Medical Imaging Technologies

2. Medical Imaging Technologies • Developments in medical imaging technology make it possible for scientists and medical professionals in Canada to explore, diagnose, and treat the human body. • For example, nuclear imaging is a technique that uses radionuclides to view images of the organs and tissues of the body. Radionuclides are injected into the patient and then collect in the target organs. The radiation that is emitted from the body is scanned to produce a picture. • Some other types of medical imaging technologies include: X rays, computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), microscopy, and biophotonics.

3. X rays are high-energy electromagnetic waves that pass through soft tissue, but are absorbed by bone.

4. Effects of Technology, Certain Substances, and Environmental Factors on Humans • The use or exposure of technological devices, substances, and environmental factors may have an effect on the functioning of human tissues, organs, or systems. • For example, the risks to humans related to pesticide exposure depend on toxicity of the pesticide and the length of time a person is exposed to the pesticide. Pesticides can enter the body by absorption through the skin or eyes, inhalation, or ingestion. The most sensitive population to the exposure of pesticides are infants, children, and women of child-bearing age. The pesticide becomes increasingly more toxic in smaller bodies. Studies have linked an increased rate of premature births to pesticide exposure. Pesticides have the capacity to cause cancer, damage chromosomes, and produce fetal malformations. • Pesticides that are used, sold, or imported into Canada are highly regulated by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency.

5. The Sun is an environmental factor that affects humans. One of the main causes of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Sources of UV radiation include the Sun and tanning lamps.

6. Pesticides and premature births • http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/Pages/404.aspx?path/News/Of-pesticides-and-premature-births.aspx&page=Of-pesticides-and-premature-births.aspx • Ckin Cancer • http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/cancer-eng.php#ca

7. Medical Imaging Technologies • ntroduction: • The different types of medical imaging technologies available are crucial tools used by individuals in the medical field to accurately diagnose and treat problems in the human body. It is a continuous challenge for medical specialists to keep up with the new technologies being developed. In this assignment you will research some of the medical imaging technologies that are being used today to improve the diagnosis and treatment of humans.

8. Instructions: • For this assignment you will be researching some medical imaging technologies used in Canada to explore, diagnose, or treat the human body. • Choose only two of the following medical imaging technologies to research: • Ultrasound • CAT or CT scan (computerized axial tomography) • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) • Complete the chart on the worksheet for the medical imaging technologies you are researching. Use the resources provided or other reputable websites to explore the information. Be sure to cite and reference your sources.

9. Resources • The following resources may be used, along with any other reputable sources, to complete the above assignment. • BC Health – CT scan BC Health – MRI How Stuff Works – Ultrasound http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/ultrasound-dictionary.htm

10. Discussion • Read over the instructions below and write a one-page report. Complete your answer in sentence form and in your own words. Discuss your report in class and respond to two other reports from your classmates.

11. Instructions: • Your teacher will assign one of the following biology issues for you to research: • Cell phones are widely used in Canada. However, some studies have suggested that radiation emitted from cell phones may cause damage to the brain, particularly in children. Research this topic and comment on the truth of these studies. Also mention if there are any other hazards present to humans using this technology. • Discuss why cigarette smoking is a bad habit to start. In your discussion, describe the short-term and long-term effects of smoking on your body. • The use of MP3 players and other personal stereo devices is common among teenagers. Discuss how use of these devices can lead to hearing loss and indicate some of the things you can do to reduce your risk of hearing loss. • Research your chosen topic using the resources listed below or any other reputable sites. Be sure to cite and reference your sources. • In a one-page report, discuss your topic. Support your answer with information that you researched on your topic. Complete your answer in sentence form and in your own words. Present your report to the class and respond to two other reports by your classmates.

12. Resources • The following resources, along with any other reputable sources, may be used to complete the above assignment. • Health Canada – Safety and Cell phones • http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/alt_formats/pacrb-dgapcr/pdf/iyh-vsv/prod/cell-eng.pdf • http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/en/news/newsandfeatures/pages/the-ipod-and-hearing-loss-in-youth.aspx • About Kids Health – iPods Teens Health – Smoking http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/tobacco/smoking.html