(2011). Natural News.com. Cited in: http://www.naturalnews.com/high-fructose_corn_syrup.html Tags: farming, corn, agricultural supplements, high fructose corn syrup

The idea of diffusion has a number of parts; it may become part of culture through innovation; but may also be the modus operendi of a partnership between big business and government (authoritarian figures in culture). One such example is High-Fructose Corn Syrup. Excess corn production and increased pressures from farming lobbies created a governmental program that actually subsidizes farmers to sell to CoOps that specialize not in feeding livestock but in producing the "new sugar." The process of diffusion in this article shows the real power of change within a small market through to appropriate channels may serve as either agricultural or biochemical change and diffusion. Of course, this also bleeds over to the numerous fast or comfort foods we begin to ingest at an early age, craving more and more as we age. This was the aspect of diffusion that I found so interesting.

LASIK -- Vision improvement for everyone. Lasik Eye Surgery. (2010). Medicine, net. Cited in: http://www.medicinenet.com/lasik_eye_surgery/article.htm

Tags: laser eye surgery, LASIK, myopia, astigmatism, optometry

LASIK eye surgery uses laser beams to reshape the cornea, relieve pressure, or otherwise correct vision in the human eye (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism). The technology was invented in the 1950s, but it was not until the price and size of lasers reduced that enough consumers could afford the procedure. From a diffusion process the cycle was fairly typical: at the entrance of the market only the relatively wealthy could afford the procedure. Since about 2004, however, surgeries are now offered in almost every mid-large size city, with payment plans, outpatient treatments, and even shuttle...

Rapid dissemination of this technology moved from only the elite to now being seen as affordable, if not necessary, for most segments of the population.
Viagra -- The Drug for the 21st Century - Edwards, J. (2011). What Will Happen When Viagra Goes Generic? Cited in: Accessrx.com. In http://www.accessrx.com/research/viagra-patent-expires

Tags: ED, erectile dysfunction, Viagra, impotence

Viagra, marketed under several names, is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is scheduled to become generic in 2019 and from a diffusionary perspective is unique for several reasons. First, it is one of the first mass produced drugs for a relatively private problem. Second, it encouraged men of all ages to come forward to discuss their issues with a health professional. Third, it opened the door for older individuals to continue to explore an active sex life. Fourth, it revolutionized the pornography industry because male actors now had no need to worry about performance. Finally, removal of a patent and the evolution to generic brands will further diffuse the market and ability for individuals to use the drug. From a diffusion perspective, this is an example of how a drug that has a specific effect morphs into social and cultural issues.

Beyond Mapping -- GPS Technology - Jupiter Innovations. (2010). A Fresh New Look to GPS Mapping. Bloogerbase.com. Cited in:

http://www.bloggersbase.com/computers/a-fresh-look-to-gps-mapping/

Tags: GPS, Satellite mapping, modern mapping, garmin, mapping software

A GPS system is a devise that receives and utilizes Global Positioning Satellite data for the person of determining that device's location on earth, mapping the terrain, or providing current locations for installed equipment. There are a number of industries in which this technology