Virtual Models of Women's Bodies Are a Reality
Now we just need to use them
Hello and welcome back Chaise Lounge readers! Sorry to say that this week there was just not enough time to record the newsletter, but I hope those of you who listen will bear with me this week. I’ll be back to recording soon!
In today’s newsletter, we will take a look at some of the ways that virtual modeling specific to women’s bodies can move us forward in medical progress and safety. It really is amazing to me that it has taken this long to get portrayals of female anatomy that are not just rejiggered from the male body, but here we are. Perhaps the Biblical idea that women were created from Adam’s rib infiltrated male thinking just a little too much? As always, let me know your thoughts and ideas.
The First 3D Female Anatomy Model is here
Elsevier has created the first 3-D model of the female body for use in medical training. The new model is the first one to finally map out the female body as it is, instead of depending on adapting from a male model. This model is built to represent the female form in all of its complexity and beauty.
The Complete Anatomy female model includes (from Yahoo Finance article):
The full skeletal system — A complete female skeletal system includes a wide array of unique features, rarely seen in anatomical texts. Sexual differences have been applied to areas such as the pelvis and skull. Long bones have been proportioned, and bone angles accurately reflect the uniquely female architectural skeletal base.
Accurate portrayal of muscles — To create an accurate representation of the female anatomy, the overall volume of muscle mass for each muscle has been reduced by roughly 30%, in line with research findings from the broadest demographic of females as compared to males.
Visually detailed female-specific regions — The female-specific regions have been created in detail that is equivalent to the male counterpart. Breast tissue can be hemisected or quartered to reveal the underlying tissues with a more accurate distribution and representative state of the mammary glands, now shown as nonlactating, unlike most anatomical resources. The reproductive organs from the internal and external genitalia have been remodeled to accurately show their continued relationship.
Comparative functionality — Users can switch between models for comparative study on any part of the male and female forms, compare sexual differences and reveal the origin and distribution of nerves. Users can learn continuity from a “Gray’s Anatomy”-inspired atlas and dissection course, take quizzes and watch videos to test their skills.
Can female crash test dummies smarten up the auto industry?
As a 5’2” woman, I have to bring my car seat closer to the steering wheel than most people. I also know that means that I am more likely to be injured by an airbag. I have known about this problem since it was first discovered when airbags became mandatory in American cars. But what I did not know is that in spite of that knowledge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not switched to using female crash test dummies when giving automobiles safety ratings. This means that a car with a 5-star safety rating is based on a 5’9” 170 lb. man. With women clocking 17% more deaths and 73% more serious injuries from car crashes, it is time to make the change. To read more about this issue, take a look at this excellent op-ed.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! You cannot do it like this, you have to do it the right way"
A group of women and NGOs in Iceland are suing the government of Iceland in the European Court of Human rights over the neglect of cases of sexual violence and harassment. While Iceland has been hailed as the best country for women to live in for over a decade, the country’s track record in adjudicating cases of sexual assault and domestic violence is paltry at best. The NGOs claim that the police ignore evidence, allow statutes of limitations to expire, victim-shame, and lack transparency in their investigative processes. The #MeToo movement in Iceland has also experienced tremendous backlash with women being told that they need to do this “the right way” through the court system. But of course, therein lies the issue. Sound familiar?
“Where are all the men?”
Purdue University president Mitch Daniels unsurprisingly sent out a welcome letter to students and faculty lauding the university’s efforts in many respects. But there was a perplexing section entitled “Where are all the men?” in which Daniels praises Purdue’s 57% male enrollment versus other universities. He quotes a New York Times piece saying
“The simple mathematics of more women than men earning college degrees means that many highly educated women will either have to partner with less-educated men, or forgo partnership, resulting in a lower birthrate.”
Don’t men also earn college degrees and have to partner with less-educated women or forgo partnership? What is the point of quoting this comment unless you think that a woman’s main purpose in life is breeding? Mr. Daniels has not progressed past his old patriarchal thought processes and that is a shame for Purdue.
That’s it for this week! I invite you to send me any stories that you think might be newsworthy enough to feature in Chaise Lounge. See you next week!