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 .

Benefits of Studying Abroad Essays

Benefits of Studying Abroad Essays Benefits of Studying Abroad Essay Benefits of Studying Abroad Essay Jinq Kok Jessie Borgman ENG 1050 July 31, 2011 Benefits of studying abroad Education is a part of learning that has always been a part of our life and it is a never ending process. As education is a building block in our lives, we are willing to invest deeply into our education. Good education will bring us far with what they have to offer for our very own future. Currently in this modern day society, many of our universities and colleges in our own home country have grown tremendously and improved in all sectors and field. Some feel that it is sufficient to get an education in our home country and graduate which leads to finding a job after. Yet many also have the idea of studying abroad as a consideration. Does studying abroad really benefit us? Well, studying abroad does have some advantages and disadvantages. However in an open view of studying abroad, the advantage does trump the disadvantages. Mainly, the disadvantage that comes with studying abroad is personal such as the feeling of being alone and away from home. One may say that studying abroad is much more costly compared to studying locally and with the same education one will get, it is actually unnecessary spending. However, we often forget that education is not expenditures but it is an investment that comes with a long term benefit or return in the long run. The benefits that we gained from studying abroad are priceless and can’t be placed a price on. In addition, the knowledge and experience which we have gained while being abroad would forever be with us and nobody can take it away from us. Among the benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to be more independent when they are out of their comfort zone at home. Based on a survey and research done by International Education for Students (IES), it was shown that a majority of the students who studied abroad realized that it is a catalyst to increase one’s maturity and self-independence. Many of us cannot deny that we are somehow spoilt when we are in our comfort zone, where we are always spoon-fed by our supporting members of the family. Apart from that, students who studies abroad tend to be more organized in their schedule and are forced to ensure all assignments for school and housework around the house is accomplished. It have also been said that a majority of the students who studied abroad also tend to be more confident. This is because, they are faced with different situations and scenarios in their studying life which they have not faced alone, making them much bolder in decision making on their own. Students would be exposed to different cultures apart from their own; they would develop a wider perspective on the country they are accommodating and the international perspective on the world. Many people from different countries nowadays have different views on different countries due to the misguidance from the mass media through movies and television shows. If we rely solely on education at our home country, we would not be exposed to the cultural diversities that differ from our own. Also, different countries differ in their teaching method, for example, majority of the European based education emphasizes more on the theory of a particular subject, while the American based education focuses on a more practical training and application of theories learnt in class. This would help students to decide which path to choose for their future, as no two students are the same. Some are more practical in their studies, and some are excellent students with the study and understanding on the theory of the subject. With the knowledge learnt abroad, we can always imply and train the people of our home country. The introduction of new technology brought from a different country back to our home country would benefit both us as a student and help improve the economy of our country. Studying abroad can be a great resume builder which would most certainly attracts the interest of the employer when they are reviewing the resume. Apart from that, students who have studied abroad are able to adapt much quicker to new surroundings which helps with the increase of international market businesses (Sullivan). It is with this sense of adaptation by students, that companies are pursuing and in the run to hire future employees with this criteria. In addition to the current limited economy suffered by many companies, they are now venturing and expanding to international market. Therefore, increasing the chances for students who study abroad as they have a wider knowledge on the international market including, language skills that one may have obtained during their stay abroad. An individual who have capability on conversing fluently in a foreign language in a foreign land would impress and place confidence of both the employers and business partners upon that individual. Learning an additional language apart from our mother tongue, would show that the applicant is initiated to learn another language and would prove to be useful in the field. Studying abroad does not bound us to only studying in lecture rooms and classes, as there is always freedom for individual to travel and explore all the historical sites and attractions that the hosting country has to offer. By staying in our home country, we may or may not have the time to travel around the world while we are studying, but being in a foreign land, just by being in our university area and exploring the surroundings would already be an adventure. Being a student in a foreign land supplies us with benefits, such as cheaper travel for us students with a tight budget who wants to see the world and what it has to offer. The world is still filled with all the wonders and mysteries that await our coming of seeking an adventure to explore all this wonderful gifts that have been given to us. Going on a travel during studies is one of the best experiences as we are more outgoing in nature and still excited to explore around. In conclusion, with all the advantages that have been spoken off, one would still hesitate about leaving the comfort of home with various thinking in their mind such as financial and fear of being alone in a far away land. But many of this is small matters that have a solution to it, such as financial studying abroad. Many universities are attracting students to come and study in their universities; therefore they are providing more financial aid and scholarship to students who are serious in pursuing a degree with them and gaining knowledge that they have to offer. However, we must take that one step of faith to make a decision and stand up on our own to pursue something better. Being abroad actually help moulds an individual into a more confident and outspoken person who cannot be built through the aid of classrooms and lecturers but through the lifestyle one chooses. Apart from that, being abroad widens our relationship with people with different backgrounds and cultural beliefs. In addition, by making more friends outside our circle, we enlarge our chances by knowing connections for a job offer in the future. Reference Sullivan, Erin. (2009). â€Å"Considering the Reasons to Study Abroad. † Dummies. com. Retrieved from dummies. com/how-to/content/considering-the-reasons-to-study-abroad. html Dwyer, Mary M. , Peters, Courtney K. (2004). â€Å"The Benefits of Study Abroad. † Transitionsabroad. com. Retrieved from transitionsabroad. com/publications/magazine/0403/benefits_study_abroad. shtml Curran, Sheila J. (2009). â€Å"Career Advantages of Studying Abroad. † Goingglobal. com. Retrieved from http://old. goinglobal. com/hot_topics/general_curran_abroad. asp