Biology - The Science of Life

What significance would you attribute to chimps "making tools"?

 

This isn't surprising, but it's still nice to be reminded since we're obviously not the only innovative creatures on Earth.  I think it's wonderful, especially since it's mostly the mothers who are making these spears and killing their pray to feed their children.  This is an important step in Evolution!  I can just imagine a future where humans and chimps live together.  Or, perhaps we're killing ourselves off, just in time for chimps and their fellow primates to utilize our dusty "tools" in some futuristic dust bowl we call Earth.

2) Giant toads and Colossal squid - whatever next?

Despite having killed native animals, the toad is kinda cute.  There's also some irony in the fact that this humungous toad was found near Darwin.  The poor colossal squid, which was most likely NOT dead before putting it into the boat.

So, now we have these "giant" species roaming the Earth, once again?  For the first time ever?  Since who knows when?  There are even species more species we have yet to discover.  Now that we've discovered, captured and killed these creatures we've found, even using some of them as fertilizer, let's see what else we could dig up?

Vaccination & Public Health

Should parents take a more active role in designing their children's immunization schedule?

Absolutely! Children are dealing with more regulations at school period, most of it is designed for the mind...testing, testing, testing. But, what about their bodies? Granted, children now deal with pressures that we didn't have to growing up. Perhaps, that's due to evolution and the fact that babying our children proves nothing, other than the fact that we don't think they're as intelligent as they really are...our fault! However, children are still children. I think it's crucial for parents to utilize every tool necessary to protect their children's health. I'm not totally against immunization, especially in public schools; it comes with the territory, if you ask me. Granted, I do believe that parents should regulate and a great way to do it is to spread out their immunizations to ensure that they're children's bodies are best equipped to handle the immunizations.

Would you support making the vaccination programs "cumpulsory"?

No, I don't believe that people should do anything they think will not benefit their bodies and I think that this is a great example. I don't think that most parents will choose not to immunize their children, so I don't think that it's much of an issue to begin with. What if we didn't know about those parents who chose not to immunize their children? Would we notice more outbreaks? Would there be more outbreaks? Could just believing that shot will prevent an outbreak be enough? What about placebo immunizations? It would be unethical, but I'm interested on seeing what the effect of just feeling like you're protected in these situations would be.

Which Way Forward?

If you had access to all resources, how would you deal with "the global crisis in diet"?

Wow! That's a good question, especially because it's directed towards me. I would definitely start by hiring some of the top leaders in the food and health industry, but they would limited access to the "big wigs" in politics. I want people to feed the people, locally. I would look into eliminating processed foods and coming up with better solutions for those who can't afford proper diets. Obviously, I'm not an expert on the subject, so I would also start with education and make it mandatory that schools help support families into learning about nutrition, especially the first time around. Once that happens, it's bound to lead to success in our communities. People aren't completely ignorant, they just don't know...haha.

Would you expect "carbon offsets" to work effectively?

I don't think that this will be handled effectively for quite some time, not to sound pessimistic. I think this will take a while to come up with the most effective solution; however, just like the "global crisis in diet", it starts with people acknowledging the problem and setting standards and plans to help, no matter how "little" of a step it is, it's still a step. I know that these steps will have to not only come from regular citizens that stay home most of the time, but with those who are constantly on the move. I wouldn't be against taxing those people more for their traveling expenses; however, I do have a problem with taxing the everyday Joe for something like that; it's hard enough to get out as it is.

Do you agree that "Laughter really is the best medicine"?

Abso-freakin-lutely!!! "I love to laugh...ha, ha, ha, ha. Loud and long and clear! " "Laughter is the best medicine." Laughing is the best way to get over yourself, too. How many times have we done something in public we thought was absolutely mortifying, but then we stop, think it's not so bad and bust out laughing? It's the best. Laughing reminds us that we're all human. Some of the best philosophers are comedians. They know what's up! It's all about making each other laugh! If we're having a bad day, it's nice to call up that friend we know could cheer us up if we need a little help. It's usually the most humbled and funny friend that we have, somebody who makes us laugh, as well as lend an open ear.

Ecosystems & Deep Ecology

1) What do you think about the "eight-point Deep Ecology Platform"?

The 8-point Deep Ecology Platform takes a more scientific approach to looking at humans and how they interact with the ecosystem. It refers to humans as if they were part of the ecosystem and not above it. I'm not too familiar with ecology, but the system seems like another way for humans who need that scientific perspective to better understand that we are responsible for the outcome of the holistic world around us as a part of us. I'm not sure that I whole-heartedly agree with the approach, but that's only because I don't need a well-written scientific approach to make me understand the issues at hand. It should be common knowledge!

2) Can you explain why "Ecoysystems are both strong and fragile"?

Ecosystems are made of many fragile elements, which makes it strong. Like anything and everything, strength and fragility are involved; it's a balance and a very healthy one. Anything strong can break and anything that breaks can be made strong again. A rock can be split open by water. The water was once softened by heat, but then hardened by coldness. Eventually,the once solid rock will turn into sand.

3) How would you assess the "end goals" of Social Ecology?

The end goals of Social Ecology is to determine the best ways for humans to live in their environment, socially, politically, personally and ethically. I don't think that there is a beneficial way to determine that for us right now. I think we have a lot of work to do since we've created a paradox for us to live in when it comes to how we use "our" natural resources and continue to destroy them. I/We would have to redefine Social Ecology to live in peace with our surroundings and to assess the end goal because I don't think that we have a solid one in place right now.

Restoring the American Bison to its Rightful Range

1) How would you prioritize the reintroduction of the American Bison?

Education would be the first priority. It's already in place for the Lakota to reintroduce their first language and culture, so I think this would be included in their priorities. I think it would be highly effective for Natives like Lakota, as well as anybody interested, to take those lessons to the rest of the nation.

I understand that the American Bison are no longer considered endangered, but places like Montana should recognize that this animal is sacred to the land. Obviously, not every state is as dedicated to this cause as some are, but that needs to change and that comes with education.
On top of this, I think it's funny that states have their own symbolic flower and that it's illegal to pick most of them. Why is it so hard to understand that animals are just as important, if not more, to the country, not just the "silly" little state? Our priorities are waaaaaay way backward!!!

2) How would you assess the "New pill promises to reduce breast cancer risk"?

How I feel about pills in general has a negative opinion from me about the pill in general. Women tricking their bodies into thinking they're pregnant isn't my idea of healthy. Now, men doing it?

Imagine this - "Hey baby, don't worry about it. I've been taking this pill so you don't have to worry about getting pregnant." Yeah right! Who would trust that guy? Not me!
These pills haven't only promised to reduce breast cancer, cramps, spotting, 7-day periods and babies, but they also can't promise that they won't cause blood clots, prevent STIs, wreckless behavior or babies (only 97% if taken properly). So, how bout that? A pill to help reduce breast cancer? Forget our diets and the fact that breast cancer may just run in the family. I guess I'm S.O.L! This pill doesn't exist to me; it's not an option. The best I can do is eat healthy, exercise and have fun, period (no pun intended).

Cell Biology & Cancer

1) How sophisticated is our understanding of cancer?

I think that our understanding of cancer is finally coming to conclusions: that cancer is the making up of not just one issue, but more than one. At least there is some acknowledgement that there isn't just one answer to a problem. When talking to cancer patients, I've noticed more and more changing their lifestyle all around; they're talking on many approaches to helping themselves stay healthy. I think that science has its place in cancer right now and they're doing all they can to find "a cure" and looking more and more at "cures".

2) How does a TCM approach differ?

TCM approaches cancer from a balanced perspective. There are at least two reasons for cancer, illness or anything to exist. Everything has a balance, there's an automatic two reasons right there! Also, herbs are a definite differential right there! I know that some western doctors suggest herbs to take, but they're just now noticing that most herbs they were suggesting don't do much since they aren't cold pressed. It's the ongoing balance of East and West, right?

3) Are our genes still being naturally shaped by natural selection?

Absolutely! All beings are shaped by natural selection, constantly. Evolution is never-ending.

The Nature of Life

1) How do you distinguish between living and nonliving systems?


I don't distinguish between the two. All systems are alive in some way, energentically, but how and what they're living is the question, among others I'm sure. A social system, a computer system, the endocrine system. The difference is what they live in - a body, a plant, a social structure. Everything is alive via energy.

2) What do you feel is the significance of the use of language and tools in chimps?

I don't feel that there is a significance there; it's just a fact. There is a species of monkey (I forget the name...I could look it up in the Smithsonian mag @ work) that actually shares with others. They were tested by being separated in cages. The monkey would actually share his/her food with their neighbor, without any expectation of something in return. A smootching noise made by an orangetan is a sign of backing off, it's definitely not an invitation for a kiss. Chimps and primates alike are amazing creatures and it saddens me (in a way) to think that we are so surprised at their intelligence, let alone other fellow creatures of this earth. Our similarities go deeper than just language and tools, we have boundaries, hearts, feelings, etc, etc. Tools are used to get by easier and languages we use to get our points across...basic foundations for intelligence.

3) Hmmmm..."Chinese Medicine Gaining Respectability in the West"...

Finally, another example of how we "the people" use a technique different from the "norm" and the media turns it into something that they discovered due to faith in users. Due to some people's lack of faith, this will be disected, criticized more, blown up and ultimately turned into a fad. Only, like Yoga, I like this fad. Baby steps for western media, baby steps. The lights are still dim, but I'll be happy for the day when they turn on full blast, they'll be able to see! Ah ha, Eureka! The first step is admition and just like toddlers, even adults need to be reminded over and over again until the apple finally hits us on the head. Being from a society where things like Acupuncture have been accepted for years, it's easy to look at this article, point and laugh. However, there are people out there who aren't convinced and for those people who need to be pointed in the right direction (minus the laughs), I'm happy for articles like those we've read in class that come from an arrogant point of view and claim new discoveries. It's a repetitive motion in our culture, just like when Colombus discovered America, right? Here we go! At least this "discovery" is a healing, holistic modality that will nourish our culture rather than fight it. Hallelujah!

The Complexity of Life

1. Can diversification save species?
Yes, diversification can save species. Look at humans! If an Irish-man moves to Australia, his chance for getting sunburned is far greater than an Aborigini, due to the different levels of melatonin. By breeding, the offspring would most likely have far more melatonin and survive more comfortably in a warmer climate than his/her Irish descendants. Diversification saves species by leaving more room for adaptation.

2. The chicken or the egg?
Hmmmm...this article says the egg. I say that the chicken is the egg and the egg is the chicken. Who cares?!?!?! Why do scientists find it necessary to answer such silly questions? I would like to think that their education was put to better use by answering questions that really matter. They came up with an answer, the egg, but they're still arguing about it. It's just silly when you really think about it.

3. Broccoli
Oh, yes! I'm taking Dana Carvey's very professional opinion on this one and I'm 'choppin broccoli' for sure! Who knew that eating healthy contributes to a healthy chemical balance in your body that helps fight illnesses, such as cancer?!?!?!

The Pattern of Life

1. Is there a drug around for just about everything?
Where's the drug that allows people to think for themselves, literally? The other day a friend of mine asked me for some Tylenol. I searched high and low, realizing I didn't have anything. Have a headache? Get a massage! The only way I could justify taking Tylenol is for the inflammatory effect. It definitely helps bring down swelling, but growing up, I thought it was the magic pill that took care of pain. It's not, and I know better now. I think the drug for everything is knowing that we have the power to heal ourselves. Science has it's place, but drugs should be almost a last resort.

2. Can we raise our levels of dopamine ourselves?
Yes...sex, drugs & rock n' roll. Just simply having fun doing things that we enjoy and achieving our goals increases our levels of dopamine. When we are deprived of dopamine, we crave it.

3. How do you think chimps and humans diverged as species?
I'm not sure why we grew apart. It could be quite simple. It could have something to do with migration. Perhaps vanity and social differences? What if clans were formed based on acceptance for looks? I'd like to think that wasn't the case, but humans still do that. Many couples even look like each other. With a small population, that's totally possible. I believe there are many reasons for our separation, but I am not sure.

Genetic Evolution

1A) Hey, Hey, We ARE Monkies! People have jokingly called themselves monkies for years and I think it's about time that we accept the fact that we're animals and yes, we're related to primates! We are to primates what dinosaurs are to birds, or alligators, or, or, or. We're all related to something! 99.4% of our DNA is the same as chimps and 70% of our DNA is the same as yeast! Everything is everything.

1B) Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, & Viruses Tutorial
Have a headache? Take an aspirin! As a kid, my mom was huge on taking aspirin to fix everything, bless her heart. That's how she grew up and like anybody else, she doesn't like to be uncomfortable. Aspirin and Tylenol are definitely not antibiotics, but that's just the mentality of health, still. I understand that antibiotics have their place; however, they're not all necessary. It seems comforting to people to know that most harmful things on this planet have been found and we've gone to war with it, including things that weren't so harmful. Now, it comforts me to know that there are other life forms being found on this very planet that we don't know anything about.

Evo Devo

Evo Devo

Evolution can be broken down from a whole species to an individual level. Homo sapiens and the rest of the "kingdom" come together as a whole to adapt, migrate, survive, grow, etc. We must do this - go forward, constantly move ahead; that's evolution. On a biological scale, we have learned so much about different species - why that species is in a particular location, what brought them there, how they survive. For humans, that's a major accomplishment. Humans as a species are so young and we test our intelligence just like we do other species. Scientists originally described neanderthals as unintelligent; however, they were probably more intelligent than first thought.

It's almost like we're setting ourselves up for something. Why are we here? Are we preparing for something apocalyptic? Are we gathering information for a reason, other than sheer curiosity? Those questions have been asked so many times and nobody has a definite answer. Interestingly, humans have formed groups to help out other species, including ourselves. This could be a form of altruism. Maybe even as to say that some humans have formed altruistic behaviors to help maintain Earth...? A mother will lift a car off her baby and Jane Goodall will go into the jungle and take care of gorillas; it's a "motherly instinct " to do so. We all have that instinct, it's just natural.

Darwinism

Darwinism doesn't just matter to me, it just matters. His theories have circulated for over 100 years now, and he's still considered to be like a "father" of the evolutionary theory. He's the pioneer, the first one to put it in writing. His theories opened up many, many, many cans of worms. You can't build a reliable house without a stable foundation. He provided that foundation for so many of our own theories, from biological theories to religious theories.

A Big Yawn to my Introduction

Why do we yawn? It's all about empathy

I was debating writing about human skin in a test tube and the artificial brain, but here I am writing about yawning...

After reading this article in class, I paid attention to when I yawned the next time. When would I do it? What would I be thinking?

I noted two instances. Another therapist and I were giving a couple massages. The couple was enjoying their massages thoroughly, the relaxing music was playing. A typical fluff & buff. I looked up at my coworker and she let out a little yawn. Inevitably, so did I. I was tired, but it was an empathetic yawn.

The next time I yawned was while writing a blog for Bio on how human skin is turned into heart and brain cells. What a revelation this is! I have decided to wait until further research is done to go any further into the possibilities of where this research leads us and my hesitation to be fearful, fearful that we'll end up in a Sci-Fi movie-like world made up of BladeRunners or Ghosts in a Shell. So, I'm sitting here looking at a screen, tired from the long week. Eventually, I yawned. I didn't just yawn once, I kept yawning. The more I thought about how tired I was, out came another. My simple conclusion...I'm empathetic to myself. I yawned because I kept reminding myself how tired I was. It's so simple.

Evolution
Adam, Eve, monkeys, a little fleck of dust. Yes, we all come from somewhere. There is so much to that topic. I was very impressed with PBS' videos on the subject and I look forward to watching them more. Also Berkeley's website is a wonderful tool on this topic and they did an excellent job breaking the theory of evolution down in an easy to follow program.

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Hi there! My first experience with Acupuncture was interesting. My doctor had obviously had a stroke and was shaking profusely before inserting the needles. I was nervous, but right before insertion, his hand was perfectly still. Whew! The rest of my experience was wonderful. After sitting up on the table, a thought crossed my mind...I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I was set. I felt like I floated on a cloud out of the office, not only because of how I felt, but because I felt like a belonging to this field of medicine. Finally! I have explored many avenues in the medical and holistic field and Acupuncture fit my lifestyle in so many way, but mostly because I understood the philosophy and intentions behind it. I'm very happy to be here and looking forward to a wholesome experience here at AIMC.