Current Events: DNA Uncovers One of the World's Rarest Birds

DNA Uncovers One of the World's Rarest Birds
November 23, 2010
University of Adelaide
Science Daily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101123102403.htm

Researchers at the University of Adelaide  and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy have recently discovered the difference between Western and Eastern Ground Parrots. Scientists tested samples of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) from many samples, some were over 160 years old and found many genetic traits that differed between the two different types of ground parrots. This therefore proves that since their are two different types of ground parrots, one is endangered. The Western Ground Parrots are one of the rarest birds in the world, and according to researchers, there are only about 110 left in the wild. Since most of them live in national parks, scientists say that a wildfire or the introduction of a new predator such as a cat, could push this species to extinction. Overall, this newly discovered species is already in danger of extinction.
 This is an important discovery because it could possibly lead to the the discovery of other new species. If we use the technology we could be able to tell the difference between similar animals and could help teach us a lot about our planet. Also, this could help classify the animal kingdom.In addition, if scientists can run theses kinds of tests on plants, they could potentially find cures for diseases by finding certain chemicals. This can also be used to improve agriculture. For instance if a certain species has a trait that others do not, it can be singled out and used to improve plant growth. Western Ground Parrots are currently endangered, if the scientists had done a study a couple years later, the most likely wouldn't have been able to find any specie in the wild. This also shows how we should take care of the environment and preserve our national forests.

All in all, I found this article very interesting and learned a lot about how even the slightest change in an animal or plants genetic code could make it an entirely different species. I found the section about how they tested the DNA of different types of birds especially fascinating and would like to know more about it. This article was written by the University of Adelaid, with information from the Australian Wildlife Concervancy, so you know all of the information is correct and up to date. I found this article very interesting and would like to know more about how the tested the birds DNA.
Overall, this article was very interesting and taught me a lot about how even the slightest change in a group of animals genetics can make it a different specie. This new technology could also lead to the discovery of new species and  teach us a lot more about the environment. Also, this new information could help society grow better crops, develop new medicines, and finding new information about the animal kingdom. For hundreds of years nobody knew there was a difference between eastern and western ground parrots, but scientists discovered that they were not the same. In conclusion, Western Ground Parrots are endangered and in need of help, and new technologies make it possible to tell the difference between closely related species.

Current Event: Genes help plants grow faster

Gene Discovery Suggests way to Engineer Fast--Growing Plants
Science Daily
November 11, 2010
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111121626.htm

Scientists and Duke University have recently discovered how to make perennial (last all year) grasses grow faster. They studied the genes of several plants to they could study the UPB1 gene, which causes cells to become more active when cells divide and cause plants to mature. The Scientists then removed and manipulated the gene so plants would grow faster and have thicker roots . Before they  this perennial grasses took two to three years they grow, but this discovery could lead to faster farming that would be more convenient. UPB1 is found in plants such as switchgrass and miscantus, which are used in biofules. Also, removing the UPB1 helps plants convert more Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen, which would help the environment. Overall, speeding up plant growth could help manufacture biofules and help the environment.
If Scientists manipulate the genes of plants it could leave a very positive effect on both society and the environment. First of all, this gene helps plants grow in shorter times. This would help farmers grow more crops to feed the growing population. Secondly, manipulating this gene causes plants to be able to convert more Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen, therefore helping us get rid of greenhouse gasses. Also, removing the UPB1 can help grow biofules faster. There are however some negative effects this discovery could have. For example, if large, industrial farming companies get a hold of this soon, they could rapidly produce crops, running small farms out of business. Also, scientists are still unsure of all the negative effects removing this gene could have. All in all, manipulating the UPB1 gene could have both positive, and negative effects on the environment and society.
Overall, I found this article very interesting. I was especially interested in how they remove the gene and wish they had gone into more detail about it. I am also confused about how removing this gene will help the plant grow faster. Also, how is do they remove the gene in all of the plants, do they have to do it individually or only to a few plants? This article was based on findings at Duke University, as well as published in a scientific magazine, so the information is valid and accurate. I found this article to be very interesting, but I wish they had gone into more detail about some information.
In my opinion, this discovery could be very useful and help the world in many ways. While reading this I learned how removing a one gene could change how a plant looks, or grows. Also, I learned that biofuels take a long time to grow,but last for a very long time. When scientists prefect this new technology it could help produce more food and fuel, as well as get rid of more harmful carbon dioxide. Also, I think removing the UPB1 gene should be heavily tested to make sure that there are no hazards reactions or mutations. In conclusion, manipulating the UPB1 gene could be very useful in industry and farming, as well as help the environment

Current Event: Invisibility Cloak

"Invisibility Cloak Closer with flexible 'Metamaterial'"
Jason Palmer
BBC News
November 4, 2010
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11686303

Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a new flexible film they call a "metamaterial" which is a big step towards creating an invisibility cloak. The new material manipulates the light beams and therefore causes the object to appear invisible. Metamaterials interrupt and channel light causing light waves to bounce around. Besides invisibility cloaks, this material can be used for camera and contact lenses since they divert light. However, this material is highly sensitive to motion and manipulation so scientists have a long way to go until perfecting metamaterials. Overall, metamaterials are a new technology that could one day lead to creating an invisbility cloak like the ones in stories.
Metamaterials can help society in many ways. For example, this flexible film can be used in contact lenses which help people see. Also, metamaterial can be used in cameras which could lead to clearer more detailed images. In the future this discovery could lead to the invention of an invisibility cloak which would have a major impact on society. An invisibility cloak would be useful for the military and could be used for spying. Also, invisibility cloaks would be in high demand for consumers and therefore would be good for industry. All in all, the invention of metamaterials could have important effects on society.
Overall, I found this article very interesting and learned a lot about how diverting light can make something appear invisible. However, I am still confused about how metamaterials can turn something invisible by only manipulating the light. Also, I think it is fascinating how using metamaterials can help people who have eyesight problems see better by blocking out some of the light. I would like to know more about how they made it bend while still reflecting light. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this article and found it very interesting to learn about how they have created new technologies that could eventually lead to inventing an actual invisibility cloak.
I found this article very interesting and entertaining because I have read many books with invisibility cloaks in them and was curious to learn more about the technologies being used to create them. By reading this article I learned that bouncing light particles are used to change an objects image and create an illusion. Also, I learned that if you scramble light that creates a better image that you can see clearer while taking a picture or wearing contact lenses. In conclusion, I think this is a very important discovery that could help society in many ways.

Firework Video Reflection

In this video I learned a lot about how fireworks are made and what chemicals are used in them. For example copper oxide (CuO), strontium chloride(SrCl2), sodium silcate (Na2SiO3), calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), barium actate (Ba(C2H3O)2), Sulfer (S), and potassium nitrate(KNO3) are some of the chemicals used to create these fantastic displays.Since these chemicals are very dangerous, you should always wear safety goggles and use a location fuse so you can set reactions off from further away when you are working with especially dangerous chemicals. The capsules used to set of fireworks are especially designed so that when you light the fuse the fire will ignite the gun powder and then that sets off the delay fuse which lights some more black powder in the middle of the capsule, causing whatever chemicals you are using to create a fireworks display. When you are making a firework you need two things, an oxidizer like Strontium Nitrate and a fuel like charcoal or aluminum powder.The other chemicals used in fireworks are special compounds that cause a bright flame that you see when a firework goes off. The oxidizer and the fuel react to create heat which sets off the explosion. Fireworks are an example of a physical reaction. You can tell this because the chemicals are changing their molecular structure when they are exposed to fire and heat. Overall, this video was very interesting and I learned a lot about how fireworks are made and what chemicals are used in them.

Current Event: Kepler Mission

NASA's Kepler Mission Changes how Astronomers Study Distant Stars

Iowa State University

October 26, 2010

ScienceDaily.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/10/101026111729.htm

Kepler

On March 6, 2009 Scientists at NASA launched a space mission called the Kepler Asteroseismic Investigation. This mission is to use measurements of light from stars to determine whether or not a planet is able to support life. To record the brightness of the stars the Kepler has a photometer that is 37 inches in diameter and is attached to a 95 mega pixel CCD camera. Reaserchers ate the Space Telescope Science Institution have been using the data collected from the Kepler to study the stars. One thing they have found is a binary star system. A binary star system is formed when two stars orbit each other and is another example of Albert Einsteins Theory of Relativity.The information is also being used to study star quakes, and is helping scientists to learn about the interior of stars.The Kepler Asteroseismic Investigation will collect information on over 170,000 stars in only three and a half years. Overall, this mission will help further our understanding of the universe.

The photographs and data could have a very big impact on the scientific community.Fist, the photographs of stars could help us understand the universe and lead to important advancements in physics. Another possible discovery would be if the Kepler found life on other planets or planets that humans could live on. If they found alien life if could lead to advanced technology and would add to our understanding of plants, animals, chemistry, and many more areas of science. Also, if the Kepler found a planet that could be inhabited by humans then it could save us if there was some sort of disaster like in 5 million years when the sun expands.Overall, the Kepler could find information that would completely change our understanding of the universe.

This article was written by Iowa State University so all of the information is correct. In general most of the information made sense and most of the concepts were explained very well. One thing I learned was about the Theory of Relativity and what binary star systems were.I however did not completely understand the concept of star quakes and how scientists study them. I would also like to know how the Kepler is sending back information to the scientists when it is billions of miles away. Overall, this artical had lots of interesting information.

This artical was fascinating and taught me a lot about the stars and how measuring the brightness of a star could help scientists figure out if the planet could substain life. Before reading this artical I thought it was impossible for stars to orbit around each other, but now I know that it is possible. I agree with the authors that Kepler could lead to great scientific discoveries and completely change our understanding of the universe. I chose this article because i thought the cocept of using a photometer to determine the temperatures of the planets sounded very interesting because it could help discover life on other planets. In conclusion the Kepler uses new technology to help us learn more about the universe.

Toxic Spill in Hungary

Hungary battles to stem Torrent of Toxic Sludge
BBC news
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11475361

On October 5, 2010 toxic sludge spilled out of an aluminum plant in Hungary. According to experts 600,000 to 700,000 cubic meters of the sludge leaked out of the plant. The heavy rainfall is suspected to have caused the plant to overflow. This event has killed at least four, has injured 120, and has effected 7,000. The chemicals consist of water and heavy metals. Also 90 people have been sent to the hospital with serious chemical burns from the chemicals in the sludge. So far three countries have declared emergency. In the town where the spill took place the chemical waste is said to be two meters deep. Right now, six emergency teams along with police officers and soldiers are working hard to get rid of this hazardous waste. There have been alerts for the Marcal and Torna rivers and people are trying to keep the sludge from contaminated the Raba and Danube rivers. Experts have predicted that the spill will take at least eighteen months to clean up.

Current Events

Brain Cell Communication: Why its so fast
Science Daily
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100921111000.htm

Scientist from the universities of Copenhagen have been studying brain cell communication. When you nerve cells transmit signals slowly this can lead to mental disorders like schizophrenia, Parkinson's Disease and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The scientists have discovered how brain cells transmit signals and interacts with each other. The cells use small neurotransmitters that pass on molecular messages. The scientists have also discovered that cells with only one set of SNARE (linking bridges) can connect with each other, but it takes a lot longer. According to Professor Jakob Balsev Sørensen they are going to study why some reactions are slower and if our cells do that on purpose and what kind of affect it has.
This is a very important discovery that could have a great influence in medical history. If they can figure out how to add more linking bridges in cells than that could help cure some genetic diseases and sharpen peoples reflexes. This discovery could be used in the military to help train soldiers to have quicker reflexes so they can react faster if they are in danger. Lots of genetic problems cause difficulties for many people all over the world, this new technology could help cure them.Right now these experiments are in the early stages, so it will take a while to develop the technology, but when they do it could have a very big affect on society and medicine.
This article was based on studies at the Universities of Copenhagen, Göttingen and Amsterdam. I learned that the nerve cells have could several SNARE bridges in them that transport biochemicals to the bran using neurotransmitters. While this article was very interesting I'm still not sure what SNARE stands for, I know they are little "bridges" that the information is sent through. I also learned that the number of bridges influence how fast cells can fuse and send signals. Also, can you insert the connector bridges into other cells, or is that impossible? Overall this was a very interesting article with lots of fascination information.
I chose this article because I am really interested in genetics and the nervous system as well as recent developments in medicine. I never knew that some cells had multiple bridges to other cells and that that causes the speed of the reaction. I agree with the author, this discovery has a lot of potential. If it is studied enough it could possibly increase our understanding of the nervous system and help cure many diseases. In conclusion, this discovery could help save lives by curing diseases.