http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2017/01/12/in-search-of-a-universal-flu-vaccine/#.WIS6LMvEihA
Summary:
The flu is one virus that no one wants to catch. To prevent yourself from getting the flu your best bet is to get the seasonal flu shot. However making this yearly influenza vaccine relies on the best estimation that a team of scientists across the world come up with. They must predict what will be in the coming year's flu strand in order to create an effective vaccine. Once the prediction is made production of the vaccine is ramped up in hope to get as many people vaccinated before flu season. But what if there was a way to make a flu shot that would work for all influenza strands? This would save many people time, money and stress as well as solving the world's biggest epidemic threat. Some research has revealed that the HA stem of the influenza cell is more constant than the HA spike (cell parts) across the many different influenza strands. So if we could target these stems instead of tips there might be an easier way to make one vaccine for all strands of influenza.
Discussion:
This research is very useful for our world. The flu has actually been one of our biggest epidemics ever and in 1918 killed as many as 50 million people. That is equivalent to 200 million people today. We have developed a vaccine for this epidemic but it must be remade every year. If we could create a vaccine that would need to be remade more infrequently or not at all it would save millions if not billions of dollars and labour hours. This would also allow research into other viruses that we need to treat and therefore would save more people from becoming infected with a virus. Currently there is not much we can do to help except for getting the "flu shot" or influenza vaccine. This will help prevent the spread of influenza as well as preventing it from adapting new ways to fight off our immune system. It would be amazing if we could find a forever flu shot.
Monday 23 January 2017
Long Wind Farm
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/21/business/energy-environment/offshore-wind-energy-long-island.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=2
By DIANE CARDWELL JAN. 21, 2017
Summary:
After many years of wind energy in Europe, the United Sates of America might finally start building offshore wind turbine farms to help power their country and battle climate change. There are very few downsides to this idea. The only ones are minor such as being in a view. However most of these farms would be so far out it would be difficult to see the turbines. The benefits immensely outweigh the negatives. Just 15 turbines are enough to power 50 thousand average sized homes. This will stop many citizens from relying on coal and other crude substances to create electricity for them. The project will also help the ship manufacturing industry as many new ships are needed to set up and deliver these turbines to their site. If approved the new plan could be one of many farms with up to 200 wind turbines. That's enough to power a whopping (+\-) 666 000 homes. This plan is a good example of how countries around the world are trying to fight climate change.
Discussion:
This plan could have a huge affect on the lives of thousands of people across the eastern coast of the USA as they will be running off clean energy. It will also take away less clean ways of making energy and replace jobs lost with new ones the project will make when it is being developed. This project will be great in the long run for the American economy, which might not be great for us as the Canadian dollar will drop in value further. However it will be worth it as it is helping cut back on air pollution. I believe this project is a very good idea and will help improve the state of our planet. The United Sates of America is following the great example set by many European countries.
By DIANE CARDWELL JAN. 21, 2017
Summary:
After many years of wind energy in Europe, the United Sates of America might finally start building offshore wind turbine farms to help power their country and battle climate change. There are very few downsides to this idea. The only ones are minor such as being in a view. However most of these farms would be so far out it would be difficult to see the turbines. The benefits immensely outweigh the negatives. Just 15 turbines are enough to power 50 thousand average sized homes. This will stop many citizens from relying on coal and other crude substances to create electricity for them. The project will also help the ship manufacturing industry as many new ships are needed to set up and deliver these turbines to their site. If approved the new plan could be one of many farms with up to 200 wind turbines. That's enough to power a whopping (+\-) 666 000 homes. This plan is a good example of how countries around the world are trying to fight climate change.
Discussion:
This plan could have a huge affect on the lives of thousands of people across the eastern coast of the USA as they will be running off clean energy. It will also take away less clean ways of making energy and replace jobs lost with new ones the project will make when it is being developed. This project will be great in the long run for the American economy, which might not be great for us as the Canadian dollar will drop in value further. However it will be worth it as it is helping cut back on air pollution. I believe this project is a very good idea and will help improve the state of our planet. The United Sates of America is following the great example set by many European countries.
Mystery of Planet 9
How The Universe Works
Episode 1
Season 5
Mystery of Planet 9
http://www.hddocumentary.com/discovery-science-how-the-universe-works-series-5-mystery-of-planet-9-2016/
Summary:
Planet nine is the mysterious planet on the edge of our solar system that is ten times more massive than Earth. Where did this planet come from? Many simulations of how our solar system was formed have been created using super computers. This led to the discovery that the way our planets' mass is organized in a way that would not be possible without an other planet the size of Uranus. When this other planet was added to a computer simulation, it was discovered that it was ejected far away from our solar system becoming a rogue planet. This phenomenon is called planetary ejection. The ninth planet that scientists are attempting to study was not the one that was ejected as it was too small. However it is much too large to have formed on the edge of our solar system where there was so little mass to begin with. Could planet nine be a rogue planet itself? Scientists theorized that it was ejected from one solar system to ours. This is the current belief as to why we have a ninth planet. But is this really what happened?
Discussion:
This discovery will not affect us very much unless we somehow find a way to send humans or a probe that far. The only way it will change our lives is how we are taught the planets of our solar system. I do find this very interesting and it further inspires me to find a profession in this field. It inspires me because I like learning about what is around us and how our universe works. I like knowing how our planet was made, how it orbits the sun, why we have a moon and learning how my iPad that I am typing on came to be. I find space mysteries very interesting because they are fun to follow. I would like to learn more about this planet so I can know what is out there beyond our home. I hope one day I might solve the mystery of planet nine.
Episode 1
Season 5
Mystery of Planet 9
http://www.hddocumentary.com/discovery-science-how-the-universe-works-series-5-mystery-of-planet-9-2016/
Summary:
Planet nine is the mysterious planet on the edge of our solar system that is ten times more massive than Earth. Where did this planet come from? Many simulations of how our solar system was formed have been created using super computers. This led to the discovery that the way our planets' mass is organized in a way that would not be possible without an other planet the size of Uranus. When this other planet was added to a computer simulation, it was discovered that it was ejected far away from our solar system becoming a rogue planet. This phenomenon is called planetary ejection. The ninth planet that scientists are attempting to study was not the one that was ejected as it was too small. However it is much too large to have formed on the edge of our solar system where there was so little mass to begin with. Could planet nine be a rogue planet itself? Scientists theorized that it was ejected from one solar system to ours. This is the current belief as to why we have a ninth planet. But is this really what happened?
Discussion:
This discovery will not affect us very much unless we somehow find a way to send humans or a probe that far. The only way it will change our lives is how we are taught the planets of our solar system. I do find this very interesting and it further inspires me to find a profession in this field. It inspires me because I like learning about what is around us and how our universe works. I like knowing how our planet was made, how it orbits the sun, why we have a moon and learning how my iPad that I am typing on came to be. I find space mysteries very interesting because they are fun to follow. I would like to learn more about this planet so I can know what is out there beyond our home. I hope one day I might solve the mystery of planet nine.
How to Disable a Superpower
Show: Through the Wormhole
Season number: 5
Episode number: 5
Air date: June 11, 2014
Episode name: How to Disable a Superpower
https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/unsw-physics-leads-morgan-freeman’s-wormhole-eureka-prize
Summary:
Everything that governments use relies on technology and computer programs. If these programs could be attacked by just a few terrorists an entire country could fall to its knees. We can now take out one country's computer network to make them completely vulnerable. There are many ways to attack a computer network. One is to take out the Internet Time Service upon which they all rely. All electronic devices rely on exact time to function. This time is set and controlled by the Internet Time Service and if it was taken out all computers around the world would be "lost". Another way to use technology to attack is to create an ID card with a virus. If a card is required to open a door this card can be encrypted with a virus that when scanned can do whatever the attacker wants to the security system it has infected. These are just two of the many ways technology we have made can be used against us.
Discussion:
This issue is very interesting and can greatly affect today's world. Since humans now rely on computers, humans now can be destroyed by computers if those computers are altered, thrown off or even turned off. Nearly everything we do relies on computers from turning on a light to gassing up your car. All of these every day tasks are now at risk since they rely on computers to function. There is not much we can do to prevent this problem as there is no such thing as an unsolvable code and no way to stop cyber attacks. Therefore the only way to protect ourselves is to stop relying on technology but even this is difficult since our jobs, schooling and money are all controlled by technology. Basically we have reached a point of no return where all of our lives depend on technology and there is no way to change it without starting over.
Season number: 5
Episode number: 5
Air date: June 11, 2014
Episode name: How to Disable a Superpower
https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/unsw-physics-leads-morgan-freeman’s-wormhole-eureka-prize
Summary:
Everything that governments use relies on technology and computer programs. If these programs could be attacked by just a few terrorists an entire country could fall to its knees. We can now take out one country's computer network to make them completely vulnerable. There are many ways to attack a computer network. One is to take out the Internet Time Service upon which they all rely. All electronic devices rely on exact time to function. This time is set and controlled by the Internet Time Service and if it was taken out all computers around the world would be "lost". Another way to use technology to attack is to create an ID card with a virus. If a card is required to open a door this card can be encrypted with a virus that when scanned can do whatever the attacker wants to the security system it has infected. These are just two of the many ways technology we have made can be used against us.
Discussion:
This issue is very interesting and can greatly affect today's world. Since humans now rely on computers, humans now can be destroyed by computers if those computers are altered, thrown off or even turned off. Nearly everything we do relies on computers from turning on a light to gassing up your car. All of these every day tasks are now at risk since they rely on computers to function. There is not much we can do to prevent this problem as there is no such thing as an unsolvable code and no way to stop cyber attacks. Therefore the only way to protect ourselves is to stop relying on technology but even this is difficult since our jobs, schooling and money are all controlled by technology. Basically we have reached a point of no return where all of our lives depend on technology and there is no way to change it without starting over.
If All Ice Melted
ASAP Science (YouTube Channel)
What If All The Ice Melted On Earth? ft. Bill Nye
http://youtu.be/b6CPsGanO_U
September 7, 2016
Summary: Climate change is warming the entire world and the Arctic twice as fast. This video shows what would happen if all the ice in the world melted. Currently there is enough ice to cover North America 10 meters high. The first ice to melt will be sea ice since it is in Warming water. Since this sea ice is melting oil companies are searching the northern oceans for untouched oil supplies and in turn disrupting the marine life by blasting air down to the sea floor. When it comes to sea levels the sea ice will not make the waters rise much since it already displaces most of the water around it. However 95% of earth's ice is land based and when this melts it could cause water levels to rise as much as 70 meters. This would flood the entire State of Florida, create an inland sea in Australia and displace billions of people. As more ice melts less ice reflects sunlight back into space which will cause the earth to warm even more. If we do not end global warming, global warming will end us.
Discussion: This theoretical situation would drastically change the lives of everyone and everything on the planet. We would lose most northern wildlife since the Arctic is mostly sea ice. Billions of people would have their homes flooded as the size of countries would diminish. It would cause conflicts between citizens who would be trying to find a new place to live. We would have less forests left and we would have a much denser population. To help this we can try to pollute less by car pooling, turn off lights and use green energy to name a few positive strategies. To help marine life being affected by oil exploration you can visit http://arctic-home.greenpeace.org/en-ca/ to sign a petition to show the government how many people care about our Arctic marine life. This video gives us a truly terrifying example of how deadly global warming can be.
What If All The Ice Melted On Earth? ft. Bill Nye
http://youtu.be/b6CPsGanO_U
September 7, 2016
Summary: Climate change is warming the entire world and the Arctic twice as fast. This video shows what would happen if all the ice in the world melted. Currently there is enough ice to cover North America 10 meters high. The first ice to melt will be sea ice since it is in Warming water. Since this sea ice is melting oil companies are searching the northern oceans for untouched oil supplies and in turn disrupting the marine life by blasting air down to the sea floor. When it comes to sea levels the sea ice will not make the waters rise much since it already displaces most of the water around it. However 95% of earth's ice is land based and when this melts it could cause water levels to rise as much as 70 meters. This would flood the entire State of Florida, create an inland sea in Australia and displace billions of people. As more ice melts less ice reflects sunlight back into space which will cause the earth to warm even more. If we do not end global warming, global warming will end us.
Discussion: This theoretical situation would drastically change the lives of everyone and everything on the planet. We would lose most northern wildlife since the Arctic is mostly sea ice. Billions of people would have their homes flooded as the size of countries would diminish. It would cause conflicts between citizens who would be trying to find a new place to live. We would have less forests left and we would have a much denser population. To help this we can try to pollute less by car pooling, turn off lights and use green energy to name a few positive strategies. To help marine life being affected by oil exploration you can visit http://arctic-home.greenpeace.org/en-ca/ to sign a petition to show the government how many people care about our Arctic marine life. This video gives us a truly terrifying example of how deadly global warming can be.
Side Stitch
SciShow (YouTube) Channe
December 29, 2015
http://youtu.be/9sfeM2oSPY0
What's Causing That Stitch In Your Side?
Summary:
It is not exactly known how or why you get a stitch, but there are many theories out there. Many people have gotten and get a stitch while exercising. In fact 69% of runners that took part in a survey reported that they have gotten a side stitch. One theory of why people get side cramps is related to the diaphragm and the stress emitted on it. When your foot hits the pavement your diaphragm is at its peak stress and the impact adds to this stress causing pain. Another theory is that internal movement from bouncing up and down strains your ligaments in your abdomen. The most recent theory is that the two layered wall between your abdomen and diaphragm rubs together due to a lack of fluids that are missing because you are dehydrated. It is not certain but these are some of the possible reasons why people get side stitches.
Discussion:
This video is very relevant to anyone who is physically active as I believe almost everyone has gotten a side cramp while running. If we do discover what causes a side stitch we can better understand how to prevent them. However since the theories as to why we get them say that it is related to your abdominal muscles, strengthening your core could possibly help reduce the chance of getting one. Also doing sit-ups before a run has worked for me in the past and above all tips stay hydrated. If you follow all these "anti-cramp" strategies, your workout, run or training could be so much more enjoyable without a side stitch. From now on I will make sure I am hydrated, do some sit-ups and strengthen my core before a run so I do not get a side stitch.
December 29, 2015
http://youtu.be/9sfeM2oSPY0
What's Causing That Stitch In Your Side?
Summary:
It is not exactly known how or why you get a stitch, but there are many theories out there. Many people have gotten and get a stitch while exercising. In fact 69% of runners that took part in a survey reported that they have gotten a side stitch. One theory of why people get side cramps is related to the diaphragm and the stress emitted on it. When your foot hits the pavement your diaphragm is at its peak stress and the impact adds to this stress causing pain. Another theory is that internal movement from bouncing up and down strains your ligaments in your abdomen. The most recent theory is that the two layered wall between your abdomen and diaphragm rubs together due to a lack of fluids that are missing because you are dehydrated. It is not certain but these are some of the possible reasons why people get side stitches.
Discussion:
This video is very relevant to anyone who is physically active as I believe almost everyone has gotten a side cramp while running. If we do discover what causes a side stitch we can better understand how to prevent them. However since the theories as to why we get them say that it is related to your abdominal muscles, strengthening your core could possibly help reduce the chance of getting one. Also doing sit-ups before a run has worked for me in the past and above all tips stay hydrated. If you follow all these "anti-cramp" strategies, your workout, run or training could be so much more enjoyable without a side stitch. From now on I will make sure I am hydrated, do some sit-ups and strengthen my core before a run so I do not get a side stitch.
MOKV
http://www.livescience.com/57053-military-missile-us-countermeasures-space-weapons.html
Irene Klotz, Seeker | December 1, 2016 01:02pm ET
Summary:
The United States of America has been concerned about being able to intercept and destroy enemy missiles for years. Now they have released a contract to build defence systems to do just that. Most nukes or other missiles have multiple decoys which make the actual threat difficult to target. However this new project has a plan to launch many kill vehicles at once that will target and destroy all of the threats. They will destroy their targets by collision with help of their individual sensors, propulsion units and steering units. The impact would be equivalent to a 10 ton truck traveling at 600 mph. These explosions will all happen above the earth and the debris will be destroyed in the atmosphere. This project is just one step the United States of America is taking in order to protect itself and its allies.
Discussion:
I think this project is a very good idea, but I do not think it is entirely reliable. These kill vehicles will be launched from earth upon notice of a threat. If that threat is not identified in time the vehicles will be unsuccessful and the enemy missile will most likely hit its target. However if the program finds a way to launch the vehicles in time it will be very comforting to millions of citizens and officials who are worried about a nuclear attack. Another con to this program is competition. Now that the Multi Object Kill Vehicles are publicly announced enemy countries will develop technologies to avoid the new defences. With all these advances in nuclear warfare preparations the world becomes an even more dangerous place with even more tension ready to snap.
Irene Klotz, Seeker | December 1, 2016 01:02pm ET
Summary:
The United States of America has been concerned about being able to intercept and destroy enemy missiles for years. Now they have released a contract to build defence systems to do just that. Most nukes or other missiles have multiple decoys which make the actual threat difficult to target. However this new project has a plan to launch many kill vehicles at once that will target and destroy all of the threats. They will destroy their targets by collision with help of their individual sensors, propulsion units and steering units. The impact would be equivalent to a 10 ton truck traveling at 600 mph. These explosions will all happen above the earth and the debris will be destroyed in the atmosphere. This project is just one step the United States of America is taking in order to protect itself and its allies.
Discussion:
I think this project is a very good idea, but I do not think it is entirely reliable. These kill vehicles will be launched from earth upon notice of a threat. If that threat is not identified in time the vehicles will be unsuccessful and the enemy missile will most likely hit its target. However if the program finds a way to launch the vehicles in time it will be very comforting to millions of citizens and officials who are worried about a nuclear attack. Another con to this program is competition. Now that the Multi Object Kill Vehicles are publicly announced enemy countries will develop technologies to avoid the new defences. With all these advances in nuclear warfare preparations the world becomes an even more dangerous place with even more tension ready to snap.
Enchroma
https://www.technologyreview.com/s/601782/how-enchromas-glasses-correct-color-blindness/
by Ryan Cross June 27, 2016
Summary:
In 2012 a company founded by Don McPherson and Andrew Schmeder released its first pair of "color-blindness glasses". Videos of people who are colour blind went viral all over the Internet. These glasses set at around $350 dramatically improve people's perception of colour. How do they work? To understand how they work one must understand what red-green colourblindness is. This occurs when the cones in your eyes that receive different wavelengths of colours overlap and confuse the colours that are actually there. So these glasses fix this overlap before the colour reaches someone's eye. It is a truly incredible invention. Even though the glasses dramatically change one's perception of light they do not cure colourblindness. However they are still worth the $350 price tag as Jimmy and Jace Papenhausen demonstrated in the attached video.
Discussion:
This brilliant invention has the potential to change many peoples' lives. In fact up to one in twelve men and one in two hundred women suffer from red-green colourblindness. This change can be very emotional for the person who is colour blind as demonstrated in the video described in this article. This article is touching but I do not find it inspiring. I recognize the importance and potential of this product but it does not inspire me to do much about helping since I would like to specify my life in a different field. That being said if there was some form of fundraising campaign I might donate a few dollars. This is truly an amazing accomplishment and I hope this product will provide insight to an actual cure for red-green colour blindness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1X0QTTtPmc
Link to video mentioned
Jimmy and Jace Papenhausen
by Ryan Cross June 27, 2016
Summary:
In 2012 a company founded by Don McPherson and Andrew Schmeder released its first pair of "color-blindness glasses". Videos of people who are colour blind went viral all over the Internet. These glasses set at around $350 dramatically improve people's perception of colour. How do they work? To understand how they work one must understand what red-green colourblindness is. This occurs when the cones in your eyes that receive different wavelengths of colours overlap and confuse the colours that are actually there. So these glasses fix this overlap before the colour reaches someone's eye. It is a truly incredible invention. Even though the glasses dramatically change one's perception of light they do not cure colourblindness. However they are still worth the $350 price tag as Jimmy and Jace Papenhausen demonstrated in the attached video.
Discussion:
This brilliant invention has the potential to change many peoples' lives. In fact up to one in twelve men and one in two hundred women suffer from red-green colourblindness. This change can be very emotional for the person who is colour blind as demonstrated in the video described in this article. This article is touching but I do not find it inspiring. I recognize the importance and potential of this product but it does not inspire me to do much about helping since I would like to specify my life in a different field. That being said if there was some form of fundraising campaign I might donate a few dollars. This is truly an amazing accomplishment and I hope this product will provide insight to an actual cure for red-green colour blindness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1X0QTTtPmc
Link to video mentioned
Jimmy and Jace Papenhausen
Meaglow
https://www.marsdd.com/news-and-insights/the-bright-road-ahead-for-ontario-company-meaglow/
by Jesika Briones
~ 02 Dec 2011
Summary:
Two men from Thunder Bay, Ontario named Dr. K Scott Butcher and Dr. Dimiter Alexandrov are developing a technology that overcomes the shortfalls of current epitaxial deposition methods. What this means is that their technology can make solar wafers (used to make solar electricity) more efficiently and at a lower price. This technology has received lots of attention across Canada and is one of its kind in the country. It has been in a few big science magazines and started establishing partnerships with other companies. Meaglow has developed a prototype system at Lakehead University and the prototype has already surpassed expectations. This company has huge potential nationally and worldwide.
Discussion:
I am very interested in this article as it has a very cool concept and because Dr. Butcher is my cousin. However I do not completely understand how the technology works. I will have to do more research to better understand how their method works. This technology could affect our lives by using less money to create clean energy faster. It can help reduce global warming and reduce emissions from power plants. If someone is using power that comes from this product then their bills will be lower since the cost to make the solar panels was cheaper. If this becomes a worldwide technology then it could lower the cost of many people's electrical bills. This is an inspiring story of hard work perseverance and pure brilliance.
by Jesika Briones
~ 02 Dec 2011
Summary:
Two men from Thunder Bay, Ontario named Dr. K Scott Butcher and Dr. Dimiter Alexandrov are developing a technology that overcomes the shortfalls of current epitaxial deposition methods. What this means is that their technology can make solar wafers (used to make solar electricity) more efficiently and at a lower price. This technology has received lots of attention across Canada and is one of its kind in the country. It has been in a few big science magazines and started establishing partnerships with other companies. Meaglow has developed a prototype system at Lakehead University and the prototype has already surpassed expectations. This company has huge potential nationally and worldwide.
Discussion:
I am very interested in this article as it has a very cool concept and because Dr. Butcher is my cousin. However I do not completely understand how the technology works. I will have to do more research to better understand how their method works. This technology could affect our lives by using less money to create clean energy faster. It can help reduce global warming and reduce emissions from power plants. If someone is using power that comes from this product then their bills will be lower since the cost to make the solar panels was cheaper. If this becomes a worldwide technology then it could lower the cost of many people's electrical bills. This is an inspiring story of hard work perseverance and pure brilliance.
Antarctic Ozone Hole
https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/2014-antarctic-ozone-hole-holds-steady/
Date: October 30, 2014
Source: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
My Summary:
In Antarctica the Ozone hole has reached its maximum expected size for this year. This hole was recorded on September 11th 2014 and was almost the size of North America. This may seem big but it is smaller than the years from 1998 to 2006. The largest ozone hole was recorded on September 9th 2000 when the hole was 29.9 million square kilometres. This year’s hole was 24.1 square kilometres. Despite this good news scientists also discovered the minimum thickness of the ozone layer was recorded at 114 Dobson units or just over 1 mm thick. In the 1960s the minimum thickness of the ozone layer was between 250 and 350 Dobson units. All of this data was gathered by Dutch-Finnish Ozone Monitoring Instruments on NASA’s Aura Satellite.
Discussion:
The ozone hole is a very important key to healthy life on earth as without it we would be harmed by the sun's powerful UV rays. These rays can give us skin cancer and kill plants. The Ozone layer of the atmosphere can regenerate on its own so to help with this problem I can try to use less electricity and make people aware about the problem. Another solution is to use green energy. Our government has already started to take steps towards green energy and continues to pass laws and bills that control how much energy people use. It will take many years to convert our country and maybe even world over to clean pollution free electricity. Once we do have green energy the Ozone hole problem will become a thing of the past.
Global Avg Temperature
http://climate.nasa.gov/news/2537/nasa-noaa-data-show-2016-warmest-year-on-record-globally\
January 18, 2017
Summary:
According to NASA and NOAA, 2016 has been the warmest year since global average temperatures have been recorded (1880). This is due to the constant pollution from humans. More CO2 and other harmful gases go into the air than ever before. The global average temperature has risen by 1.1 degrees celsius since the late 19th century. Most of the warming has happened in the last 35 years. To see the dramatic change refer to the interactive graph above. 16 of the 17 warmest years on record have occurred since 2001. The last three years have each set their own records. NASA takes these measurements using over 6,000 weather stations across the globe. If this upward trend of average annual temperatures continues we will have warmed up our planet by a deadly 3 degrees celsius by 2041!
Discussion:
This article highlights some very important research. The global temperature greatly affects our lives. It has risen sea levels by up to three meters in Florida and New Orleans, melted the Arctic ice cap so much that it no longer touches Russia or Alaska and it has created bigger and more deadly tropical storms. Every year that the global temperature rises we become closer to destroying our planet. To help stop global warming many countries have signed a climate change agreement that will help stop global warming. For us to help we can use less electricity and promote green energy such as wind turbines and solar farms. Also we can car pool and walk or bike when possible. We need to stop global warming before we destroy our planet and everything in it.
January 18, 2017
Summary:
According to NASA and NOAA, 2016 has been the warmest year since global average temperatures have been recorded (1880). This is due to the constant pollution from humans. More CO2 and other harmful gases go into the air than ever before. The global average temperature has risen by 1.1 degrees celsius since the late 19th century. Most of the warming has happened in the last 35 years. To see the dramatic change refer to the interactive graph above. 16 of the 17 warmest years on record have occurred since 2001. The last three years have each set their own records. NASA takes these measurements using over 6,000 weather stations across the globe. If this upward trend of average annual temperatures continues we will have warmed up our planet by a deadly 3 degrees celsius by 2041!
Discussion:
This article highlights some very important research. The global temperature greatly affects our lives. It has risen sea levels by up to three meters in Florida and New Orleans, melted the Arctic ice cap so much that it no longer touches Russia or Alaska and it has created bigger and more deadly tropical storms. Every year that the global temperature rises we become closer to destroying our planet. To help stop global warming many countries have signed a climate change agreement that will help stop global warming. For us to help we can use less electricity and promote green energy such as wind turbines and solar farms. Also we can car pool and walk or bike when possible. We need to stop global warming before we destroy our planet and everything in it.
Edwin Hubble
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/outthere/2017/01/02/the-day-we-discovered-the-universe/#.WITyUsvEihC
Summary:
This is the story of how the universe that we know today was discovered. It all started when observers discovered spiral nebulae in the sky. It was unknown as to what these swirls were. Some said they were clouds of gas that were nearby. Others believed they were distant universes similar to our Milky Way galaxy. This sparked a great debate in 1920 between these two stubborn sides and the debate ended up as a draw. Edwin Hubble was on the "distant universe" side of the debate and wanted to have lots of scientific evidence before speaking out. In October of 1923 Hubble found his evidence when he saw the signs of a type of star on the edge in this spiral nebula. He however wanted to gather more proof before coming out with this great discovery. He of course talked to other scientists and eventually the word got out. However Hubble did not want to make a formal announcement yet. He kept working hard and in 1925 was convinced to write a paper to a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They were offering a $1000 prize and of course with his discovery and official announcement Edwin Hubble won the money and discovered the universe we know today.
Discussion:
Edwin Hubble is one of the most recognizable names in the world of astronomy today for discovering the universe as we know it. This was a wonderful discovery that if was not made could have led to some false beliefs as to what our universe was and what was around us. Even though with the advancement of technology we would have proved Hubble's discovery to be true he put us years ahead of where we would be without his findings. Hubble was and is still an inspiration for astronomers across the world. His discovery changed the world's view of space once again and set astronomers on a new path. He also showed the world what great work astronomers can do. Edwin Hubble was one of the most famous astronomers, known for his patience, perseverance and of course his findings. Without him, and his 100 inch telescope, space research would not be where it is today.
Summary:
This is the story of how the universe that we know today was discovered. It all started when observers discovered spiral nebulae in the sky. It was unknown as to what these swirls were. Some said they were clouds of gas that were nearby. Others believed they were distant universes similar to our Milky Way galaxy. This sparked a great debate in 1920 between these two stubborn sides and the debate ended up as a draw. Edwin Hubble was on the "distant universe" side of the debate and wanted to have lots of scientific evidence before speaking out. In October of 1923 Hubble found his evidence when he saw the signs of a type of star on the edge in this spiral nebula. He however wanted to gather more proof before coming out with this great discovery. He of course talked to other scientists and eventually the word got out. However Hubble did not want to make a formal announcement yet. He kept working hard and in 1925 was convinced to write a paper to a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They were offering a $1000 prize and of course with his discovery and official announcement Edwin Hubble won the money and discovered the universe we know today.
Discussion:
Edwin Hubble is one of the most recognizable names in the world of astronomy today for discovering the universe as we know it. This was a wonderful discovery that if was not made could have led to some false beliefs as to what our universe was and what was around us. Even though with the advancement of technology we would have proved Hubble's discovery to be true he put us years ahead of where we would be without his findings. Hubble was and is still an inspiration for astronomers across the world. His discovery changed the world's view of space once again and set astronomers on a new path. He also showed the world what great work astronomers can do. Edwin Hubble was one of the most famous astronomers, known for his patience, perseverance and of course his findings. Without him, and his 100 inch telescope, space research would not be where it is today.
Ward the Beaver
https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/scientists-map-genome-of-beaver-as-gift-for-canadas-150th-birthday/article33617869/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com&
SHERYL UBELACKER
THE CANADIAN PRESS
JANUARY 13, 2017
Summary:
This year (2017) is Canada's 150th birthday and to celebrate, Canadian scientists are mapping the genome of a Canadian beaver named Ward. Beavers are very smart creatures. They are the national animal of Canada and are the largest rodent. Beavers are the only other mammal besides humans that alter the environment for their benefit. By chomping down trees and moving water flows they make a better habitat in which to survive. The beaver has the same amount of genes as humans, but that is not saying much since there are many other animals that do as well. What makes the beaver truly special is the fact that it mutated in order to process information from its parents and its environment. This mapping of genomes is the first to be recorded of a Canadian beaver and will provide scientists with interesting information in years to come.
Discussion:
This was an interesting story and even though it might not sound like much this genome sequencing on Ward the beaver was important to genome sequencing technology. It was the first time scientists were trying a new technique of genome sequencing. It would not have been much of a birthday present if anything had gone wrong. But nothing did go wrong and this test will allow scientists to make some improvements on their technique before using it on humans. With the current technology used for genome sequencing there are very many genetic variants missed. When this new technology is used we will be able to gather more information when doing this process. This is a step forward for genome sequencing and the knowledge of the Canadian beaver. Thank you Ward.
SHERYL UBELACKER
THE CANADIAN PRESS
JANUARY 13, 2017
Summary:
This year (2017) is Canada's 150th birthday and to celebrate, Canadian scientists are mapping the genome of a Canadian beaver named Ward. Beavers are very smart creatures. They are the national animal of Canada and are the largest rodent. Beavers are the only other mammal besides humans that alter the environment for their benefit. By chomping down trees and moving water flows they make a better habitat in which to survive. The beaver has the same amount of genes as humans, but that is not saying much since there are many other animals that do as well. What makes the beaver truly special is the fact that it mutated in order to process information from its parents and its environment. This mapping of genomes is the first to be recorded of a Canadian beaver and will provide scientists with interesting information in years to come.
Discussion:
This was an interesting story and even though it might not sound like much this genome sequencing on Ward the beaver was important to genome sequencing technology. It was the first time scientists were trying a new technique of genome sequencing. It would not have been much of a birthday present if anything had gone wrong. But nothing did go wrong and this test will allow scientists to make some improvements on their technique before using it on humans. With the current technology used for genome sequencing there are very many genetic variants missed. When this new technology is used we will be able to gather more information when doing this process. This is a step forward for genome sequencing and the knowledge of the Canadian beaver. Thank you Ward.
Mpemba Effect
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/debate-heats-over-claims-hot-water-sometimes-freezes-faster-cold
EMILY CONOVER JANUARY 6, 2017
Summary:
We have all been told that hot water freezes faster than cold water, however this may not be completely true. In the 1960s a student discovered that hot cream would turn to ice cream quicker than warm. This was named the Mpemba effect, named after the student. For years it has been believed, however this is now being challenged. Scientists are asking if it even makes sense. Many factors have been tested and none have contributed to the cold water freezing faster. Some researchers are questioning if the effect is even real. They believe that the temperature of water does not determine how quickly it freezes. Scientists from Imperial College London have observed the time it takes for cold and hot water to freeze and have not seen any evidence towards the Mpemba effect. The question is still up for debate.
Discussion:
The situation in this article has little to no impact on our lives. However it is a very interesting debate between two sides. Ever since I was young I thought hot water froze faster than cold. I did not know why or care why it was just something I, as well as many other kids, were told. I do not know if I believe the Mpemba effect is true or not. When you throw hot water onto a cold surface it freezes faster than cold. However when you put ice cube trays in a freezer neither cold or hot freezes faster. I believe the Mpemba effect relies on many different variables and therefore is not a real effect. Sorry Mr. Mpemba. Whichever side science proves to be correct this topic will make for a good discussion. It will be neat to find out if this childhood fun is a myth or fact.
Platypus Venom - Diabetes Treatment
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news89522.html
Platypus venom could hold key to diabetes treatment
University of Adelaide
November 29, 2016
http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ornithorhynchus_anatinus/
My summary:
Recently researchers in Australia have discovered that platypus venom could help treat type 2 diabetes. They have discovered that the same hormone (GLP-1) produced in the platypus gut to regulate glucose is produced in their venom as well. This hormone is lacking in the bodies of people with type 2 diabetes. So to balance that they need a medication that can give them this hormone. However this hormone degrades within minutes, that is where the platypuses and echidna come in. These animals have evolved their GLP-1 to last longer and therefore have more of an effect. These findings are very important to Diabetes research but cannot provide a new treatment. With this new information scientists can have more knowledge as to what to use in a new medication.
My discussion:
Although this new information cannot directly treat diabetes it can provide insight as to how to treat it. With more research put into this discovery scientists could find out how we can make our GLP-1 hormones last longer and therefore have more of an effect. This would mean the patients would need to take their medications more infrequently. Another possibility is the scientists could extract the hormone from the animals and transfer it into a drug that can better control someone's blood sugar. There might be a few drawbacks to transferring one animal's hormones to another as it might cause infections or other medical problems. This could potentially change the lives of many people across the world with type 2 diabetes. Who knew dangerous venom could have such a positive impact.
Platypus venom could hold key to diabetes treatment
University of Adelaide
November 29, 2016
http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ornithorhynchus_anatinus/
My summary:
Recently researchers in Australia have discovered that platypus venom could help treat type 2 diabetes. They have discovered that the same hormone (GLP-1) produced in the platypus gut to regulate glucose is produced in their venom as well. This hormone is lacking in the bodies of people with type 2 diabetes. So to balance that they need a medication that can give them this hormone. However this hormone degrades within minutes, that is where the platypuses and echidna come in. These animals have evolved their GLP-1 to last longer and therefore have more of an effect. These findings are very important to Diabetes research but cannot provide a new treatment. With this new information scientists can have more knowledge as to what to use in a new medication.
My discussion:
Although this new information cannot directly treat diabetes it can provide insight as to how to treat it. With more research put into this discovery scientists could find out how we can make our GLP-1 hormones last longer and therefore have more of an effect. This would mean the patients would need to take their medications more infrequently. Another possibility is the scientists could extract the hormone from the animals and transfer it into a drug that can better control someone's blood sugar. There might be a few drawbacks to transferring one animal's hormones to another as it might cause infections or other medical problems. This could potentially change the lives of many people across the world with type 2 diabetes. Who knew dangerous venom could have such a positive impact.
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