A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Public Health: The Role of Fuel Cells and Nanotechnology in Advancing Epidemiology, Occupational Health, Emergency Services, Nursing, and Laboratory Operations

Human health in a population, typically referred to as public health, is a complex attribute with biological, psychological, social, and economic influences. The public health armamentarium that is working to understand, monitor, and treat these influences is equally complex, including fields such as epidemiology, sociology, medicine, environmental health, emergency response, nursing, virology, industrial hygiene, and psychological health that address these factors. It is an excellent example of an interdisciplinary tool, one of the many that are used daily by those who are trained and tasked with protecting the population's health. More sound data, properly interpreted and acted upon, always improve that protection effort, and this is true no matter which of the aforementioned disciplines is involved. Solving the problems in which data are applied, however, requires imagination as well. New ways to measure factors that have not been understood or are clouded are especially helpful when developed. The use of new technology, or combinations of existing technology, can be a transformative experience that moves science and health theory forward. The use of nanotechnology, fuel cells, and other energy-storing devices, or even a combination of both, fit the bill. Individually, the new data that each can produce is valuable or, at least, will lead to new questions and new directions. Together, on the other hand, we are searching for the synergism that would allow for truly transformative practice in the many disciplines that are working to improve and protect the public's health. This paper explores the opportunities to advance practice in epidemiology, health care, emergency services operation, occupational health exams, and laboratory operations.