The use of new technology to create a new organism

Posted on September 29, 2011 by admin

The use of new technology to create a new organism

Introduction

In the recent past, crime has been moving from the normal stealing of goods and is now heading towards obtaining information through technology. The use of computers to undertake sensitive assignments is gaining popularity among modern scientists and researchers. This has been propelled by the invention of high tech softwares which can perform processes which emulate the natural process of creation.

The application

The application for a patent on new technology involving the use of advanced computers to create a new type of organism is acceptable in Law but the activity of creating a new type of organism using the computers is questionable. Casti (1997) posed the question of whether these creations are “curiosities” or have actual biological relevance. This and other concerns have made Governments and leading researchers question the ability of science to match the natural process of creation.

The interaction between the law and modern technology is complex. As technology continues to advance over decades, the laws directed between human and technological relationships should remain neutral (Brenner 2007).Further she asserts that older technologies rely on human implementation while future smart technologies will be automated.

The pace at which technology is advancing needs to be matched equally with changes in our legislations. The Computer misuse Act (1990) only identifies crimes associated with the use of existing computer applications and softwares but is silent on the use of modern technology to genetically modify organisms.However,the process of artificial creation is based on trial and error and in many instances, the original idea turns out to be the side effect of the final product.

The debate on modification of organisms has generated a lot of controversy and mixed reactions from nations. The USA, Australia and New Zealand have all passed legislations prohibiting modification of organisms or use of genetically modified organisms while in Canada and Zambia the laws have not been passed. In many African countries the debate on the modification and or the use of modified organisms is still ongoing with the relevant Governments still un decided on the course to take.

This delay in decision making might give researchers an opportunity to undertake comprehensive research on modification of organisms.Willams (2006) asserted that it is very important to have online social/cultural formations in the genesis and regulation of cyber deviance and crime as the internet is a site of social and cultural production.

Conclusion

This application is both a violation of the law, a deviant act. By seeking to undertake this assignment, the doctor is not only violating the law but also taking advantage of technological advancement to bring to the market products which have questionable production standards.Further, the ability of the organisms to match the natural ones has been challenged by many researchers and Governments.

It is also worth noting that the legality of the application will vary from country to country depending on the laws of the specific land. Therefore, there is an urgent need to review laws regarding modification of organisms across the world in order to keep pace with the ever changing technology.

Reference List

Brenner, S. (2007) Law in an era of smart technology, Oxford: Oxford University Press

Casti, J. (1997) How Simulation is changing the frontiers of science, New York: John

Wiley & Sons, Inc.

William, M. (2006) Virtually Criminal: Crime, Deviance and regulation Online, London:

Routledge.

ENDS/ NZOMO AGGREY KAVALU n.kavalu@gmail.com

New minimally invasive bunion surgery – established techniques, new technology

Posted on August 2, 2011 by admin

Bunions are a very common and often painful condition. Medically known as hallux valgus, an estimated 33 per cent of women will develop bunions at some stage in their lives. The term bunion refers to a swelling on the outside of the big toe joint which occurs when the big toe leans too much into the second toe.

For a long time, bunion surgery had a reputation for being very painful with a lengthy recovery period. Indeed, many people put up with their bunions for years rather than face surgery. This was because older techniques involved cutting the bone and not using any form of fixation. Newer techniques introduced during the past decade enabled surgeons to fix the bones into the correct position, reducing pain and promoting a better, more controlled recovery.

However, we are constantly exploring ways of moving from open surgery to minimally invasive or arthroscopic techniques, replacing large incisions with small ‘ports’ through which the surgeon works. In doing so, we offer important benefits for the patient, removing or damaging less tissue, reducing scarring and the subsequent risk of infection.

It was during collaboration between French and UK surgeons based in Sussex that a new approach, applying minimally invasive techniques to established bunion surgery was developed.

Dr Vernois was already using minimally invasive techniques in bunion surgery in France. When he started working with us at the Sussex Orthopaedic Treatment Centre, we wanted to combine the strengths of established bunion surgery with minimally invasive methods.

By combining the two in this way, we aimed to develop a safe, predictable approach along with the benefits for patients of less invasive techniques.

Unlike another form of minimally invasive bunion surgery offered in the UK, there is no need for a wire to remain in the foot after surgery.

Traditional open bunion surgery involves making a cut of 5cm on the outside of the foot and a smaller incision on the inside of the toe to release the tissues holding the toe.

The incisions used in our minimally invasive surgery are just 3mm – the diameter of the lead in a pencil.

Surgeons use instruments originally developed for head, face and neck surgery, which are very fine and rotate at high speed to make tiny, precise cuts.

The surgeon makes small incisions in four places around the big toe, dividing the ligaments and cutting the bone with minimal damage to the tissue. These cuts are designed to allow the surgeon to correct the deformity but maintain bone stability in the area.

A wire is then threaded through the incisions and used to lever the big toe back into the correct position. Once the toe is in the correct place, a small screw is implanted to fix it in this position.

The screw is designed to stay within the bone without causing pain or being palpable for the patient in any way. The wire is then removed.

The whole procedure, which takes place under general anaesthetic, is performed in under 30 minutes.

Forefoot mechanics are very sensitive and this technique was developed to respect the precise anatomy of the foot.

Because it is based on established bunion surgery philosophy, we expect a more predictable recovery and we will not encounter the complications of having a wire sticking out of the foot for the first four weeks after surgery as this is not required.

This is a technique which will have a very significant impact on the way we perform bunion surgery.

However, it is very important that this new technique is performed by a specialist foot and ankle surgeon who has extensive experience of all open bunion surgery techniques, which form the basis for this operation.

Having now completed more than 30 of these procedures, I am confident that minimally invasive bunion surgery is effective and safe with many benefits for patients.

New Technology

Posted on July 5, 2011 by admin

We may think of future technology as being flying cars or robot butlers, but in actuality the device you are using to read this was considered future technology just a few years ago. As the days in our fast paced world go by, technology changes and updates at a rapid pace. The following is a list of what is considered to be a few things that will change everything in future technology.

Wireless Power Transmission
This is a method of being able to throw or transmit electricity a few feet without the use of wires or the danger of injuring anyone nearby. This technology will not be around for another four to six years (if everything goes well and according to plan), but imagine not having to deal with so many wires!

Windows 7
Though this software has already been released it is once of the programs that has been mentioned as one of the top fifteen things that would change everything. It replaces the faulty Windows Vista and provides improved taskbar, touch screen support, access to Netflix in Media Center, faster start ups & shut down and many more features.

Google’s Desktop OS
This application has almost everything you can imagine. It offers an alternative to pay pal with Google check out, street views on the maps shows every house. The Google chrome browser has been release to wet the pallet of those that wish test drive this app.

Cell Phone as the New Paper
If you are an owner of android phone such as the G1, you have most like seen the app that gives its users local discount coupons. There are also websites where you can purchase tickets and are able to show the ticket agent you ticket on your cell phone (can’t lose your ticket that way). Next step that continental Airlines is experimenting with a cell based check-in.

Our technology is continuously changing and there is no better way to utilize this technology than by taking an e-learning course on Windows 7. One of the perks of growing technology is being able to do thing when you want and how you want, and if you like this notion when regarding education, e-learning is the thing for you.

New Technology Drives Advances In Banking Services

Posted on July 4, 2011 by admin

Banking services have seen a real revolution in recent years, with advances to atm software, online services and banking technology sprinting forwards.

As technology is becoming ever more sophisticated, people are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to their finances. No longer do people need to visit a bank teller or wait until a paper statement drops through their letterbox if they want to know about the state of their bank account. Instead, people have more ways than ever to enjoy instant access to details of their current and savings accounts – whenever they need them most. Ranging from the latest in mobile technology to the newest offering from bank ATMs, today’s bank customers have more control at their fingertips than ever before.

In the early days on online banking, many customers expressed anxiety about things such as security. They were not convinced that their money would be safe if they logged into their accounts from their home computers, and their fears were understandable at the time. However, a selection of different security solutions from banks have assured that a huge number of users are now happy to control their finances with the help of digital banking. This allows customers to log into their bank accounts, switch money between different accounts and even do things such as set up direct debits and standing orders online.

What’s more, the recent deluge of smart phones has meant that many customers are not only able to access their bank account from their home computer – but they are also able to make payments or check figures on the go. Many of today’s smart phones have all the functionality needed for people to log into digital banking from their handset. Some banks have even created apps that are designed specifically to make it easier for people to interact with their bank accounts while on the go.

ATM machines have also had a drastic overhaul in recent years, and are now often able to offer customers an immersive and comprehensive experience without having to go into a branch of their bank. Choosing the level of functionality any single cash machine needs to offer depends largely on its location, but many banks have found that by strategically choosing high-end machines in areas they don’t have a local branch, they are able to keep their customers happy. From depositing money to receiving bank statements, cash machines offer many of the services that can’t be found online, but they can save customers from having to queue to speak to a teller.

For banks to ensure they are able to keep up with the saving and financial habits of the younger generations, they will have to continue investing in the new technology that helps them take care of their money. From an app for the latest smart phone to clever and intuitive ATM software, banks should be smart about where they turn their attention if they want people to turn to them with their money.

New Technology: “Invisible

Posted on June 30, 2011 by admin

Only a small percentage of individuals with hearing loss in the United States actually wear hearing aids. Two major reasons are cost and vanity. Leading edge hearing aids that are small and inconspicuous, fitting completely in the ear canal, can cost $5000.00 or more per instrument. One of the world’s most respected hearing aid manufacturers, Starkey Labs, based in Minneapolis, MN, has just released a new generation Personal Sound Amplifying Product (PSAP), the “AMP”, that is both invisible and affordable.

The “AMP” is designed for those not yet ready for traditional hearing aids. This new device fits entirely into the ear canal. It is ”invisible”, when inserted into the ear canal in most cases, and ”affordable” ($1500/pair). The “AMP” has a number of similarities to traditional hearing aids. Personal Sound Amplifying Products, however, fall outside the regulatory guidelines imposed on hearing aids by the FDA. As a result, they can be obtained easily and cheaply in a single visit from a variety of sources through a simple fitting process.

These small electronic amplifiers allow wearers to enjoy nighttime TV without disturbing sleepers, to listen to lectures with a distant speaker, and to listen to soft sounds that would ordinarily be difficult to hear (e.g., distant conversations, performances). They enable caregivers to hear toddlers from many yards away. They also enhance hearing when worn during recreational activities like hunting (listening for prey) or bird watching. The AMP is designed for those with situational difficulties only, that need to turn up the sound a little. They have been likened to “reading glasses for the ears”. More precisely, from an appearance standpoint, they are like “contact lenses for the ears”, as they fit completely into the recesses of the ear canal with no external tubes, wires, buttons, etc., and are invisible when worn. They are light-weight and comfortable to wear.

The AMP is completely digital with features previously not seen in this price category. including: four-channel signal processing; feedback cancellation; and a magnetic wand that allows patients to turn AMP on and off as well as adjust volume. Elastomeric sleeves designed to promote airflow and reduce occlusion are available in a variety of sizes to fit a range of ear anatomies. The AMP uses a size 10 battery.

The “AMP” addresses two of the main concerns of those with hearing not that are not currently wearing hearing aids, price and cosmetics. This tiny, electronic marvel should be a boon to those that are sometimes frustrated in certain listening situations, that just need a boost in volume for a more relaxed and enjoyable listening experience.