UNIT EIGHT BIOLOGY IN HUMAN WELFARE

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UNIT EIGHT BIOLOGY IN HUMAN WELFARE

Biology is the youngest of the formalised disciplines of natural science. Progress in physics and chemistry proceeded much faster than in Biology. Applications of physics and chemistry in our daily life also have a higher visibility than those of biology. However, twentieth century and certainly twenty-first century has demonstrated the utility of biological knowledge in furthering human welfare, be it in health sector or agriculture. The discovery of antibiotics, and synthetic plant-derived drugs, anaesthetics have changed medical practice on one hand and human health on the other hand. Life expectancy of human beings have dramatically changed over the years. Agricultural practices, food processing and diagnostics have brought socio-cultural changes in human communities. These are briefly described in the following three chapters of this unit.

Born in August nineteen twenty-five in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Monkambu Sambasivan Swaminathan did his graduation and post-graduation in Botany from Madras University. He worked in different capacities in large number of institutions in India and abroad and developed his expertise in genetics and plant breeding.

The School of Cytogenetics and Radiation Research established at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute enabled Swaminathan and his team to develop short-duration high-yielding varieties of rice including scented Basmati. He is also known for the development of the concept of crop cafeteria, crop scheduling and genetically improving the yield and quality.

Swaminathan initiated collaboration with Norman Borlaug, which culminated in the 'Green Revolution' through introduction of Mexican varieties of wheat in India. This was highly recognised and appreciated. He is also the initiator of 'Lab-to-Land', food security and several other environmental programmes. He has been honoured with Padma Bhushan and several other prestigious awards, medals and fellowships by institutions of excellence.

CHAPTER SEVEN

HUMAN HEALTH AND DISEASE

Seven point two. Immunity

Seven point five. Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

Seven point one. COMMON DISEASES IN HUMANS

Seven point two. IMMUNITY

Seven point two point one. Innate Immunity

Seven point two point two. Acquired Immunity

Seven point two point three Active and Passive Immunity

Seven point two point four Vaccination and Immunization

Seven point two point five Allergies

Seven point two point six Auto Immunity

Seven point two point seven Immune System in the Body

Seven point three AIDS

Seven point four CANCER

Seven point five point one. Adolescence and Drug/Alcohol Abuse

Seven point five point two. Addiction and Dependence

Seven point five point three Effects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Seven point five point four Prevention and Control

SUMMARY

EXERCISES

Overview

The text examines the contributions of biology, especially in the fields of health and agriculture, to human welfare through various discoveries and practices. It explores significant advancements, diseases, and necessary preventive health measures.

Key Points

1Biology has significantly enhanced human health and agricultural practices
2Key figures like Monkambu Sambasivan Swaminathan played a critical role in the Green Revolution
3Diseases can be broadly categorized into infectious and non-infectious
4Preventive measures and personal hygiene are essential to combat infectious diseases
5The advancements in biology empower better health outcomes and awareness.

Details

Category: Health and Medicine

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