The Nature of Science Case Study Fibre optic cables
Fibre optic cables are very fine cables of glass made from silicon, germanium and oxygen. They have many advantages over copper wiring for use in communication as they can carry information over long distances and require less power. Fibre optic cables are also used in medicine, for example endoscopes are used to see inside the body. In industry fibre optic cables are used to locate leaks in pipes and engines.
Fig, 14 Fibre optic cables are used to send information over long distances.
Technology in medicine Medicine uses many technologies, and advances are being made all the time. Examples of technology used in medicine are: An MRI is used to make clear images of the inside of the body for diagnosis of injury or disease. Drips deliver a controlled dose of medication to patients. New and improved materials are used for stitches, dressings and burns treatment. Keyhole surgery allows doctors to treat patients in a less invasive way and so reduces recovery time. In medical training new machines are being used to train surgeons and anaesthetists. These machines behave as a patient would in a theatre, similar to a flight simulator for pilots, to give surgeons and anaesthetists experience of possible real-life situations.
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Fig. 15 Technology plays an important part in an intensive care unit.
Technology in leisure Technology has provided new forms of entertainment. Examples include: High definition TVs, tablets, smartphones and games consoles. Television that can be paused, rewound or fast forwarded. Smartphones that are handheld computers. MP3 players where a large number of songs can be stored and organised on a very small device.
