All In The Name of Science

The perplexing world of memories

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:43:00 +0000

So, this week I've been reading 'I am a strange loop' by Douglas Hofstadter. It's all about the self and consciousness - the 'I'. It is a fascinating read that I am enjoying in my favorite manner, reading piece by piece as opposed to cover to cover. I have enjoyed a week of contemplating time and perception and this book is complimenting it all quite well.

This all got me thinking, about memory. The storage of time within brain matter, available for reflection for ~all time. Interesting. So, if we think and then store that information to later use in further thinking, we are essentially combining times for use in our now.

Memory is a fascinating aspect of our realities; both the mechanical qualities as well as the philosophical. We wander through this life, accumulating mass quantities of information and filing it all away in the fleshy brain tissue that is our existence.

hm... so, I came upon this article about the first imaging of memory being formed. Through my new understanding of the use of proteins for visualization, I have a vague grasp on what they accomplished. And I must say, post ignorance, is much more satisfying than pre.

I continued my exploration with a fascinating article about music and the brain. How a song triggers memories and the integration of the two. I find this particularly intriguing as I used to use music for memorization; by singing difficult subject matter as a study technique. Worked well.

Most interestingly, I found an article discussing how neurons, single cells, can store memories temporarily.

More disturbingly, scientists have recently learned how to erase memories...

There are some beneficial aspects; like improving memory. 'Memory editing' whew, scary!

KAS

Linked Post

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:29:00 +0000

awesomely entertaining post on Dr. X's Free Associations about the term 'off the grid' and the Amish.

KAS

Introducing, the Amazing Dictyostelid!

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:14:00 +0000

So, this week I read an awesome, stimulating book "Intelligence in Nature" by Jeremy Narby. All about the capacity of intelligence among animals and other life and what 'intelligence' actually is.

In the English language there are a few terms for mental capacity. Intelligence is used most commonly, followed by smart or smartness. Intelligence has different definitions - Webster says that intelligence is "the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new and trying situations, the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria" So, I assess, that intelligence is the capacity to store information for future use; use the information to analyze and decide; and to make self beneficial changes in the environment. This is only one version of a definition for a word, of course. The English word 'intelligence', comes from the Latin word 'intellegere' (to understand.) Intelligence has evolved to mean far more than understanding. Now its the ability to reason and think abstractedly and even complex computation (and a list of other attributes depending upon belief and specialities and opinion) Smart on the other hand, is more related to the ability to assess and decide.

I learned that the Japanese version of intelligence is 'chi-sei' meaning simply 'to know'. This is a far easier definition to work with, I think. It implies knowledge or information storage and the ability to use it. I'm getting to slime mold, I promise. So, though many disagree on the qualifications for intelligence, far fewer argue that intelligence exists without a brain.

Dictyostelium does not have a brain. It is so simply, or not so simply, a combination of single cells working together as one entity. This entity can move and maneuver and eat. The cells only become 'slime mold' when triggered by starvation as a survival (common good) solution to the problem. The cells in distress begin to release Cyclic adenosine mosophosphate (cAMP) which triggers other cells to either do the same (to increase the signal) or to join the cells already doing so. Eventually thousands do so and turn into a 'slug' that can begin moving and collecting food.

Presumably as the result of enough connective cells and abundant food, the 'slug' turns into a 'fruiting body' as part of its life stage. It elevates itself on a cellulose base and holds up a 'pod' that upon fruiting will burst open, releasing newly formed single cells, to go about the world with their little single celled goals.

Check out this amazing video!!

KAS

Water *Life

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:56:00 +0000

Raindrops fall on the green leaves this afternoon and my thoughts wander to water. I have two small tomato plans, growing in the window, needing water and light alone to prosper. Little bristles of organic promises and wisps of petals to be grown to new leaves. It's scent, a musky and poignant one of fruitful promises. This life granted by drops of water, poured into dirt and absorbed through roots. Utterly fascinating, that such things happen from so little.

Here on Earth, we live on a planet covered by water. Over seventy percent of our world, is water. Over fifty percent of our bodies is water. Hydrogen, one of the only chemical elements not created in a star, has held a special spot for longevity among the cosmos and is a key component of water.

There's oceans, ice burgs, raindrops, evaporation and condensation, fog and hot water springs. There are a foundation of organic liquids that allow for physiology. Flesh and all life is founded on the malleability and utility of water. We sustain our bodies through copious consumption of water, we bath and Christen and swim in water. It brings life to us, while also hindering and taking it.

Rain holds special relevance in human life and across the globe, populations view rain as life granting, crop growing as well as with ominous and fearful connotations. Rain, at night, is my absolute favorite.

Water, like all substances, is made of atoms. Most water is a combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom; creating the molecule H2O. Hydrogen is number one on our periodic table, as it consists of only one electron and one proton and as such is the lightest atom; though it's various isotopes include a neutron or two neutrons within the nucleus (sharing it's space with the one proton constant) It's the most abundant element in the cosmos, occupying about 75% of all space. It also is highly capable of connecting to other atoms as atoms connect with other atoms via electrons in available occupancy space (like a puzzle, an atom with two electrons can connect with another that allows for the occupancy of two additional electrons). As the Hydrogen atom has only one electron, it has seven remaining connectible spaces. Water is amazing, life granting and transfixing.

This week is going to be a rainy one... You know, we never touch a thing due to atoms; all matter is opposing all other matter. The drops don't really touch your skin, they hover above the electrons of your skins atoms, shivering.

KAS

Water, Life*

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Droplets cling to the pane of the window I peer from
Its remnants apparent in the weight of the air
Birds sing its praise, as insects scuttle in its life granting wake
Joy and excitement dominate fear

I notice, in times of distress and wonderment
We think of the past… or, the past thinks of us
And yells its lessons learned; it pests
It cautions and taunts and alludes to solutions- thinking best

Flapping wings disperse fragments of dew
Branches dangle and vibrate and move
Ground cover waits its turn at the treat
Oh wonderful water of nutrition and deceit

Walking and talking and peering at time
Humans toil and concern and analyze
…For what, to deny the real
To obscure the thought, the reality- life’s zeal

KAS

The romantic Schistosoma mansoni ~ partners for life. (title linked)

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:38:00 +0000

Today was a most excellent day. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a lunch with with David; the same whom brought me through his lab a few weeks back. Well, this lunch was not any lunch as David has his dissertation defense this coming Friday and is doing some fascinating research on the Schistosoma mansoni parasite. Since this is his research, i'll not elaborate to much. But, I learned so much with him this afternoon, including how you make specimens 'glow' as I was utterly confused as to how this took place. I also learned that the biological affliction due to this parasite is not due to the matured individuals (or couples) it's due to the result of thier breeding. The 'eggs' congest the main artery that feeds broken down nutrients (from the intestine) to the liver. The congestion is what causes side effects and detriment to the human body. And lastly, that the romantic parasite, once matured, spoons it's mate for life (as is depicted in the picture to the left.)

This, I found to be the most interesting. Due to the fact that life, no matter how small, has individuality.

All in all, a fascinating day. What result might come from tomorrow, I wonder?

KAS

Vulnerable

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:46:00 +0000

Like turbulent tides of exertive organic emotion, I claim it.
Walking behind its shadow in flat tones, blue currents
It wraps me

You wonder, I hear.
The thoughts hang heavy in air
The oppression of robes of red and fear

The trees have leaves now, green and fertile in youth
New beginnings, new passages, new life
Cells and processes spring forth from this implied, seasonal death

I inhale its sweet nectar, its fragrance of freedom
Like palatable realism and truth
I expose myself through words

I'm committed

KAS

Paths.

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Paths encompass my consciousness as of late, with words and thoughts and quandaries blurring my vision... In it's wake, I file restlessly through it's maze. Numbers and colors and counting come back, it's beautifully distracting... The cold and warmth and leaves shine at me through my window this Saturday. As I think, then distract, then think some more

~KAS

Trypanosoma cruzi, Western blot ~ My first lab walkthrough :)

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:44:00 +0000

I watched a man carrying a framed window off street to Huntington Ave while I sat pensively reflecting on my day and how a lack of smiles took my joy (likely frowning in my sunglasses as I peered at him.) Early thirties, clearly focused on the difficult task at hand that had him walking lengthily with an awkward square framed piece of glass -he wasn't distracted. And I thought, how strange windows are. How odd to build thick walls and chained metal doors, but to carve out squares in walls as designated area's where light is allowed to pass un-thwarted, where air is controlled by this minute, delicate, volatile piece of glass that offers no defense whatsoever to a building... Glass does nothing but imply solidity. So where was this poor man heading, tasked awkwardly, in order to install this translucent illusion? It distracted my thoughts successfully, offering only moments of relief from my own mind, until the subway pulled along...

But, anyway, back on topic. So, last week a wonderfully inviting and friendly co-worker whom I meet in my orientation about four months back, offered me a walk through in his lab. I leave his name out, except that his first name is David, as well as the scientist he works for, out of respect for privacy -not disrespect. Let me begin by saying that I have never been in a lab. Being that I have pursued administration and not science, this is not unusual. I am, however, at a science school for more intentional reasons than to be an executive assistant (however much I enjoy this work and whom I am fortunate enough to work with.) I only mention such, as to explain my utter fascination and gratitude for this unique opportunity.

So, this lab. It's within the Department of immunology and Infectious Diseases. Ominous, I know. I did a bit of research on the particular study going on in this lab to find out that it was a lab studying the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This little rascal is transmitted primarily in South America, via a blood sucking bug that defecates on an animals skin prior to taking it's blood meal. The parasite is in the defecation and gets into the blood stream through this grotesque transaction. Then the parasite enjoys the even more grotesque process of infecting cells for the purpose of breeding, the cells burst, and all the little parasites populate the blood steam to continue this process. There are actually two forms of the parasite, the form that is matured and the form that is newly formed in cells. It is the transition to maturity that causes the cell to burst.

These parasites have no treatment and will eventually infest organs and likely will lead to heart failure in the animal a number of years following the infection. Animal, by the way, includes homo sapians.

...Pause for delicious sip of merlot.

So, with a bit of trepidation, I showed up on the lab floor. David showed me into his lab. A bit about David. He is, as far as I can tell, a genuine soul. One of those, take it as an open book, type of individuals. Very friendly and personable. He is a lab assistant and both manages the operations and flow of the lab as well as many standard tests. To my surprise, he partook in explaining the test that he was in the process of upon my arrival. That test being, a Western Blot test.

The Western Blot test is a method of identifying particular proteins in samples. The proteins are identified by adding selected antibodies that are known to attach to the desired protein. The antibodies are added in two intervals and rinsed from the sample at each succession. Then the sample is put in a machine that 'reads' the information and prints out analyzable sheets of paper showing the proteins that would be otherwise imperceivable.

Which looks something like this;

So wonderfully interesting. The climax of the walk through however, was looking through a microscope at a sample of numerous Trypanosoma cruzi. The wonderment and excitement I enjoyed while peering through this eye lens. Incomparable.

KAS

Photon Transfer by Cells used to exchange information?

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 20:35:00 +0000

While perusing what new listings have come out in PLoS ONE today, I came across a few understandable gems. The most intriguing being "Cellular Communication through Light" that is, Photon transfer by cells which contain information for communication. What form is the information in, how does it get in transport and how it it received (physically and interpretively) I wonder?

Another article of interest is "A Novel Method for Detection of Phosphorylation in Single Cells by Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) using Composite Organic-Inorganic Nanoparticles (COINs)" A newly progressed technology allowing for more precise detection of a cell's components with the use of (my favorite) nano technology.

They say "it's all in the blood"... in this article on The European Dynastys' blood line and the proposed results of a such an exclusive blood line having vastly consisted of inter-breeding is discussed in "The Role of Inbreeding in the Extinction of a European Royal Dynasty"

KAS

Words on life...

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Life. We walk through it with heavy disposition. Wanting, desiring and trying to shape the next moments continuously. We live in the wake of what was, the stability of what is and the hopeful assurance of what will come. But, we fool ourselves... The actions on our part being only one small portion of how we are able to influence the future. We fret and stress and plan for all possible outcomes only to be surprised by impromptu circumstances shaped by others.

Why do we do all this? To bring sanity and clarity to the unknown, though the unknown is never actually clear. We do it because humans plan, we organize our lives, our moments, for such purpose.

But what of the contributors that affect us in ways we are unprepared to handle. What of the factors that bring us turmoil in our paths. Guiding us with a light of options, of choices we hadn't realized existed. Consequences abound.

There is nothing to do, but to continue planning. Continue trying to carve out the future though we hold little actual control. We can do nothing further, and nothing less, than to try and prepare ourselves for what may or may not come.

KAS

Alcohol & Perception ~ Computing Fractions Naturally ~ Known Protein Found in New Profession

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Interesting article from Scientific American about the affects of moderate alcohol on ones perception and the psychological aspects of behavior in social situations under these conditions.

Thought provoking article on the natural capacity of the mind to compute fractions.

An intriguing role for a well known protein has recently been discovered to have a significant effect on cognitive function; could lead to treatments for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

KAS

Lagrangian Points ~ Parking Lots in Space!

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 18:32:00 +0000

There are (5) Lagrangian Points in the Earth & Sun system. Lagrangian Points (also known as Lagrange Points) exist within allocations of space between two bodies of mass and their respective gravitational influence. So, the Earth/Sun system includes the area that the Sun effects with it's gravitational pull on the Earth as well as the Earths area of gravitational effect. Another... If you draw a circle around the Sun including the Earth within it; drew another circle around the Earth as far out as the effect on Mass exists and then converged the two with a third all encompassing circle- that is the system.

The two masses interaction and influence over one another, effect all additional objects that occupy any space within the final circle. As with general relatively and space curvature, all objects orbit if influenced to do so. So, within this system of massive influences on things in orbit; opposing orbits and lines of three interacting orbits exist. When two masses encounter a third as an interference to the balance of the two; both of the massive objects relinquish force, as they are in perfect balance, over the third object. As such, the object is not pulled in an orbit because there is no definitive superior force either way and it will stay 'parked' within this location.

There are (3) unstable locations and (2) stable. The unstable are located at a particular area at which the mass effect of each planetary body is evenly split (ex. between the Earth and Sun) and then an object comes to lie directly between the mass gravitational pull of both on one another. This example is a representation of L1 which lies between the Earth and Sun and is also conveniently the location of a satellite that acts as an observer to our sun.

Another Lagrange Point lies on the opposite side of Earth and allows for a fantastic view of the Universe and is rightly occupied by satellite's and in the near future a telescope. The third unstable Lagrange Point lies behind the Sun and is not in sight of the Earth. As such, it has been victim to many Science Fiction story lines (Planet X) and other such elaborations.

The stable Lagrange Points lie at an angle to the Sun and Earth; the angle is created by taking a line between the Earth and Sun and using that line as the bottom to two right triangles. So, one triangle extends to the right of the line and one to the left. At the top of these triangles (which are essentially pointing to the Right or Left, not up) are the two stable Lagrange Points (easy explanation disclaimer, outward triangle line length determined by mass and distance; not just distance; and is an area, not a point.)

So, to summarize. The 'unstable' ones are titled L1, L2 & L3. L1 is located between the Sun and Earth. L2 is located on the other side of the Earth, also in line with the Earth and Sun. And the third is located on the other side of the Sun, in line as well. L4 and L5 are the 'stable' Lagrange Points and are located to the (R) and (L) of the Earth Sun Line, respectively.

These Lagrange Points exist in all such 'systems' of two masses gravitational pull on one another. There are examples of such points accumulating debris and mass and as such have orbiting masses of their own.. And to maintain an object within the unstable Lagrange Points there is need for adjustments so as to not be tossed out in space at interval based instabilities.

As with all things in space and interaction of mass, I am intrigued. And as such laws predict, the rain falls on my roof today while my neighbor cuts down trees ~ interesting...

KAS

Extinction, Madagascar and the intriguing Fossa

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:35:00 +0000

The Fossa, a unique type of species, is one of a number of subspecies that only exist in Madagascar.

It separated from the current day species, the Mongoose, millions of years ago; as Madagascar split from the continent of Africa.

As living examples of a second evolutionary path to success as the result of circumstance, the Fossa are a treat to see. The geography carved two uniquely progressive routes to advancing a species and both successes concurrently exist!

Losses of species are particularly somber when we comprehend that humans impact on nature is the cause. Is is still a lack of evolutionary success if animals cease to exist because of our careless impact?

KAS

Intelligence Among Species

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:01:00 +0000

What do you think about when pondering the intellectual capacity of brains in other species? An article in Scientific American discusses how the brain of a Sperm Whale is larger than the brain of a Human; it is nearly five times the size of ours. Does size reflect intellectual capacity? Or, is it the complexity of the brain's structure? If it's complexity, how might you go about making judgments; perhaps through tests that might reflect activity or firing of neurons? hmmm.

I have thought on this significantly prior to reading this article . and have independently come to the conclusion that different species have different types of intelligence. Whereas our intelligence has lead to advances in our social applications; like communication and expression and we have the biological ability of fine motor skills; I think that other species have abilities and strengths that we lack. I certainly witness intellectual capacity in my two cats that after some affiliation is obvious. It is apparent in other species as well; like Elephants, Big Cats, Bears and Monkeys. Dogs have a social intelligence factor as well, in my opinion, in their abilities to interact so successfully.

But, past the assumptions and on to the facts; there are different ratios to take into account in this thought process; absolute size (or weight) and brain size vs. body size ratios. "The lemming. (Kicrostonyx groenlandicus), for example, has a higher ratio than man." American Naturalist. And, "The brain of a sperm whale is about 60% larger in absolute mass than that of an elephant. Furthermore, the brains of toothed whales and dolphins are significantly larger than those of any nonhuman primates and are second only to human brains when measured with respect to body size." Plos one.

Then there is circumstance; "Brain tissue, which is metabolically expensive, requires constant high levels of oxygen and glucose, regardless of the state of mental activity (Sokoloff 1981). Hofman (1983) determined that the proportion of metabolic expenditure required by the brain relative to that of the rest of the body is generally less than 10%... Hofman (1983), like Robin (1973), suggested that large-brained species have relatively shorter dive times than small-brained divers." The American Naturalist. However, the following line is the important one as I can see it, "Superficially, this conclusion seems obvious; however, it does not consider the possibility that other adaptations to the aquatic environment have taken place." The American Naturalist.

So, here we see claims of size disparity due to the 'needs' of the brain in order to function. These needs are oxygen and glucose and seem to be a reasonable explanation as to why different brain sizes exist in aquatic species. But, alas, this is all disproved by analysis of varying species including the sperm whale, manatee and pinnipeds . This additional analysis showed that some species had longer dive times, while still harboring larger brains.

So, though this last part gains ground more in the environmental factor's of brain size and less in measurement of intelligence; the purpose of it's mention is to prime the mind for such affects.

Interestingly, the sperm whales brain comes in at an impressive 8,000 cubic centimeters; whereas human brains are about 1,300 cubic centimeters. Now, although we mention the Lemming above, Scientific American states that it is the Tree Shrew .~ as one is far more current than the other… I presume they are more likely correct; as is stated here "Porpoises and elephants, fellow mammals known for their extraordinary mental abilities, also have bigger brains than we humans. But that's not fair. Those animals are humongous. You need to take into account brain-to-body size. When that is done, the winner is.. well, the tree shrew, followed by humans and then porpoises." Scientific American.

So, here we see again, proof that the brain-to-body size is not relevant, nor is the absolute weight or size. So, we must dive deeper. "Nina Eriksen and Bente Pakkenberg of the University of Copenhagen take the investigation of whale intelligence to the microscopic level and ask a simply question: If the whale brain is so much bigger than the human brain, does this mean it has more neurons?" From " Total Neocortical Cell Number in the Mysticete Brain " "Logically, brain function and intelligence must relate to the number of neurons. Intelligence resides in neocortex (the thin, convoluted "rind" of the brain_ rather than in other, underlying areas devoted to controlling vital housekeeping functions for the body… The frontal lobes of the dolphin brain are comparatively smaller than in other mammals, but the researchers found that the neocortex of the Minke whale was surprisingly thick. The whale neocortex is thicker than that of other mammals and roughly equal to that of humans (2.63 mm). However, the layered structure of the whale neocortex is known to be simpler than that of humans and most other mammals. In particular, whales lack cortical layer IV, and thus have five neocortical layers to humankind's six. This means that the wiring of connections into and out of the neocortex is much different in whales than in other mammals." Now, we are getting somewhere!

The results of this investigation was that the Minke whale had a total number of 12.8 billion neocortical neurons; 13 times that of the rhesus monkey and 500 times that of rates; whereas it was only 2/3 that of the human neocortex.

So, here we come to another groundbreaker; we can simply measure the neocortex of each species to get a somewhat effective judgment. But alas, there's more, called Glia . Glia are non neuronal cells whose purpose is support of nutrition and signal transmission in the nervous system among other things. Further into Eriksen and Pakkenbergs' studies, they find that there were 98.2 billion non neuronal cells, called glia, in the Minke whale neocortex. This is the highest number of glial cells in neocortex seen in any mammal studied to date. The ratio of neocortical glial cells to neocortical neurons is 7.7 to 1 in Minke whales and only 1.4 to 1 in humans. So, now we are getting where I thought it to be all along.

So, there are different constructions of brains, presumably due to circumstance or environmental factors as well as evolutionary need. The true question to ponder is; in what way do other species minds think? What do they think of us, when we harpoon their families or sell their friends as bush meat? What do they feel emotionally?

No, whale's are not able to paint like Picasso; but, they might be able to think in ways that we have yet to discover and may never completely understand. Shouldn't we allow their survival so as to contribute towards the wonders of intelligence and the value of intelligence among other species…

KAS

Poetry Month ~ Please forgive the excursion...

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:07:00 +0000

Early Spring

Like rocks retaining heat, it's warmth sucked cold by earth, I walk in Boston
The trees are swaying restlessly in these rainy new england days
Wandering minds and hands and feet, rustling bags and dirty streets
Eyes focused, astray and wandering... the subway grinding, we walk

I find it peculiar.
The thoughtless focus, loud noises of thought, emotion and energy merging
Smells of air, moistness, perfumes.. wisps of cold subway wind and sprinkling mists
Cars and people and time. Moving and passing in and out of attraction

My thoughts are richer in town, en route, in mindlessness
To think and ponder and scrutinize. To review this days bad news.
Tomorrow, it rains. I plan to relish in newenglandism, by going out anyway.
I can think of nothing better to shush the chaos, than Boston
on a warm, rainy night.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It's not sage that lingers, but lies
Everywhere seems dim
Today is a sense of causeless distress

Like looming branches
It's oppression holsters the dice
It adores you and I

Transfer of HIV to healthy cells ~ Video ~ WOW

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Courteous of The Daily Dish

Earth Hour ~ Awareness 101

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:30:00 +0000

The world listens to the taunts of Environmental Health with the successful application of Earth Hour. I ask and I wonder what the energy savings actually accumulate to be for such a darkening. But, it is not the reduction in the Earths carbon footprint during that hour that is the purpose, it is the awareness of energy use and its implications on the world we live on.

This week, due to the wonderful generosity of a professor at Harvard, I've come to possess of physiology textbook. Somewhat ironically starting my quest learning about cells as that happens to be the third chapter. As cells has come into my awareness via interests not exactly scholastic, but more by intrigue with individuals, I am finding the learning particularly stimulating.

One thing that compounds that interest is the capacity of cells to manage, produce and utilize energy to go about their own function and activities that ultimately ensure my survival as a biological being. The entire body is alive, via energy, without which, we would not exist.

Energy is the reason we live, the reason anything can perceive. Energy is the reason we are. It's the use of non renewable energy of our earths sources that is not so natural. We do not have renewable sources of fuel on earth and must embark on external renewable sources if we are to keep this planet fertile and life supporting.

What will happen in the years to come. What will change. Will Russia and the US partake in the desecration of Antarctica's newly accessible sources of fuel. Will wars continue over the scarcity of these fuels. And, how much more human population will there be due to the compounding reproduction of our locust like species. What life will succeed through this transition, what life will not.

These are all questions about our near future. Humanities success as well as implications are the primary attributer to an outcome.. a result. We can hope, blind our eye, or oppress our awareness. But, that will not negate the reality of what will come, unless we do something drastic to change it.

This mission is not one a country can bring, nor a movement or common awareness. It is something that will have to be ingrained as a organic beings obligation to perform and decide based on the desire to survive.

KAS
Australia goes dark

China goes dark

The Human Genome

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Wednesday night, in Boston, the weather was just beautiful. Fortunately, I had a useful reason to enjoy it as I was attending a seminar in the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School.

~ Panelists ~

David Altshuler, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Genetics and of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
and Massachusetts General Hospital;
Co-founder, the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT

George Church, Ph.D.
Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School;
Member of the Affiliated Faculty, Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences
and Technology

Jeffrey M. Drazen, M.D.
Parker B. Francis Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Editor-in-Chief, New England Journal of Medicine

Chao-Ting Wu, M.D.
Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School;
Director, Personal Genetics Education Project

With Moderator;
Raju Kucherlapati, Ph.D.
Paul C. Cabot Professor of Genetics,
Harvard Medical School
Professor of Medicine,
Brigham and Women's Hospital;

Member, Partners Center for Personalized Genetic Medicine

The goal of the Human Genome Project was to map the entire human genome and began in 1990 on the work that consisted of having to map six million pairs of DNA. George Church was the founder of the Genome Project and was one of the first to develop the technologies that allow for sequencing. He is currently the founder of the Personal Genome Project as well; a quest to publicly display the mapped genome's of 100,000 individuals for the purpose of making data available for the analysis of the entire human community. This ambitious project is worth following. Mapping of your own genome could cost as little as $5K as early as this coming year..

Throughout your own body, some DNA varies. there may be chromosomes or parts missing. The double helix; or, structure of DNA comes from the conjunction of the mothers and the fathers DNA. Very unjustly described as two strands of pearls, tightly twisted around each other. Well, usually these genes work together and whatever the combination agrees on becomes your own custom program. Well, apparently as has resulted in testing on mice, the genes sometimes 'battle' as headstrong bullies that convince the other gene to go completely silent. This was said by Dr. Wu along with the fact that this hasn't been shown in human genes as of yet. And, most amazingly, I learned about Repeat Induced Point Mutation which is essentially the random rewriting of a gene in order to change itself to something less compatible to the gene it is matched up with; assisting in the assurance of a unique genetic program. An innate activity inducing change, variation- selection. So interesting.

Also discussed were the implications of mapped DNA and it's effect on privacy or obligation. A law recently passed, GINA Act, making prejudice by insurance companies based on looking at an individuals genome, illegal. But, it's still very legal to lift an individuals DNA for analysis from any public (or private with a warrant) location as you freely discard cells all day long...

But, the drama comes into play with the fact that knowledge is not necessarily power in cases in which no treatment or dire diagnosis exist. Furthermore, some centers that are offering sequencing for things like breast cancer by looking at the genes BRCA1 & BRCA2; but are disturbingly able to 'brand' the testing for one of these two respectable breast cancer predictors... So, other places offer 'breast cancer' screening while not being able to actually scan for both BRCA1 & BRCA 2 and largely at the ignorance of their customers. Lastly, the implications of knowing you have a genetically inherited disease and that it's likely you parents and siblings could also get the disease - do you tell everyone? What if your family is very religious and disagree with genetic testing on religious grounds? Would you have children, would you test those children prior to deciding whether to bring them to term? These questions arise and with them critics.

For reflection; all DNA is written with the same language - all life is alike.

Further Reading
Harvard Medical School Genetics Page
National Human Genome Research Institute
The Experimental Man Project
The Genetic Alliance

~KAS

Friday the 13th ~ not like another day, not unlike all others

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:47:00 +0000

While reading about atoms... hydrogen atoms and Bohr & Heisenberg, mixed along with time and space and wonderment and confusion. I find, that the world is not all it seems. Our perception blinding our ideals and our ideals blinding our reason. It is in knowledge I am comforted; it's words that ground me.

This week- from the Cytoskeleton aspect of cell composition, to cancer cells & mercury and it's illusive elemental potential; bisphenol A and the dangers of plastics we use every day and their proposed detrimental effects on human health and connection to the obesity epidemic; molecular structure and intrigue; and just this evening -Sylvia Plath- I've been a busy girl.

Great news on the stem cell front ~ finally. How absurd to discuss the 'ethical' applications of any cell in the body. Ethics have nothing to do with biology. What a waste to restrict the progression, even temporarily, for such a ridiculous (human generated, non fact based and essentially made up) reason. How far can one go to argue destined life- and why in the world are human stem cells more worthy of life than other cells? Why is it immoral to alter a stem cell to become other cells (as it's most easily modified) that will lead to the resolution of countless human afflictions? Are more humans REALLY needed on Earth?

Life. News on Mars recently as well. Methane gas is spilling out of cracks on the surface and though this can happen through chemical reaction it also is a byproduct of organisms that could be deep within the surface.

Also newsworthy is the new stimulus package funding for Science ~ yay Obama. As I work within this field and am unsure as to what is public vs institution knowledge, I won't delve to deep. But, funding is focused on research (and all supporting components) that will employ people and will be utilized in the near future. For those whose budgets are strapped due to the waining economy, this additional artery is particularly valuable.

Lastly, I cannot resist but to say (as I thought of it today) I celebrated my 21st birthday on a French compound in Kabul, Afghanistan (the French don't have general rule 1a, and stock full bars at war) upon such a reflection, I am reminded of all the other young minds taken by such expenditures as war. It saddens me.

Life is so short, so valuable and so fickle.

I could use a nice bout of chess right now- to settle my philosophical affliction and ground me in reason, where it's all much easier to assess...

KAS

Mercury ~ Why the drama?

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 21:45:00 +0000

This weekend was wonderful. I enjoyed Saturday night in Boston at Improv Asylum on the North end, followed by unauthentic pizza that was deliciously greasy and ended at a nearby hookah bar with a glass of amaretto. It was fantastic. As I recently have been trying to legitimately heal an unstable relationship with the person I enjoyed this with, this was all particularly beneficial.

I know this has nothing to do with Mercury :)

Mercury; well, I know that a friend of mine, Eric, has a small jar of Mercury. He broke a bunch of thermometers as a teen and compiled the element into a rather impressively large blob of liquid metal. Very cool to look at and manipulate by rotating the jar.

Yes, I am aware now that I should not have been turning a jar of Mercury around in my palms, reveling is such a dangerously toxic element's beauty.

Mercury is interesting for numerous reasons. It is one of only six liquid metals and is the only one that remains a liquid at room temperature, which makes it uniquely variable in it's uses. Mercury was named after a planet, but it's chemical name is Hg which is derived from the Latin hydrargyrum (meaning watery & silver). It has one of the narrowest temperature ranges in it's liquid state and is worth discussing because it is a really beautiful element. cont...

Mercury is not utilized in the body for anything whatsoever. It's a heavy element; it's atomic number being 80 (meaning 80 protons and 80 electrons) and was used throughout history in medicines to improve 'passability' through the digestive track with no then known detriment. It has been considered by the ancient Chinese to be an effective 'fountain of youth' potion and was taken to generally maintain good health... The ancient Egyptians used mercury in cosmetics and were occasionally (significantly) 'complexionarily' compromised as the result.

Then there were the alchemists, whom reveled in the idea that through molecular modification, the valuable element, gold, could be fashioned from other prospects ~ particularly mercury.

Contamination of mercury is unnatural. As mercury is one of the rarest elements in the Earths crust, it exists- because humans pulled it out of the ground or found it at the entry to hot springs or volcanoes and proceeded to fashion everything from electric/electronic components, fillings in teeth, fluorescent light bulbs and lamps, thermometers, cosmetics, production of chlorine, filtering water, other measuring/balance instruments and many medicines. Also, it is used as the preservative in vaccines (same form as in cosmetics ~ thiomersal) which metabolizes into ethyl mercury (organic mercury) and it has been speculated that this can cause or trigger autism in children...

But, a use not mentioned that has a large and detrimental effect on many humans, was it's use as a mining agent. Mercury was used to add weight to gold in hydraulic gold mining (to keep the gold at the bottom to be filtered and is still used in controlled environments for purity) and was also used in silver mining. Of course, all of the mercury was spread carelessly throughout the entire mine, trecked in and out of the location and left in abandoned mines.. It is estimated that there could be hundreds of tons of mercury unaccounted for in the united states.

So, why the drama you ask? Well, mercury is a wondrous, exotic, unique element that can disrupt many aspects of human biology. The bad news will follow shortly... The good news being that many affects, based on many studies, are reversible in most instances in which the exposure was as an adult not an overdose. Also, Salmon & Shrimp- my favorite seafood, are on the bottom of the list for mercury risk.

Mercury is toxic in all it's forms; the effects depend on how the Mercury is absorbed into the body. Mercury is particularly dangerous as a vapor due to it's ease of absorption through the respiratory tract.

The most detrimental effects happen prenatal and to small children. Due to it's effects of various types of cells (essentially modifying) and neurological/central nervous system effects including irritability, memory loss, depression, hallucinations, delirium, and stunted intellectual capacity in newly forming brains. There can be muscular effects including fine tremors or violent muscular spasms as well as effects like chest pain, cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis and impairment of pulmonary function... all among various exposure levels and duration. Most are reversible with treatment or time, but in children and with prenatal exposure the effects can be acute.

Lastly, the most amazing thing I learned about mercury, was that it can combine with proteins and become an organic form- ethyl mercury. <- This is worth looking into further... KAS

Snowy New England Morning, Opposition & Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Another diversion... cells ~ updated 4.2

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:08:00 +0000

So... recently. I asked someone about their research & they answered "cell"

I have also recently asked a fellow staff member why one might be reluctant to discuss their research; and it was explained to me that the field is so competitive that researchers prefer to keep information under wraps for fear of being out-published. In a world where work published and discovered is the foundation for reference to ones credit. One is either remembered or revered as an "Einstein" or not. Not that my layman ears would put anyone at such risk. I think it's likely that such people do not feel the need to 'explain' and that it can be frusterating continiously doing so for the curiously ignorant. Like myself.

Nonetheless, I found this distressing. How can progression flow unburdened, if the burden is the progression?

Not coincidently, I also recently inquired with a professor into their work. The reply was an exuberant explanation of the particular health study; being sensitive to the above advice regarding researchers concerns with losing credit- I have the sense to not explain further. ;) But, loved it and refuse to stop asking due to this encouragement.

**Update 4.2.09

So, today, I received an email from a co-worker whom I am social with. The email was subject lined "Swooped" and was about a researcher whose work was recently "swooped" by another scientist that got access or awareness of the work and published with his own data. Quicker. Ouch!

**Back

But, on to the subject at hand. The original discourse of someone telling me 'cell' when asked for the "cliff notes" of their research.

Cell. What is a cell. Off hand, with no reading and only an inkling from high school Biology, which I barely mastered, I think of transportation. That cells operate as the transporter of energy. They bring oxygen throughout the body as well as nutrients and water. And, they are mobile. That's essentially it, other than a vague recollection of a cell 'cake' in which candy replications of the cells inner structure were edible. hmmm. not the most impressive education.

Cells are transporters. It turns out they can also be their own living creature. They are like little organisms. Complete with an outer skin called a membrane; an instruction providing nucleus; Lysosome(s) to digest.. and the comparison's go on and on. For a beautifully thorough explanation of cells, click here.

Distracted as usual, I got lost in the following sentence "The components of cells are molecules, nonliving structures formed by the union of atoms." Wow. So, my mind wanders through my recent exploration of atoms, atomic structure and molecules- to the term 'nonliving structures' clarifying some truth about life (that I question) to 'union of atoms' -how harmonic. Quite an intriguing sentence to read.

After reading (and planning to re-read) the above linked article, I can do no explanation of a cell, better justice. And as such, I leave it at that. Cells transport, live, breed, compute information, manipulate molecule's, digest and process, move, interact and die. They are a feat of the universe, of atoms and of energy utility.

KAS

Topic diversion; mako sharks.

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:31:00 +0000

I found this fascinating article over on Not Exactly Rocket Science
about mako sharks remaining primarily in sexual segregation throughout their lives; literally swimming separately, traveling in a horizontal highway of males in one lane and females in the other. Most interesting piece being, the aggression and risk in the mako sharks mating. The female's are often seriously injured and it is proposed in the article that the female's segregate for protection, only mingling when absolutely necessary.

Atoms... a week long topic

noreply@blogger.com (KAS) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:39:00 +0000

In ninety four combinations, they lie
Intrinsic partners of opposites, attracted
Keeping order, Energy's fury wizzing by

Life, the remnant of stars passing
Death, the birth of new
The same amount, reused

To attract and never touch
The delicacy's of balance
The energy- always enough

It pains me to think
That in terms such as this
Our lives are but combinations- of unrest