Hello Everyone,
I am sure that we all enjoyed our not-at-all deserved 3 day weekend. Now it is time to get down to business. Here is your first assignment.
1) Find an article or video that discusses some element of science dealing with the topics that we will be covering in this class (e.g., oceanography, geology, geography, atmospheric science, climate science, biology, ecology, environmental issues, etc.).
2) Post a link to the article/video as a comment at the end of this post.
3) Add a short (1 paragraph) summary of the information you learned from the article.
DUE DATE: Must Be Posted by 5 PM on Monday September 10th
Note: As a motivation to get you to turn your work in early, there are no duplicate articles allowed. Thus, if someone posts your article before you do you must find a new article!!
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ReplyDeletehttp://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/05/tens-of-thousands-of-dead-fish-stink-up-lake-erie-shore/?hpt=hp_t3
ReplyDeleteCertain Lakes and waterways are susceptible to changes in temperature or oxygen levels based on the type of water present. In Lake Erie many fish died because, as officials believe, cold water with lower oxygen levels resulted in these deaths. This process is called lake inversion which can be caused by storms, strong winds, or cold nights. Others believe it may have been due to a sewage spill but after testing no verifiable data had been retrieved.
http://science.time.com/2012/09/04/biodiversity-has-increased-during-earths-warm-periods-but-climate-change-isnt-off-the-hook/
ReplyDeleteThrough an interesting turn of events, University of York biologist Peter Mayhew set out to disprove his own hypothesis from 2008 linking low levels of biodiversity on earth to higher temperature levels caused by greenhouse gases. This article was not the typical "global warming" reading that many forms of media might try to push but rather used educated and scientific insights to create very valid points. Mayhew and his team tried to prove through fossil records and a method of standardizing the environmental variables over time that climate change does in fact decrease biodiversity in life on earth. Interestingly, the biologists had to reverse their claim and state that increased temperature actually increases biodiversity in our ecosystems. Most evoking to my thoughts, the team pointed out the fact that the spans of time that are being studied by the biologists span over 500 million years and humans today will never even come close to discovering the actual answers to the question of increasing biodiversity. I learned that through further study and a willingness to have no pride in proving themselves wrong, scientists can increase the worlds understanding of important issues even though the world is much too large for us to ever completely understand.
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/07/how-to-parse-climate-change-and-extreme-weather/
ReplyDeleteDr. Hansen, one of the first scientists to link the elevated levels of carbon dioxide to current extreme temperatures and droughts, states that he believes that certain human activities account for recent severe weather conditions. His ideas brought about many questions from other scientists as they took into account the belief that certain weather events may be direct consequences of human behavior attributing to greenhouse gases. The effects of Dr. Hansen's ideas extend to politics and will likely play an important role in the upcoming election.
While we know we need certain fundamental things from our environment, which include oxygen for breathing and plants and animals for an energy source, we also obtain necessary vitamins from our main energy giver; the sun! Vitamin D is very important to humans in the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorous. In a recent study of 95 patients across London hospitals, vitamin D supplements coupled with antibiotics actually helped treat and cure TB faster. Those who had taken the vitamin D along with the antibiotics cleared infection 23 days on average, compared to those who had taken the antibiotics, but with a dummy sugar pill alongside (instead of the vitamin D) who cleared infection on average 36 days. This is helpful to doctors and medical scientists, as TB strands are becoming more resistant to treatment, while TB kills 1.5 million people every year.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php
Last year's devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused three reactors to meltdown in the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant, sparking public backlash against nuclear power. Recently, evidence of genetically mutated organisms as a result of radiation exposure has come to light: pale grass blue butterflies, common to Japan, with dented eyes, malformed legs and antennae, and stunted wings have been collected from several areas near the Fukushima plant. Results reveal both physical and genetic deterioration in the insects, and the results of internal exposure. Such evidence is likely to spark public concern regarding the potential effects of radiation upon humans, but scientists are unsure of any link or threat to humans at this point. Another recently released study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, measured cesium levels in people living near the Fukushima plant; the results revealed average doses of less than 1 millisievert, which is considered to be a safe amount. The research also suggests that any contamination has, or shall, decrease over time, particularly in children. However, it also mentions that the long term effect of radiation "requires ongoing monitoring of exposure and the health conditions of the affected communities." Tim Mousseau, of the University of South Carolina, reminds us that scientists have long since been aware of the effects hazardous radiation can have on the health of living organisms. Mousseau continues to point out that "butterflies as a group are important bio-indicators for the effects of environmental stressors like radioactive contaminants," emphasizing to others that continuous monitoring of the possible affects on other organisms, including humans, is crucial to ensure safety and preservation of the area and its inhabitants.
ReplyDeletehttp://science.time.com/2012/08/16/japans-nuclear-leaks-sparked-butterfly-mutations/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120906141852.htm
ReplyDeleteProfessor Noran Yan of the York University Biology department conducted a study along with Howard Riessen, a professor of biology at SUNY College at Buffalo, observing the changes in water chemistry and how they affect plankton in the habitat. As it turned out, the study showed that calcium levels had lowered to such an extent that most plankton were no longer able to develop their exoskeleton properly. After reading this article, I asked myself, "why does this matter to us, humans?" The article later explains that plankton help provide oxygen for us all through a process called phytoplankton photosynthesis. This makes the plankton go from miniscule krill we most often write off to a crucial member in the society of survival.
Caesar Aquino- R10501951
ReplyDeleteIn an article that supports social behavior as a factor in genetic diversity and evolutionary variations, a study comparing two species of mice showed that multiple sex partners improved the immune system of the certain mice. A study by researchers from the University of California at Berkeley compares the closely related California mouse, known for its monogamous relationships, and the deer mouse, known for its multiple partners. The promiscuity of the deer mouse resulted in higher levels of bacteria found in the vagina of the mouse. A further study indicated a wider range of gene variety and a more distinctions in immune system genes than the California mice. Additionally, it must be noted that these deer mice require a strong immune system in order to defend itself from the numerous diseases that the mice are exposed to during intercourse with multiple partners. Through the promiscuity of these rodents, it appears that social interaction can influence the genetic variation in a species.
http://www.livescience.com/22862-promiscuous-mice-get-an-immune-boost.html
http://healthland.time.com/2012/09/06/junk-dna-not-so-useless-after-all/?iid=sci-main-lede
ReplyDeleteIn 2001, the Human Genome Project determined the official sequence of our DNA. Only 2% was found to be made up of base pairs crucial to our development; the rest was considered waste. A new project entitled ENCODE by the National Human Genome Research Institute has found 80% is biologically active controlling roughly 4 million gene switches and may be the cause of hundreds of common diseases.At Washington University, Dr. John Stamatoyannopoulos and his colleagues found 17 different types of cancer are affected by gene changes in about two dozen transcription factors in so called "junk DNA". In addition, information had been gained on causes of Crohn's disease. The hope of this project to learn more about human development to eventually combat the chronic diseases of society.
Men and Women Really Do See Things Differently
ReplyDeleteThrough various studies, scientists have found that men and women do actually think and view things differently. One-way genders view items differently is colors. Whether it is wavelength or quick-changing details, males and females view the colors of the world completely different. Scientists believe that this can be contributed to the evolution of men’s needs to fit into the roles that have evolved over the years. Males or the “hunters” can pick up quicker movements while females can detect small differences in colors hues. All in all, there are distinct differences between men and women especially how they see colors.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/09/120907-men-women-see-differently-science-health-vision-sex/
Gene That Predicts Happiness in Women Discovered
ReplyDeleteScientists from USF, Columbia, NIH, and New York State Psychiatric Institute have reported a newly found "happy gene" in women. The low-expression form of the gene monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), has now been connected with a higher personal happiness rating among women. These findings, however, have no correlation when it comes to men. The MAOA gene controls the breakdown of other chemicals that are known to promote happiness, such as serotonin and dopamine. This goes along with the idea that some people are just naturally more happy. Now, scientists can start testing for more "inner happiness" in humans.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120828135107.htm
http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_trent_energy_from_floating_algae_pods.html
ReplyDeleteJonathan Trent is working on developing “fuel without fossils” utilizing micro-algae. He is looking to grow his new biofuel in a way that will not harm the agricultural infrastructure and increase production outputs at least forty times. His solution was to develop the “Offshore Membrane Enclosures for Growing Algae”, or OMEGA. The OMEGA will become an offshore factory for harvesting micro-algae, using wastewater from nearby cities, sunlight, and carbon dioxide from the environment to create algal products such as biofuel, fertilizers, and livestock feed. Trent wants to make OMEGA into a green powerhouse by integrating wind, photovoltaic, and wave harnessing capabilities along with aquaculture farming to boost the output of the system to allow for an economical means of powering the future.
On Saturday September 9, two tornadoes hit the New York City area causing 20,000 plus people to be without power. There were no serious injuries other than one man injured at a festival when the stage crashed. The unusually strong front cause two seperate tornadoes with average wind speeds around 110 MPH. This event is similar to three tornadoes in 2010 and two in 2007. All of which did damage to the NYC area.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/nyc-cleans-2-twisters-eastern-storms-071504374.html
The destruction of coastal habitats, disturbingly enough, can release more carbon in 2 acres than 488 cars can produce in one year. On an even more disturbing level, these gases rest in soil and can be released hours, days, or years later. Scientists currently are attempting to figure out the portion of the greenhouse gases that have formed because of the carbon-filled coastal stretches. One might suggest that the people of the world focus more on the preservation of habitats and Earth's atmosphere as it not only affects the environment we live in, but our exposure to the sun through ozone depletion and our diet as the destruction of such environments harms food sources.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120906123234.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120905135338.htm
ReplyDeleteThe deep sea, Earth's largest and most remote ecosystem, was once believed to be separated from the impacts of surface climate change. It is estimated that for this ecosystem (defined as below 200 meters the surface of the ocean) only has one percent of the surface food reach it. The low temperatures also pose strains on life. A recent study compiling many sources of information found that temperature impacts the individual organisms (metabolism, growth rate), whereas food impacts the population (number of organisms). The frightening thing about this though, is that with climate change, less food has been getting to the now warmer deep seas. This combination could cause a mass extinction if the organisms can not adapt fast enough.
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/09/06/deepsea_crabs_grab_grub_using_uv_vision.html
ReplyDeleteRecent studies show that crabs that live on the ocean floor may have a unique way of seeing the difference between food and poison. These crabs are hypothesized to have a sensitivity to blue and ultraviolet light that shows the toxic corral they live on as greenish and the plankton they eat as blue. Scientists took samples from three sites on the ocean floor while taking video and pictures using ultraviolet sensitive lenses. The crabs that the scientists sampled were taken onto an on board lab and exposed to many different wavelengths of light while having their sensitivity to the wavelength recorded using an electrode attached to the eyes. The study showed that the crabs did indeed have a high sensitivity to blue light and two of the species sampled had a sensitivity to ultraviolet light. This study while still "very much in the hypothesis stage" could offer insight as to how deep sea and bottom dwelling organisms distinguish food from their environments.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120712092610.htm
ReplyDeleteA recent study has led scientists to the discovery of two viruses which are infecting the micro-algae within corals, which scientists fear will greatly exacerbate the already existing problem of coral reef stress. One of the researchers quoted in the article explained that this viral infection, the amount of reef damage and death could be severe. It also explained that because corals are facing environmental stresses and threats more often now, because of things like sedimentary runoff, fishing, increased water temperatures, and other causes, they may be much more susceptible to viral infection. While the researches aren't positive about the effects of these viruses, they say it should be a greater matter of concern because coral reefs have already suffered around an 80% loss in the past 40 years.
- Sam Schwartz
Deletehttp://revmodo.com/2012/09/10/more-bad-news-for-oceans-caribbean-coral-loss/
ReplyDeleteFindings from the IUCN show high coral losses in Caribbean reefs. A group of scientists set up an organization to track the health of coral reef ecosystems in the area. They found that in some places, the prevalence of coral has declined around 20 percent since the '70's. They are conducting more research to determine the causes of this decline. It is a problem we should be aware of as these ecosystems are vital to ocean life.