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

October Sky

Recently, with my class, we watched October Sky. This movie is about a boy named Homer Hickam trying to fulfil his dream of building rockets. One night a Russian space craft called Sputnik flew overhead and this is what made Homer so fascinated by outer space. His father, Mr. Hickam, would rather have him working in the local mine like all of the other boys do when they're finished with school. However, Homer would instead want to finish school and go off to college earning a degree. At first, Homer and his friends try rocket building as a fun activity. Then, their teacher, Miss Riley, suggests that they go into the science fair. At first the boys just let that roll right off their backs but then they started to consider it. When Homer considered joining the science fair, he knew he would have to work harder on his math skills and the overall structure of the rocket. Therefore, him and his friends decided to get Quentin, the extremely smart student, to help them with this project. Unfortunately, throughout this movie, many difficult situations arise and cause many problems.





First of all, when the boys were building the rocket, it went shooting all over the place, causing it to explode unexpectedly in the wrong places. For example, they hit the mine. This caused Homer's father to be very angry, and they could not test their rocket on mine property anymore. But, they were not about to give up. The boys hiked eight miles off the mining camp to come to a barren place. There, they built a small hut so they could watch their rocket fly from a safe distance. In addition, during one of their rocket launches, the rocket soars into the air but they don't know where it landed. Later on, a forest fire occurs. The principal, Mr. Turner, gets the cops to arrest the four boys because he did not like their idea of rocket building to begin with. Plus, he thinks it's a dangerous and foolish activity to be doing. After Homer, Quentin, Roy, and O'Dell are told they can no longer progress with this, they think of a way to fight back. Quentin and Homer go into the woods and use their calculations to find where the rocket missile landed. When they found it, it proved that they were not the ones who set the forest fire. Furthermore, in Miss Riley's class, Homer went up to the blackboard and showed Mr. Turner, using math, that they were completely innocent and had nothing to do with the forest fire. Unable to argue, Mr. Turner agreed to let the boys begin working again. However, during all of this commotion, Mr. Hickam still disapproved of Homer joining the science fair. Homer still did not want to do mining because there were many health dangers. You could get black lung disease or worse. Although he was good at it, his heart wasn't into it. Finally, when Homer goes to the science fair in another state, he is excited and ready to win. He set up his table and was ready to go. Unfortunately, the next day when he came into the gymnasium, his display was gone. Homer had two days until he had to show the judges what he brought. He called his family on the phone and told them what happened and they said they'd bring him another model in time for the presentation. Exactly as they said, Homer received the model just in time, impressing the judges and winning first prize. Nobody would've guessed that a boy from the little town of Coalwood would make it big in the science field. Even though Mr. Hickam was upset that Homer chose science over mining, he eventually became proud of his son for what he had accomplished.





Second of all, the character education traits, CARES, (cooperation, assertion, respect, empathy, and self-control), were a big part of this film. For example, the boys showed cooperation because they all worked together to build a rocket that would shoot up into the sky for miles. Plus, assertion was showed in this movie because Mr. Turner banned the boys from working on their rockets and showed he had the power to do that. Also, respect was showed because whenever Mr. Hickam would start to get angry at Homer for what he was doing Homer would automatically listen and do what he was asked. Additionally, empathy was not displayed in October Sky by Mrs. Hickam because she said she wouldn't even shed a tear if her husband was going to get killed in the rough conditions at the mines. Lastly, self-control was not shown by Mr. Hickam because he would yell at Homer for not joining the mines like every other boy in Coalwood.





In my opinion, the movie October Sky would be a great movie for any person to see. It would be a great film because it teaches you that it is possible to accomplish anything. Even if you're parents want you to go in another direction you should do what you feel will make you successful. You should be the commander of your own life and can achieve anything. This movie has greatly impacted my perspective and I will take message in extreme pride.

I received my picture from: http://www.horreur.net/img/October_Sky_aff.jpg

Response: Turner's Syndrome

After reading about Turner's Syndrome, it makes me want doctors to find a cure. This disease is very serious and makes me feel sorry for the women who have it. However, there are many other sicknesses out there, but this is one that I feel should be researched more. These poor women have to go through many experiences that no woman should have to go through. In my opinion, the government should give more funds to the hospitals to do research. Or, they could give more money to help fund the therapy that's required. Still, it would be better to find a cure to help save their lives because most of the women only live to 17 if they're lucky. Plus, it's a shame to see their families have to see them go through this because they never asked for it. In addition, the family would have to worry about the cost of all the hospital bills and worry about their loved one. Therefore, that is another reason why the government should help with funding and bills. If the government were to help out it would probably be easier to deal with the situation. Overall, Turner's Syndrome is a serious, life-threatening disease and it is very unfortunate if someone has it. However, with doctor and government help, that will definitely contribute to the cause very much.

Turner's Syndrome Blog:
http://www.textqueen96.blogspot.com/

Picture:
http://www.biology.iupui.edu/biocourses/N100/images/XXXFemale.gif