Summary and Reflection of ‘Future of Medicine Perfection and Beyond’ (Chapter 3) of Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku Essay Example

Summary and Reflection of ‘Future of Medicine: Perfection and Beyond’ (Chapter 3) of Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku Essay The chapter takes the reader through an imaginative journey of medicine in the future. Although some of the possibilities proposed appear like material from a science fiction novel, they are based on emerging scientific breakthroughs. One of the themes discussed in the chapter is the increasing mastery of human beings to ‘play God’. Evolving new technologies allow the medical professional to perform astounding feats of genetic engineering. This could happen at various stages of life – from neonatal to palliative. With this capability, people can augment their life spans, develop immunity to various viruses and even thwart cancer using nanotechnology. In chapter 3, Michio Kaku makes predictions and depictions of future of medicine in all its possible manifestations. We read of ‘nanobots’ that would operate at sub-molecular levels in dealing with infections and diseases. The author also envisions advancement in stem cell extraction and utilization, whereby, new organs can be ‘harvested’ merely with the seed of a few stem cells. If this becomes a reality then the need for organ transplants will be reduced. More importantly, by using organs from the patient’s own stem cells, post operative complications are diminished. There is consensus within the scientific community about the use of such technologies for benign and remedial purposes. However, questions and doubts are raised in using these technologies for cosmetic or enhancement reasons. These enhancements are above and beyond what a healthy human existence requires. They are meant to give ‘competitive’ advantage over peers in the evol utionary game of selecting the ‘fittest’ genes. We will write a custom essay sample on Summary and Reflection of ‘Future of Medicine: Perfection and Beyond’ (Chapter 3) of Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Summary and Reflection of ‘Future of Medicine: Perfection and Beyond’ (Chapter 3) of Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Summary and Reflection of ‘Future of Medicine: Perfection and Beyond’ (Chapter 3) of Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The author’s projections into the future are based on extrapolations of technologies that are in their nascence. Hence there are numerous factors that bear on their future development, chiefly along political, socio-cultural, legal and ethical dimensions. But, disappointingly, Michio Kaku does not deal with the intersection of these domains upon the future prospects of a technology. In particular, it is fairly obvious that the author’s primary concern is not the ethical issues surrounding these medical developments. To this extent, the chapter in question, and the book as a whole, is incomplete. They are at best, selective and wishful anticipations of what will unravel in future technological societies. It falls short of showcasing our species’ future as an inevitable submission to technocracy. In conclusion, the work makes for an interesting read but lacks the conviction that accompanies fact. Despite this flaw, one cannot dismiss it off-hand, for it offers key insights into many of the cutting-edge technological innovations that have taken place in recent years. For a general audience that is not acquainted with scientific terminology, understanding these concepts can be difficult. To the author’s credit he alleviates this problem by keeping the jargons to a minimum. He also uses lucid expressions and easy logic to flesh out his arguments. Overall, reading the chapter will be a thrilling yet thought-provoking experience for the reader, as it had been for me. Reference: Kaku, Michio (March 2011). Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny And Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100. Doubleday. The chapter takes the reader through an imaginative journey of medicine in the future. Although some of the possibilities proposed appear like material from a science fiction novel, they are based on emerging scientific breakthroughs. One of the themes discussed in the chapter is the increasing mastery of human beings to ‘play God’. Evolving new technologies allow the medical professional to perform astounding feats of genetic engineering. This could happen at various stages of life – from neonatal to palliative. With this capability, people can augment their life spans, develop immunity to various viruses and even thwart cancer using nanotechnology. In chapter 3, Michio Kaku makes predictions and depictions of future of medicine in all its possible manifestations. We read of ‘nanobots’ that would operate at sub-molecular levels in dealing with infections and diseases. The author also envisions advancement in stem cell extraction and utilization, whereby, new organs .

Factors that compelled Tesco to exit the Japanese Market The WritePass Journal

Factors that compelled Tesco to exit the Japanese Marketï » ¿ Executive summary Factors that compelled Tesco to exit the Japanese Marketï » ¿ ). Tesco failed to establish enough scalable business after its 8 years operation in Japan. According to CEO, Philip Clarke, Japanese shopping habits were very different from those envisioned in business strategies and business processes of Tesco. According to Clarke, the British consumers enjoy carrying out a â€Å"big shop† once in a week since there is enough room to keep their shopping. In contrast, for many Japanese, space is premium and carrying out a big shop is not an option. Tesco, like other foreign retail companies, failed to adapt fully to the local shopping habits of the Japanese consumers. Consumers switching from branded luxury products in Tesco stores to more affordable private labels. Despite the demand for staple food and household items remaining flat, some consumers switched from purchasing branded luxury products to private labels that are more affordable. However, the penetration of such private labels products has not been popular compared to branded products because the Japanese consumers are still conscious of the product brand of the item they purchase. A series of food safety scares hit the market. The outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in Japanese cows, use of non-approved additives in packaged foods and product origin being mislabeled eroded consumer confidence and caused a series of food safety scares in the grocery retail market. The British business format of Tesco failed to compete with department and supermarket stores in Japan. The people of Japan put much emphasis on the quality and freshness of food items. They, therefore, prefer to shop many times in a week instead of carrying out a single bulk shopping in a weekly basis. Departmental store food halls began offering high price but high quality foods while low priced standard food products were offered by supermarkets. Although discount stores started increasingly introducing fresh food product to encourage more customer visits, they were considered to be at the lower end of the market along with convenience stores. The small retail channels have increased their market share in recent years because their business format meets the Japanese consumers’ preference for shopping several times each week. They have also widened their range of services such as the provision of added-value services, bill-paying facilities, cash machines and delivery services. The small retail channels business format is in contrast with Tesco business format. As a result, Tesco faced a challenge of penetrating the highly competitive business segment. The Japanese people are highly demanding and fussy consumers who need to be provided with a wide selection of goods and foodstuffs. The Japanese consumers also value freshness of their produce, and they are likely to question of the stock in a hypermarket such as Tesco. Japanese consumers make frequent visits to many different stores per week instead of carrying out a one stop-shop within a single supermarket store. Conclusion In summary, the expansion strategy taken by Tesco into the Japanese market was a well-timed one. However, the Japanese market posed many difficulties which prevented Tesco penetrating the market and achieving profits. Despite that Tesco invested many resources and formulated strategies to gain the Japanese retail market, its failure to establish a business format to suit the Japanese consumers’ lifestyle envisaged its eventual exit. Other foreign retail companies such as Carrefour SA of France had failed to attain profit. Economic factors also led Tesco’s exit as consumers changed preference. The consumer patterns of the Japanese can be difficult to accommodate and formulate a business format to suit their demands and lifestyle. References Humby C, et al. (2008) Scoring Points: How Tesco Continues to Win Customer Loyalty. London: Kogan Page Publishers. Tesco’s internal data, 2009 (www.tesco.com) Williamson C, et al. (2013) Strategic Management and Business Analysis. London: Routledge.

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 16

History - Essay Example nce and Technology were taking place, there were a lot many uncertainties pertaining to the stability and political administration of various kingdoms across Europe. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that progress and prosperity came to a halt, if not a decline, during this period primarily due to rampant warfare, theological uncertainty and natural calamities. The Great Famine of the early fourteenth century and the subsequent Black Death (the mysterious epidemic breakout) nearly reduced the European population by one thirds. Given the backdrop of this catastrophe, one can understand the stagnation of fine arts; as at this time basic survival proved a challenging proposition in itself. Other contributors to a general social unrest during this era included collective rebellion of the peasants, witnessed especially in France and England. The other conflict on a larger scale was the notorious Hundred Years’ War. But the most destabilizing event during the period was the decline in authority of the Catholic Church, due primarily to internal disagreements between different denominations. Hence, the Late Middle Ages were a period of chaos, confusion and listless in many aspects. Yet, much of Europe had endured these tough times and had managed to keep the uniqueness of its civilization intact, till the advent of Renaissance, wherein the dormancy of European culture gave way to a new blooming. What prevented Europe from sinking into the abyss of the Dark Ages that was suffered by kingdoms in the Mediterranean, was the continued progress seen within the faculties of arts and sciences, albeit at a less vigorous pace. The most critical element of the artistic preservation and improvement during this era came in the form of a revival in ancient historical texts, especially the ones left behind by the Great Roman Empire. In effect, the founding principles of the Renaissance are to be found within this historical framework. While resources were being made

The Scientific Method Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Scientific Method - Lab Report Example The quantity of oxygen dissolved would be controlled by beginning from 20ppm and twenty fish. After this the amount of oxygen would be lowered slowly up to 0ppm. In this instant, as per the hypothesis set, there would be zero fish within the water. The control variable for this experiment would be temperature of water. This is so because for accurate results of this experiment, the temperature of water needs to be kept constant. Otherwise it will alter or give out biased the results of the experiment. For this data set, a line graph would be most appropriate representation. This is so because line graphs are normally used in making comparison and representing data that have a time series. This graph is the most appropriate for this data, because it displays a clear magnitude change. In this observation, we hypothesize that the rate at which the plant grows depends on the quantity of sunlight. The null Hypothesis for this observation would be; the rate at which a plant grows is not controlled by the quantity or degree of sunlight. The approach used would be moving the plant around the specific room. The dependent variable shall be the plant growth whereas the independent variable shall be the sunlight amount. The control variable for this observation shall be a plant placed in the shade. Data shall be collected using a pencil, stopwatch, ruler and a clipboard. Presentation of data shall be done using a bar graph. This data would be interpreted using an excel program or an SSPS program. In this observation, we hypothesize that the Bank tellers having brown hair with brown eyes certainly would be taller in height. The null Hypothesis, in this case, shall be the bank tellers height has no relationship with their eye or hair color. The approach of experimentation to be used would be observing tellers who work at different banks. The dependent variable for this observation is the bank teller’s height and the independent variables are the bank teller’s

People's management of stress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

People's management of stress - Essay Example As it is, stress was reported not to be classified as an illness. However, when people are persistently and constantly challenged by mental or emotional pressures over a long term, the effects could actually lead to serious illnesses (NHS 2012). The article by Allen (2011) published in The Guardian reveales that from a survey conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD), stress has been identified to be the commonest cause of long-term sick leave in organizations. In this regard, the aim of the current study is to present the results of a survey conducted at the Sheffield City Centre where 100 adult people, both male and female, were asked five (5) questions related to stress. The method used was a questionnaire-survey through interview. The results would hereby be presented and appropriate recommendations in the concluding portion would be suggested. The purpose of the questionnaire was to determine the major responses to concerns such as frequency of stress, causes, ways of managing stress through relaxation, taking time off work due to stress, and who to confide in when in stressful situations. They were asked five questions and their responses were tabulated and percentage results were revealed. The five questions asked are as follows: When asked how often do they feel stressed, the following pie chart shows that 45% of the respondents indicated occasionally (a few time a week), followed by sometimes (about half the time) at 20%. The least percentage was 5%, both answered by the 5 respondents as all the time and also 5 respondents as never. For those who responded that they are stressed, the major cause of stress was dominantly exhibited as relationships with family and friends at 25%, followed by money at 20%, fast pace of modern life and others, both at 10%, and only 5% indicated work. As such, the findings indicate that majority or 35 of the 100 people surveyed indicated that watching TV is their means of

Commercial Management And Project Management Construction Essay

Commercial Management And Project Management Construction Essay Kalifomatos Consultants is a Quantity Surveying firm with a wide range of services provided for the potential Client. One of the fields KCQS specializes in is Project Management. Project Management aims to deliver any given Project ensuring the desired balance between Time, Cost and Quality. Feasibility reports, according to Douglas (1999), test whether the requirements initially set out can be actually met or not. Boyle (2003) suggests that feasibility reports can take different forms. Functional feasibility amongst others refers to physical requirements as well as soil conditions. Technical feasibility refers to the statutory consents as well as the time constraints whereas financial feasibility deals with the costs of the development and in essence creates a budget for the Client to decide on whether he can follow it or not. In addition to the above, business feasibility deals with the strategic brief analysis indicating if the qualitative aspects of the development match the business model of the Client. In this stage, the initial statement of requirements is developed into the design brief on behalf of the Client confirming the key requirements and constraints for the development, following the feasibility analysis taken earlier. The next step that follows is the identification of which procurement method is better for use which sufficiently meets the Clients requirements; the Project Manager could do this. The last step of the Design brief is to assemble the people that need to be involved in the development process which comprise of Architects, Quantity Surveyors etc. (Boyle 2003) According to the information our firm has been provided with, the borehole records the Client is said to have in his possession are of a neighboring site to the proposed one. The fact that a neighboring site has previously undergone a site investigation does not guarantee that for example the soil conditions for the proposed one will be the same. The strata could vary as well as the depth of the water table; maybe a new site investigation for the proposed site reveals that the site has been bombed during the war, resulting to a distortion of soil conditions in the site. This could be seen as a possible constrain which would have been identified if a site investigation had been undertaken. Another activity that has been undertaken was the acquiring of the site. Following the previous point, as well as the fact that our company has not been presented with an actual investigation for the proposed site, the site could be rendered as completely useless for the purposes its needed. Taking into consideration the fact that the Clients directors have previous development experience for some years, the acquiring of the site with no site investigation undergone could be seen as a very naà ¯ve move. According to Hacket (2007), Management Contracting and Construction Management are very similar in many aspects, nevertheless, there is one essential distinguishing characteristic which is fundamental to the understanding of the two systems; the contractual arrangements between the parties involved. In Management Contracting, the subcontractors are in contact with the Management Contractor whereas in Construction Management they are in direct contact with the employer; none of the subcontracts are entered into by the Construction Manager. The difference is illustrated by comparing the two diagrams provided. The most important requirement the Client has set out was that the quality level is to be prestige. The best quality is offered from traditional procurement method. Another requirement set out by the client is the flexibility of the design; also traditional procurement is the best suited for this but Design and Manage offers a high utility for this section as well. However, when it comes to high complexity of the design, Traditional procurement does not best suit the description whereas all the other methods do. The next requirement set out is asap completion; Traditional Procurement does not offer that whereas again, all the other methods do. Furthermore, Design and Manage offers the single point responsibility the Client is looking for as well as Design and Build. This feature would not be available with Traditional Procurement method nor with the Design and Build or the Management Contracting as illustrated in the previous schematics. Furthermore, two of HRD2010s directors have pr evious development experience, so the fact that in order to use Design and Manage one needs previous experience is seen as a disadvantage, is easily one to overcome here. The main reason Construction Management has been rejected even though it is very similar to Design and Manage, was the single point of responsibility required by the Client; thus total utility offered in the chart is 450. And last but not least, the Client welcomes the sharing of risks; Design and Manage can also satisfy that requirement. Based on the RIBA task allocation, the Client has not performed properly the Preparation stage. Vital points have been left out which could have major impacts on the projects development. KCQS has provided the Client with some recommendations for the successful progression of the development. These would be the immediate conduction of a site investigation for the proposed developments site in order to be able to proceed accordingly. The Client has failed to provide a proper feasibility report (recommended) which is vital in assessing the quality of the proposed development, its costs as well as the need to meet statutory consents. Following the above, the Client should be able to address to possible constraints with regards to the development and overcome them in due time. It is also recommended that the people that are to be involved in the development process are to be identified.

History Essay -- Religion Western European History Essays

History Manorialism was an economic system that existed in Western Europe from about 1050 to 1300 CE. Serfs who worked for a lord farmed large fields. The lord owned the fields and lived in a large manor house. He owned between a third and a half of all the crops. The serfs also had a part of the fields for themselves. Serfs couldn’t leave the manor and they had to give the lord a certain amount of their crops, but they could keep the surplus. The serfs lived together communally and worked the fields together using the three crop rotation. There was also a church and a parson who had his own house and part of the crops. Lords who were warriors that defended the manor and attacked neighboring manors created manors. The serfs had originally paid allegiance to the lords as they protected them and gathered land and wealth. One short-term effect of manorialism was that it gave the peasants who worked the field better working conditions than the slaves had received in earlier Roman est ates. The serfs had more control over their lives. Some of the long-term effects of manorialism were an increase in the quality of all living conditions, chivalry, and better treatment of women. As farming conditions improved and the output of workers became greater, the lords started renting the land to the serfs and gave them greater mobility. Lords sometimes sold this freedom to the serfs. The lords gained financial wealth through selling freedom and charging rent, and the serfs gained greater control over their lives. The lords also changed their savagery in fighting as warriors for the ideals of chivalry. Chivalry was the â€Å"obligation of fighting in defense of honorable causes.†(418) The ideas that chivalry cherished resulted in the respect and idealization of upper-class women. This was a small advancement in the treatment of women, but it was better than most conditions that had existed before. (415-420) Magna Carta In England, 12th century, the barons created the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta was created to hold the King to the law and limited his power to gather finances from the kingdom. The Magna Carta made the King recognize that he was the ruler of his subjects and that as their ruler he must recognize their rights. This document helped to prevent King John from financing a war to retrieve territories that were lost to France during his rule. Under the Mag... ...to lead the West. As the Crusades declined so did the Popes power. Pope Boniface VIII fall from power was caused by the decline of the Crusades.(460) As the Crusades were misused by both the Church and the Crusaders, the papacy was weakened by the deleterious effects of the Crusade.(460) The papacy had called for the Crusades and led them. When success came the papacy was strengthened, but when the Crusades failed the Pope took the blame for the losses. All of the power and prestige that the Pope had earned was lost and the power of the Pope was questioned. The Crusades of the Church helped to open trade between the East and the West. The victory of the First Crusade raised the confidence of the West and proved to them that the Pope was their spiritual and temporal leader. The savagery of the Crusades and the use of Gregory’s policies show how the Crusades brought out the terrible side of the religious fervor. The papacy suffered heavy political losses when people lost faith in the Crusades. The imperial motives of the Church were clearly revealed and the politics of Rome were shown to be clearly monarchial. The people lost faith in the Pope along with his idea of the Crusades.