Aberdonians' Contributions to Medical Science - Lecture 4 PDF

what have the aberdonians ever done for us? - lecture 4 Created @December 5, 2024 4:44 PM Class past present & future What did the romans do for medical science? 1. Public Health and Infrastructure:...

what have the aberdonians ever done for us? - lecture 4 Created @December 5, 2024 4:44 PM Class past present & future What did the romans do for medical science? 1. Public Health and Infrastructure: Romans built aqueducts, sanitation systems, and public baths. Recognized clean water and proper sewage management as crucial for health. 1. Early Understanding of Disease: Marcus Varro (100 BC): Suggested microorganisms in swamps could cause disease, anticipating germ theory. Insights into infection and public health still influence modern practices. 2. Anatomy and Physiology: Galen (129–216 AD): Studied muscles, nerves, and the brain. Differentiated arteries from veins. Proposed early but incomplete ideas about the circulatory system. Influence lasted until the 17th century. 3. Evolution of Ideas: Renaissance (14th–17th centuries): Rediscovery and merging of Roman, Greek, and Arabic medical knowledge. Printing Press (Gutenberg): Accelerated dissemination of medical ideas. Advances in Anatomy and Circulation what have the aberdonians ever done for us? - lecture 4 1  1. Systematic Anatomy: Leonardo da Vinci's detailed dissections and anatomical drawings. Emergence of anatomy as a scientific discipline. 2. William Harvey (1620s): Described blood circulation as a closed circuit. Identified the heart as a pump and veins as equipped with valves. Replaced Galen’s outdated models of circulation. Local Contributions: Aberdonians in Medical Science 1. Nobel Laureates: John MacLeod (Marshall College graduate): Co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for discovering insulin (1923). Worked with Banting and Best to make insulin a viable treatment for diabetes. John Boyd Orr (First Baron Boyd Orr): Nobel Peace Prize (1949) for his contributions to public health and nutrition. Advocated free school meals and linked malnutrition to poverty. 2. Pioneers in Neuroscience: Hans Kosterlitz: Discovered endorphins (natural painkillers) and their role in brain signaling. Impact on neuroscience and understanding of pain and pleasure mechanisms. 3. Developers of MRI: Professor John Mallard: what have the aberdonians ever done for us? - lecture 4 2  Led the team that developed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at the University of Aberdeen. First MRI scan revealed detailed insights into tumors. Broader Impacts of Medical Science 1. Scientific Collaboration: Importance of teamwork in scientific breakthroughs (e.g., insulin discovery). Contributions often involve groups rather than individuals alone. 2. Social Context of Science: Ethical considerations in medical advancements, such as cost and accessibility. Ongoing challenges like food insecurity and equitable healthcare access. 3. Inspiration from Scientists: Personal stories of interactions with influential scientists (e.g., Hodgkin, Huxley). Highlighted the importance of mentorship and diversity in science. Reflection on Medical Sciences The Joy of Discovery: Excitement in being the first to observe something new. Science offers both challenges and exhilarating breakthroughs. Role of Scientists: Potential to influence public health, ethics, and policy beyond the lab. Diverse Contributions: Women in science (e.g., Fran Ashcroft) play critical roles, often underappreciated historically. what have the aberdonians ever done for us? - lecture 4 3