If mice have patterns, what responsible for them?--make up blog

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/25/scientists_find_gene_responsible_for_color_patterns_in_mice.html

Age old questions are being answered at Harvard University. Questions like 'How does a leopard get its spots' or 'How does a zebra get its strips' are seeing an answer in their future.

The possible answer? A gene called Agouti, which governs the pattern of deer mice as concluded by the Harvard team. This gene was previously known to affect the pigment in fur, feathers, and scales. When Agouti is exhibited in the belly, it delays the maturation of the cells the become pigments throughout the organisms body.

My take on this is that it is really good that we are closer to answering question of the unknown. This was an excellent article. I am excited to learn about the Agouti gene because I have always been interested in genes. I hope they get a chance to conclude whether or not this gene is held responsible for all patterns, including those of the leopard and zebra.

Animal Obesity

http://www.economist.com/node/17572242

This article is about an experiment to see if the rising obseity level is hitting not only humans, but animals too. A group of researchers that were lead by Yann Klimentidis from the University of Alabama, put up a test to find whether animal obesity rates are close to human obesity rates. The team did some research and found information on over 20,000 animals in 24 populations over eight different species. The species included cats, dogs, mice, and a couple different types of monkeys. For each of the populations Klimentidis looked at the weight with an age that was close to 35 years old in human terms. Then he found an average weight and obesity level. The test showed a large increase of bodyweight in 11 out of the 24 populations. Then other 13 showed increase as well, but not anything as signifigant as the 11. Just the fact that all the numbers were increased is signifigant to the study.
Well, I think that this is crazy. I mean not only is our society one of the fastest ever, now our animals are becoming large. I think we really need to step it up and look out for ourselves because what were coming to now is kind of repulsive. This study should open the eyes to our world that we need to fix something because an increase in the weights of animals is certainly not a good sign at all. In my opinion the fast food chain should be slowed by immense amounts. Also, people in general should just take steps to become healthier and not end up the fattest generation in history. That would be embarrassing.

Clues About Grasshopper Population Explosions

The Rocky Mountain locust became extinct in 1902, but their cousins, grasshoppers and Mormon crickets, today still cause an estimated $1.5 billion in damage to grazing lands in the American West. Scientist are trying to figure out why is there such an outbreak in grasshoppers but they have not concluded anything .




I think this is so cool that a omnivore is taking over the ecosystem. I wouldn't mind if scientist made a something to control the reproduction of a grasshopper it be cool if we can see grasshopper population increase.

Antibacterial Soaps: Being Too Clean Can Make People Sick, Study Suggests

The University of Michigan School of Public Health found a new study that they suggest. They found that young people who wash their hands all the time with antibacterial soaps containing triclosan may suffer with more allergies, and may not treat the immune system positively. Triclosan is used in many products such as antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, diaper bags, pens, etc. It is also a chemical compound and environmental toxicant which is shortly called EDC's. EDC's (endocrine- disrupting compounds) are believed to effect human health by affecting hormones, researchers found.

I believe that this study is true. I have heard that if you clean and wash your hands all the time that your body just gets used to the substance and it just doesn't work anymore. I have been doing this action a lot lately just because my immune system is down from me having Mono, and i don't want to catch any little virus that is going around. I hear its not the best if you wash your hands all the time, but you should do it as much as possible so you will just stay sanitized! So if you always wash your hands you might want to cut it down a notch. It is healthy for you, but too much is not to healthy after all.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101129101920.htm

Life time Immunity

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/23/virusmimicking_nanoparticles_can_stimulate_long_lasting_immunity.html

Opinion: The fact that scientists have found a way to create long lasting immunity for mice is great. Time to start experimenting on humans. It is beginning to a period where we can stop HIV, cancer, and all of that bad stuff. Personally I have never had anything too bad with the normal flu being worst so I don't know truly how bad it really is. To those who have this will leave them with joy. TLR's will hopefully advance and too bad it won't work on birth defects.

Summary: The early vaccines for smallpox and yellow fever were a big success leaving us immune for decades. Now scientists have come up with an even better solution to diseases. They use nanoparticles to simulate virus size and immunlogical composition to promote life long immunity. The scientists are excited where htey will go with this. They have been using the yellow fever vaccine on humans and sought their reaction to know how they'd react to something like this. In the yellow fever vaccine, it stimulates toll-like receptors that sense bits of bacteria, viruses and parasites then activate the immune system. In 2009 scientists compared results from monkeys and mice.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/23/virusmimicking_nanoparticles_can_stimulate_long_lasting_immunity.html

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/23/virusmimicking_nanoparticles_can_stimulate_long_lasting_immunity.html

Super Skin

Super Skin was some thing a professor in stanfod university wanted to create. She already developed a very sensitive artificial skin that can easily feel a fly landing on the skin. Now she is working on skin that canstretch 30% more than regular skin and even skin that can produce electricity by solar cells implemented in the skin. The materials for the artificial skin is a flexible organic transistor, made with flexible polymers and carbon-based materials. To allow sensing , the transited made a thin layer of rubber that is molded into tiny pyramids. When something presses on the layer it leaves an imprint.
I think this is very interesting. New development in human parts can be a great help in the human body. If this super skin were possible on human beings, who knows what humans will be able to do. To be able to create electricity just by your a skin with solar cells is just amazing.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110223204123.htm

Migrating Sea Turtles Have Magnetic Sense for Longitude

On February 24, researchers in Current Biology figured out how the loggerhead sea turtles find their way across their mind-blowing transoceanic migration. The most difficult task of open-sea navigation is calculating longitude; after all, it took humans centuries to discover ways to track the east-west position of ships on voyages. However a recent study proved how the turtles pick up on magnetic signatures in space to help determine their position. They rely on the angle where the magnetic field lines intersect Earth and the strength of that magnetic field, setting them apart from other species who use the same technique. Kenneth Lohmann of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill noted that "One of the great mysteries of animal behavior is how migratory animals can navigate in the open ocean, where there are no visual landmarks."

My sister was able to volunteer with a sea turtle rescue program down at UNCW and my interest in sea turtles has definitely broadened after hearing about it; that's why this article grabbed my attention. I think this discovery will help biologists be able to understand the phenomenon of a sea turtle's life and all they must go through. It certainly proves what wondrous abilities they possess- something that's far different from that of a human's mind. I agree with Kenneth Lohmann and what a great mystery this aspect of animal behavior truly is. I plan to find out more about how they make such strong of a connection, so I hope more research will be conducted.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110224121855.htm

Plankton key to origin of Earth's first breathable atmosphere

Summary: Ohio State University researcher Matthew Saltzman and his colleagues discover how plankton provided  a link between the atmosphere and chemical isotopes stored in rocks 500 million years ago. This research builds on the earlier discovery in the earth's crust initiated a kind of reverse-greenhouse effect 500 million years ago that cooled the worlds oceans and sent a burst of oxygen into the atmosphere. The new study has revealed details of how oxygen vanished from the earth's ancient atmosphere durnig the cambrian period, only to return at greater levels than ever before. Scientists have begun to investigate what we can do to forestall climate change and the chemistry of the oceans could help remove carbon dioxide and restore balance to the atmosphere. The ancient and humble plankton would be a necessary part of the equation of course.

Opinion: I enjoyed this current event because it gives hope that some day we might be able to save our planet. I believe that the research that the group from ohio state is doing is a really good thing for the enviornment. The fact that the ancient plankton could reverse the greenhouse effect that thats happening now is pretty cool. People should be excited that there is actually research going on to try and help the planet in its time of need. I hope that what ohio state is doing will be very effective and helps the earth recover.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/21/plankton_key_to_origin_of_earths_first_breathable_atmosphere.html
                                                                                                                                           Bianca Brailey

Scientists Can Now Create Illusion of Having Three Arms.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110220142809.htm

Neurologist have now shown that it is possible to have healthy volunteers experience having three arms at a time. The experiment involves the participant sitting at a table while they have a realistic prosthetic arm placed next to their right arm, the patient then sees her two real arms next to the prosthetic arm. To produce the feeling of owning the rubber arm, the scientist touches the subject's right hand and the rubber hand with two brushes at the same area, synchronizing the strokes as perfectly as possible. What happens then is a conflict rises in the brain concerning which arm belongs to the body. Then to prove that the prosthetic arm was truly experienced as a third arm, the scientist tested the patient by placing a knife above the prosthetic arm then the real arm; measuring the degree of sweating of the palm as a physiological response has been proven that the patient truly believes the third arm is their own.

I think this study is an excellent discovery because it may benefit patients by creating new acceptance to prosthetic items. It may be a possible future need of patients who have suffered from a stroke. If they are paralyzed on one side of the body then a prosthetic arm can be used to let the patient rediscover their feeling in their arm. This experiment should be tested thoroughly before using it on a stroke patient of unhealthy patient. I do think it could be the beginning of a useful skill for patients after it has been successful.

A Cure Or Cause? Stem Cell Research In Trouble.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/21/reprogrammed_stem_cells_hit_a_roadblock.html


A recent study on the effects of reprogramming stem cells to cure disease has uncovered some startling problems. Although these test have just been on lab mice, the result may halt the use on humans even farther. According to the article and studies done the process that is used to reintroduce the reprogrammed cells has a possibility to cause cancer. The cells seem to mutate and form cancer cells. What does this mean? Scientist are still trying to come up with other ways to process these cells so that it doesn't have this ill effect.

Honestly this was a hard thing to read. I'm all for stem cell research and up until now I thought the only problem we had was trying to get past conservative radicals. As it turns out there is a bigger problem. I can't believe that this could cause cancer, when that is the very thing they are trying to treat with using these cells. I really do hope that these scientist are able to make a break through and proceed on with their research and find a safe way to use this vital tool.


- Lauren (Ren) Stogner

Change in Kidney Transplant Policy

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/health/25organ.html?_r=1&ref=health

Kendall Roberson

In a new proposal being considered by the United State's organ transplant network, younger patients would be more likely than older ones to get the best kidneys. The current policy is the "first-come-first-serve" deal. Whoever comes first to get a kidney transplant, young or old, will get the best kidney's provided. The point of this is to match the life expectancies of the kidney's with the patients receiving them, to ensure a closer range of years left to live. For example, if a 77 year old gets an 18 year old kidney and dies with many years left in the kidney, the kidney is still working in the dead person's body; which is a waste of a "new" kidney. The newer kidney's will be given to the people with the highest range of life expectancies left in their life.

I believe the concept of the kidney transplant to younger patients is good, but it's coming across as not caring about the older people. I agree with the longer life expectancy of putting younger kidney's in younger people, but it's kind of giving the older people the cold shoulder. It's making it sound like the doctors don't care about how much life they have left in them. The matching of the life expectancies is a good idea, but if the organ transplant network can follow through with it is the question. The "new" kidney in an older person isn't helping the younger people, which have more years left to live. I think the first-come-first-serve tactic is a better tactic than the younger-the-better-kidney-you-get tactic.

Dinosaurs - Thunder Thighs?

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/23/new_thunderthighs_dinosaur_discovered.html

A new dinosaur discovery has been made! Recently in Utah the remains of a dinosaur named Brontomerus Mcintoshi were uncovered. It is a member of the long-neck dinosaur group. This particular group of dinosaurs have very powerful thigh muscles. They estimate that the Brontomerus Mcintoshi, or 'Thunder Thighs', live around 110 million years ago, during the Early Cretaceous Period. There were two sets of of bones found, an adult and a juvenile. The shape of the bones indicate that this specific dinosaur would have had the largest leg muscle's among all other dinosaurs. The Brontomerus Mctintoshi took it's name after John Jack Mctintoshi, life-long avocational paleontologist.

I believe this article has proven that we learn new things everyday. Dinosaurs are amazing creatures we had the misfortune of never seeing in action. Dinosaurs are also of the reptile family. The Brontomerus was a plant eater. Overall, i very much enjoyed this article as well as the fact that it was an article on dinosaurs.

Seaweed tells the story of Oxygen

Link: www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/23/oldest_fossils_of_large_seaweeds_wormlike_animals_tell_story_of_ancient_oxygen.html

Summary: Way back before the rapid evolution occured, in what is now Lantain (a small town in China.), there lived seaweed and worm like creatures. They lived peacefully until one day they mysteriously died. Their death led to the 3000 fossiles "preserved between beds of black shale". The waters have no oxygen that far down, but scientists managed to discover them anyway. Chinese scientists have discovered 15 different species down there so far, some of the species found in rocks that "formed shortly after the largest ice age, where much of the ocean was frozen". In order to get further in the investigation of the story of oxygen, scientists must sample the rocks.

Opinion: I think this is really cool, we might actually learn where oxygen came from, because I know in my head I always think did it just pop out of nowhere? I am very interested to see how this works out. With the changes in the rocks, and the fact that there isn't oxygen down there as of right now, might complicate things a bit. I think the investigation could lead to a lot more than just oxygen, it has already lead to 15 new species being found inbetween the rocks.

New 'thunder-thighs' dinosaur discovered

A new dinosaur has been discovered recently in Utah, USA, called the Brontomerus Mcintoshi. It is a member of the long-necked sauropod group. The reason for its "thunder thighs" may have been to kick predators or get through the rough terrain. An adult and a juvenile Brontomerus Mcintoshi have been found in a damaged and previously looted quarry. It is said to have lived 110 million years ago in the Cretaceous Period.

It seems like there are more and more dinosaurs being discovered every time I turn around. It makes you wonder how many there really were back in that time. Finding new fossils like this can give us important information to how life could have been back then. It could also give us new ideas about how we should live now. The more scientists discover, the better, because these discoveries could benefit us and give us more knowledge.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/23/new_thunderthighs_dinosaur_discovered.html

David Watts

Fossils In China

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/23/oldest_fossils_of_large_seaweeds_wormlike_animals_tell_story_of_ancient_oxygen.html

In Southern China, over 15 different species of fossils have been found. Most of these were a worm type creature that lived in oxygen deprived water, but realsed oxygen when they died. This created black shale. They also found types of algae. Scientists believe that this created a snow ball effect and is what started "oxygen" in us living organisms.

I find this very interesting. It's hard to believe that we all developed a need for oxygen based on these worms, who didn't even need oxygen during their life! I also think it's cool that they found tons of fossils embedding in the shale. Usually when species are in black shale, they do not hold up, but in this case they are as fresh as the day they started decomposition. That is a plus for the biologists studying these fossils.

Wolves Can Follow The Gaze Of A Human

The article this current event is based on is found here.

Dogs, as commonly known, are social companion that follow our every look and move. While some scientists have argued that there is a distinct difference between the two species, wolves also key into our looks and actions, and have even passed a gazing test that dogs have failed. These results can help researchers better understand evolution of these gazing abilities. Wolves have usually seemed uninterested in human actions, as opposed to dogs who intently follow these actions. A group of scientists raised nine wolf pups, which were taught common tricks such as "sit", "lie down", and "roll over". At 14 weeks of age, these pups were tested on their ability to follow a person's gaze, of which 6 of the pups passed. At 23 weeks all of the pups passed the test.

As an ability that was once thought to be possessed by only humans, considering that we understand that others have thoughts and feelings, I find it very interesting that other species also possess similar abilities. I don't find it very surprising that the wolf is capable of this like the common household dog is. Part of me wants to go perform such a test on my dogs. I hope more research can come out of the evolution line of these closely related creatures.

--Brittany Graham;
5th/6th Period;
Current Event 4.

Pneumonia, new way to diagnose?

Students at Georgia Tech have created a new way to diagnose pneumonia. This is very good because medical doctors were recently asked to provide doctors with a new faster way to diagnose pneumonia. This is very good because pneumonia kills about 2.4 million people every year. Worse in third world countries where a child dies of pneumonia every 15 seconds. This product will greatly benefit mankind.


I love that someone has invented this because this desease is a killer. I like this also because I had pneumonia when I was only 2 and nearly died. This will be more affective then previous methods because it's faster and can get people the medicine they need sooner. Because of the quick speed, more lives will be saved. Pneumonia is a deadly desease and shouldn't be taken lightly. Thanks for reading :)


http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/18/a_better_way_to_diagnose_pneumonia.html

acid oceans demand greater reef care

Summary: The more humans polute and warm the worlds ocean's with carbon emissions the harder it will be to save our coral reefs. An international scientific team finds that acidic oceans and global warming combine along with overfishing and nutrient runoff weakening the world's coral reef'f right when they are struggling to survive.Warmer conditions over periods of time cause mass coral deaths. A failure to rapidly stabilize and reduce the CO2 in the earth's atmosphere is likely to lead to significant loss key of framework builders. It makes clear that both policy changes on emissions and local management measures are required to secure a future for coral reefs.

Opinion: I feel global warming and way too much carbon dioxide thats on the earth right now is a big problem. We as human beings should be poluting the world less and instead making a safer place for our children in the future and their children. There are lots of alternatives to choose from that are healthier for our oceans and earth. One big alternative is recylcing instead of just dumping in the trash then it sitting on land or ending up in our oceans. Everyone can help the world become a healthier place by effort because whatever we do on land doesnt only effect us it effects the oceans and the air as well.
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/14/acid_oceans_demand_greater_reef_care.html
                      
                                                                                                                                               bianca brailey

No Fear

http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/19/scientists-study-woman-with-no-fears/

A 44 year old woman is not afraid to anything. This is due from Urbach Wiethe disease. It is where the amyglada is damaged messing with how fear is taken. Scientist tried to scare her with live snakes, spiders, and near death experiances. Because you need fear to know what is good and bad it shows its drawback.

I think that Urbach Wiethe disease is quite interesting. It allows for people to walk around with up-most confidence 24/7. Subsidized, I find that the professors name Feinstein will lead it to great findings. If I couldn't be scared I'd be freaked out. It definately has its advantages and disadvantages.

Alien Tomatoes

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/16/finding_a_way_to_extend_tomato_shelflife.html

Extinction Predictor to Help Protect Coral Reefs

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110215102939.htm

The impact of climate change has reached many populations of fish living in the Indian Ocean. About a third of coral reef fish species are in danger of local extinction due to the climate change on coral reefs. The predictive method used to gather this information not only show these results, but others as well. It also gives managers of the coral reef a better insight on what to do to help protect these reefs. They hope to improve on coral recovery and better conservation between storms and bleaching events. It has become a matter that needs to be taken care of.

I have always been a big fan of anything marine-related. It saddens me to hear about the increased chances of extinction in waters around the globe. Each ocean, sea, lake, or any other body of water offers a unique habitat for marine species. With climate change comes many consequences. This is an event that is not only taking place in the Indian Ocean either. It proves to be another reason why we as humans need to reduce our use of harmful chemicals and any other factors contributing to the climate change.

Jellyfish Swarms

http://www.macroevolution.net/jellyfish-swarms.html

Massive jellyfish swarms have turned many fisheries and tourist attractions into dangerous jellyfish attractions. Places being hit hard are Hawaii, the Gulf of Mexico, the east coast of the U.S., the Bering Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, Australia, the Black Sea, along with other European seas, the Sea of Japan, Namibia, and the North Sea. These jellyfish are ranging from peanut-sized jellyfish in Australia to refrigerator sized ones in the Sea of Japan. Some of these types have cause injuries and even deaths to people enjoying the water. They've also caused millions of dollars of damage to fisheries, fish farms, marine mines, desalination plants, ships, nuclear power plants,and tourism industries. Scientists have blamed these possible causes: pollution, climate change, non-native organism introduction and overfishing.

My opinion is that these are nasty little, or sometimes huge, pests. They're causing damage, injuries, and people to be afraid of the water. I think that people should be aware of these massive invasions so that they can avoid it, or try to find ways to prevent it. These jellyfish can be deadly and if they're invading most of the bodies of water then beaches and other attractions such as boating, etc. can be dangerous. This in turn will make not many people happy as those activities are main summer fun. If i was a scientist I would want to try to research ways to prevent this thing.

New Power System in Development

http://www.macroevolution.net/power-system.html
Scientists in the UK are working to create a power system that will power, heat, and cool homes without emitting carbon dioxide. The process involves growing plants that will produce seeds with excess oil to burn for electricity. The waste heat from the system will be used for heating homes and water, and can be converted to cool homes. Also, as the plants grow in size, they will produce more seeds and be able to convert more carbon dioxide from the air into oxygen. This power system will be a self contained power source, that may even help clean the existing atmosphere of its greenhouse gases.

Opinion

I feel that this new development is an excellent discovery. Not only could it one day power homes, but it may also reduce greenhouse gases. This can help halt , or maybe even lessen the effects of our flamboyant carelessness as to how much carbon dioxide we produce as a society. It has been proven that climate change is happening, and I feel that we, as inhabitants of this planet must attempt to leave a smaller impact. This new energy-making process could change the way energy is produced for the better.

~Will Hart

Alien Tomatoes

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/16/finding_a_way_to_extend_tomato_shelflife.html

Hydrogen Cartridges fuels laptop

A michigan State university scientist finds a new energy source, Hydrogen. This week, SiGN Chemistry INC, released is new hydrogen cartridges. It is designed to recharge cell phones, laptops, and other electronics. This new technology started from the co founder of SiGNa and a professor from MSU. He worked with mny alkai metals and that lef to his new discovery. The cartridges produces low pressure hydrogen and a fuel cell convert it to electrcity and emit small water vapor

I think this is really exciting. Many people were trying to find a different way to produce electricity. This new concept of producing electricty is amazing and will change this world. It is also said this process is cheaper than your regular electricity. This also help you keep your electronic charged no matter where you are.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217151455.htm

Life on Titan?

http://www.macroevolution.net/life-on-titan.html



Data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft has led to the production of two new papers scrutinizing the complex chemical activity on Saturn's moon Titan. These chemical signatures can be possibly explained by non-biological chemistry, but some scientists say that they fulfill two important conditions for "Methane-based life". One of these findings is now online in the scientific journal Icarus, which shows hydrogen flowing from the atmosphere down to the surface and disappearing, and a lack of acetylene. This is important because acetylene would most likely be the energy source for methane-based life, and hydrogen would be consumed much like oxygen here on Earth. Substitutes for water have been proposed, such as liquid methane and related molecules such as ethane. While there are several non-biological explanations for these findings, it is still exciting to the scientific community that there may be extraterrestrial life within our own solar system.

I think that these new findings are exciting, both to the scientific community and to me. This would prove that biological processes can exist without the presence of water, which would open up entire fields of science. If there are actually organisms that are composed of liquid methane and breath hydrogen, the possibilities for life are endless. Even though keeping our hopes up would be a foolhardy move in this case, it is still an intriguing end to the question: Is there life beyond our own?

Human DNA Contamination Seen in Genome Databases

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/science/17genome.html?_r=1&ref=science

Kendall Roberson

Around twenty percent of the nonhuman genomes found in computer databases have been linked to contaminated human DNA, which is said to be found from the researchers who prepared the samples of the nonhuman genomes. The crop plants and model organisms, which are used in many research laboratories, are the main species affected by the immortal full set of chromosomes. The issue with this is the pollution in the genomes could possibly deceive researchers who make the assumption that and genome sequence in a leading databank is very accurate. Rachel O'Neill, a researcher from the University of Connecticut, says, "Contamination of human samples by other human DNA is very hard to distinguish from normal variation, and could lead to erroneous medical decisions." Dr. David Lipman, director of the National Center for Biotechnology Information, said, "We don't see the contamination she's taking about," referring to O'Neill. O"Neill said she just wanted to alert people of possible contamination; she never meant to call on the curators of national databases to do anything.

I agree with the idea of computers looking for genome sequences. Even though twenty percent of the nonhuman genomes are linked to the researchers, that doesn't mean the other eighty percent are contaminated. The computers filtering out the cross-contamination is a lot easier than the older styles of filtering out the cross-contamination of nonhuman genomes. I agree with what Rachel O'Neill said. She didn't want other people to worry, criticize or fix the misleading data, she just wanted people to be aware of what a possibility is of the contamination. Obviously Dr. Lipman is going to have different results than O'Neill, but that doesn't mean she is wrong. His evidence could be part of the eighty percent that isn't affected by the contaminated genomes. I think the computer screening for contamination is a good thing, and it should still be done until something better comes along.

Studies suggest, children with working moms face more health problems.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216171004.htm

The study, was funded by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, looked at the health of school age children who have one or more younger siblings. When a mother works, the study found, that it leads to a 200% increase in a child's risk of having three different health problems, such as: overnight hospitalizations, asthma episodes, and injuries or poisonings. Earlier studies have shown that children have an overall better health out come when the mother works. These discoveries have been because of the mothers increased income, availability of health insurance and an increase in the mother's self confidence. Yet the head scientist, Dr. Melinda Morrill, of this study does not agree with the earlier studies, she believes if a child is very sick the mother who does not work can take care of her son or daughter.

I do not agree or disagree with this study. I think if a mother is a stay at home mom she can take good care of her kids if they are sick. Since she has no schedule of a place she 100 percent has to be at she does have more opportunities at taking care of her children, but I also think that mothers that work can take care of their children just as well. Every time her child is sick she cannot stay home with them but depending on her job and hours can get as much time off as possible. So overall, I believe that their is no better mom, a mother can have a career and still be just as good to her children as a mother that works in the home.

By: Holley Hurst

Mobile Phone Use Not Related to Increased Brain Cancer Risk, UK Study Suggests

The belief that "talking on mobile phones gives you brain cancer" is now being disproved. In a nine year study in the U.K., there has been no significant increases in brain cancer diagnoses of mobile phone users. Scientists believe it is more likely that it can cause an existing brain tumor to grow than causing cancer itself. Some people can be more susceptible to radio waves, some scientists say. An increase in brain cancer rates has occurred, but in a very small amount. If the radio waves are causing the new cases of brain cancer, it only added less than 1 in 100,000 cases in the past decade.

It is a nice thing to know that mobile phones are't causing brain cancer. Mobile phones are being used too much today, so if the belief were true, many people would be diagnosed with brain cancer. It puts a feeling of comfort in your mind when the thought of mobile phones causing brain cancer doesn't pass through it. This shows that not all theories are correct and they have to be tested before they can be believed. It is a very good thing that this theory isn't true, especially for me, because I use my phone a lot more than I need to.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110217083032.htm

Dust Bunnies!!

Link: www.macroevolution.net/dust-bunnies.html

Summary: Enviornmentalists finally answered the question: "Where do dust bunnies come from?"! The answer: all the dust in the house comes from outside. Dust includes many materials including: dead flakes of skin, carpet fibers, dirt, and other airborne plastic materials. It also can include lead, and arsenic, which could be harmful to humans. Nearly 60% of the dust originates outside, scientists discovered from the recent study.

Opinion: The answer was kind of obvious, and not as exciting as the opening sentence made it sound. But it was interesting to know the dangers that could be included in dust bunnies. In the article they addressed parents, I think parents should be aware of what is in dust bunnies, so they can prevent dangers with their kids.

Dinosaurs are even BIGGER!

Reserchers have found that dinosaurs had thick layers of cartilage in between there joints, which means they may have been taller than people believe. Dinosaurs long bones which include the Femur and Tibia, are rounded and rough. Indicating that very thick cartiliages formed inbetween these bones. Brachiasaurus, may have been 10 percent taller or more. We believed they were 42 feet tall. with the additional cartilage they could have been 52 feet or more higher! knowing how much cartilage was lost can help us restore the structure of a living dinosaur bone. which can therefore help us learn more about their live and how they moved.

Mammels, including humans have small protrusins at the end of each bone that help it connect with another bone. Knowing that similar mammals, or reptiles have the same build up just with either similar or larger bones is amazing. Also with cartilage making them taller, makes some people wonder if us, humans could possibly have that kind of cartilage in between our bones. Most of our "common day dinosaurs" like the alligator and ostriches have rough surfaces on their bones and larger cartilaginous strutures in the joint. Both similar to dinosaur bones.

http://www.macroevolution.net/dinosaurs.html

Walk Like The Egyptians

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/14/mummies_false_toes_helped_ancient_egyptians_walk.html

Recently in two mummies on display scientist found what looked to be two big toes. There was something special about them though, they were fake. It seems that the Egyptians had perfected the making and usage of prosthetics. Up until now the first prosthetics were thought to have been used by the Romans in 600BC. This discovery shows that the practice may have been going way before these times. The scientist attached the prosthetics to actual toe amputees to see if they worked. And they did! One was a paper and glue like substances the other wooden. Both seemed to function perfectly. The were and tare of them tells us that they were used on live people and not just for burial.

I think that this is an amazing find. It shows that even back then we had the knowledge and means to make these false limps. I think that while obviously today we have the ability to make these new limps and digits but to know that even back before the age of technology and advanced sciences we could do this. It also helps us understand the ways of these early people and just how advanced they were. When I saw this I was deeply impressed with just how well these things worked. I have a new respect for these ancient doctors.


Lauren (Ren) Stogner

Increasing Brain Enzyme May Slow Alzheimer's Disease Progression

Scientists have discovered a way to safely slow down Alzheimer progression in the body.
Increasing puromycin-sencitive aminopeptidase, the most abundant brain peptidase in mammals, they were able to slow the disease. The peptidase slowed down a harmful tau protein which are toxic to nerve cells and eventually lead to neurofibrillary tangles. Scientist safely found a way to increase the peptidate by two or three tomes the average amount. By doing this they were able to eliminate the tau proteins in the neurons, they are able to slow down the degeneration of the neurons without causing any side affects to the patient.

Opinion

With this new discovery, scientist now have the ability to slow down the degeneration of the brain. Hopefully, in the near future, they will be able to completly stop the development of Alz heimers in the human brain. With this discovery, scientists have opened new doors to curing more diseases that occur within the brain and the nerve cells. In time, they may discover a medicine or an enzyme that may not only slow down the development of Alzheimers but also recese the process. This will open new oppernunities for people to help cure more life threatening diseases that were though to have no cure.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110216110538.htm

By: Daniel Pena

Sea Turtle Hatchlings

Agustin Gonzalez

http://www.macroevolution.net/marine-biology-current-events.html

Article:

This weeks article is going to be about Sea Turtles and their short period of life that they have in trying to get from where they hatched, to the Sea. Just from traveling to where they hatched from the Sea, 30% of them are already eaten by predators! When the little turtles think they are finally safe, they encounter many more dangers when they get to the water. After that, many more of them unfortunanlty perish in the water. However a Marine Biologist put some recently hatched turtles in a large aquarium to see how long they would keep swiming for safety until they took breaks. he found out that after 12 hours of non-stop swimming, they took occasional breaks but kept going until 18 hours of swimming.

Opinion:

Well, I have heard numerous times over the years that a Sea Tutrtles life is a very challenging and painful one. I have also learned that only a few out of many dozen hatchlings survive to adulthood. This article also mentioned that the Average Sea Turtle can swim for up to 18 hours before eating and taking a break. I was really interested in the experiment and study that the Marine Biologist performed to see how much force is put in a baby Sea Turtle to survive and how long it will last. My one and only question is, if he released the turtles back into the sea and if he did, then how did the turltes react to them being back into the real world outside the aquarium and if they survived. That was actually three questions....

Tennis Referee Calls

The article I read this time is about a tennis referee's ability to see a ball good enough to call it in or out. It turns out that a tennis ball is different because it bounces. Because of this it looks like the ball is farther away then it is. So you should always challenge a call if it's against you. The brain makes a trajectory estimate point for a smooth moving object but like I said before the tennis ball is different.

My opinion, I saw this coming because you can't see very fast moving objects. You should also always challenge a call if it is against you. Tennis is a cool sport and probably is very difficult to referee. I would honestly not want to referee tennis. This concludes my opinion. Thanks for reading. :)


http://www.macroevolution.net/fast-balls.html

Antarctic Krill

http://www.macroevolution.net/antarctic-krill.html

Krill is a main food source for many animals in the Arctic. We, humans, also harvest them for various health reasons. In past years, the krill population has fluctuated, but recently it has come to a stable stop. A recent study has shown that there is a considerably large amount of biomass in the water near the shores of Livingston Island, compared to off-shore. Due to this, the on-shore fishing of krill has become a problem. A new law has been put into effect immediately- off-shore fishing only (for krill).

I think that the law was a good idea. I would rather us humans suffer (not catching as many krill as we would like to), as opposed to us overfishing and destroying their ecosystem. Then, we would have a much bigger problem than not enough krill for our health oils and such. I hope the population will continue to rise at a steady increase. Hopefully, that would secure the krill "race", as well as, other types of fish.

B.H.M: extraordinary person #3

This next person of a long line of geniuses was the person who came up with a solution to a problem that devastated many families and stunned even the best of doctors.

Vivien Thomas was born in New Iberia, Louisiana in 1910. Though he always strived to do his best, his best failed him miserably when all of his college tuition money disappeared in the October stock market crash. Despite, his short comings he continued to push for success, and landed a job working for Dr.Alfred Blalock a prestigious resident surgeon at Vanderbilt University. In hope of earning his medical degree Vivien worked day and night to prevail and conquer his dreams. While studying under Blalock, whom focused on traumatic shock and high blood pressure, Dr. Thomas invented a heavy spring device that could apply various levels of pressure. The invention created a new understating of shock and its connection with the loss of fluid and blood volume.

When his mentor, Dr. Blalock was promoted to be chief surgeon at John Hopkins's in 1941, Vivien was brought along to work on his team. But this time their focus would be set on heart surgery. When they were introduced to a heart defect that attacked newborns (blue baby syndrome: where oxygen doesn't circulate to the heart properly turning the babies blue) they rose together and produce a surgical procedure to save the lives of cherished gifts from God. Vivien was the key to the new discovery after having first tried the procedure himself on dogs.

Vivien Thomas went on to be one of John Hopkins's most cherished and honored surgeons, having taught many surgeons there after. So today we salute him for he is truly something the lord had made....

Earthworm Invasions

http://www.macroevolution.net/earthworm-invasion.html

An earthworm invasion sparked by farming and fishing has been spreading into forests and previously glaciered areas in North America. These forests were evolved without the help of native earthworms. The earthworms were first brought to the area though European plant importation. In prior years hikers had noticed leaf litter layer was decreasing, and that the worms were slowly mixing into the lower layer of mineral soil. Professor, Kyungsoo Yoo, at Delaware of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware, says that in agricultural development its important to have a mix of organic material and mineral soil, but in native forests the leaf litter layer is needed for the trees to survive. Studies have shown that tree types can change in 30 to 40 years. Although they are invading it may take awhile to make any major impact because they only increase about seven meters a year.
I think that if the worms could cause major damage that scientists should find a way to try to get rid of them. Also, if the trees are native to America that they should be kept native to America and the forests shouldnt be be changed by these foreign worms. Fishers should also not throw their worms on the ground and spread them more. They should just let them die or dispose of them some other way instead of spreading them more. I don't believe that just letting this go will be of any good to our forests. The leaf litter layer is essential to the growth of trees and if the worms are depleting that, then our forests won't be our forests anymore, they'll be foreign in time.

Blog #2:B.H.M most extraordinary African American people Part 2

Back again!!!!Alright so this next person is like beyond unbelievable to me, and I'm not the the only person who feels that way....

Dr. Ben Carson was a pediatric neurosurgeon, in fact he was the 1st person to successfully separate Siamese twins.(talk about accomplishment)But he wasn't always so accomplished and successful. In fact he came from very modest beginnings, being raised in the inner city of Detroit by his single mother whom only had a third grade education.Despite her short comings, Sonya Carson urged both of her boys to stay in school and strive for nothing less than the very best.

Ben seemed to really take it to heart, he graduated from high school with honors and was accept to Yale University where he gained a degree in Psychology. After graduating, he went on to medical school at the University of Michigan where he ended up shifting his focus on neurology.

Due to his amazing talent to visualize the brain in three dimensions, his excellent hand-eye coordination, and his extensive previous neurological background; he became an brilliant neurosurgeon.When Dr.Carson completed medical school, he then became a neurological resident at the prestigious John Hopkins Hospital.By the time he was 33 years old, he was head director of neurology at the hospital being the youngest physician to ever head a major division in 1984.

He is still at work work today, still serving as the head director of pediatric neurosurgery.He also holds the titles as professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatric medicine.He has received much recognition for his ground-breaking surgical procedures and commitment to the job of which that saves many children's' lives all over the world.Dr. Ben Carson proves that no matter what background, color, or age you are, knowledge opens doors that you never thought before.Today we salute you.

Blog #1: B.H.M most extraordinary African American people Part1

Well, in respect of Black History Month my next few blogs will be in reference to some of the most extraordinary minds to ever step on to this Earth. All the people that I mention changed the color of knowledge, proving genius has no real color. In spite of the short comings of an era that rather see them as carpenters and housekeepers rather than doctors and scientists; these people managed to beat the odds and rise above those who doubted them to begin with.

Who better to start with than Dr. Daniel Hale Williams; if you don't know who Dr. Williams is than you will be amazed to find out that he was the 1st person to successfully perform open heart surgery. Not bad for a Black Man in the late 1800s. In addition to his successful surgery, he also became the Surgenon-In-Cheif at Freedman's Hospital located in Washington D.C.

Born on Janurary 18th, 1856, Daniel was the 5th of 7 children. After apprentincings for a shoemaker and owning his own babrbershop, he went on to appretince for one Dr. Henry Palmer after discovering his fascination of the medical field. After 2 years of working under Dr.Palmer, he entered Nowestern Medical School in 1880 and finishing in 1883. After grduating he open his own medical practice in Chicago, IL.

Dr. Williams continued his legacy, founding a hospital and a traning school for nurses. The Provident Hospital is was the 1st black-owned hospital in the United States.He later,after being denied membership in the American Medical Association just as other African American; he founded the National Medical Association in 1895. To add to his his impressive record he bacame a charter member of the American College of Surgeons in 1913, servivng as the first and only black member for years.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams accomplished a variety on things before his passing in 1931, he recieved honorary degrees at both Howard and Wilberforce Universites and also became a member of yet another organization (Chicago Surgical Society). He set the tone for many brillant minds both white and black, to uphold and take on.So today, Dr.Williams we salute you.

Zebra Fish = Guinea Pigs?!?

Link: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/biology-current-events-for-kids.html



Summary: In California scientists have been studying the human immune system, and discovered immunity cells found in mammels, in zebra fish. This discovery can lead to improvements in the immune system, for mammels, since the cells are basically the same but the species is different. Suprisingly enough this has not been documented before. The Zebra Fish is translucent, or see through, making this discovery easier.

Opinion: I think it is kind of wierd that first scientists think we come from monkeys and now suddenly our immunity cells are found in a see through fish. Now they are probably going to experiment on all the Zebra Fish and the species is going to disappear. Then science will never know.

Eating Vegetables Gives Skin a More Healthy Glow Than the Sun, Study Shows

Research now shows that eating more vegies will give your skin a more healthy glow than the sun will ever do. This study was led by Dr Ian Stephen, from the School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. Dr lan Stephen said "Most people think the best way to improve skin colour is to get a suntan, but our research shows that eating lots of fruit and vegetables is actually more effective." In this study that they did they found that when people eat more portions of fruit and vegetables everyday they have more of a golden skin tone then those who just lay out in the sun. The reason for this is because of carotenoids. Caritenoids are antioxidants that absorb damaged compounds due to stress and other things. Caritenoids are very important to our immune and reproductive system. At the end of this study people preferred the caritenoid skin tone rather then the suntan skin tone.

I think this was an interesting study. I believe that everyone thinks that when you lay out in the sun you get the best glow in your skin then anything else. I also don't agree with this study all that much because i eat really healthy and eat all these fruits and vegetables but i don't have any glow to my skin. I think that this research is different with everyones skin color, because not everyones skin color works the same. I do agree with this study at the same time too because fruits and vegetables with all the antioxidants is really good for your skin. It does make your skin look really healthy and it cleans all your pores out. I think this was an interesting current event! I would love to learn more about it.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111133224.htm

Transplantable Blood Vessels

Transplantable Blood Vessels

Soon should blood vessels that can be stored be made possible. The vessels are made by humacyte. The process of making this started by with smiooth muscle cells . The special thing about them is they can change shape while their functioning . They are capable of lasting a YEAR .

I think this is a huge step in biology . Even though the artificial vessels will only last about i year its a start . The docotors will no longer have to do transplants all they have to do is go in the refridgerator . Its cool that they have used them in animals and they actually work we will juss see how it works in humans . Doctors you may have unlocked something NEW !

http://www.economist.com/node/18061076

Researchers identify the genotype of disorders causing cardiac sudden death syndrome.

Summary: Researchers at the Hospital Virgen de las Nieves of the Unversity of Granada in Spain have identified the most frequent mutations in the gene KCNH2 in patients with long QT syndrome. Long Qt syndrome is a disorder that approximately affects one in every 2,500 people. It may cause episodes which can trigger sudden death. This condition usually affects children and adolescents and may led to a misdiagnosis of epilepsy. Although the results obtained are of great significance, the researchers warn about the fact that "this study is just an initial experience in our country, and it only describes the genotype profile of a small sample of patients. A multicenter study will be necessary to obtain larger groups and draw conclusions that can be extrapolated to the general population"

Opinion: I find the research that the university of Granada to be a good thing. The fact that this condition usually affects children and adolesents is kind of scary. This means that a teen could be living with this not know it and suddenly die. It makes me wonder if we're doing anything in the united states if this is so serious as sudden death. I definetly feel like long QT syndrome should be followed a lot closer and be studied in all the major hospitals because one in 2,500 people have it and it should taken care of a little better.
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/09/researchers_identify_the_genotype_of_disorders_causing_cardiac_sudden_death_syndrome.html

                                                                                                                                     bianca brailey

memory

feb. 4, 2011
Summary:                                                                             
In 1962 at the university of Michigan scientists successfully extracted memory from one animal to another. Over a period of time planarian worms were trained to act a certain way when they were exposed to light. The worms were cut into pieces and fed to untrained planarian worms and put into the same learning paces as the ones before them. The result of this led to the untrained planarian worms learning a lot faster than the originals indicating that the knowledge had transferred from the previous. Later on at Bayor University similar experiments were conducted and the implication of these experiments is that memory can be transferred from one being another somatically as well as experimentally.

Opinion: The fact that memory can be transferred just by body tissue is fascinating. This process that the scientists used seems very simple but took quite a bit of time. The untrained planarian worms being smarter and faster the the first amazes me. scientists should go further and try some experiments on humans in my opinion. This proves just how smart animals really are no matter what size. http://www.skygaze.com/content/facts/biology.shtml
                                                                                                                                      bianca brailey

Neotropical Forest

http://www.macroevolution.net/titanoboa.html

The largest snake in the world fossils are founded in a Colombian mine. The snake is said to have been 42 feet long and 2510 pounds. The forest came into existence not long after the age of the dinosaurs. Some of the oldest leaves were in this forest and gives significant evidence. The forest would get around 90 degrees fahrenheit and about 100 inches of rain. The diversity of species of both plant and animal were low. Scientists are still resesrching and investigating the site and evidence for further knowledge.

it's incredible what technology can let us do these days. The titanaboa is very interesting and of course dnangerous. Nothing says that the species in the forest wen't extinct because of these which might of happened. The raise of the climate in todays forest might lead to evolution in hundreds years to come for the support of these species again. I Think that our scientists are doing what is needed to be done at this point

Newly Discovered Deep Sea Lobster

Jesse Ausubel has made an extraordinary discovery in science, he has found a rare new genus of deep water lobster. The lobster is called Dinochelus Ausubeli it is found in the deep ocean waters of the Phillipines. The lobster has movable, well-developed eyestalks and an inverted T-plate in front of its mouth. It has 2 different types of claws. His left claw is an extremely long and skiny and his right claw is a regualr lobster claw.



I think this opens many doors to science to tell us that there are many other living organisms in the sea that we still have to discover. i personally think this lobster is so cool , it looks like a little alien but thats only my opinion. hopefully this discovery would helps us find many more organisms

Our Newest Weapon Against MRSA?

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/10/a_new_way_to_attack_pathogens.html

Scientist seem to be on their way to stops certain pathogens from causing as much damage as they normal do. They have succeed in stopping MRSA (a form of the flesh eating bacteria) in lab mice. MRSA is a antibiotic (or some of it's strains are) resistant. This is a new technique that they are hoping to develop could help fight these other wise incurable disease. MRSA is responsible for more deaths then AIDS every year and scientist and doctors are desperate to find a way to fight this "super bug" and they might have just found their answer. The RNA of the bacteria is what controls each strain and scientist have found away that renders it unable to reproduce new RNA. This molecule is called RNPA1000 and seems to stop MRSA.


I think that this is by far one of the most interesting things I've heard about in a long time. I have been interested in MRSA and other forms of the flesh eating bacteria for a few years now. I strongly support these scientist in their research. With bacteria like MRSA on the rise and virtually unstoppable it would be life saving to be able to stop it. I highly hope that their research proceeds to a point that they can test this new theory on humans. We maybe on our way to curing a super bug and possible other antibiotic resistant strains as well.


, Lauren (Ren) Stogner

NASA: 2010 Warmest Climate Year on Record

http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2010/dec/11/nasa-2010-warmest-climate-year-on-record-ar-608136/

Kendall Roberson

The year of 2010 is now the hottest year on record according to the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The year that was considered the hottest before 2010 was five years before in 2005. The United States and China are the world's two largest carbon contributors. The Kyoto Protocol of 1997, a climate pact for the most industrialized nations in the world, excluded the United States and China. Other countries over the world are blaming the U.S. for not taking the right, or big enough, steps to help decrease the temperature rise that has happened throughout 2010. The "cause" for this increase in temperature is due to global warming. Enele Sopoaga, the deputy prime minister of Tuvalu, a small Pacific island nation, said, "There is no leadership, no political leadership, by the industrialized nations from those who are in fact responsible for climate change, especially the United States." She is scared her country will disappear due to the water rise because of the ice melting throughout the world. Global warming is the cause of the uprising within countries around the world.

I believe that the United States does have an issue with it's carbon contributions into the air. We distribute so many chemicals and toxins into the air, that it does effect everyone around the world, even if we don't think it does. I agree with Enele Sopoaga. The smaller countries are going to be affected just as much as the larger countries with the rise of global warming. I don't agree with her, though, that she is blaming the United States for a lot of it. Every country in the world contributes to global warming, not just the United States and China. I'm not saying toxins and chemicals need to be controlled for good, I'm saying that they need to be reduced slowly to have a larger affect of decreased global warming to come. Global warming is a huge issue throughout the world and it needs to be reduced to secure, and sustain, life on this world for generations to come.

Childhood: Obesity and School Lunches.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/health/research/08childhood.html?ref=science

Reasearchers say they have found another cause of childhood obesity; school lunches. A study of more than 1,000 sixth grade students in a few school in southeastern Michigan found that the students who regularly eat lunch from school were 29 percent more likely to become obese than those who bring their lunch from home. If child stay inside and play video games or watched television for two hours, that increases the risk of obesity by 19 percent. In most schools, studies show that special days are given names, such as "tater tot day". But don't worry too much, help is coming; a federal law, by the Department of Agriculture, is being passed in December stating that there will be a number of calories served in a school meal every day. There will also be a program offering broad varieties of fruits and vegetables; not just corn and potatoes.

I think this law is just what schools need. Children of all ages need to have a well balanced meal instead of eating french fries or tater tots every day. A calorie counted meal will provide children the energy, protein, and right amounts of nutrients they need throughout school day. It will give them healthier bellies, but also smarter minds for them to concentrate better. This law should be passed and the guidelines should be carried through to create a healthier generation of children.

-Holley Hurst

7 New fish discovered.

The smithsonian dicovered seven different distince species of the bleeny when there were said to be only three. "Starkisa" blennies are native to shallow to moderately deep rock waters. Near the Coral reefs in the Western Atlantic and eastern pacific. These bennies have been studied for over 100 years. Most adults have been barcoded through out the coral reefs. Scientists noticed contradictions between preliminary genetic data and current species calssifications. This new discovery is a perfect example of how DNA barcoding is illuminating species.
I personally think this is a great discovery. It shows how easy it can be to miss or overlook certain types or new evolvements of new creatures. Even though they discovered new species of the same fish that still opens up windows for new discovery. Caribbean reef fish are broken up into thousands of classifications. As where the Bennies, Scientist might and should look into these all the types of fish in the carribean to see if there are anymore fish or species we missed.

http://www.biolofynews.net/archives/2011/02/04/smithsonian_scientists_discover_7_new_speices_of_fish.html

Seven new species of fish discovered

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/04/smithsonian_scientists_discover_7_new_species_of_fish.html
Smithsonian scientists recently found seven new species of fish, that they originally thought was only three species. Modern genetic analysis was implemented on the fish, along with the traditionally used methods of examination. Starksia blennies, which have been studied for more than one hundred years, are short fish generally found in the western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans. When the experiment was started, the scientists didn't think there was much chance of discovery, but through new methods, not available before recently, seven new species are now known to exist. This new method of genetic exploration is said to be used on additional species to discover as many species as possible.

Opinion
This new method is good because it will allow scientists to further their knowledge of the species on this planet. It is possible that the species we know now can be seperated into multiple species, making our knowledge more precise. It is also interesting that ten different species of very similar fish would have the need to develop. It is similar to Darwin's birds on the Galapagos Islands. You wouldn't think the fish would have the need for one to develop into ten different species all in relatively the same environment.

~Will Hart

Earthworm Invasion

Agustin Gonzalez

http://www.macroevolution.net/earthworm-invasion.html

Article:

Soil Scientists and Agriculturalists in North America are seeing a strange thing. They noticed that there is an extraordinary increase in earthworms over the years. A few years ago, hikers also noticed that the leaf litter layer have been rapidly disappearing. what the earthworms are doing is that they are slowly eating their way into the forest and in doing that, they are also mixing the litter layer into the soil. Soil Scientists and agriculturalists realize that the leaf litter is essential to the survival of many native trees in that area. They are currently trying to find a solution to this problem.

Opinion:

When I first saw this article, I honestly thought that they were making such a big deal about earthworms in the soil. I mean, I thought the more worms in the ground, that the more they will help plants and trees grow. However, after further looking into this article. I found out that many native trees are in danger and could stop growing in as little as 30-40 years! I also found out that they pull down organic matter into the ground that is needed for many plant to live. I hope that they finally come up with a solution so that the trees and the earthworms could survive.

Newly Discovered Deep Sea Lobster

Jesse Ausubel has discovered a new type of deep sea life. It is a lobster called the dinochelus ausubeli. It's name means terrible and fearful claw. It has a large, long and spiny claw and a smaller claw on the left side. Found near the Phillipines, it has well-developed eystalks and an inverted T-plate in the front of its mouth.

I think that with this new discovery, it opens up doors to new discoveries of ocean life. This shows that many new animals are still out there to find. There are many gaps in our knowledge on deep-sea ocean life and this helps close the gap. Hopefully, more technology will be made so we can discover even more. Finding different animals can help with other problems and hopefully this new lobster could contribute.

David Watts
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110205204840.htm

Lack of sleep found to be dangerous

http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/09/late-nights-early-mornings-a-ticking-time-bomb-for-health/





While many people understand the health benefits of having a good night's sleep, researchers have discovered that those who do not get enough are more likely to suffer a cardiovascular disease or stroke. A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who have disturbed sleep or less than six hours of sleep a night have a 48% chance of developing or dying from heart disease and a 15% chance of having or dying of a stroke. Research also says that people who don't get enough sleep a night suffer hormone imbalances that can lead to type 2 diabetes and elevated blood pressure. The study is a meta-analysis of 15 other studies, which represent nearly 475,000 adults from the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Israel. Experts say that six to eight hours of sleep a night will improve your chances of not suffering from these conditions, but they also warn that excessive sleep could be a warning of an impending heart condition or other disease.



Opinion: This study should be an eye-opener for many. With the threat of diabetes, strokes, and heart disease, it should get the attention of those who don't bother to get enough sleep. With the hectic pace of life that has become standard for so much of the world,it is understandable why a lack of sleep has become commonplace. But when I look at these figures, I believe that we all need to get a few more hours of shuteye. With a 50/50 chance of having a stoke for those who don't get enough sleep a night, and higher rates of diabetes and heart disase, I can't imagine why some people stay up so late.

Looking at Your Body Reduces Pain

Scienctist from UCL stated that simply just looking at your body reduces pain. In Psychological Science, research shows that just viewing your own hand reduces pain from touching something hot. Also the larger the hand is looked, more pain reduction. The experiment was with 18 people particiapants. Each person was given a heat probe on each of their left hand. The probe gradually heats up and the participant is given a pedal which they can push to tell they feel pain. Half of the people was looking at their own hand, and the other half was looking at another object. After the test was over, the people who were looking at the their hand were able to withstand 3 degrees celcius more.

I think this is very interesting. I do believe that looking at your self makes you think you can withstand more. When you are looking at it happening, you are aware more of what will happen. If you are not looking at it, you are not expecting what to happen and feel uneasy. I find it intersting that people did an expeirment of this.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210094913.htm

Exercise Helps Overweight Children Think Better, Do Better in Math

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110210111309.htm

Researchers from the Georgia Health Sciences University reported on February 10, 2011 of a new study targeting sedentary students in America. They were trying to prove how regular exercise truly does have an effect on the way the brain works. Overweight students who previously were inactive until the study began had major changes in their lives. The scientists found that exercise on a normal basis improves the ability to think, plan, and do math. The scientists hope their findings will "reestablish" a healthy foundation for students and encourage healthy lifestyles.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so important. It not only provides better physical conditions, but boosts one's confidence as well. I think a lot of kids are simply turned off to being more healthy at a younger age, so it is good that the study was preformed to once again encourage the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. In the girls' locker room, there is a banner displaying a quote describing how physical fitness is the basis of all other types of success. This article is proof that the quote remains true. Exercising makes you feel better and you're able to think better; it's that simple. The importance of physical activity and leading a lifestyle with healthy intentions should be taught at a younger age.

Death in bats

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/03/death_in_the_bat_caves_disease_wiping_out_hibernating_bats.html

There has been an infection amongst bats in North America, as well as, Europe. Four types bats ( Indiana, little brown, cave, and the gray) have been found with an epidemic in North America, and five types have been infected in Europe. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is taking over these already endangered animals. WNS thrives in humid and low temperatures, like up North (Canada, New York state). WNS gives the bat a white nose, irrational behavior, and causes them to wake up during hibernating season. When they wake up during hibernation, it causes them to burn up energy usually stored for winter, it also causes the bats to fly during the day, which is dangerous.

I find this increadably sad that the bats are dying. Yet, I find it interesting that scientists are considering humans as hosts for this fungal infection. I wonder if there is any vaccination for humans, so we do not transmit it to the bats. As stated in the article, the health of bats should be monitored more closely. If their health is more carefully charted, perhaps we could find a cure for this, moreover a way to prevent it.

Babies come from Humans; Flowers come from....?

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/07/where_did_flowers_come_from.html

We know where babies come from. Now the age old question has taken on a new form: Where do FLOWERS come from? Current flowers are believed to be descendants of the Amborella, which is a direct descendant of the first flowering plants. Victor Albert said that 'Amborella is a molecular living fossil '. Amborella has contracted the nickname The Platypus of Flowering Plants. This nickname comes from the belief that they can trace the line of heritage through the plants DNA, just as they did with the platypus. Specifically, they are comparing the genetic make-up of Amborella to that of newer species. A team of very knowledgeable biologist plan to complete and publish a draft sequence of the Amborella genome by this year.

I think this is wonderful. our science is evolving so much that we can trace a plant just like an animal. i am looking forward to the result of their study. To find out what the mother of all plants is would be thrilling. It would be like discovering a real live T-Rex. RAWR! =)

Bubonic Plague back!?

This article states that the Bubonic Plague that killed off millions of people back in the late 1800's may be back and threatening western wildlife. The animal victims so far have only been the Utah prairie dog and the black-footed ferret; one of the most endangered mammals in North America. Bubonic Plague is highly contagious and if contracted can be deadly if not treated soon enough. But a wildlife biologist claims that the plague can be contained to only affect the prairie dogs and the ferrets of course (prairie dogs are the ferrets foodsource). The detection of plague may be very difficult to notice due to the animals' "black spots" may be hard to notice.

My opinion of this is I really hope that the scientists of today are able to stop the plague or cure it, if contracted in humans. I read another article stating that even a died-off animal off the plague can still spread it with ease if touched or inhaled the air around the victim. There is a story in this article saying that a zookeeper contracted the plague from an infected cougar who had died, therefore sayin how contagious the disease. The bubonic plague is no laughing matter and if not dealt with may spread back to humans as was back in ancient times. This concludes my article. Thanks for reading :)


http://www.macroevolution.net/bubonic-plague.html

Alex Frank

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/03/oysters_at_risk_gastronomes_delight_disappearing_globally.html

The amount of oyster reefs had lowered dramatically in the past few years. In some regions of the globe oysters are almost non-existant anymore. They used to be important to coastal ecosystems and now are abundant and most likely rare. In North America the Gulf of Mexico is the most oyster populous. The oysters were used as food to humans as well as filtering the water.

To me the oyster shortage is not only important to forming bays but also keeping the water quality clean. Extinction of species is more common than we think and oysters might be next if we keep up with our polluting. In less than 30 years over 1200 million gallons of oil have been spread through coastal enviroment distributing to the great shortage. The gulf coast oil spill in 2010 doesnt help it either. To me keeping and rebuilding the oyster population is quite important.

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/03/oysters_at_risk_gastronomes_delight_disappearing_globally.html

Animal with the most genes is a tiny Crustacean

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/03/animal_with_the_most_genes_a_tiny_crustacean.html

Summary

A recent finding by the Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics says that the animal with the most genes is a tiny, almost microscopic crustacean. The crustacean, Daphnia pulex, has roughly 31,000 genes, while humans have about 23,000. Not only does it have the most of any animal scientists have researched genomes of, it also has the most unique genes. More than one third of the crustacean's genes were never seen in any other animal before. This gene count is thought to be largely caused by Daphnia's multiplication of genes, a rate which is thirty percent greater than a human's multiplication of genes.

Opinion

I found this article very interesting because I wouldn't have assumed that an animal so small could have so many genes. It seems fairly contradictory, seeing as how a human's processes, in my opinion, are much more complex than that of a tiny crustacean. It has been common knowledge for some time now that humans do not possess the most genes (found in the Human Genome Project). It is also amazing to me that DNA can be extracted from something so small as this crustacean. I chose this article because it interested me and opened my mind to new possibilities.

~Will Hart

Breast Cancer Treatment

http://www.vadvert.co.uk/science/8721-scientists-discover-mechanism-involved-in-breast-cancers-spread-to-bone.html

Scientist has made a discovery that may lead to a treatment in brest cancer that has spread to the bone . Cancer cells travel throughout the body and creates new tumors in people with advanced breast cancer . Princeton reasearch has discovered that the same mechanism that lets the tumor cells that has an effect in disrupting normal bone growth . By lessining the molecules involved the research team has discovered drug therapies that could block this effect . Docotors have reviewed this research and has found the dicovery true .

This current event was very interesting. Breast cancer is a not rare at all and it puts women with it in much pain. These women think they will live with it for the rest of their pain filling life . The docotors can give these paitients as much medicine to stop the pain but it can not make the cancer dissappear. I believe that this discovery has led the women with breast cancer to hope.
ANTONIO SMITH

Boosting Body's Immune Response May Hold Key to HIV Cure

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110203124730.htm

It was reported on February 3 that recent studies from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have shown that a cell with a hormone named interleukin-7 can supposedly renew the immune response to a chronic, viral infection- permitting the host to clear the virus completely. One of the doctors admitted that the finding could potentially lead to a cure for viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and bacterial infections like tuberculosis. However, another doctor within the institute is arguing that long-lived immune responses to chronic diseases aren't always the best way to go. He hopes to concentrate on how the immune response from the specific hormone can be altered to fight the infection better. They hope to discover some of the roots of the immune exhaustion caused by the virus so that the immune response can increase to beat the infection.

It seems as though the thought behind their concept is on the brink of being an essential discovery for the future of chronic viral infections. The diseases mentioned above have taken a great toll on so many people in the world today, whether one has it or not. They maintain physical and emotional burdens as well as an economic burden. My hope is that their theories can be confirmed so that the infections may be controlled in a more effective manner- to decrease the populations affected by them all each year. So many people have suffered from these viruses and infections- it's time to do something about it.

High levels of circulating DNA may signal faster progression of lung cancer

Agustin Gonzalez

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/02/01/high_levels_of_circulating_dna_may_signal_faster_progression_of_lung_cancer.html

Summary

So basically, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer(IASLC) did a study on how DNA is linked with Lung Cancer. They maybe a big experiment to see if what they thought was correct. The Experiment was that they took 446 patients with advanced small cell lung cancer and analyzed their blood. They concluded that having high levels of circulating DNA may indicate faster progression in the development of lung cancer and lower overall survival. This article was published on February in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology.

Opinion

Overall, I seriously think that this is something that scientists should really look into some more. The reason being that maybe some more further investigation in this could result in some major scientific discovery. For example, maybe they could make something that will help fight against the cancerous cells inside the body. I also believe that they should make an even bigger experiment on this. So like instead of 446 patients, maybe 1,000 or something like that.