Food Miles

The worlds population in rapidly growing, which means we need even more food. Companies now fly food thousands of miles, all across the globe every day so almost everyone has easy access to fresh foods. While this may sound helpful, ultimately , it is more damaging than helpful. In 2005 about 250,000 tons of global warming gasses were released into the atmosphere and that same year 2400 - 2800 people were hospitalized due to the direct or indirect effects of diesel soot in the air. This pollution is due to all the fuel being used to transport these foods. Airplanes and Trucks use the most, but ships have also done some damage. Studies have also shown a rapid rise in asthma and other respiratory diseases due to this pollution, and it has increased the number of sick days at schools across the world. Overall, the international transportation of food across the globe has negative effects on both the environment and our health.

Though we purchase our food at the local grocery store, where did the food really originate? As it turns out, food is transported from all over the world. The transportation of food has already taken quite a toll on the environment, adding to the damage of global warming. Also, the amount of diesel soot released by airplanes has increased rapidly and Carbon Dioxide levels have also become dangerously high. In addition to environmental damage, this mass food distribution also has damaged local economies. The food shipped in cheaply from major, industrial companies, whose prices and year round fresh food local farmers can't compete with. This has resulted in the substantial drop in local, family owned farms, consequently, this has caused the recent trend of farms becoming more industrialized by giant companies. This trend has progressed along with our urban society, which has also taken manufacturing and industrialized it. The international transportation of food has proven to have negative effects on the environment and our current society.

While we may not be able to control what foods are transported from where, there are things you can do to help counter their harsh effects on the environment. For example, you can purchase locally grown food. Studies have found that the levels of carbon dioxide released by all locally produced foods was less than any single imported product. Also, when you buy local food it benefits the local economy, keeping money in the community. Also, it does not take nearly as much transportation to get this produce, which positively benefits the environment. Many people also consider this food healthier and fresher, creating an overall better product. Unfortunately, all foods cannot be grown and harvested year round. If companies used more ships, rather than planes and trucks to transport food around the world, it would use significantly less energy, and consequently, do less environmental damage. In conclusion, supporting and purchasing locally grown food can help both your health, the local economy, and the environment.

Genetics Unit Reflection

Click to enlarge image

Genetics is one of the most intriguing and important areas of science, in the past, present, and certainly the future. Our DNA holds the key to saving lives, preventing disease, and understanding more about ourselves, as well as the world around us. By knowing more about our genetic makeup, we can save lives by finding cures, preventing disease, or simply diagnosing illness. When we study DNA we learn more about our individual selves. We learn why we have certain traits and how we inherited them. Genetics is one of the most fascinating fields of science that can teach us a lot about ourselves.

In this unit, everyone in class gave presentations on different categories of genetics. I gave mine on stem cells and talked about their function and what they could mean for the future of medicine. In addition, I also learned a lot about the process of cloning and what side effects it has on they new clone, as well as the different methods there are for cloning. I also learned about how commonly food has been genetically modified as well as the controversy and why some people are against it. Also, I leaned about how scientists extract certain genes to transplant into other organisms to make them better. Forensics is another field where genetics are commonly used to help solve crimes. The scientists are able to test any cell to find out to which human it belongs. These methods are used to find out who both the criminal or the victim is. Also, there were presentations on Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Down syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 and leads to mental and physical development problems. Alzheimer's is caused by cells making harmful proteins when a person gets older that destroy their brain and cause them to forget everything. Both of these diseases have no cure or prevention. Another presentation I found interesting was blood typing. I learned that when getting a blood transfusion you can only get blood from certain blood types and that O is the universal donor and 0+ is the most common blood type in the world. In class we learned a lot heredity and how traits are passed down. Also, we learned about how cancer forms and harms the body. One thing I was really interested in was Angeogenisis and how it relates to the cancerous growth and how mutated stem
cells may be the cause of cancer. Overall, I learned a lot about how genetics are used in modern day science.

How are the changes in DNA giving us expected and unexpected results?   

Changing DNA can lead to both positive and negetive results. For instance, changing DNA can help lead to curing serious diseases and help farmers grow better food at a more rapid rate. On the other hand, some people believe that changing DNA is wrong since it is basically playing god. One good example is genetically modified food. Many people believe its good because it grows faster and in different climates or soil. Others are opposed to it because we don't know the side effects and some companies don't label their products to let consumers know that their food has been modified. Also, in the study of heredity we learned about the randomness and probability of parents passing down genes to their offspring. This may have unexpected results, especially if two heterozygous parents have a child with two recessive genes, instead of any dominant ones. Also cloning is another scientific process with unforeseen difficulties and complications. Since the genes are taken from an older organism, the clone can have serious medical problems. Overall, manipulating DNA can be very useful, but it might also have unexpected complications.

How is science influencing the way society looks?
In my opinion, science has influenced society in both the way it looks and the way it thinks. First of all, Genetics influences the way society looks because now they are able to select certain traits to give to their offspring. These "designer babies" cause parents to isolate desirable genes and eliminate the others from their child. This influences they way science makes society look in two ways. The first being the physical characteristics of people and the new ideal vision of perfection. The second being the desperate desire for complete perfection in creating a child that has no flaws, which is basically saying that some people with "superior" are better than others who have  "normal" DNA , which is untrue and creates a negative image of the scientific community because of the ability to create the parents versions of "perfection". The other way science changes the way society looks in the ability to think and solve problems. With more knowledge of the world around us we can use science to do almost anything, from cure diseases to exploring space. New medical developments show how society has progressed and the advancement of medicine as well as its effect on saving lives. Science is the main study that causes society to become more advanced. While other academic subjects are extremely important, science creates more inventions, more discoveries, and is about the advancement of society into the future with more advanced and complex achievements and discoveries. Science is what makes society advance, and science is one of the subjects that show how society looks in comparison to the past and where we have gone since then. Overall, Science shows just how advanced society is and what we can do because of it.

Do you believe that it is a right of the science and technology industry to engineer and manipulate genes? If not, is there ever a good time to do this?
 I 100&% agree that scientists should manitpulate and engineer genes, but only to remove diseases in humans and genetically modify food and other products.They manipulate the genes to make them better, for consuming and growing, so why shouldn't they be able to? In our rapidly growing society, we need to be able to produce food in order to feed everyone in it. Some may say it is not a matter of growing food but distribution is the real challenge. This is true, but if we suddenly stopped  using genetically modified food, then there would be a shortage. Also, scientists can modify food so it can grow in different terrains an climates, which could help with the distribution of food. In addition, manipulation of genes helps protect against crop failure with can be catastrophic for the farmers and the people they sell their food to. Also, I think they should be able to manipulate genes in people, but only to protect against diseases and not to change the person's traits. I think that manipulating genes is our future, a future that can help prevent disease and make sure there is enough food.

How is Human Ingenuity a positive and/or negative thing in the area of genetics? 

In my opinion, human ingenuity is both positive and negative in studying genetics. Mos of the time, it is great and leads to many advances in technology while both improving and saving lives. The desire to invent new technologies is what caused us human to  advance so far in society and make our lives better. In genetics, ingenuity causes cures to be found, discoveries to be made, and  modifications to help improve life. On the other hand, humans strive for absolute perfection can be aided with their ingenuity and hinder the ethics of science. As I have mentioned before, designer babies are a shot for a perfect child, which not only causes people to think they are better than the rest, but also puts a lot of pressure on the child to live up to his DNA code. While human ingenuity is our greatest defense against disease, it is also our strongest weapon against each other. Some day, scientists might be able to use genetic engineering to create a perfect army or deadly weapons. In conclusion, human ingenuity causes great, monumental achievements, but it can also be very dangerous.

 

Making the right call lab

In science class we did an experiment in which we pulled marbles out of a bag to model the probability that a punnet square shows.
1.) Use a punnet square to gather statistics for the possible traits of offsprings from 2 homozygous parents (one dominant and one recessive) one homozygous dominant and one heterozygous parent and two heterozygous parents. Then compare the results to your hypothesis and lab results.

To see posible genotypes and phenotypes of offspring you use a Punnet square to cross the traits. When two homozygous parents (one for the dominant trait and the other for the recessive)  the offspring are 100% heterozygous (meaning that the gene for the dominant trait shows, but they still carry the recessive alelle). When crossing one homozygous dominant parent with a heterozygous one, you get 50% heterozygous, and 50% homozygous dominant. Then, when crossing two heterozygous parents you get 50% heterozygous, 25% dominant homozygous, and 25% recessive homozygous offspring. These statistics closely resembled both my hypothesis for the experiment and the results I got.

2.) What are the possible genotypes of the offspring of one homozygous dominant and one homozygous recessive parent.

When crossing two homozygous parents, one for the dominant trait and one for the recessive, each parent can only pass on one type of alelle to their offspring. The dominant parent can only pass on the dominant gene and the recessive parent can only pass down the recessive gene. This means the only possible genotype for the offspring are the dominant trait and the recessive trait (example: Bb).

3.) Compare the ratio of heterozygous to homozygous offspring (both parents are heterozygous) and then compare it to your lab results.

In a cross with two heterozygous parents, it is 50% to 50% homozygous to heterozygous. We got about the same results in our testing and it matched my hypothesis.

4.) What is the genotypic ratio of the offspring of two heterozygous parents?

3:1(phenotype) three show dominant gene while one shows the recessive gene. 2:1:1 (genotypes in the order of heterozygous, homozygous dominant, and homozygous recessive).

5.) If there were 100 offsprings of two heterozygous parents, how many would have each genotype?

There would be 50 heterozygous offspring, 25 homozygous recessive offspring, and 25 homozygous dominant offsprings in total. This is just a guess since i did not take into account the probability and randomness of passing down genes.

6.) Write a paragraph comparing the model of taking marbles out of a bag (probability) and the exact estimations of the punnet squares.

For this lab we used marbles in bags to demonstrate the probability of Punnet squares. The punnet square only displays possibilities, while the marbles put the probability into action; consequently this causes you randomly select traits demonstrating both the probability and possibility of a real life situation. The punnet square shows the exact chances the offspring have of getting a trait, but it cannot compensate the randomness of a real situation. Overall the punnet squares show the statistics surrounding an offspring's possible genotypes, while the marbles showed what happens in real life situations.

The test results from the making the right call lab. 

 

 Test 1: two homozygous (one dominant, the other recessive) parents. Test 2: one homozygous (dominant) parent and one heterozygous parent. Test 3: Two heterozygous parents.

2031

In science class this week we were asked to write a letter to ourselves, from twenty years in the future in 2031. We were basically asked to write our goals, ambitions, and where we can see ourselves when we are in our thirties. Goals can change, but some always stay. By learning to take care of ourselves we can reach our goals and be healthy. Here is my letter:
Dear Past Annie,
2031 is a magnificent year for me (or us?). After many years of hard work at university I got a PhD. Right now I am a Medical Researcher and am working in a lab trying to find new medicines and cures. It's a very interesting job, and I enjoy working on my studies. Also, I have not given up on writing and am currently working on a book. I'm married too. I won't tell you the name, that would just mess up the time/space continuum! I have moved around a bit and now I'm currently living in London, England. While my job might take me on frequent business trips, its always good to be back home. My family and I still keep in touch well and I still go back to visit them in America. As of right now, I do not have any kids, but might have some soon. I still love animals and have a pet dog. I'm very happy with where I'm at right now in my life, having reached all of my goals. See you later?
Sincerely,
Future Annie

Meiosis vs. Mitosis

For cells, there are two different ways of duplicating. First, there is mitosis in which cells duplicate their DNA and then split into two identical cells. This requires only one cell. The other way of cellular reproduction is called Meiosis. In Meiosis the DNA duplicates and then splits into two cells. Those two cells then split once again (without duplicating DNA) leaving you with four different cells with only 1/2 the proper amount of DNA in them. This involves two different organisms. They only have half the DNA because when they combine with the other haploid (1/2 DNA) cell it will have the correct amount of DNA. In conclusion, there are two different ways of cellular reproduction: Mitosis and Meiosis.















 
 I found this video especially helpful in  explaining the process of Meiosis and explaingin all of the vocabulary concerning the cell division. It shows how they trade genes and divide. 
This is another video I found. Its a fun way to remember Meisosis and has good visual representations.

This is another video I found. Its a fun way to remember Meisosis and has good visual representations.It clearly demonstrates the process of the cell division and uses Vocabulary.

Cancer Warrior Reflection

In the film Cancer Warrior we learned about how scientists are working to find cures for cancer. Some common methods for treating cancer are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy,which uses deadly poisons to kill cancers cells. Several decades ago a new field of research was discovered that has significantly changed the methods and studies for cancer treatments. This field is called Angeogenisis. Angeogenisis is when tumors send out proteins causing blood vessels to grow towards the cancer cells, causing them to grow.Certain chemicals can be used to block the blood vessel growth and therefore the cancer growths stop growing and die. Since cancer cells use all of the cells around them from the blood vessels to grow, cutting them off from the supply can help eliminate the tumors growth. Though this field and ideas were at first frowned upon and thought to be ridiculous, but today it is one of the leading studies for preventing cancer. From these studies many drugs have been produced including Angeostatin and Endostatin. While these drugs help many people, it does not work for everyone and are different for many patients. Other studies have been able to link Angeogenisis to sudden tumor growth after a large tumor is removed. The main tumors send out chemicals that stop other cancer cells from growing, but when they are removed, so is the chemical, so consequently removing a tumor could possibly make your cancer even worse. While we are a long way from creating a cure for cancer, thanks to new studies and discoveries  we are closer than ever before.

Experimental drugs can be both good and bad for people and society. An experimental drug is one that has not been thoroughly and is not yet approved for everybody. Volunteers can agree to be in experimental trials, but only if they are given permission from the Food and Drug Administration. Experimental medicines have both their advantages and disadvantages. For example, if a field of medical research shows great promise and it is allowed to be tested on humans than that means it might be able to save even more lives and help scientists modify or improve the medicines. On the other hand, drugs should be tested extensively to prevent death and ensure the product is not harmful or have any dangerous side effects. Taking experimental drugs are extremely risky and it takes a long time to determine which drugs have produced the best results and are therefore ready to become available to all patients being treated with cancer. First, the new medicines are tested and studied by scientists and computers. Secondly, they are tested extensively on animals, and finally, they can be tested on humans. New medicines are extremely important in our society, they keep us healthy, cure disease. Without them a lot more people would die and become ill. Overall, when a new drug is created it needs to go through a lot of testing before it becomes available to the public.

There are many positive and negative aspects of releasing new medicines early.  If a new drug were released early it would mean that the people who need it can get it sooner. Also, it would save both time and money if the drug were released before the testing was complete. Less money would be spent on the testing and that money could be used to experiment on other medicines. In addition, if the drugs were released earlier, that means scientists could start working on new medicines to try to find cures to other diseases. On the other hand, if a medicine has not been properly tested than it could turn out to be more harmful than helpful. Also, there might be side effects that the testing did not show that could seriously effect the patient. If the drug turned out to be ineffective than it could cost many people their lives. In addition, if this product were mass produced and was recalled by the FDA, it would lose tons of money for the company and its investors. For example, the drug NV1FGF was designed to improve blood vessel growth in hopes that it would decrease the number of limb amputation, however it turned out to only be as effective as a placebo. Since it was released to the public before properly tested, it lost the company a lot of money and the drug did not work properly.
Taking these drugs is extremely risky. If the medicine does not work, than the patients could die, or waste time trying this procedure instead of trying one that actually works. Overall, releasing a new medicine before its testing is complete is a daring move that could either be very beneficial or very harmful.

In my opinion, medicines should be thoroughly tested before they are available to the public. This ensures that the drug is safe and effective in curing the disease. While releasing the medicines early does have some benefits,  I think the risk outweighs the gain. The possibility of unforeseen problems with the medicine could end up causing serious problems for the patients that could effect them for the rest of their lives. I think drugs should only be released if they show excellent results and the need for them is desperate. All in all, I think medicines should be released after they have gone through all of the testing.

Right now, many different companies are trying to find a cure for cancer, which kills many people every year. Many drugs are being tested in hopes of curing it. There are several factors that can help cause cancer to grow, and by avoiding them, your chance of getting cancer decreases a lot. First of all, smoking causes many diseases, one of which is lung cancer. Also, by protecting yourself from the sun and eating health foods like fruits and vegetables can decrease the chance that you will get cancer. Exercise also is a factor that can effect your probability that you will get cancer. Your heredity also can effect the chance that you will get cancer so it is important to know your family's medical background. In conclusion, by living a healthier lifestyle you can decrease the chance that you will get cancer.

http://cancer.about.com/od/causes/tp/topreventcancer.htm

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-22/sanofi-says-experimental-drug-failed-in-late-tests.html

Cracking the Code of Life Reflection

This week in class we watched the movie Cracking the Code of Life. We learned about The Human Genome project, its significance, and other studies like it. Also, the film talked about genetic disorders and diseases as well as explaining the research scientists have been doing to decode all of the human genes. The Human Genome Project is a scientific study to decode the entire human genome. This study became a fierce competition between scientists to see who would be the first to complete this complicated and difficult task. The Human Genome Project was eventually completed in 2003 when they decoded all 20,000-25,000 genes  (3 billion base pairs) and put them in a data base.This video also addressed issues such as the copy-writing sections of the human genome. I think this is horrible, everyone possesses those genes and therefore they should not belong to some company. Also, companies charge scientists large sums of money just to experiment on them and search for cures. In conclusion, this video was very interesting and I learned a lot about how scientists study genes.


1.) Would you want to be tested to learn whether thy had a genetic disease or predisposition if no cure was available? Why or why not?
Yes, I would, even if it turned out there was no cure. It is best to know these thinks earlier because if you don't know you have something or carry it,  it can end up seriously effecting  you offspring. Also, if I knew I was going to die soon, I would be able to spend that time doing what I want to and seeing the world. On the other hand, if there was a cure I would be able to be treated for it and therefor that could save my life. In addition, if I had a disease there was no cure for, scientists would be able to study my DNA to try to find a cure and save other peoples lives, as well as possibly my own.

2.) Would you agree agree to have your DNA be part of a study? Why or why not? Would you want royalties for your part in finding the gene? What if during the testing the company discovered you had a gene that might result in a health problem later in life? Would you want to be informed? Why or why not?

I would absolutely agree to have my DNA studied because the studies could potentially cure a disease or further scientists knowledge of the human genome. Also, I would contribute my DNA to a study because even if it did not help find a cure, scientists could also study it to find out more about what causes different traits.  I would not want payment for this however. All I would have contributed was some DNA samples, the scientists did all of the hard work, therefore they deserve all of the money their discovery earned. If the company discovered I had a gene that might give me health problems later in life I would want them to tell me, that way I could do something to prevent it now or make it less harmful in the future. It would be very helpful to know this information ahead of time, even if it is unlikely that I will suffer this genetic problem.

3.) Identify the meaning of the terms genetic discrimination and genetic privacy. What are some ways to protect against this type of genetic discrimination?

Genetic discrimination is when you are treated differently because of your genes, like companies refusing to hire someone because of their DNA. This is horrible because nobody should be able to examine you genes without your permission and you should not be treated differently because of it. There are several ways to prevent against genetic discrimination. Genetic Privacy can be ensured by keeping everyone's medical files should be kept confidential and any studies done on their genes should keep the DNA doner's name anonymous. Also, designer babies (babies who's parents decided all of their genes, like their looks and how smart they are before they are born) should be prohibited. If designer babies became popular than everyone would be basically the same, with no variety of people. Also, this could create serious problems like discrimination and social problems for people who did not have their genes designed. Overall, peoples genes should be kept secret and people should not be discriminated against because of their genes.


Overall Cracking the Code of Life taught me a lot about the human genome and how scientists study it. I found it especially interesting to learn about the human genome projects and the machines they used to decode all 3 billion base pairs. Also, learning about how you can use people's genes to find their relative that lived centuries ago was very interesting. I also learned a lot about how you can transfer genetic diseases down to the next generation and how people can be carriers for certain genetic diseases. Also, I learned a lot about copy writing genes and issues that that causes for scientists. Overall, I learned a lot about this video and found it very interesting.


http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml