science may render? What are our ethical and moral responsibilities when it comes to the inevitable ability to clone a human, design a baby, or just predict whether someone is predisposed at coming down with a fatal disease? This is such a relatively new issue where so many new and potential dangerous applications are discovered daily. I will attempt to cut through jungle of misconceptions the genetic and biotech indust...

HISTOLOGY lab report Essays

HISTOLOGY lab report Essays HISTOLOGY lab report Paper HISTOLOGY lab report Paper Cells appear to be squarely, nuclei are in the middle of each cell, basement membrane, connective tissues Simple Columnar (stomach) Tall (like a column), elongated nuclei, there are gastric pits visible, basement membrane, microvolt, connective tissue Simple Columnar (duodenum) Columnar in appearance, microvolt are present as well as Burners glands Stratified Exogamous (non-scrutinized) Appear to have a mix of cuboids and columnar cells in the basal layers, with exogamous cells at the top. Sequestrations Ciliated Columnar Appears to have more than one layer of column of cells, but the cells appear to e resting on the basal lamina. Cilia are on the top of the cells. Transitional Top cells appear to be larger, round, and have 2 nuclei. Connective tissue and a basement membrane Stratified Cuboids (online) Double layer of squarely cells, each having their own nuclei Stratified Columnar (on line) Layers of cuboids cells on the bottom with a single layer of columnar cells on the top. Questions: A. The study of histology is important in the overall understanding of anatomy and physiology so that you can gain an understanding of the structure and functions of different tissues throughout the body systems. B. Epithelial tissues are named by their shape and cell arrangement. C. Some epithelial tissues are stratified because there are many layers of cells to help protect areas that are known for lots of wear and tear. These types of tissues are generally found on the skin and mouth cavity. D. The functions that are supported by having cuboids and columnar cells having large, open cytoplasm include absorption, secretion, and allowance for rapid diffusion or transport of substances through the basement membrane. E. Identification of epithelium (see lab manual page 70 for drawings) a. = simple exogamous b. 2=simple columnar c. 3=sequestrations columnar d. 4= stratified exogamous EXERCISE 2: CONNECTIVE TISSUE OBSERVATIONS: Data Table 2: Connective Tissue Tissue Amount and Shape of Cells Amount of Matrix Are there fibers? If so, are they parallel or scattered? Messengers (online) 23-polygonal Yes, both parallel and scattered Areola (online) 28- spindle shaped Yes, parallel Adipose (online) 8-polygonal shaped No Dense Irregular (online) 20-polygonal shaped 35% Yes, scattered Reticular 40- statelier shaped Dense Regular: Tendon Too many to count (TM) Hyaline Cartilage TM Elastic Cartilage 50% Fibrillating Compact Bone TM, round in shape Human Blood A. The primary function of connective tissue is to join bodily structures (bones, muscles, etc. ) together and to hold tissues (muscles, tendons, organs, etc. ) in place. B. The shape of a cell gives us insight into the function of the tissue (fiat cells protect, large open cells store or secrete materials, etc. ) C. The matrix is non-cellular material, usually made of protein, that provides support for certain tissues and acts as a filter between the tissue cells and the blood. D. Collagen fibers provide support, flexibility, and strength for the connective tissue. E. The limited blood supply of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage could slow the healing process of the body due to fewer nutrients and oxygen that is being delivered via the blood. EXERCISE 31 MUSCLE TISSUE Data Table 3: Muscle Tissue Muscle Type Shape and Arrangement of Cells Striations Present? Fibrous, multifaceted yes Smooth Thin-elongated cells, large oval nuclei Cardiac Cross striations (not as obvious as skeletal), one nucleus present in the center of each cell yes QUESTIONS: A. Smooth muscle would be found in the stomach. B. Smooth muscle differs from skeletal muscle in the way that it does not have striations present and its an involuntary muscle. C. Skeletal muscle is considered voluntary because these muscles are used under our conscious control. They are stimulated by impulses from the brain/spinal cord. D. Cardiac muscle is unique because it is an involuntary striated muscle that in sometimes mimics smooth muscle and at other times skeletal muscles. It has the ability to contract involuntarily, but also carries an action potential. However, the appearance of the cells resemble skeletal muscle. EXERCISE 4: NERVOUS TISSUE A. The function of the nervous tissue is to respond to stimuli and then send impulses to various organs in the body. B. The cell bodies of the neurons are elongated into cell processes so that they can transfer a signal from the dendrites to cells in the body. C. Eyes cant hear a sound and ears cant see light because the body is wired in such a way that each nerve is designed to respond and transmit specific stimuli from specific areas of the body. D. The difference between a nerve and a neuron is that a neuron is the basic cell of the nervous yester and is comprised of the cell body, dendrites, and an axon and is a single cell that has the ability to become excited. A nerve is a bundle of fibers that are made up of many neurons. CONCLUSIONS: The study of histology is an important part of anatomy and physiology. It allows for the understanding of the structure and function of cells, tissues, and the role that they play throughout our bodies. Without the knowledge of histology little else will make sense in regards to anatomy and physiology. Histology is the foundation of the function of the human body.

Juvenile Crime and Violence in Schools Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Juvenile Crime and Violence in Schools - Essay Example The society suffers on this count nonetheless. The discriminatory policies have been brought to the fore with the ever-increasing firing and sniping cases within these schools and colleges of late. The discrimination basically stems from the fact that teachers and fellow students have shown differential treatment towards the students who hail from world’s varied regions and continents. Then there is the important element of not meeting up to the financial basis of these schools and college and hence the pressure exerted on the students takes it toll in a very negative fashion. This paper takes a keen look at the ways and means through which juvenile crime and violence has been propagated in schools and colleges and discerns the ways and means through which this could be brought to an end. The juvenile crimes and violence within schools and colleges has increased because students have felt frustrated on most of the occasions. They opine that injustice is meted upon them and that they do not feel like a part of the usual school and college realms. The students who receive bad grades and who consistently fail within the school’s educational domains are thus the recipients of such injustice. They eventually succumb to pressure which is exerted upon them by the school authorities. They vent their feelings by being violent, give into the crime angle and thus make their destinies go all wrong. The perspective changes in essence and their thinking mechanisms start to change for the worse. One more aspect that comes to the fore here is that of looking trendy and different on the part of the students. They want to manifest their violent basis and thus need more control over the fellow students in these schools and colleges. What this suggests is the fact that the author ities within the helm of affairs have failed in their efforts to curb the violent regimes in place within these schools and colleges

The American Revolution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The American Revolution - Essay Example The American Revolution was a triumph of human rights and liberties. Britain introduced several political and economic policies such as heavy taxation that hugely distressed Americans. Similarly, the British military was quite inhumane in handling the "Whigs† or â€Å"patriots† a clear violation of elementary human rights. Civilians were haphazardly murdered upon showing any objection to Acts such as the Townshend Acts that imposed a heavy tax on indispensable goods such as tea and paper. The â€Å"patriots† were given a worse treatment than the â€Å"loyalists† who received preferential treatment merely for being loyal to the British government (Greg, 2010). Similarly, Americans’ freedom of speech and movement was hugely curtailed and anyone who violated the stipulated laws guiding speech and movement faced severe punishment or death in some extreme cases. The revolutionary war, therefore, came not to portray America’s military prowess but to uphold the spirit of constitutionalism where the power of leaders is limited, and a leadership that is devoted to the good of the people by protecting individual rights such as right to life and liberties such as liberty of association and freedom of speech. Joseph (2001) supports this important assertion in his article when he presents George Washington’s 7th December 1796 speech where Washington said; â€Å"†¦that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the Government which they have instituted† (pg. 1). Britain realized that all men were created equal, and such equality must be upheld in all spheres of life. Upon the declaration of independence, after the American Revolutionary war, democracy started mushrooming in America. The Americans were so infuriated by the British government which merely imposed itself in power and subjected its subjects to immense suffering.  

Organic food - Agriculture Essay Example for Free

Organic food Agriculture Essay Ever wondered why organic foods are more expensive? Why organic foods are kept separately from the other food in a grocery store? Why some produce has special labels? The food all looks the same on the outside. An apple marked organic looks the same as any other apple in the produce section of the store. The difference is not the outward appearance but how the apple was grown and processed. The word organic gives the impression that the food will be safer and more nutritious to eat than food without the organic label. Many scientific studies have been done to find if there is a significant difference in safety and nutrition. The studies all conclude the same information. Organically grown foods are not any more nutritious or safer for consumption than conventionally grown, non-organic foods. Many people are not clear regarding how organic and non-organic also known as conventionally grown food is grown in the United States. Organically grown food is grown and processed using no synthetic chemicals, such as fertilizers or pesticides (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). Pesticides derived from natural sources, such as biological pesticides, can be used in growing and producing organically grown food (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). Biological pesticides are bacteria or fungi that are applied to the plant to control bugs (Environmental Protection Agency, 2009). If raising livestock, the animals eat organic animal food (American Progress, 2008). Organic farming does not have adverse effects on animals and people. Using biological pesticides and fertilizers does not leave toxins or harmful residues in the environment (American Progress, 2008). These types of pesticides and fertilizers are considered to be environmentally friendly, unlike non-organic farming. Non-organic or conventionally grown food is food grown with chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. Insecticides are used to reduce pests and disease. Chemical herbicides are applied to soil to prevent and kill weeds. The animals are given antibiotics when sick. Growth hormones and medications are given to livestock to prevent disease and spur growth (Mayo Clinic, 2009). The two methods of farming are very different regarding farming techniques. Farming techniques are the main factor that contributes to a food classification as organic or non-organic. Organic farming techniques are one reason the cost is higher than conventionally grown food. Organic farming uses crop rotation (American Progress, 2008). This is growing one type of food, then harvesting that food and planting a different crop in the same place. Crop rotation helps keep the soil fertile. Organic farmers rely on the spreading of mulch or manure to keep weeds down (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Organic farmers may use methods such a hand weeding as opposed to using herbicides sprayed on the entire crop. Organic farmers may use beneficial insects and birds to keep pests from destroying crops (American Progress, 2008). Organic farming is much like farming before all the technological advancements in farming that is used today in conventional farming. Organic farming is designed to reduce pollution and conserve soil and water (American Progress, 2008). Either way a farmer chooses to grow food, the food still has to pass all standards set up by the United States government. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set standards all food producers must adhere to and pass whether organically or conventionally grown. Food must be safe before it is sold to consumers. The National Organic Program (NOP) develops, implements, and administers national production, handling, and labeling standards for organic agricultural products. The NOP also accredits the certifying agents, both foreign and domestic, who inspect organic production and handling operations to certify that they meet USDA standards (United States Department of Agriculture, 2010). The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and the NOP assure consumers that the organic agricultural products they purchase are produced, processed, and certified to consistent national organic standards. The labeling requirements of the NOP apply to raw, fresh products and processed products that contain organic agricultural ingredients. Agricultural products that are sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be produced and processed in accordance with the NOP standards (Agriculture Marketing Service, 2010). If the food passes all the criteria, the food can legally carry an organic label. Labels are an important part of correctly marketing organic food. All food has to be classified and labeled before it can be sold for consumption whether organic or non-organic. Before a product can carry the organic label, it must pass all the USDA guidelines. Products that are completely organic or made of all organic ingredients are considered 100% organic. Examples of completely organic products are single-ingredient foods, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs. These type foods are labeled 100% organic. These foods can carry a USDA organic seal (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Food that contains organic ingredients but also have other ingredients that may not be organic are considered 95% organic (Agricultural Marketing Service, 2008). An example of this type of food is cereal. Manufacturers and farmers may use the word organic on the product label if the food contains more than 70% organic ingredients (Agricultural Marketing Service, 2008). The label is not the USDA label but the manufacturer’s label. An example of this type of food is a soup that has a manufacturer label boasting it has organic ingredients. Foods containing less than 70% organic ingredients cannot use the word organic on their product label (Agricultural Marketing Service, 2008). The USDA issues heavy penalties for misrepresenting a product as organic. Natural food is not organic even though the two are usually within the same section in a market. Natural food is a term that may confuse people. Natural food does not have strict labeling standards set up by the USDA. Thus, many products can carry a natural food label. It would be easy to misconstrue natural food as organic. By definition, natural food is food that has undergone no or minimal processing and contains no additives such as preservatives or artificial coloring (Encarta, 2009). Natural food is the way the food is processed after it has been grown. Organic and non-organic food is defined according to how it was grown and then processed. The quality of food is still the issue for natural, organic, and non-organic when deciding what to buy. The quality of the food is one of the main issues between organic and conventionally grown food. The concern about conventionally grown food is if the food contains chemicals or chemical residue. Many studies have been done on organic and conventional food. Conventionally grown food does contain trace amounts of residue from the chemicals used in producing the food. Thoroughly washing produce with water and scrubbing before consuming reduces the residue on the fruit or vegetable (Mayo Clinic, 2009). According to the studies, there is no difference as far as taste. Taste is subjective to the growing conditions, season, and if a food is at its freshest point (Mayo Clinic, 2009). Taste is, of course, a matter of opinion. Something that studies can measure is the nutritional value of food. Many studies have been done comparing the nutritional value of organic and conventionally grown food. The studies have shown that there is no conclusive evidence to prove that organic food is more nutritious than is conventionally grown food (Mayo Clinic, 2009). The USDA, even though it certifies the food, does not claim organic foods are safer or more nutritious than conventional food (Mayo Clinic, 2009). An organic facts site states the following about organic and conventionally grown foods, â€Å"There is no evidence to prove that organic food is healthier than non organic food. People prefer organic food because they feel it is safer than conventional food as chemicals are not used in its production (Organic Facts, 2010). † Study after study does not prove organic food safer or more nutritious than conventionally grown food. Nutrition is not the only issue at hand. The controversy lies in the growing methods between organic and conventional farming. The issue should deal more with depleting the soil of its minerals and the chemicals washing off into the water supplies. The labels are added to organic food so that consumers have a choice. A consumer can easily identify organic products by the labels. When at the supermarket, look over the organic section. Do not worry that one fruit or vegetable tastes better than the other. Do not ask if one is more nutritious than the other. What should be asked, do I want to help conserve the environment? References Agricultural Marketing Service. (2010). Agricultural Marketing Service – National Organic Program. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. ams. usda. gov/AMSv1. 0/NOP American Progress. (2008). Organic vs. Conventional Foods-The Gloves Come Off. Retrieved January 13, 2010, from http://www. americanprogress. org/issues/2008/09/organic_green. html Encarta. (2009). natural food definition – Dictionary – MSN Encarta. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. encarta. msn. com/dictionary_1861696699/natural_food.html Environmental Protection Agency. (2009). Organic Farming/Agriculture/US EPA. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. epa. gov/oecaagct/torg. html Mayo Clinic. (2009). Organic Foods: Are they safer? More Nutritious? Retrieved January 13, 2010, from http://www. mayoclinic. com/health/organic-food/NU00255 Organic Facts. (2010). Difference Between Organic and Natural Food | Organic Food Basics | Organic Food. Retrieved January 14, 2010, from http://www. organicfacts. net/organic-food/organic-food-basics/difference-between-organic-and-natural-food. html.

Little Price Story :: essays research papers

It all happened one day while I was sitting in my back yard trying to come up with ideas for my English paper. I had to write about my family. A little boy, maybe 8 or 9, my age, walked through the back gate and just stood there looking a bit confused. I asked him who he was and what he was looking for, and he responded, â€Å"Are you looking for a friend also?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I loved meeting new people so I said, â€Å"Sure, why not?† He asked me what I was doing and I explained my whole English paper project. He seemed pretty interested in what I had to say which surprised me because I thought this project was pretty boring. He then asked if he could help me and I said yes since I needed all the help I could get.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"What is your name?† I asked.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Name? Well the people on my planet just call me †Little Prince†. What is your umm name?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"On your planet? What do you mean on your planet?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"My planet, Sublime. What is your name?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Jacob, but I am still confused.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Don’t worry about it. I’ll explain some other time.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So that was my first encounter with the Little Prince. I figured since he was going to be helping me write about my family, he should meet my family. I brought the Little Prince in to my house and up to my sister’s room where she was getting ready for her â€Å"big date† she had been babbling about ALL week.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hannah, this is my new friend I just met today. He is going to help me with my family project.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I don’t have time to worry about you and your little friends. I only have three hours until my date!†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Three hours?! It takes you that long to get ready?†, asked the Little Prince.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Well, yeah. I have to look really good for this guy!† Then the Little Prince looked at me and told me my sister was too caught up in self image, and that she worries too much about what others think about her. So now I have learned one new thing about my older sister. â€Å"Caught up in self image†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I thought I should jot that down on my yellow notepad that contains my notes for my paper (even though I did not have very many notes to begin with). I then heard my dad in the living room yelling at the television.

Ethical Practices of Citigroup

The purpose of this memorandum is to discuss the ethical, financial and legal issues presented by Citigroup Inc. (â€Å"Citigroup†) receiving $45 billion dollars in government rescue funds and then shortly after paying $13 million dollars in bonus compensation to employees for cancelled trips to resorts. We propose a number of solutions to the Department of Treasury in dealing with the dilemma. The Ethical Dilemma Both Primerica Financial Services Inc. (â€Å"Primerica†) and Smith Barney are part of Citi Holdings, a new unit of Citigroup. Citigroup paid 1,900 agents of its Primerica Financial Services Inc. unit $5,000 each for missing a three-day stay at a Bahamas resort. In addition, around 2,000 Smith Barney brokerage advisers got debit cards valued at $1,000, $2,000 and $3,000 for various canceled getaways. After being warned by President Barack Obama, â€Å"That companies receiving bailout money can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayers’ dime,† Citigroup decided to pay employees in lieu of canceled getaways. Stakeholders: Creditors (U.S. Government), Taxpayers, Shareholders, Employees, Consumers Citigroup’s dilemma encompasses a large number of stakeholders, including creditors, taxpayers, shareholders, employees, and Citigroup customers. Creditors (including the U.S. Government) are stakeholders because they provided the funds used by Citigroup to make these bonus payments. The government has sought to calm this debate by imposing unfavorable tax treatments against unduly paid bonuses, essentially reclaiming the bonuses paid. Taxpayers have argued that the funds should be used in a way to benefit all society, i.e. rebuilding the financial credit system, rather than a discrete segment of Citigroup employees. Taxpayers’ main contention is that it is unfair for Citigroup to pay reward bonuses to employees using government bailout money from tax payer dollars when Citigroup’s performance has been so poor. As owners, all Citigroup shareholders are inherent stakeholders. Citigroup shareholders make the argument that the funds can be used to improve the financial outlook of Citigroup, increase the profitability of the corporation allowing it to pay creditors, stabilize the financial and credit sectors, and lead to an economic recovery.