MedLinks
MedLinks for PHY  2054   Physics II,     Fall 2001
Data compiled by Prof.   Bernard F. Whiting
Lou Gehrig's Disease:
Lou Gehrig's Disease (also called ALS) is characterized by the progressive
degeneration of motor cells (neurones which control voluntary movement) in the
brain and spinal cord. As the motor nerves gradually degenerate and die, the
muscles they are attached to can no longer receive nerve impulses, and they
begin to atrophy, or waste away. ALS patients normally retain their full
intellectual power and intelligence, since motor neurons have little impact on
cognitive aspects of the nervous system. For further information, check out the
ALS/MND Alliance homepage.
Multiple Sclerosis:
While the precise cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not yet known, it appears
that a number of factors in combination are probably responsible. It is now
generally accepted that MS involves an abnormal immune response directed against
the central nervous system. In MS patients, the destruction of mylin, the fatty
sheath which surrounds and insulates nerve fibres, causes nerve impulses to be
slowed or halted. It is suspected, but as yet unproven, that childhood exposure
to certain viruses may be a triggering factor in the eventual onset of MS. For
further information, go to the information page of the
National MS Society.
DNA Fingerprinting:
Every strand of DNA has pieces that contain genetic information for
controlling an organism's development (exons) and pieces that, apparently,
supply no relevant genetic information at all (introns). Although the introns
may seem useless, it has been found that they contain repeated sequences,
called Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs), which are unique to the
individual. Each person's VNTRs come only from the genetic information donated
by his or her parents. DNA fingerprinting is a sophistocated laboratory
technique which has been developed to help characterize individuals by their
VNTRs In one of the steps, a process called gel electrophoresis is used, which
separates DNA fragments in an external electric field, on the basis of their
mass. For further information, look at the Basics of
DNA Fingerprinting.
Electrocadiograms:
A beating heart is vital to the survival of every highly-developed living
organism. The rhythm of a heartbeat relies on the propagation of electrical
impulses through the various heart muscles, and irregularities ensue if any
part of that process is delayed or obstructed. The relative timing between
particular pulses provides an enormous amount of non-invasive diagnostic
information about the condition and function of the heart. An
electrocardiogram, better known as an ECG or EKG, is a test used to record the
electrical activity of the heart. From this test, much can be learned about the
heart rhythm and the condition of the heart's chambers (particulary if they are
enlarged). A thorough exposition of the techniques used to interpret an ECG
and diagnose abnormalities can be found at the ECG Learning
Center.
Devices and Instrumentation:
Nerve Locators
ECG Simulators