Week 3 Lab Research Report 1

Ciera M. Jimerson

Professor Alisha A. Etheredge

SCI-110

October 27, 2013

Once it was impossible to understand the composition of the smallest basic cells, until the invention of microscopes. Even with the tools that exist it is not always possible to safely do in a field that deals with atoms, particles, radiation, and unstable compounds. The technology in the area of physical science makes it very important on how much is learned and studied in the fields of astronomy, chemistry, physics and even earth sciences.
There have been many advances that allow for direct measurements in the field of physics, there are many obstacles and challenges to making direct observations in many circumstances. Physics is the study of energy, matter and the interaction between the two, which are impossible to observe with the naked eye. One common thing the field studies is energy creation to non-particles, all of the most recent discoveries in subatomic particles and the origins of the universe have all creative methods to study things that are extremely tiny. This would be the first major challenge to making direct measurements in physics. To avoid this problem, physicist usually studies these particles indirectly through things like associated radiation, energy, or the displacement of other atoms and/or compounds. Every measurement made on atoms or subatomic particles has caused indirect measurements (Kross).
There are certain measurement tools whose invention has been very important through a large range of scientific fields. One example of this is the microscope. The microscope uses electrons to develop high resolution images of small objects. The smallest microscope has a system of two curved lenses that magnifies an image. The use of multiple lenses at two ends of the tube greatly increases the magnification effect on the microscope and moving the lenses, a sharp focus on the object is obtained (Nobel Media, 2013). Another tool whose invention was very important was the discovery of x-ray imaging. The x-ray is used mostly in the medical field allowing diagnostic pictures to be taken of bones and teeth. X-ray imaging techniques are used also in which subatomic particles are imaged and detected. An x-ray beam is projected through the object being studied then exposes a piece of film or an electronic detector like a camera. The image then shows a pattern of how the x-ray particles were scattered by denser material, such as bones (National Institute of Health, 2011).
X-rays and radiation however have its own risk to a researcher. One major hazard associated with physical science research is radiation, mostly in the field of physics. This can be avoided by limiting or eliminating exposure to radiation sources during research. One major way to maintain safety is by using shields during labs, also by wearing personal lead shields like those used during medical x-rays. A person whom which studies and research in physical science that utilize radiation can be a risk for all those around them in the community or even the world. Dual-purpose research in the fields of physics and biotechnology pose a great potential for harm if some of the discoveries were to fall into the wrong hands. Many major groups, including the WHO, recommend increased internal and external scrutiny and self-policing to ensure that societal benefits outweigh the risks to the public. The ethical debate over whether much research should be conducted and what step should be taken to minimize the risk to the public will be ongoing, but it is a discussion that is increasingly common in the scientific community. At present, such regulation rely entirely on scientific self-regulation and advisory committees, but some believe that the government should be more actively involved in assessing the risks that are posed by some forms of research, especially in the biological sciences, and setting restrictions on what is permissible (Selgelid, 2009).

References

Kross, B. Questions and Answers: Jefferson Lab. Retrieved from http://education.jlab.org/qa/atom_01.html on October 27, 2013
National Institute of Health, 2011. X-ray Crystallography. The Structures of Life. Retrieved from http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/structlife/chapter2.html on October 27, 2013
Nobel Media, 2013. Microscopes: Time Line. Retrieved from http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/physics/microscopes/timeline/ on October 27, 2013
Selgelid, M. J. (2009). Governance of dual-use research: An ethical dilemma. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2009, Retrieved on October 27, 2013