Technology by its very definition is creating advancements in areas that we seldom think are on the cutting edge of change.  Even some of those that we associate as high tech had their humble beginnings in very non-technological ways when thought of in modern terms.  Today, technology is often associated with some sort of electronic device.  While often true, the basis for those devices can be found in having one general characteristic in common and that is improving the human condition.

Produce

The first technologies evolved around the need for survival.  These would have included specifically food and shelter.  Based on limited resources those two areas still are being affected by technological advances in ways we are unaware of and some which we know quite well.  In terms of food, producers are increasingly reliant on technology from seed to shelf.  Seeds are produced and selected using data that will allow for the greatest yield per acre which in turn conserves resources and makes food more abundant and less costly.  Planting and harvesting technologies further reduce the costs through speed and efficiency.  Communication satellites provide weather reports helping to determine the best possible planting cycles based on real time data.  Transportation technologies get the food to the consumers faster, fresher, and more efficiently.

Medical Field

The medical field has always benefited from technology.  Many of these advancements have been the result of war and disease because both of those circumstances require extreme interventions in extraordinary situations.  Failure to address medical needs could result in the annihilation of entire cultures, civilizations, and even the human race in the extreme.  Medical technologies seem to have an adaptive nature about them.  Many times, for instance, medicines that have been developed for one particular medical condition can have positive effects on completely unrelated afflictions.

Professional sports

The life saving techniques those armies surgeons develop on the battlefield often create new techniques and technological advancements.  One technology that comes to mind is the improvement in helmet design.  Because of the increased use of improvised explosive devices in certain theaters of war helmets have become increasingly important to saving lives.  The technologies that are being developed have spurned offshoots in sports equipment technology that are now being looked at to reduce the recent spike in the amount of head injuries in football and other contact sports.  Even bull riders have replaced their iconic Stetsons with specially designed helmets to help prevent life threatening head injuries.

Do you work in an industry where use of technology is constantly increasing? Let us know in the comments below.

Anna Fitzgerald is a freelance writer for an EHR vendor. Besides blogging, she loves to surf the web and volunteer.

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