Chapter 12

New Problems and Solutions

Robert E. Smith

Abstract

Many new phenomena emerge at higher levels of organization. For example, it is possible that the virus causes the flu in birds or pigs will mutate to a form that can easily infect and kill people. In addition, as the global climate continues to change, several tropical diseases could appear as cooler regions warm up as the habitats of the carriers of tropical diseases like dengue and yellow fevers spread. It is also possible that the poliovirus or smallpox virus could re-emerge, even though they have been almost eradicated. On the other hand, scientists are creating new, genetically altered life forms, in which some consider an emergent solution, while others consider genetic engineering to be a terrible problem. Scientists use genetic modification (GM), biotechnology, gene splicing and recombinant DNA technology. At the same time, nanotechnology has the potential to turn relatively inactive molecules into potent drugs. Stem cell technology may aslo be able to provide many medical benefits. More recently, there has been a shortage of some important prescription drugs. This can continue to happen if a major producer has problems in manufacturing and has to stop production for a while, or if there is not enough profit to be made and they shut down production. As a result, patients may experience unacceptable delays in receiving 210 different medicines for cancer, anesthesia Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, osteoporosis and organ failure. Finally, the ebola virus has emerged as a new problem, so therapies and vaccines are being developed.

Total Pages: 494-537 (44)

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