Scientists have made many scientific breakthroughs thanks to nature. From proteins found in caterpillar venom and aerodynamic patterns on monarch butterflies, to beneficial inventions found within organisms like caterpillars themselves and monarch butterfly wings; their discoveries have made breakthroughs possible across a range of fields.
Louis Pasteur made an important discovery that led doctors and hospitals worldwide to wash their hands regularly and sterilize instruments, ultimately saving millions of lives.
Microscope
The microscope allows scientists to study small objects or details too small for naked-eye examination. A microscope functions like a magnifying glass; however, modern microscopes offer greater magnification and clarity than their predecessors. Microscopes also help distinguish various cell structures; examples include mitochondria, which convert glucose and other fuels into energy for powering processes within cells; as well as nuclei which contain their genetic material.
Optic microscopes, also called light microscopes, utilize glass lenses to form images on screens or slides. These lenses may be simple or compound lenses; single lens models magnifying objects up to 300x; 2,000x zoom compound models also exist.
A microscope’s primary functions rely on two lens systems–objective and ocular. Objective lenses attach to the nosepiece, and vary in terms of magnification power and resolution power (the ability to identify fine details). Iris diaphragms located below stage above condenser lens control how much light reaches specimen. Higher quality microscopes feature Abbe condensers which, along with the diaphragm and iris diaphragm, regulate both focus and intensity of illumination directed onto samples.
Heliocentrism
Heliocentrism is the theory that asserts the Sun is at the center of our solar system and, possibly, of the universe. This idea replaced earlier geocentric theories which held that Earth was the focus. While Greco-Roman astronomers recognized Earth’s sphericity by as early as 4th century BC, Copernicus wasn’t to propose his heliocentric theory until 16th century AD.
He based his theory on empirical observations, such as how the Moon’s shadow cast by a lunar eclipse always forms an approximately circular pattern with equal radius regardless of where on the Earth it occurs. Furthermore, he observed how stars seem to move in concentric circles around constellation poles while planets orbited elliptically around the Sun.
Galileo’s theory was not initially accepted. Despite evidence to the contrary, Catholic Church still supported Ptolemaic model while Galileo was encouraged by church to not endorse heliocentric model in his writings. Still, Galileo continued making new observations using his telescope while creating other scientific inventions like compasses and balances, microscopes and eventually the modern scientific method. Galileo also had an influence over Tycho Brahe who developed own heliocentric model based on empirical observations while later Isaac Newton inspired concepts such as gravity and inertia among other astronomers.
Painkillers
Painkillers (opioids) are medications composed of natural and semisynthetic chemicals designed to interact with opioid receptors found throughout the brain and body and reduce pain perception. Medical cannabis can be used to relieve acute and chronic pain following surgery or injury, active-phase cancer therapy treatment and end-of-life care. They may cause drowsiness, confusion, euphoria and constipation; but also may reduce anxiety. However, when used non-medically for non-pain symptoms without medical supervision, opioids can have severe negative consequences, including addiction, overdose and even death. Most people who become dependent on street drugs such as heroin first began with prescription opioids; these pills can either be taken orally as pills, injected directly into muscles with needles or inhaled via nose spray.
X-Rays
X-rays give medical professionals an in-depth view of the human body without surgery or cutting them open, enabling them to visualize fractured bones, identify lung conditions like pneumonia and even detect certain cancers. This amazing technology allows physicians to diagnose broken bones quickly as well as detect serious health conditions like pneumonia and lung diseases and some forms of cancers early.
Wilhelm Roentgen first made the discovery of x-rays in 1895 while conducting experiments using electron beams–then known as cathode rays–from electrical discharges through low pressure gases. While conducting these tests, he noticed that when invisible rays struck his screen covered with phosphorescent material it lit up instantly when hit by their invisible beams; soon afterwards he also realized these invisible rays could penetrate bones and cast shadows of them onto photographic plates.
If you think of x-rays, what likely comes to mind are images used by doctors to diagnose injuries and illnesses or airport security for screening luggage. But x-rays also serve many other surprising uses that you might not even be aware of.
Early days of x-ray technology revealed a lack of understanding regarding radiation safety. Pioneer users, including Marie Curie, experienced radiation poisoning. Because symptoms emerged gradually it was easy to ignore; few realized prolonged exposure led to cancer or other diseases. As a result, various safeguards were put in place such as using lead aprons and shields; Henry Moseley even formulated his law linking frequency with metal atomic number while William Coolidge created his X-ray tube which allowed continuous emission