Annotated Bibliography #2

Amita Raj

Abney

6^th Period

September 15^th, 2010

Annotated Bibliography #2

Tierney, By John. "Salt Wars - NYTimes.com." Social Sciences and Society - TierneyLab Blog - NYTimes.com. 22 Feb. 2010. Web. 10 Oct. 2010. <http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/22/salt-wars/?scp=2&sq=nephrology&st=cse>.

            Salt intake is one of the major aspects of basic body function. The best way to figure out how much salt the body is taking in is by using a 24-hour urine sample. This particular research conducted contained an unusual amount of conflict of interest. Many of the researches worked independently and communication was hard between the scientists. These are the ‘Salt Wars’. This article was somewhat deviant from my work at the placement, but relevant to the effects of research on nephrology in general. The results of research which is conducted by these scientists are what is used during treatment and diagnoses. The most important electrolyte in kidney function is sodium, and the amount of salt we eat (on two extremes) can eventually lead to kidney failure. This article highlights that even though research is conducted for the purpose of medicine, there are still economical politics that can hinder development. This hindrance may also prevent further diagnoses of unknown conditions. I was able to identify with this article because the more my mentor talked about her private practice, the more I realized that being a physician also involves being a businessman.