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Stem Cell research and use is a highly controversial issue in the scientific and medical arena. Stem cells are a group of cells found in the human body that have no specified function. They have the ability to become any type of cell that the body requires and to regenerate quickly. There are two main types of stem cells, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are most often found in 4-5 day old embryos and umbilical cord blood. Adult stem cells come from bone marrow, blood, brain and liver.
A pacemaker is a medically device that is surgically inserted into a patient to help regulate the person’s heart functions. It uses electronic pulses to keep the heart rhythm normal. They are used in people who have abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) and heart conditions that interfere with the normal function of the heart. If a person has arrhythmia the heart can beat too fast, too slow or very irregularly causing the blood flow around the body to be compromised. This may cause symptoms such as fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, or fainting. Serious arrhythmia can cause damage to vital organs within the body. These devices can help people with arrhythmia to live a more normal and active lifestyle.
A white blood cell or leukocytes are an important part of the body’s natural defense systems. Leukocytes defend the body against infectious diseases and foreign materials. They envelope and digest bacteria and fungi removing them from the body. Leukocytes are found throughout the body and there are five distinct types. White blood cells make up approximately 1% of adult blood and are formed in the bone marrow. The ratio of white blood cells to red blood cells is about 1:700. The two main types of white blood cells are the Lymphocytes and the Neutrophilus. Lymphocytes are made in the lymphoid tissues such as the spleen, thymus gland and lymph nodes. These cells identify foreign objects in the body and produce antibodies to attack them. Neutrophilus are made in the bone marrow and circulate via the blood stream. They move out of the blood and into the infected area to attack the bacteria.
Pneumonia is a common illness that is one of the leading causes of death for young, old and chronically ill people. Common symptoms of pneumonia are cough, chest pain, fever (high temperature) and a difficulty breathing. It is hard to breath as your lungs become inflamed. But how can you catch pneumonia? Is pneumonia contagious? This post will answer those questions!
Shingles is a skin rash that is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. The virus Varicella zoster is part of the herpes family and is highly contagious. The symptoms of shingles vary from person to person but most people notice severe burning and sensitive skin 7 to 10 days before they develop a rash. Shingles does not look like chicken pox but does have small blisters on a red base. These develop along the pathways of individual nerves in a ray-like pattern. This usually occurs on the trunk or face in a band like strip. In some cases the blisters do not develop and only the pain associated with the nerve is felt. It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks for shingles to heal completely. Shingles are very painful and the slightest pressure on the affected area can cause extreme pain.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes the inflammation of the tissue in the throat area. It is caused by the group A beta-haemolytic streptococcus bacteria. It most commonly affects the oral pharynx and tonsils. The symptoms of strep throat usually include fever, swollen lymph glands in the neck and white patches in the throat and tonsils. People with strep throat may also have a headache, nausea or vomiting, painful swallowing and a rash. When the rash develops it is then diagnosed as scarlet fever but the same bacteria causes both and both are treated the same way. Strep throat is most common in children and adolescents; however people of all ages can contract strep throat. Strep throat usually requires a course of antibiotics to cure it.
Many people proclaim the health benefits of antioxidants. But what do antioxidants do? Do antioxidants really protect against various diseases? This post will answer those questions!
Ultrasound is a type of sound pressure with frequencies greater than humans can hear. Some animals, such as dogs, cats, dolphins, bats and mice, can hear ultrasound as they are able to hear sounds of higher frequencies. Here are some of the common uses of ultrasound in the world today!
Many people long to get into shape but fear that it takes too long as is not worth the effort. This post will tell just how long it takes to start getting into shape and will look at some of the benefits of getting fit!
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is tool used to calculate if you are carrying the correct body weight for your height. It is said to estimate the total amount of body fat you are carrying. It does not measure the weight of bones, muscle an organs. The idea of calculating a person’s BMI is to work out if they are a “healthy body weight” compared with their height. The Body Mass Index scale should only be used on full grown adults. This is because it takes into account the weight of bone, muscle and organs. In children who are not fully grown bone density, muscle and organ development is still progression so it is difficult to calculate a BMI.