Wednesday, September 30, 2009
State of my Research Project
At this point in time I believe that I have decided to do my project on battery research. Secondary batteries are growing in intrest becase they are one of many paths that could lead towards energy independence. The problem with these batteries is that the life span is not very good. After the battery has charged and discharged a number of times, the battery life keeps gettting shorter and shorter. A part of battery research is finding out about new materials that will prolong the life of the battery. One way to approach the problem is to have theoretical chemists do calculations on what compositions would work when trying to build a battery. Once the calculations are completed, the information is given to a materials scientist who will try to build the compound and test the batteries by charging and then discharging the battery, also called cycling. The data that is collected can be put into a graph where the battery preformance can be viewed.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Article Summary 15: Light, Photosynthesis Help Bacteria Invade Fresh Produce
Light, Photosynthesis Help Bacteria Invade Fresh Produce. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 29 [cited 2009 Sept 29]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172524.htm
Research shows that a bacteria called Salmonella enterica, a common cause of food poisoning, is showing up more and more on fresh produce like lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. Studies also show that this bacteria does not just stick to the surface of the produce. Rather, it burrows itself deep into lettuce leaves through plant pores called stomata. By hiding here, the bacteria will not be able to wash away with water.
In a study published this week, researchers in Israel and Tel-Aviv studied the role of light and photosynthesis on the ability of salmonella to infiltrate lettuce leaves through the stomata pores. In order to examine this, they exposed lettuce leaves to bacteria in the dark, in the light, and in the dark after being exposed to light for 30 minutes. Incubation in the light, or in the dark after exposure to the light resulted in masses of bacteria near the stomata and inner leaf tissue. On the contrary, the bacteria was scattered across the surface of the leaf when the lettuce was exposed to bacteria in the dark (where no photosynthesis took place, and the stomata stayed closed).
Now that we know how bacteria enters lettuce, it could have implications on how we need to handle and store fresh produce during harvest, in transit, or while on store shelves. Additionally, we may need to develop new types of sanitizers that will work more effectively.
Research shows that a bacteria called Salmonella enterica, a common cause of food poisoning, is showing up more and more on fresh produce like lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers. Studies also show that this bacteria does not just stick to the surface of the produce. Rather, it burrows itself deep into lettuce leaves through plant pores called stomata. By hiding here, the bacteria will not be able to wash away with water.
In a study published this week, researchers in Israel and Tel-Aviv studied the role of light and photosynthesis on the ability of salmonella to infiltrate lettuce leaves through the stomata pores. In order to examine this, they exposed lettuce leaves to bacteria in the dark, in the light, and in the dark after being exposed to light for 30 minutes. Incubation in the light, or in the dark after exposure to the light resulted in masses of bacteria near the stomata and inner leaf tissue. On the contrary, the bacteria was scattered across the surface of the leaf when the lettuce was exposed to bacteria in the dark (where no photosynthesis took place, and the stomata stayed closed).
Now that we know how bacteria enters lettuce, it could have implications on how we need to handle and store fresh produce during harvest, in transit, or while on store shelves. Additionally, we may need to develop new types of sanitizers that will work more effectively.
Article Summary 14: Hyenas Cooperate, Problem-solve Better Than Primate
Hyenas Cooperate, Problem-solve Better Than Primates. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 16 [cited 2009 Sept 29]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928131032.htm
Conventional wisdom tells us that primates with large brains like monkeys are smarter than animals with small brains like dogs or hyenas. Yet new research shows that hyenas actually outperform chimpanzees on cooperative problem-solving tests.
Pairs of spotted hyenas were given a task that required them to work together to tug two ropes in unison in order to release food. Time and again, hyenas with no prior training were able to learn the maneuver. Additionally, hyenas who had seen the task before even taught partners with no prior experience. In contrast, chimpanzees given a similar task required extensive training, and cooperation between individuals was difficult.
The research also showed that social factors affected how quickly hyena pairs were able to accomplish the task: when other hyenas were present, experienced animals solved the task faster; when dominant hyenas were paired together, teamwork was more difficult even if the two had been successful in pervious trials with subordinate partners.
This research does not mean that hyenas are necessarily smarter than primates. It does indicate that carnivores that hunt in packs have good cooperative problem solving skills, and studying them may give us a better understanding of how social intelligence has evolved and will continue to evolve.
Conventional wisdom tells us that primates with large brains like monkeys are smarter than animals with small brains like dogs or hyenas. Yet new research shows that hyenas actually outperform chimpanzees on cooperative problem-solving tests.
Pairs of spotted hyenas were given a task that required them to work together to tug two ropes in unison in order to release food. Time and again, hyenas with no prior training were able to learn the maneuver. Additionally, hyenas who had seen the task before even taught partners with no prior experience. In contrast, chimpanzees given a similar task required extensive training, and cooperation between individuals was difficult.
The research also showed that social factors affected how quickly hyena pairs were able to accomplish the task: when other hyenas were present, experienced animals solved the task faster; when dominant hyenas were paired together, teamwork was more difficult even if the two had been successful in pervious trials with subordinate partners.
This research does not mean that hyenas are necessarily smarter than primates. It does indicate that carnivores that hunt in packs have good cooperative problem solving skills, and studying them may give us a better understanding of how social intelligence has evolved and will continue to evolve.
Article Summary 13: Natural Compound In Extra-virgin Olive Oil -- Oleocanthal -- May Help Prevent, Treat Alzheimer's
Natural Compound In Extra-virgin Olive Oil -- Oleocanthal -- May Help Prevent, Treat Alzheimer's. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 29 [cited 2009 Sept 29]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929133123.htm
In 1998, a team of scientists at Northwestern University discovered that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by highly toxic proteins called ADDLs. When these neurotoxic proteins bind within neural synapses – the pathways that allow messages to flow between nerve cells in the brain – their interactions disrupt nerve cell function and lead to memory loss and cell death.
However, new research by this same team shows that a compound that can be readily found in an everyday food product may help prevent or treat this terrible disease. This compound is called oleocanthal, and is naturally found in extra virgin olive oil. The team has discovered that oleocanthal can actually alter the structure of neurotoxic proteins like ADDLs. Altering the structures of these proteins makes them unable to interact within the brain’s neural synapses.
This is not the fist time olive oil has made its debut into health studies, though. In fact, scientists have proven that olive oil contains an anti-inflammatory property similar to that of ibuprophen.
In the future, research related to oleocanthal may identify ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, or develop more effective ways to treat it. Scientists must first identify the specific ways in which oleocanthal changes the structure of ADDLs, though.
In 1998, a team of scientists at Northwestern University discovered that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by highly toxic proteins called ADDLs. When these neurotoxic proteins bind within neural synapses – the pathways that allow messages to flow between nerve cells in the brain – their interactions disrupt nerve cell function and lead to memory loss and cell death.
However, new research by this same team shows that a compound that can be readily found in an everyday food product may help prevent or treat this terrible disease. This compound is called oleocanthal, and is naturally found in extra virgin olive oil. The team has discovered that oleocanthal can actually alter the structure of neurotoxic proteins like ADDLs. Altering the structures of these proteins makes them unable to interact within the brain’s neural synapses.
This is not the fist time olive oil has made its debut into health studies, though. In fact, scientists have proven that olive oil contains an anti-inflammatory property similar to that of ibuprophen.
In the future, research related to oleocanthal may identify ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, or develop more effective ways to treat it. Scientists must first identify the specific ways in which oleocanthal changes the structure of ADDLs, though.
Article Summary 12: AIDS vaccine protects people, shocks researchers
AIDS vaccine protects people, shocks researchers. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 24 [cited 2009 Sept 27]. Available from: http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre58n1ax-us-aids-vaccine/
For the first time in history, an AIDS vaccine has proven to be somewhat effective. A clinical trial sponsored by the US government and conducted in Thailand proves to have reduced the rate of infection by 31.2 percent among 16,402 volunteers over 3 years.
The vaccine used in this study was created from a combination of two failed products: Sanofi-Pasteur's ALVAC canary pox/HIV vaccine and AIDSVAX. While researchers are still not sure why the vaccines work when coupled together, it marks a monumental victory in the fight against HIV infection. It also leaves researchers debating about how to most effectively test the limited amount of vaccine they have left to find out how to make it more effective.
The surprising results validated the merits of the study, which had been harshly criticized for being unethical and a waste of money because the vaccines it was made out of had no effect.
Since the AIDS virus was identified in the 1980s, it has infected 33 million people and killed 25 million people around the world. Although a commercial product is still years away, this new experimental vaccine has created hope that an effective vaccine will be manufactured in the near future.
For the first time in history, an AIDS vaccine has proven to be somewhat effective. A clinical trial sponsored by the US government and conducted in Thailand proves to have reduced the rate of infection by 31.2 percent among 16,402 volunteers over 3 years.
The vaccine used in this study was created from a combination of two failed products: Sanofi-Pasteur's ALVAC canary pox/HIV vaccine and AIDSVAX. While researchers are still not sure why the vaccines work when coupled together, it marks a monumental victory in the fight against HIV infection. It also leaves researchers debating about how to most effectively test the limited amount of vaccine they have left to find out how to make it more effective.
The surprising results validated the merits of the study, which had been harshly criticized for being unethical and a waste of money because the vaccines it was made out of had no effect.
Since the AIDS virus was identified in the 1980s, it has infected 33 million people and killed 25 million people around the world. Although a commercial product is still years away, this new experimental vaccine has created hope that an effective vaccine will be manufactured in the near future.
Article Summary 11: Swine flu hid out in pigs for a decade, expert says
Fox, Maggie. Swine flu hid out in pigs for a decade, expert says. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 15 [cited 2009 Sept 22]. Available from: http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre58e51g-us-flu-swine/
Research shows that the H1N1 influenza virus was circulating unnoticed in pigs for over a decade before it mutated and jumped to humans. Scientists and researchers believe that the virus may have even been circulating in humans for months before the links between patients were detected. The H1N1 virus that has been recovered from both pigs and people alike has bird-like genetic sequences in it. These sequences indicate that the virus actually jumped from birds to pigs first. Based on these facts, this article contends that we need much better surveillance of pandemics in the future.
Since it has transferred to people, the virus has been evolving at a rate 1.5 times higher than the rate it evolved in swine. Fortunately, the pandemic H1N1 is not currently mutating, a relief to researchers working its vaccine. Experts do expect that it will eventually change though.
Doctors and health organizations are looking into the future and brainstorming about how to increase observation in both animals and people. They are also searching for ways to prepare for the next pandemic more effectively, especially since influenza viruses mutate regularly and are easy to trace because of their rate of change.
Research shows that the H1N1 influenza virus was circulating unnoticed in pigs for over a decade before it mutated and jumped to humans. Scientists and researchers believe that the virus may have even been circulating in humans for months before the links between patients were detected. The H1N1 virus that has been recovered from both pigs and people alike has bird-like genetic sequences in it. These sequences indicate that the virus actually jumped from birds to pigs first. Based on these facts, this article contends that we need much better surveillance of pandemics in the future.
Since it has transferred to people, the virus has been evolving at a rate 1.5 times higher than the rate it evolved in swine. Fortunately, the pandemic H1N1 is not currently mutating, a relief to researchers working its vaccine. Experts do expect that it will eventually change though.
Doctors and health organizations are looking into the future and brainstorming about how to increase observation in both animals and people. They are also searching for ways to prepare for the next pandemic more effectively, especially since influenza viruses mutate regularly and are easy to trace because of their rate of change.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Article Summary 10: Bathing, but Not Alone
Bathing, but Not Alone. New York Times: Science [Internet]. 2009 Sept 14 [cited 2009 Sept 20]. Available from: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/health/15shower.html?ref=science
Microbiologists love to tell us about all the bacteria we encounter in our daily lives: we inhale ten thousand bacteria each time we breath in an average office building, and we consume ten million bacteria in each glass of tap water. Researchers at the University of Colorado who study the indoor human environment have now given us another fact that we would rather not consider: every time we take a shower, a cascade of bacteria hit our faces and flow deep into our lungs. Some strains of bacteria, like Mycobacterium avium is related to tuberculosis and can cause chest complaints like lifeguard’s lung, hot tub lung, and Lady Windermere’s syndrome.
Conventional bacteria tests involve growing cultures in laboratories. Since most species cannot be grown in this way, the majority of bacterial species are overlooked. A new method identifies bacteria by examining their genetic material directly, and does not have need for laboratory cultures. Using this new method, scientists are discovering more bacterial strains than they previously believed existed. One scientist alone has turned up over 15 new kinds of bacteria in showers across the country.
What can you do about it? Bacteria get into shower heads from water build-up, so the dose is highest when the shower is first turned on. Run the water for 30 seconds prior to stepping in. Additionally, bacteria tend to prefer plastic shower heads over metal ones.
Mycobacterium avium tends to be a particular problem in water supplies in large cities like New York. The reason is that cities treat their water with chlorine, a poison that kills most bacteria but gives this particular strain a selective advantage. Good news for New Yorkers though: due to the movement of the air, breathing within the subway system may be healthier than your shower’s mist!
Microbiologists love to tell us about all the bacteria we encounter in our daily lives: we inhale ten thousand bacteria each time we breath in an average office building, and we consume ten million bacteria in each glass of tap water. Researchers at the University of Colorado who study the indoor human environment have now given us another fact that we would rather not consider: every time we take a shower, a cascade of bacteria hit our faces and flow deep into our lungs. Some strains of bacteria, like Mycobacterium avium is related to tuberculosis and can cause chest complaints like lifeguard’s lung, hot tub lung, and Lady Windermere’s syndrome.
Conventional bacteria tests involve growing cultures in laboratories. Since most species cannot be grown in this way, the majority of bacterial species are overlooked. A new method identifies bacteria by examining their genetic material directly, and does not have need for laboratory cultures. Using this new method, scientists are discovering more bacterial strains than they previously believed existed. One scientist alone has turned up over 15 new kinds of bacteria in showers across the country.
What can you do about it? Bacteria get into shower heads from water build-up, so the dose is highest when the shower is first turned on. Run the water for 30 seconds prior to stepping in. Additionally, bacteria tend to prefer plastic shower heads over metal ones.
Mycobacterium avium tends to be a particular problem in water supplies in large cities like New York. The reason is that cities treat their water with chlorine, a poison that kills most bacteria but gives this particular strain a selective advantage. Good news for New Yorkers though: due to the movement of the air, breathing within the subway system may be healthier than your shower’s mist!
Article Summary 9: Pursuing a Battery So Electric Vehicles Can Go the Extra Miles
Pursuing a Battery So Electric Vehicles Can Go the Extra Miles. New York Times: Science [Internet]. 2009 Sept 14 [cited 2009 Sept 20]. Available from: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/science/15batt.html?_r=1&ref=science
A lithium-air battery may be the power source of the future. Lithium-ion batteries are currently used in hybrid and electric cars. However, this type of battery has limited energy capacity. Lithium-air and lithium-sulfur alternatives are high energy and low weight. They could match the power of gasoline vehicles today and drastically broaden the market for electric and solar cars – as long as their safety concerns are overcome.
Although the power of this new type of battery has not yet been proven, companies like I.B.M believe that it may enhance battery storage by up to ten times, within as little as ten years. While I.B.M is not directly in the battery business, it does have a vested interest in very light but powerful battery technology to run its hardware.
Battery experts from around the world met at a conference at the Almaden Research Center last month. The meeting highlighted the promise of this new type of battery technology, as well as several other types. Conference sessions also touched upon the obstacles faced when developing batteries, like safety concerns and the cost to customers. Currently, one of the main barriers to a greater market acceptance of hybrid cars is the cost: the battery alone adds thousands of dollars to the price.
Overall battery research is very optimistic, as new methods are constantly emerging and evolving.
A lithium-air battery may be the power source of the future. Lithium-ion batteries are currently used in hybrid and electric cars. However, this type of battery has limited energy capacity. Lithium-air and lithium-sulfur alternatives are high energy and low weight. They could match the power of gasoline vehicles today and drastically broaden the market for electric and solar cars – as long as their safety concerns are overcome.
Although the power of this new type of battery has not yet been proven, companies like I.B.M believe that it may enhance battery storage by up to ten times, within as little as ten years. While I.B.M is not directly in the battery business, it does have a vested interest in very light but powerful battery technology to run its hardware.
Battery experts from around the world met at a conference at the Almaden Research Center last month. The meeting highlighted the promise of this new type of battery technology, as well as several other types. Conference sessions also touched upon the obstacles faced when developing batteries, like safety concerns and the cost to customers. Currently, one of the main barriers to a greater market acceptance of hybrid cars is the cost: the battery alone adds thousands of dollars to the price.
Overall battery research is very optimistic, as new methods are constantly emerging and evolving.
Article Summary 8: Using Magnetism To Turn Drugs On And Off
Using Magnetism To Turn Drugs On And Off. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 18 [cited 2009 Sept 20]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100021.htm
Many health conditions like pain management require medications that cannot be taken daily by mouth. On the contrary, these medications must be prescribed intermittently as the patient needs them. Several delivery mechanisms currently exist to turn drugs on and off in the body. Examples include using a heat source or electronic chip that has been implanted in a patient’s body. Unfortunately, none of the existing methods is 100 percent reliable.
Combining nanotechnology with magnetism, researchers at the Children’s Hospital in Boston may have found a new method that proves to be much more dependable than existing techniques. Instead of planting electronics into the body, the new procedure implants a special type of container that holds the drug that the patient requires, and releases it on demand.
Measuring less than a half an inch, this container has a membrane embedded with nanoparticles that encapsulates the drug. The nanoparticles are made up of magnetite, a mineral that naturally has magnetic properties. When a magnetic field is created outside the body near the implanted device, the nanoparticles within the membrane heat up and cause the pores in the membrane to temporarily open so that the drug can be released into the body. When the magnetic force is turned off, the membranes cool and the pores close again, stopping further delivery of the drug.
This new invention is currently undergoing testing and is not yet available for use in humans. Yet its technology holds the promise of providing on-demand drug delivery in a long-term way with exact dosages.
Many health conditions like pain management require medications that cannot be taken daily by mouth. On the contrary, these medications must be prescribed intermittently as the patient needs them. Several delivery mechanisms currently exist to turn drugs on and off in the body. Examples include using a heat source or electronic chip that has been implanted in a patient’s body. Unfortunately, none of the existing methods is 100 percent reliable.
Combining nanotechnology with magnetism, researchers at the Children’s Hospital in Boston may have found a new method that proves to be much more dependable than existing techniques. Instead of planting electronics into the body, the new procedure implants a special type of container that holds the drug that the patient requires, and releases it on demand.
Measuring less than a half an inch, this container has a membrane embedded with nanoparticles that encapsulates the drug. The nanoparticles are made up of magnetite, a mineral that naturally has magnetic properties. When a magnetic field is created outside the body near the implanted device, the nanoparticles within the membrane heat up and cause the pores in the membrane to temporarily open so that the drug can be released into the body. When the magnetic force is turned off, the membranes cool and the pores close again, stopping further delivery of the drug.
This new invention is currently undergoing testing and is not yet available for use in humans. Yet its technology holds the promise of providing on-demand drug delivery in a long-term way with exact dosages.
Article Summary 7: Invading Black Holes Explain Cosmic Flashes
Invading Black Holes Explain Cosmic Flashes. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 19 [cited 2009 Sept 20]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100015.htm
One of the biggest mysteries in astronomy today stems from how bright flashes, called gamma ray bursts, in the universe are generated. For years, astronomers believed that these gamma ray bursts came from a star collapsing and creating a black hole. However, new research shows that it may be the other way around: the black hole may actually cause the star to collapse. In this new theory, the black hole would act like a parasite: it would dive into the center of a normal star, spin it with gravitational force, and consume the star from the inside.
This new theory was generated by mathematicians at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. It is based on recent satellite data that indicates that the high energy burst lasts for a much longer time period than the conventional theory can explain. For this longer time period to be possible, the collapsing star has to be rotating extremely rapidly. It is possible that this could happen when the star is being devoured by a black hole. The rapid rotation of a black hole increases the time period that the star releases energy because a strong centrifugal force strongly resists the star’s gravity.
One of the biggest mysteries in astronomy today stems from how bright flashes, called gamma ray bursts, in the universe are generated. For years, astronomers believed that these gamma ray bursts came from a star collapsing and creating a black hole. However, new research shows that it may be the other way around: the black hole may actually cause the star to collapse. In this new theory, the black hole would act like a parasite: it would dive into the center of a normal star, spin it with gravitational force, and consume the star from the inside.
This new theory was generated by mathematicians at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. It is based on recent satellite data that indicates that the high energy burst lasts for a much longer time period than the conventional theory can explain. For this longer time period to be possible, the collapsing star has to be rotating extremely rapidly. It is possible that this could happen when the star is being devoured by a black hole. The rapid rotation of a black hole increases the time period that the star releases energy because a strong centrifugal force strongly resists the star’s gravity.
Article Summary 6: Scientists Cure Color Blindness in Monkeys
Scientists Cure Color Blindness in Monkeys. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 16 [cited 2009 Sept 17]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916133521.htm
Color blindness is the most common genetic disorder in humans. In fact, 3.5 million in the US, 13 million in India, and 16 million in China are affected by this disease, which is caused by a lack of sensitivity in cone cells.
Researchers have discovered a way to cure color blindness in monkeys through gene therapy, proving that they can cure cone disease in a primate very safely.
Their discovery comes after two scientists at the University of Washington spent 10 years training squirrel monkeys to identify the colors they saw on a touch screen. When they traced color patterns on the screen, they were rewarded with grape juice. Simultaneously, researchers at the University of Florida were developing a gene-transfer technique that uses a harmless virus to deliver corrective genes to cone cells.
Together, these two teams of scientists delivered red sensitivity to the retinas of the monkeys. Nothing happened for 20 weeks, and then one day the monkeys woke up and could suddenly see new colors. After a year and a half, the monkeys can now discern 16 different hues of a particular color.
This technology has the potential to impact much more than just color blindness. It holds the promise of vision for millions who suffer from hereditary blindness, age-related degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Color blindness is the most common genetic disorder in humans. In fact, 3.5 million in the US, 13 million in India, and 16 million in China are affected by this disease, which is caused by a lack of sensitivity in cone cells.
Researchers have discovered a way to cure color blindness in monkeys through gene therapy, proving that they can cure cone disease in a primate very safely.
Their discovery comes after two scientists at the University of Washington spent 10 years training squirrel monkeys to identify the colors they saw on a touch screen. When they traced color patterns on the screen, they were rewarded with grape juice. Simultaneously, researchers at the University of Florida were developing a gene-transfer technique that uses a harmless virus to deliver corrective genes to cone cells.
Together, these two teams of scientists delivered red sensitivity to the retinas of the monkeys. Nothing happened for 20 weeks, and then one day the monkeys woke up and could suddenly see new colors. After a year and a half, the monkeys can now discern 16 different hues of a particular color.
This technology has the potential to impact much more than just color blindness. It holds the promise of vision for millions who suffer from hereditary blindness, age-related degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Free write #2
My most recent dream
I like to surf. So the most recent dream that comes to mind is surfing at pipeline in Hawaii. The water is a clear blue green with a jaged reef just blow the water. The line up which is usually full of people fighting for the next wave is completley empty. Its just me and the waves. I paddle out every now and then flipping over in the water so the waves breaking on me don't push me back onto the beach. Once I get to a certain spot, I sit up on my board an look out into the ocean for humps that are waves about to come in. I see my wave coming so I begin to paddle as hard as I can, my arms are starting to protest form the vigerous paddeling they are bing put through when all of the sudden the wave is pushing me forward. I quickley spring to me feet grab the rail of my board with one hand and hold on for the drop. I make the initial drop and make a nice bottom turn to the left. I see the lip of the wave starting to creep up over my head as I slowly decend into the barrel of the wave that is quickely closing in. I start to pump my board to gain speed so the wave doesen't close in on me. I stick my hand up and I can feel the water as it pushes me along for the ride. I quickley pump harder to make it out of the barrel. Then I wake up and realize that I would never have the guts to surf pipe because of the shallow reef. Pipline is one of the heaviest waves on the north shore of Oahu. It is a dangerous reef break becasue the waters are so shallow that one wrong move and you will be fish food, crushed by the wave into the reef.
I like to surf. So the most recent dream that comes to mind is surfing at pipeline in Hawaii. The water is a clear blue green with a jaged reef just blow the water. The line up which is usually full of people fighting for the next wave is completley empty. Its just me and the waves. I paddle out every now and then flipping over in the water so the waves breaking on me don't push me back onto the beach. Once I get to a certain spot, I sit up on my board an look out into the ocean for humps that are waves about to come in. I see my wave coming so I begin to paddle as hard as I can, my arms are starting to protest form the vigerous paddeling they are bing put through when all of the sudden the wave is pushing me forward. I quickley spring to me feet grab the rail of my board with one hand and hold on for the drop. I make the initial drop and make a nice bottom turn to the left. I see the lip of the wave starting to creep up over my head as I slowly decend into the barrel of the wave that is quickely closing in. I start to pump my board to gain speed so the wave doesen't close in on me. I stick my hand up and I can feel the water as it pushes me along for the ride. I quickley pump harder to make it out of the barrel. Then I wake up and realize that I would never have the guts to surf pipe because of the shallow reef. Pipline is one of the heaviest waves on the north shore of Oahu. It is a dangerous reef break becasue the waters are so shallow that one wrong move and you will be fish food, crushed by the wave into the reef.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Article Summary 5: US Space Shuttle Returns to Earth
US space shuttle returns to Earth. BBC News: Science & Environment [Internet]. 2009 Sept 12 [cited 2009 Sept 15]. Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8249687.stm
NASA’s re-usable space shuttle Discovery landed at Edwards air force base in California last week after successfully completing its mission to the International Space Station with seven astronauts.
While the shuttle planned to land at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, poor weather prevented it. As a result, NASA must spend one week and $1.7 million to transport the shuttle back to Florida.
The space shuttle Discovery successfully delivered a furnace, freezer, air purification system and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) for scientific experiments. Astronaut Nicole Strott was dropped off for a three-month stay aboard the ISS, while astronaut Tim Kopra returned home after 44 days.
During the mission, astronauts conducted three space walks. During these walks, they replaced equipment such as the exhaust ammonia tank that provides a cooling system for the ISS, and laid cable to install a new module that is scheduled for delivery next year. This new module will have a large window that enables astronauts to perform robotic operations outside the station.
Discovery will be retired in early 2011. Prior to that, NASA plans six more flights to the ISS on it. NASA’s next mission to deliver spare equipment is set for November, this time with the shuttle Atlantis.
NASA’s re-usable space shuttle Discovery landed at Edwards air force base in California last week after successfully completing its mission to the International Space Station with seven astronauts.
While the shuttle planned to land at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, poor weather prevented it. As a result, NASA must spend one week and $1.7 million to transport the shuttle back to Florida.
The space shuttle Discovery successfully delivered a furnace, freezer, air purification system and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) for scientific experiments. Astronaut Nicole Strott was dropped off for a three-month stay aboard the ISS, while astronaut Tim Kopra returned home after 44 days.
During the mission, astronauts conducted three space walks. During these walks, they replaced equipment such as the exhaust ammonia tank that provides a cooling system for the ISS, and laid cable to install a new module that is scheduled for delivery next year. This new module will have a large window that enables astronauts to perform robotic operations outside the station.
Discovery will be retired in early 2011. Prior to that, NASA plans six more flights to the ISS on it. NASA’s next mission to deliver spare equipment is set for November, this time with the shuttle Atlantis.
Article Summary 4: Vaccine Supply May Miss Swine Flu
McNeal, Donald. New York Times: Science. Vaccine Supply May Miss Swine Flu Peak. 2009 Sept 11 [cited 2009 Sept 15]. Available from: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/12/us/12flu.html?_r=2&ref=science
In recent weeks, the news media has lauded the new swine flu vaccine for its effectiveness in clinical trials. Officials have even reported that just one dose of the H1N1 vaccine appears to fully protects recipients, instead of the two doses researchers hypothesized. This article argues that regardless of how effective this vaccine may be, its distribution to the general public will not happen soon enough.
Epidemiologists predict that the peak of this season’s swine flu pandemic may come as early as mid-October! Normally there are almost no flu cases around this time of year. Yet today, 11 states have flu activity that was rated “widespread” by the CDC – the highest of 5 levels. Of those cases, the CDC reports that 98% of them are related to the H1N1 virus. Consequently, scientists believe that this flu epidemic will peak much earlier. This trend is also supported by historical epidemics that were also related to new strains of viruses.
While 195 million vaccines will be produced by October 15, it will then take time to ship vaccines across the country, inject patients, and wait for an immune response (normally 8 – 10 days).
That is not nearly enough time to protect even the nearly 160 million Americans who are most vulnerable to the disease: health care workers; pregnant women; women with infants; people ages 6 months to 24 years; adults who are sick.
In recent weeks, the news media has lauded the new swine flu vaccine for its effectiveness in clinical trials. Officials have even reported that just one dose of the H1N1 vaccine appears to fully protects recipients, instead of the two doses researchers hypothesized. This article argues that regardless of how effective this vaccine may be, its distribution to the general public will not happen soon enough.
Epidemiologists predict that the peak of this season’s swine flu pandemic may come as early as mid-October! Normally there are almost no flu cases around this time of year. Yet today, 11 states have flu activity that was rated “widespread” by the CDC – the highest of 5 levels. Of those cases, the CDC reports that 98% of them are related to the H1N1 virus. Consequently, scientists believe that this flu epidemic will peak much earlier. This trend is also supported by historical epidemics that were also related to new strains of viruses.
While 195 million vaccines will be produced by October 15, it will then take time to ship vaccines across the country, inject patients, and wait for an immune response (normally 8 – 10 days).
That is not nearly enough time to protect even the nearly 160 million Americans who are most vulnerable to the disease: health care workers; pregnant women; women with infants; people ages 6 months to 24 years; adults who are sick.
Article Summary 3: ‘Death Stench’ is a Universal Ancient Warning Signal, Biologists Discover
‘Death Stench’ Is A Universal Ancient Warning Signal, Biologists Discover. Science Daily [Internet]. 2009 Sept 13 [cited 2009 Sept 15]. Available from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090911133656.htm
The article, “‘Death stench’ Is A Universal Ancient Warning Signal, Biologists Discover,” discusses research findings that could be used to produce non-toxic products to protect against household pests.
When insects find food or shelter, they mark their find with a smell called a pheromone that attracts others. Similarly, when they suffer injury or death they also release a smell – although this one sends a signal for others to stay away. This “death stench” is an adaptation that helps protect against disease or other predators.
Recently, a team of scientists led by David Rollo, biology professor at McMaster University, have discovered that the scent released at the time of death does not just apply to insects. On the contrary, the corpses of all insects and crustaceans tested emitted the same smell. One type of insect could also recognize the stench of another type of insect. In one experiment, the scientists released ants into an environment that contained areas of body juices from deceased cockroaches. Not one of the ants ventured into these areas.
Professor Rollo and his team were also able to identify the composition of the smell. In all cases, the stench was produced by a blend of fatty acids that are released from a body following cell death. Because insects and crustaceans evolved over 400 million years ago, it is possible that species that subsequently evolved from them will also recognize their injured or dead in a similar way.
This research holds promise for the creation of products to ward off household pests without releasing toxic chemicals into the air.
The article, “‘Death stench’ Is A Universal Ancient Warning Signal, Biologists Discover,” discusses research findings that could be used to produce non-toxic products to protect against household pests.
When insects find food or shelter, they mark their find with a smell called a pheromone that attracts others. Similarly, when they suffer injury or death they also release a smell – although this one sends a signal for others to stay away. This “death stench” is an adaptation that helps protect against disease or other predators.
Recently, a team of scientists led by David Rollo, biology professor at McMaster University, have discovered that the scent released at the time of death does not just apply to insects. On the contrary, the corpses of all insects and crustaceans tested emitted the same smell. One type of insect could also recognize the stench of another type of insect. In one experiment, the scientists released ants into an environment that contained areas of body juices from deceased cockroaches. Not one of the ants ventured into these areas.
Professor Rollo and his team were also able to identify the composition of the smell. In all cases, the stench was produced by a blend of fatty acids that are released from a body following cell death. Because insects and crustaceans evolved over 400 million years ago, it is possible that species that subsequently evolved from them will also recognize their injured or dead in a similar way.
This research holds promise for the creation of products to ward off household pests without releasing toxic chemicals into the air.
Article Summary 2: The Tail of a Gecko has a Life of its Own
According to the New York Times article, "The Tail of a Gecko Has a Life of Its Own," researchers at Clemson University and the University of Calgary are using the tails of geckos to study how patterns are generated.
When a gecko is threatened by a predator, its main defense mechanism is to amputate its own tail. When the tail is dropped, it serves as a distraction for the predator and allows the gecko to escape. The disconnected tail does not lay limp, though. On the contrary, it flips in the air and twirls around for up to a half hour. The motor patterns in the tail are said to derive from neurons in a gecko’s spinal cord.
To study the tails’ patterns of rhythmic swings as well as flips, leaps and lunges, researchers attach electrodes to tails prior to amputation. Once the tails are detached, the electrodes record patterns of electrical activity. So far, research has shown that the movements in gecko tails are rhythmic and predictable.
Not all geckos produce the same movements, though. In fact, movements appear to be related to environmental factors. For example, amputated tails of desert geckos flip higher than those of tree geckos, probably because it is more likely to distract a predator on a desert floor.
Because geckos are not harmed when their tails are amputated, scientists believe that this creature may be a valuable animal for further research on pattern generators.
Article Summary 1: Killer Genes Cause Potato Famine
Chand, Sudeep. Killer genes cause potato famine. BBC News: Science & Environment [Internet]. 2009 Sept 9 [cited 2009 Sept 13]. Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8246944.stm
Scientists have recently discovered the genome that is responsible for the infamous Irish potato famine in the 1800s. This genome causes a water mold called Phytophthora infestans. The mold still exists today, and destroys an annual $6 billion in crops worldwide.
Because this organism evolves each year, the problem is getting worse. In 2003, Papua New Guinea lost all of its potato crops to this mold. In the United Kingdom, farmers have had to spray up to thirty percent more pesticides in recent years.
The mystery behind how the mold adapts so rapidly and becomes resistant to chemical spraying has long puzzled scientists. However, now that this genome has been identified, researchers hope to use it to develop new defenses against crop disease.
Researchers now know that the genome for this mold contains at least twice the DNA of similar structures. It can insert itself into the leaves of potato plants and attack the immune systems of the plants by rapidly dividing its genes.
This landmark discovery marks a milestone in agricultural science. While scientists will now attempt to breed potatoes that are more resistant to this type of mold infection, some researchers are not optimistic. Even though they now know the enemy, they may still not be able stop it. Only time will tell.
Scientists have recently discovered the genome that is responsible for the infamous Irish potato famine in the 1800s. This genome causes a water mold called Phytophthora infestans. The mold still exists today, and destroys an annual $6 billion in crops worldwide.
Because this organism evolves each year, the problem is getting worse. In 2003, Papua New Guinea lost all of its potato crops to this mold. In the United Kingdom, farmers have had to spray up to thirty percent more pesticides in recent years.
The mystery behind how the mold adapts so rapidly and becomes resistant to chemical spraying has long puzzled scientists. However, now that this genome has been identified, researchers hope to use it to develop new defenses against crop disease.
Researchers now know that the genome for this mold contains at least twice the DNA of similar structures. It can insert itself into the leaves of potato plants and attack the immune systems of the plants by rapidly dividing its genes.
This landmark discovery marks a milestone in agricultural science. While scientists will now attempt to breed potatoes that are more resistant to this type of mold infection, some researchers are not optimistic. Even though they now know the enemy, they may still not be able stop it. Only time will tell.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
First Blog Post
My Earliest Memory
My earliest memory involves me in my crib most likely when I was living in Alaska. I was sitting in my crib playing with toy cars and I dropped on between the bars onto the floor. I then proceeded to cry and rock my crib back and forth because I was old enough to stand. I rocked the crib so much that I managed to tip it over so that I could get to my toy. Another memory that comes to mind is making snow angles in the back yard while living in Alaska; I was older because my sister who is two years younger than I am was also there. I also remember running across her stomach while my grandmother was changing her. The next memory that comes to mind is swinging my sister really high on a small indoor swing that we use to have as children. She would always cry when I came around when she was on the swing because she knew what I was going to do.
There is another memory I have of our first dog Sam, when I lived in Alaska; my neighbor was also my babysitter. Sam would jump the fence to see us and Teea, my babysitter would get really mad and march him back next door. We ended up leaving Sam in Alaska when we drove down to Seattle not that we wanted too. We initially left him there while we found a place to live, then we were going to send back for him. But Teea’s German Sheppard ended up dying and was really upset about it and wanted to keep Sam. So my Dad ended up giving in.
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