Mary's BioBlog: 2011

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

An All New Fertilizer, Thanks to You!

Fertilizer. It’s a term we know about, learned about, but never really paid much attention too. Most fertilizers are made of other animals’ wastes, we are already aware of this piece of information. Today, a new term called “biosolid” has been introduced to society.

Biosolids are nutrient-rich materials that result from the treatment of municipal wastewater. They contain nitrogen, phosporus and organic matter as well as essential micro-nutrients such as copper, iron, molybdenum and zinc, all of which are important for plant growth and soil fertility. Ontario has successfully regulated land application of sewage biosolids as a crop fertilizer since the early 1970's.
Most of you are probably thinking, really? The very things we get rid of with a flush of a toilet, are now used to help grow the food we eat. But, believe it or not, biosolids have their share of pros, and not surprisingly, its share of cons.

The biggest disadvantage of biosolids is that it is a potential health hazard, and this one explains itself. Biosolids are reported to contain: Pharmaceuticals, steroids, flame-retardants, metals, hormones and human pathogens, among other things. There is also the risk of contamination in biosolids as it can accumulate industrial waste and it may contain hazardous chemicals. Another disadvantage, and this time more for farmers, is that it decreases land property value, and there is also the issue of the odor biosolids give off. Nevertheless, biosolids do have their share of advantages. Sewage biosolids are a valuable nutrient source for growing field crops such as corn, soybeans, canola and cereals. They are also highly suitable for growing forage crops and for improving pasture. Biosolids reduce the need for commercial fertilizers, so it reduced production costs. It also improves soil fertility, soil structure and permeability. Lastly, it adds organic matter and reduces the potential for soil erosion and runoff.

To many of us, the issue of biosolids is a mind-splitter. On one hand, biosolids are proving to be better for the soil and appears to be cheaper. This is great for many farmers. On the other hand though, biosolids are dangerous to our health. It may contain numerous hazardous chemicals for all we know. As humans, we already use other animals’ wastes as fertilizers, so why do we make a huge issue about using our own wastes instead? People are torn in the issue. Many are fine with using biosolids as fertilizers. Farmers are already embracing some of the advantages it gives them and their farms. Others still haven’t ‘embraced’ biosolids, finding it unsanitary. It’s true that when we use biosolids to help grow our food, we are technically digesting back what our body disposed of. When it comes to biosolids, we automatically assume that it’s a bad idea. Right now, it’s not the biggest problem we have in the world, and it’s pros and cons are pretty equal at the moment. Our society just needs more time to educate themselves in this issue and figure out how to deal with biosolids, eventually.

Word Count: 500

References:

"Sewage Biosolids: A Valuable Nutrient Source." Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs. 14/01/2010. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/sewbiobroch.htm>.
Ferguson, Kevin. "‘Biosolids’ and Human Health." The New York Times. 16/04/2009. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/biosolids-and-human-health/>.
Mitchell, Charles. "Biosolids seen as fertilizer alternative." Southeast Farm Press. 04/06/2008. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://southeastfarmpress.com/biosolids-seen-fertilizer-alternative>.
Ogg, Barb. "Fertilizing with Biosolids ." University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2011. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/biosolids/fertil.shtml>.
"BIOSOLIDS: Fertilizer or Pollution?." Lynchburg College Principles of Science 102A. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://www.sencer.net/Outreach/pdfs/DCSymposium08/Posters/LUbiosolids.pdf>.
"Biosolids Benefits." biosolids.com. 2002. Web. 16 Mar 2011. <http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html>.

Blogs I Commented On:

1. Dora's BioBlog

2. Claudia's BioBlog

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

SoftScan - A Step in the Right Direction

Canada

, as a country, isn’t famous for its contributions to medical technology. More and more each day, scientists and researchers around the world discover and develop a new type of technology, which give us a deeper understanding of our internal body systems and their characteristics. Recently, Canada has been more than willing to contribute its share. In fact, one of its companies, called ART (Advanced Research Technologies Inc.), developed a new type of device used to screen for breast cancer. This new device is called SoftScan, and it has its list of disadvantages and advantages.

“According to the Canadian Cancer Society, more than 22,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and an estimated 5,300 will die from the disease. Conventional mammographies miss up to 30 percent of cancers." Traditional anatomical breast imaging, such as mammography. does not capture the biochemistry, physiology, or the patient's response to therapy until the anatomy changes. It has so called 'blind spots' that limit its capabilities.

SoftScan by ART

SoftScan, on the other hand uses near-infrared light, combined with time domain technology, to obtain 3D images in place of mammography. SoftScan images characterize tissue on the basis of cellular structure and tissue blood perfusion. The SoftScan device is comprised of: an optical acquisition station, and a review workstation.

Slowly, SoftScan is proving to be more convenient than the original mammography, still used today to screen for breast cancer. SoftScan's high specificity allows health professionals to locate tumours which are either 'benign or malignant.' The device could also reduce the number of painful and often unnecessary biopses currently performed following suspicious mammograms. These biopses can cost up to one billion dollars a year! Also, SoftScan doesn't emit ionizing radiation, so any number of scans can be done without risk. Compared to mammography, this is great, considering the fact that mammography use is limited. As a treatment-monitoring tool, SoftScan can allow specialists to see immediately is a course of action is working and then adjust or interrupt treatment. This itself could lead to: shorter treatments, less suffering for patients, better results and lower costs for the health care system.

Without a doubt, SoftScam continues to have advantages for patients, health care professionals, and health care providers. Currently, Sunnybrook is the first health centre to purchase a SoftScan imaging system since ART received regulatory approval from Health Canada for the commercialization of its optical breast imaging device.

As more time passes, the closer we get to reaching a better understanding of our lives, our world, and our human bodies. Though Canada may be a 'late bloomer' when it comes to contributing to medical technology, there's never a moment too late to start. Understanding our internal body systems is key to our future. It can make the difference between for many people as we are getting closer and closer to our ultimate goal. With a better understanding, we can have the power to save multiple lives.