Scientific Discoveries of the Ancient World

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Scientific Discoveries of the Ancient World

• And its Relevance to Today
• by Dan Kane

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Ancient Cross Pollination

• Originated around 5000 BC
• Assyrians cross pollinate date palm
• Look for desired traits

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Modern Genetics

• Mendel experimented on pea plants, learned
  process of inherited traits
• Genetically Modified crops allow genes from one
  species to be added to another for desired traits

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Bronze and Iron Age

• 3000 BC and 1000 BC respectively
• melt down metals to form superior weapons
• use of crucibles and furnaces

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Modern Metal Work

• Similar process in use today
• Titanium Age of lighter, stronger metal

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Ancient Medicines

• Greeks use garlic to enhance performance in first
  Olympic games
• Grape leaves used to treat heart disease

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Modern use for Ancient Remedies

• Active ingredients in garlic inhibit growth of
  prostate and breast cancer cells
• Resveratrol, found in grape seeds, is promising
  anti-cancer agent

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Theories on sperm

• Aristotle proposes semen formed from blood that
  contained vital heat to reproduce the same
  form
• It cooked and shaped menstrual blood giving rise
  to offspring
• 17th century - Homunculus

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Theories on sperm

• Idea of spontaneous generation of living
  organisms
• Cell theory
• Modern notion of fertilization understood

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References