Research Task--How it Relates to Math

The topic I chose to pursue for the research task is Child Soldiers in Africa. This choice is very interesting and has key relations to math. For instance, the people who study children soldiers have calculated that over eighty-six countries still used child soldiers as of 2008. Also, there is another aspect, such as finding out how it affects the adolescents in Africa mentally. Researchers had to use observations and calculations to figure out that watching loved ones die before their eyes could cause post traumatic stress disorder and depression. Further, in order to conclude that carrying heavy equipment on the children's growing spines would deform it, the analyst would have to calculate how their backs changed over time. In addition, another way the topic Child Soldiers in Africa could relate to math is that recordings and calculations would be the only way for them to find out that illness and infection come from malnutrition and exposure to bad weather. Lastly, analysts can study the irregular behavior from adolescents who are forced to take habit-forming drugs. All in all, the choice Child Soldiers in Africa can clearly connect to math due to the calculations and observations needed to find the affects on the children when fighting in battle and the number of countries that are currently using them.

Sea Urchin Body: One Big Eye

Recently, I read an article titled, "Body of Sea Urchin is One Big Eye" written by Charles Q. Choi, Special to LiveScience. In this reading, I found the information very intriguing and learned more about sea urchins than I ever knew before.

To begin, I took this article as a fascinating way to learn how sea urchins see. Now, because they don't have eyes, this might be pertained as very difficult. However, according to the article, "Genetic analysis of sea urchins has revealed they have light-sensitive molecules, mostly in their tube feet and in tiny stalked appendages found in among their spines." Thus, this explains the reasoning for considering a sea urchin body to be "One Big Eye". Plus, with their spines, the creatures can pick out fine details by screening out light from off angles, according to scientists.

On the other hand, this theory had to be proven. Johnsen, a marine biologist at Duke University, and his colleagues, experimented with California purple sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus). In this experiment, the group would put 39 of the urchin specimens into a brightly lit four-foot wide arena and see how they responded to the black disk on the wall. When the disk was three-and-a-half inches wide, the sea creatures reacted strongly. In result of this foreign object, two-thirds of the group swam towards it while the other portion swam away. The opposite responses towards this disk may have had to do with whether the sea urchins saw the disk as a shelter or predator. Furthermore, according to Johnsen, "To say the 'raced' toward the discs is relative - watching these guys move is like watching paint dry." Therefore, it is evident that the sight of these animals may not be what we humans have, judging by the speed of their movement.

In addition, even though sea urchins don't have brains, "it could be their entire nervous system more or less acts as a brain," according to Johnsen. Instead of being like us humans and having one main control center, they more or less don't have one, as far as scientists have researched. Additionally, their nerves are extremely small, making it even harder to research than normal. Also, it seems as though sea urchins carry out eyesight and brain work like scientists design robots these days.

Though research continues to be done on this amazing species, researchers still have many questions. Some of which are, "Are these urchins that always run away or run towards them?" and "Do we have timid or bold urchins? Or is it just something specific to how an urchin feels at a certain time?" All of these questions have come from Johnsen after his experiment with the California purple sea urchin. However, these questions could be answered easily, simply by clipping the spines off of this sea creature to find out how they contribute to vision. Although, despite the fact that this procedure may "make sense", it could make the sea urchin very sick, and possibly die. Along with this, if researchers were going to go through so much trouble finding out how their spines would help them see, would they go to the most extreme levels which could possibly harm them and not even get the best results?

Personally, I feel the topic of sea urchins is very bold and engaging. Before reading this article, I had no idea that sea urchins did not have actual eyes. Using their nerves to locate predators and shelter is a very interesting way of living. The experiment with the black disk was really cool because it is always fun to read about an animals reaction to certain situations. I've constantly been attracted to animal behavior and sciences, so naturally, I find this article to be far from a bore. On top of that, I would much rather see these scientists do more experiments like the one with the black disk than cutting out their spines. My reasoning for this is that, personally, I feel there is no point to hurting this creature, just to find out how their spines connect to their ability to see. Not only could this demonstration hurt the sea urchins, but it could potentially kill them. In my opinion, there are much better ways to go about sea urchin research than to put them in danger while doing it. All in all, this is the information I recently learned from the article, "Body of Sea Urchin is One Big Eye" by Charles Q. Choi, Special to LiveScience, and my opinion of it.

Article and Picture: http://www.livescience.com/animals/091228-sea-urchin-eye.html

Medical Technologist in Clinical Chemistry

This is my pod cast about a career in chemistry. As you listen to this, there will be excellent information on this job. Such as, job opportunities, universities and colleges offering this career, how it is helping the community, and so on. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy this information and consider becoming a Medical Technologist in Clinical Chemistry.

http://omegapride.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-12-11T09_09_26-08_00

Observing a Candle and Pouring a Gas! (Class Response)

Recently, my class had been studying physical and chemical changes. We also did two labs to go along with the lesson. One was called Observing a Candle, and the other was called Pouring a Gas. For the first lab, each group had a yellow candle with white stripes, and it was standing on the table by having a piece of yellow clay molded around it. First, we had to prepare a data table that would list the physical properties and chemical properties of a lit and unlit candle. After that, we had to observe the unlit candle and write down all of it's properties. Later, our teacher came around to each lab and lit the candle so we could record our observations for it. For the second lab, each group had a beaker full of vinegar and another beaker filled with baking soda. Carefully, we had to add a small amount of baking soda to the vinegar. This procedure caused the liquid to fizz, which was a chemical reaction. However, it did not overflow. Following the directions for the Pouring a Gas lab, one person in my group tilted the beaker with both components over the lit candle and the flame went out. A potent smell of waxy smoke filled our noses, almost like when someone makes a wish and blows out their birthday candles. Doing these labs also helped me further my knowledge on physical and chemical changes of a substance.

One interesting fact that I learned was that when you add carbon dioxide to a flame, it extinguishes immediately. Another fact I learned was that a physical change changes the form of a substance while a chemical change changes the entire substance. I also found out that the name of the process of burning a candle is called combustion. However, I also learned more about this from further research. For example, the website I explored said this is an exothermic change, due to the fact that it releases heat to the atmosphere along with other products. Lastly, this website also informed me that the concentration of oxygen is greatest on the outer edge of the flame since the source of the oxygen is the atmosphere.

In my opinion, this lab was an excellent way to learn about chemical and physical changes through a hands-on activity. This way, we could process more information through doing the lab, instead of sitting and taking notes. Plus, the fact that burning a candle is an example of chemical change, it was fun to actually do it with fellow classmates and learn together. I enjoyed learning that mixing baking soda and vinegar could extinguish a fire because it was unique to see a fire put out without the use of water or a fire blanket. I always think it is extremely fun to do an activity where you can follow the steps and get a really cool result. Such as, starting out with baking soda and vinegar in separate beakers and an unlit candle. Then, as we followed the steps, we extended our knowledge of physical and chemical changes, finally learning that a candle has flammability and can be put out with simple household components, due to the carbon dioxide. Overall, this lab was a phenomenal way to continue the lesson of physical and chemical changes and I would love to do ones like this in the future.

My Further Information: http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/chem99/chem99454.htm

My Picture: http://z.about.com/d/chemistry/1/0/0/0/1/candlemagictrick.jpg

Science Extra Credit! (T.V. Show Connected to Science)

Recently, I've watched the show Top Chef Las Vegas on BravoTV. This is a show about the competitive and pressure-loaded environment of world-class cookery and the highest level of restaurant business. Each season there are seventeen competitors who battle their way through all sorts of cooking challenges to claim the title of "Top Chef". This show clearly has connections to science, due to the topics covered.

To begin, there is the portion of the show that involves cooking. Each episode has two challenges, one quick-fire and one elimination, which involve cooking a dish that will be superior to all, following the rules of the game. There are many ways that cooking these dishes can relate to science. For example, Brian Voltaggio, a contestant on the show, used dry ice to create his dish for the quick-fire challenge. Dry ice is an example of a solid going directly into a gas. Therefore, his use of the ingredient in the dish had much to do with science. Also, contestant Ash Fulk found out that his coffee custards weren't setting at all. This could possibly have had to deal with the heat of the room or the atmosphere. Thus, another factor related to the wonderful science field. In addition, when the judges came around to taste what the contestants had created, there were several different ways they cut certain ingredients in their dishes. The different forms of cuts are examples of physical change because an ingredient starts out a certain shape, but after dicing, slicing, chopping, julienning, and so on, it is no longer what it used to be. Furthermore, Michael Isabella, another participant of the show, made a cucumber yogurt soup and rack of lamb kabob style. The soup represented a liquid and the lamb represented a solid. Liquids are substances that have particles close together, but can still move freely, while solids are substances that have particles that are packed tightly together and cannot move freely. These foods clearly have a connection to science. Lastly, Tom Colicchio, a judge on Top Chef Las Vegas, commented on one of the dishes in the elimination challenge, saying the fish was too dry. This may have had to do with some science related issues such as whatever the person used to cook the fish was too hot. Subsequently tracing back to the issues that Ash had in dealing with scientific factors with his custards.

Overall, Top Chef Las Vegas on BravoTV is related to science mostly by what the contestants cook. Food is a part of science that has a copious amount of elements connected to the subject. Such as, making physical and chemical changes by cutting, burning, boiling, and searing all types of food. Plus, creating liquid and solid dishes to present to a floor of judges is a way that science is related to food. Basically, Top Chef Las Vegas is purely associated with the science field and can better educate you on different ways to cook, prepare, and reactions foods have together.

Picture: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/news/00025581.jpg

Traveling H1N1 and Other Diseases

Recently, I've read an article titled, "Grounding Flights Won't Stop Flu," by Jason Socrates Bardi, Inside Science News Service. This reading is about how grounding planes is not worth it when it comes to the flu. For example, despite the fact that people aren't traveling as much, the flu still managed to spread around the world. Plus, "Even a little bit of travel goes a long way in spreading diseases like influenza," Cooper said, "so any achievable reductions in flying are not likely to make much of a difference." In addition, Cooper made models showing the effects of restricted air travel, and in the best case scenario after the first case emerged, the spread would only be postponed for several weeks. Outbreaks in the city would be established eventually. Therefore, that is another reason why grounding planes is a waste of time. According to the article, "part of the problem is that when people are sick, they fly away, despite a consensus among the experts on the panel that people with suspected cases of influenza should not fly." This is basically telling us that if people stayed in bed, like their doctors directed, there would be less of a spread because there is no risk of spreading it to other passengers. An example of this would be a 22-year-old woman returning from a trip to Mexico and then flying to Israel through Madrid, Spain. The lady was sick and then diagnosed with H1N1, also known as, Swine Flu. However, two days after the landing, another woman sitting directly in front of her on the plane to Madrid got struck with the same virus. Even though the doctors weren't sure if the second passenger had caught it elsewhere, it is still possible that air travel had caused it. On the other hand, it all depends on how healthy the people are to begin with.

Commercial airplanes are designed to pack large amounts of people into small spaces. But, the air is constantly circulating, so dangerous germs are being filtered out. However, germs are still likely to stick on surfaces for long periods of time. People today share common surfaces more than any other time in history. Overall, the proven methods, according to doctors, of avoiding illnesses are washing your hands, avoiding touching your eyes, getting vaccinated against the flu, and not flying if you are sick.

Another part of this article had to do with a timeline of disease spread on planes and acts passed by the White House to quarantine people who are sick with certain diseases. For example, in 1979, a plane with 54 passengers was delayed on the ground due to engine failure. During this wait, the ventilation system was turned off. One of the people had been sick with influenza. Also, within three days, 72 percent of the other passengers became ill. Furthermore, on December 22nd, 1983, the White House issued executive order #13295 that added Ebola, Lassa fever, and other hemorrhagic fevers to a list of communicable diseases. That way, the federal government could apprehend, detain, or quarantine individuals to prevent the spread.

In my opinion, I agree 100% percent with the idea that ground flights will not stop the flu from spreading. The reason I agree is because people are still in contact with each other even if they don't travel by plane. For instance, let's say a person drives from Oklahoma to California to visit family. When he arrives, he finds out that his relatives have been hit with H1N1. The person decides not to drive back because it is his sister's birthday and there is no point in leaving for the flu. Later, when he comes back to Oklahoma, he ends up getting the Swine Flu. Eventually, the person comes in contact with other people, and they catch the pandemic. Thus, this is my reasoning for why grounding flights will do very little to stop spreading. For, it is only one of the ways H1N1 can be carried. However, I am still a strong believer of the simple ways to prevent this, such as, washing your hands and getting vaccinated. The reason I believe in this is because they are easy to follow, and in the long run, they help much more. Overall, this is what the article, "Grounding Flights Won't Stop Flu," by Jason Socrates Bardi, Inside Science News Service, is all about, and how I feel about it.

My article and picture: http://www.livescience.com/health/091001-swine-flu.html

Kenya Lion Loss

Recently, I read an article about the rapid loss of lions in Kenya. According the the Kenya Wildlife Service, "Kenya has been losing 100 lions a year for the past seven years." Plus, there haven't been any wild lions in the past 20 years. This is a problem because if anymore lions are lost, they can soon become extinct. Also, there are several reasons this is happening. For example, there is habitat destruction, disease, and conflict with humans. In addition, the IUCN suggests that, "large lion populations of 50 to 100 prides are necessary to conserve genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding." Furthermore, Kenyans are poisoning prides, which is another reason they are depleting. However, those who kill lions are rarely punished for it. Additionally, Kenya is suffering a devastating drought, which isn't helping either. To add on, Kenyans lace cattle corpses with insecticide to poison the lions. Large areas of Kenya that held lions two decades ago are now almost drained of all wildlife. Frank, a wildlife biologist at a cat conservation group, concludes, "Only drastic action on many fronts-policy change, effective law enforcement, giving rural people an economic stake in their natural heritage, and a great deal of investment-will prevent the loss of wildlife in Africa." In my opinion, what these Kenyans are doing is wrong. They are wrong because if they keep hunting and killing them, the lions will become extinct. There are many animals in the world that have already suffered extinction, such as, the Dodo bird, the mammoth, and many more. Truthfully, there is no prize to endangering a species. Even though they win trophies, there is still the shame of harming a living animal. Although, some of the circumstances can't be helped, such as a drought, why add on to that by killing them?

Personally, I believe this act is simply barbaric and unnecessary. Scientists and other people are working hard to find a way to stop this, and keep the species alive, which I am extremely thankful for. It is a pleasure to know that there are people out there that are trying to make a difference. However, it is still quite a shame that people enjoy watching creatures like this suffer. I mean, how would they feel if these lions tried to kill them? How would they feel if the lions enjoyed seeing this? In my opinion, violence is not the answer when dealing with animals. Granted, not all of this is the Kenyans fault, but a great part of it is. I believe if everyone left well enough alone, there wouldn't have been this problem. Luckily, once again, there are people doing something about this lion loss. Overall, this is the information that I read in the article, "Kenya Losing Lions, And Fast" by Shanta Barley, and how I feel about it.

My article:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17648-kenyas-lions-could-vanish-within-10-years.html

My picture:

http://earthhopenetwork.net/lion_african.jpg