Scientific research and the pervasive effect on the economy

Scientific research as we all know is funded by the national government. Other than this meager factual stat we don't concern ourselves with the financial aspects and implementations of scientific research. However, if asked the question, "Does research effect the economic development (not considering geographical location) one would probably answer yes to the question. This stand point is valid as such action requires experienced individuals to perform the gainful activity which adds to the existing labor force. With this expansion also comes advances in technology which in turn stimulate economic growth by allowing revenue to come in.  Wait-if this is true then why are't scientist making like rabbits and hopping to it? Well, the situation isin't as clear as it seems. Despite the widely acclaimed belief research assists in promoting an imperialistic economy social science is know beckoning a new hypothesis of the impact research has on a nations economy. According to a report from Stanford performed in 2005 sociologists are claiming, "Indicators in national scientific activity show that this negative effect is partially explained by the expansion of scientific activity into more relevant domains (e.g. medicine and environmental sciences)". In other words the economic stimulation governed by the empirical activity is combated by the impact it has on medicine. This makes sense as for instance in medicine the cost of national care generated by hospitals amounts to 4.7 billion in the year 2012 alone.

 How can we make both sides win? The answer is, we can not. I feel in my opinion science and politics are separate entities and we should find a way to rig the system in such a manner that the annals of science should not be intermixed with other federally run programs. Why should scientists be seeking work when they could stimulate their mind and make a profound effect on the world just because the feds are fat cats. Science and politics just don't mix. Period.

Clinical research: Do we have to have doctorate degrees to conduct scientfic research?

When I explain my ambition to help solve the mystery behind the etiology of Moebius to various individuals some take me seriously and wish me luck with my endeavors. Others, on the other hand are very pessimistic and retort with a snotty comment such as, "Why do you bother your not a doctor". "Your not going to do anything. Your wasting your time". These comments though dissatisfying deliver me the animosity which urges the drive inside me to help solve the puzzle of MS. To this date I have conducted my own research on topics which are unique and pretty much incomprehensible to the general population as my mother who has a knack when it comes to medical sciences claims this research I envelop myself in is, "way over her head". I love to know things; hence why I am passionate about possibly putting the pieces all together. When I say,"putting the pieces all together". I am talking about knowing the answer to every possible question concerning Moebius syndrome. Why can one syndrome have so many variances in the afflicted individuals? Why are some affected one one side and others on both? Why are some of us born with closed lips and others such as myself are born with an "open mouth" without closed lips?  WHY? WHY? WHY? Like I said earlier I love to know the answers to questions. Not knowing leaves me in the dark so consequently I search for a candle to light my way through the array of blackness. 
My research efforts thus far have payed off. I have learned an equal amount if not more from the numerous hours of researching than I have in my actual science classes in college. Since I am an aspiring Biology there is significant cross over between various classes required for my discipline and the subjects I am googling over the web. My research has allowed me to participate in class discussions and put in my two cents worth when it comes to topics such as regenerative medicine and the etiology of vascular disease. 
I have come to learn a lot concerning the neuropathology and clinical findings in studies with MS patients.
I have learned Moebius Syndrome has it's implications not only in the facial nerves, but deeper inside whats refereed to as the "cranial nerve nuclei". These nerve nuclei are comparable to a mailman in the sense they relay information such as sensory information to the synapses similarly to the way the mailman relays the mail from the post office to your house. How does this impact the situation? Well, because nerve nuclei are impacted we now know or have a clearer understanding of the malformation which occurs during the gestational period. This implication also explains the broad spectrum we see with this syndrome as not all individuals nerve nuclei with MS are impaired. This statement is derived from findings of the largest MRI study consisting of 37 patients. The MRI specifically found defects in the brain stem which is of course where the nerve nuclei are housed. 
You can view this study at: 
 http://www.ajnr.org/content/26/2/430.full#sec-2

Is it science or sin?

As technology advances far beyond the horizon we see it setting on before our eyes we are being faced with the ever growing conscious decisions which for some directly conflict with our morals and ethical beliefs. I have my mindset focused on one particular action which before the advance of technology was not an option. This pressing issue which has become the center of debate both among social groups to in the press rooms is abortion. In my eyes it is wrong, I have developed this viewpoint from the scientific perspective as I always incorporate scientific knowledge into the basis of my decision whenever I decide to make one. I find it blatant now that science or better yet medicine is a discipline which focuses on rectifying issues not the ethical implementations pardoning these feats achieved. Another medical breakthrough readily available in the 21st century is the 4d ultrasound. This allows stunning perception of a fetus in real time. Another obstetrician provided service is various genetic screening tests. From these tests doctors detect abnormalities present in the fetus such as congenital abnormalities present on an ultrasound. With this new ability comes an intriguing question-What should I do if my baby who is unborn will have a problem for the rest of it's life? This question posed by parents with good intentions is sometimes answered with abortion. I often find myself thinking, if there was ever a screen for Moebius prenatally would I ever abort the child? I would never abort the child-no way no how! However, If there was a procedure to fix the Moebius Syndrome I truly do not know what action to pursue. This question intrigues me as I would not desire to see the child afflicted with the disorder but it would not be a negative effect either if it was present. Issues such as these have come to my attention recently especially the scenario surrounding the rectification of a fetus afflicted with Moebius which is why I thought I would share my thoughts in this blog
As my thoughts surrounding this delicate topic come to a close I am left with one ultimate conclusion. Whenever there is a positive it is always combated by a negative effect. This negative effect usually is the clash challenging ones ethical beliefs. Another standpoint of this argument which hasn't been discussed yet is the religious views regarding treatment of a fetus or human being for that matter. All religious people differ in their definitive opinions as they are all unique individuals however, the vast majority of folks unite on major issues such as abortion. Many individuals with religious beliefs state, "Well... god wanted me to do this". For instance, the other day an acquaintance of mine who  just finished her journey through the valley of death with a brain tumor claimed god was the driving force which sustained her will to live and guarder her life through both the surgery and post-operation. I immediately felt animosity towards this woman who was pampered at the UCSF campus. How could one dismiss the surly fascinating delicate hands of the surgeons who removed the tumor and inserted a ventricular shunt. If it was not for these awesome people she would be dead. No questions asked. I guess I may be biased because I am viewing her statement from a medical standpoint but, to me this statement is a direct slap in the face to her respective care providers. Anyhow, other religious believers are more logical when it comes to the prospect of medical intervention. For instance Chuck Smith(he patented the first Calvery Bible College and Church) was diagnosed with appendicitis. After fervent prayer for a week he sought a doctor and when he received the diagnosis of appendicitis he had it removed. When you come across a painful situation it's best to go forth and seek treatment even if you know it's not going to be a walk in the park. 

One last aspect of this colossal; argument is the rights of the fetus itself. How does one know what the fetus wants, given this entity is considered a human. The answer is simple. No one does. When prospective parents encounter these life changing dilemmas there truly is a sense of helplessness in the sense whatever decision they decide upon will never be guaranteed to fit the needs of a fetus. I will now end this blog with a quote from a wise man Stevin Weinberg. The effort to understand the universe is one of the very few things that lifts human life a little above the level of farce, and gives it some of the grace of tragedy". 

The disabled job seekers dilema; are we the victims of unjust hiring practices?

Money is truly the precious commodity which makes the world go round. The issue of finances separates the divide between a life filled with luxury as opposed to a life filled with anxiety over the costs associated with life. How does one obtain money? There are two ways of earning money from my knowledge; these include receiving SSDI or receiving a job with monetary benefits of course. The second option I named has become the center of my world and the fulfillment which will satisfy my desires. The driving force fueling the fire in my desire for employment is simply attributed to my lack of success at finding a job. An arrogant individual might comment, Well your not looking hard enough!.  This I assure is not the case. I have reflected on the reasons for my unsuccessful endeavors toward employment and again I have two separate answers to the mystery. The first being the lack of jobs due to budget cuts and the disenfranchised state of the economy in 2012. The next answer I concocted to my own question is simply because individuals (superintendents/ bosses) unconsciously desire perfection and with this desire for perfection comes the necessity to adhere toward the desired physical appearance favored by society. Certain individuals such as my sister have told me various psychological studies have concluded better looking prospective job seekers always receive the job regardless of age, sex or academic studies. This makes perfect sense in a way as no one desires to see "ugly people" on billboards or over the makeup counter at Macys. On the other hand, I am despised at myself for attributing my misfortune on my outward physical condition. If, I am honest with myself I must admit if I look hard enough eventually, eventually my efforts will be payed off by a pay check in my hand and the bliss associated with a personal victory. After reading my personal debate over the issue of employment for persons with disabilities; I would like to ask the opinion of anyone who is reading this blog as to what is their opinion regarding this matter. There is two sides to every argument and I feel like I'm isolated in the middle perplexed to choose my place on either side. Which side you stand on?

* There will be more text added to this blog in the next hours to come. I just wanted to post a thought provoking blog for my FB friends!