www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121031214140.htm
(University of Milan, Italy)
In the article I read a not-so-new discovery was made. Scientists have known for a while about the way different organisms work together in their environments. In many cases these symbiotic relationships are necessary for life for the individuals. However, not until recently was this idea used with plants in drought conditions being supported by bacteria. In environments with little water availability, some plants have formed alliances with soil microbes that help promote plant growth even in these conditions. As we have been learning about how plants adapt to environmental difficulties this is a long the same lines. Although this development is not specifically a phsyical or physiological adaptation of the plants, it is an adaptation of communication between the bacteria and plant roots.
Reading on, the scientists researching this actually discovered that it is an endosymbiotic relationship. In areas of drought stress, these bacterial communities become 40% more productive at increasing plant photosynthesis and biomass production. Also it raises the level of bacteria in the area. So as drought occurs, the bacteria grow and become more effective and thus the plants are able to continue to live with little to no water.
These findings lead scientists at the University to say that plants can't be considered single organisms when fully-functional in these conditions. Instead the are referred to as "meta-organisms" of plants and microbiome. This discovery can lead to a higher efficiency in the farm industry in certain regions. Those farmers that suffer damage to their crops from drought would be able to insert these microbes into the soil to increase productivity in hard times.
Personally, I found this article to be interesting because it is a perfect example of symbiotic and endosymbiotic relationships that we have always heard about in biology. And this one especially can be put forth for further developments!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Telomeres and Heart Disease
Studies at the Intermountain Medical Center have shown that the longer a heart disease patient’s telomeres (the strands of DNA found on the ends of chromosomes) the greater chance they have of surviving. In the past this telomere length has been used as a measure of age but now research shows it may also predict life expectancy.
But why though? Because telomeres protect chromosomes from damage as people age, the length shortens and thus it is a good marker for age-related diseases (i.e. heart disease, cancer) as well as damages that accelerate biological aging. Since this telomere shortening signals the end of life for a cell, doctors can see when patients are at higher risk for these diseases. So it also shows their probability for survival says Dr. Carlquist. Researchers at Intermountain believe this can measure the rate of change over time which is more effective than looking at the telomeres at just a moment in time.
Doctors could already use cholesterol tests and blood pressure to see how heart care treatment is working but in the future they can use this tactic to measure the effectiveness which provides a much deep view.
From what we have learned in class about the purpose of telomeres in cells at determining age of cell and life expectancy, I can see this being an effective method in the future. As I read the article though I couldn’t help thinking that although this is an effective method, is it really that necessary of a discovery? Yes it probably will lead to greater discoveries with regard to heart disease patients and what not but the scientists in the article said they could already determine life expectancy with other tests. Maybe the article just didn’t explain it enough for me to see that this is completely necessary. Either way I think it will lead to positive future solutions for such diseases.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Whole Genome Sequencing
The disease tuberculosis has been a serious sickness for long time in that it is very lethal. In the 19th century in particular there was a significant lack of scientific technology and medical development and many people died from TB. In the 21st century we have substantially improved medicine but tuberculosis still exists. Luckily scientists are coming up with more ways to research TB and explain it. Researchers from Forschungszentrum Borstel, Molecular Mycobacteriology have found new forms of genetic testing of the bacteria that causes the disease. The technique of whole genome sequencing determines more clustering and longitudinal spreading than the classical genoming testing and has proved some clusters of whole genome sequencing to be incorrect. It has revealed the speed of TB growth (doubles at rate of 22 hours) based on its evolution speed (0.4 mutations per year). It is a relatively cheap procedure meaning it could soon become the most popilar method for outbreaks of TB.
The research of this procedure will lead to more development with research in tuberculosis obviously but can also lead to determining rates of infectious disease outbreaks other than TB. It may not seem vital to know the rate of growth of diseases but it actually is necessary to understand the mechanisms of the disease and scientist’s ability to end it. Whole genome sequencing doesn’t hold all the answers to tuberculosis and other infectious diseases but it definitely is a piece of the puzzle. Many scientists and researchers dedicate their lives to curing infectious diseases and a process like this will help them get much closer to their goal.
This article helped me understand one of the key problems with infectious diseases (particularly tuberculosis). The high growth rate makes it nearly impossible to stop the problem before it starts. I know that there are many aspects that go into the research of curing diseases like TB but it is hard to see why it is so impossible. Knowing that scientists are just now getting to understand these diseases at a genomic level is eye-opening. It makes me realize that there is such a big picture when it comes to diseases but scientists have to dissect it gen by gene!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The Link Between Evolution and Cancer
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130122101454.htm
This article linked two things we've been learning about in bio lately; the sources of cancer and the theory evolution. It's interesting that such a link can be made but the way this article describes it makes a lot of sense by comparing cancer to a complex ecosystem. Just as individuals in an ecosystem depend on each other, cancerous cells depend on each other as well as the interaction of tumor with body. Based on Darwin's theory of evolution we can see ecosystems evolving and adapting with those it shares an environment with. With the cancer-ecosystem comparison, scientists have seen cancer adapt to its conditions in the body thus making it "indestructible".
It seems that the scientists working to more understand this idea (collabaration with Darwinian Evolution of Cancer Consortium in France and Center for Evolution and Cancer at University of California, San Francisco) are just in the early stages of development. They are trying to connect the evolutionary concepts of genetic drift, mutations, and natural selection with the cancer ecosystem. What is most interesting about this article is that it has little to do with biotechnology of the modern era. Obviously the mechanisms behind cancer could not be understood without modern technology but its amazing that scientists are still basing much of their knowledge on science that is many years old. It just goes to show that the theory of evolution (that it may "evolve" over the years, pun intended), will always stand the test of time!
This connection may lead to a better understanding of how to treat and prevent cancer as scientists continue to understand the mechanisms of evolution. Also, it helps justify the theory of evolution a little bit more. It doesn't surprise that scientists have discovered this correlation with the theory of evolution seeing as much of the world of science is connected in very similar ways!
This article linked two things we've been learning about in bio lately; the sources of cancer and the theory evolution. It's interesting that such a link can be made but the way this article describes it makes a lot of sense by comparing cancer to a complex ecosystem. Just as individuals in an ecosystem depend on each other, cancerous cells depend on each other as well as the interaction of tumor with body. Based on Darwin's theory of evolution we can see ecosystems evolving and adapting with those it shares an environment with. With the cancer-ecosystem comparison, scientists have seen cancer adapt to its conditions in the body thus making it "indestructible".
It seems that the scientists working to more understand this idea (collabaration with Darwinian Evolution of Cancer Consortium in France and Center for Evolution and Cancer at University of California, San Francisco) are just in the early stages of development. They are trying to connect the evolutionary concepts of genetic drift, mutations, and natural selection with the cancer ecosystem. What is most interesting about this article is that it has little to do with biotechnology of the modern era. Obviously the mechanisms behind cancer could not be understood without modern technology but its amazing that scientists are still basing much of their knowledge on science that is many years old. It just goes to show that the theory of evolution (that it may "evolve" over the years, pun intended), will always stand the test of time!
This connection may lead to a better understanding of how to treat and prevent cancer as scientists continue to understand the mechanisms of evolution. Also, it helps justify the theory of evolution a little bit more. It doesn't surprise that scientists have discovered this correlation with the theory of evolution seeing as much of the world of science is connected in very similar ways!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Attacking Cancer with Synthetic and Natural Toxins
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130211162458.htm
The hope to one day eliminate cancer is a common goal for many doctors and scientists across the world. It all comes from what is effective in eliminating this devastating illness.
One of the most harmful things about cancer and deadly bacteria is not that they can't be destroyed but rather that they reproduce very rapidly and in a way that is drug-resistant. So the challenge is coming up with a technique to kill cancer and stop the drug-resistance.
In this article scientists compare a new system in conquering cancer and harmful bacteria to the methods of boxers and other competitive fighting. The analogy of a one-two punch is given with regard to the synthetic and natural toxins that can knock out cancer and bacteria while also inhibiting their ability to become drug-resistant. This idea connects back to our in-class discussion about the effects of antibiotics. They work for most of the time but that last little bit of bacteria that might not get killed have become drug-resistant. They then reproduce and the body is now full of bacteria that are uneffected by antibiotics. The toxin approach would be able to eliminate the ability of these cells to become drug-resistant and thus redering them conquerable.
The process itself involves a synthetic toxin (AMP) called D-KLAKLAK-2 is known to kill cancer cells an d has recently been found to be effective against some anti-biotic bacteria. They are known as Gram-negative bacteria and are a pathogen that includes drug-resistant varieties of bacteria causing pnuemonia. It works by attacking the mitochondria of the cells. From what I know about cells and the properties of cancer, an attack at the mitochondria would be successful in killing the cell.
If this process is really so effective, doctors would be able to conquer all forms of harmful bacteria. The article didn't reveal exactly how far along this idea is but it does show that scientist are working very intently. They're not just thinking about the positives of the procedure but also what could go wrong and with that in mind, adjusting accordingly. That method of checking all possible outcomes is what leads to great science and I hope that one day cancer can be eliminated effectively by this procedure and its outcomes.
The hope to one day eliminate cancer is a common goal for many doctors and scientists across the world. It all comes from what is effective in eliminating this devastating illness.
One of the most harmful things about cancer and deadly bacteria is not that they can't be destroyed but rather that they reproduce very rapidly and in a way that is drug-resistant. So the challenge is coming up with a technique to kill cancer and stop the drug-resistance.
In this article scientists compare a new system in conquering cancer and harmful bacteria to the methods of boxers and other competitive fighting. The analogy of a one-two punch is given with regard to the synthetic and natural toxins that can knock out cancer and bacteria while also inhibiting their ability to become drug-resistant. This idea connects back to our in-class discussion about the effects of antibiotics. They work for most of the time but that last little bit of bacteria that might not get killed have become drug-resistant. They then reproduce and the body is now full of bacteria that are uneffected by antibiotics. The toxin approach would be able to eliminate the ability of these cells to become drug-resistant and thus redering them conquerable.
The process itself involves a synthetic toxin (AMP) called D-KLAKLAK-2 is known to kill cancer cells an d has recently been found to be effective against some anti-biotic bacteria. They are known as Gram-negative bacteria and are a pathogen that includes drug-resistant varieties of bacteria causing pnuemonia. It works by attacking the mitochondria of the cells. From what I know about cells and the properties of cancer, an attack at the mitochondria would be successful in killing the cell.
If this process is really so effective, doctors would be able to conquer all forms of harmful bacteria. The article didn't reveal exactly how far along this idea is but it does show that scientist are working very intently. They're not just thinking about the positives of the procedure but also what could go wrong and with that in mind, adjusting accordingly. That method of checking all possible outcomes is what leads to great science and I hope that one day cancer can be eliminated effectively by this procedure and its outcomes.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Gattaca:Biotechnology reflection
The film Gattaca provided a potential idea of the
path biotechnology is headed to. It showed a society of people with “perfect”
genes, which had been chosen at birth to create the healthiest, smartest, and most
beautiful individuals possible. In the movie this theoretical situation brought
about new discriminations as well as a completely redeveloped society. It
focuses particularly on the social connotations of such a theory and how it
would affect criminal investigation and identification of individuals.
The criminal investigation industry is constantly trying to
improve their data analysis in order to catch more guilty people. The future of
biotechnology is pointing in a positive direction for investigation. Having a
society of genetically programmed people in which everyone’s everything is in a
computer system allows for a criminal to be identified easily from evidence.
Investigators would be able to take a hair from a crime scene and know exactly
whose it is rather than having to match it.
However, in terms of using DNA for identification purposes
on a daily basis, I feel that the biotechnology in Gattaca is very
unlikely to be successful in reality. It would be near impossible to
differentiate every little speck of DNA all the time because there is so much
of us we leave everywhere. Especially in public places there are dead skin
cells and stray hairs from millions of people all over the place. Nothing would
be as clean at the movie portrayed and those stray bits of DNA would infect all
kinds of identification processes.
Looking at the social aspects of a genetically programmed
society, in my own personal opinion, there would be nothing interesting.
Diversity (as in those that aren’t perfectly sane or healthy) is what leads to
the most creativity in our world. For instance, in Gattaca, the man with
the genetic disorder polydactyly (having extra fingers—in his case 12) was able
to entertain with his advanced piano playing skills. His genetic imperfections
are what bring about interesting music to society.
Currently this idea of genetically programming an entire
society is still just that, an idea but the fact that we have the technology to
splice genes and toy with what had previously seemed impossibly means we may
someday get there. It may not be a world just like that in Gattaca,
which wouldn’t be a very desirable kind of society, but it would allow for some
improvements in various fields and some downfalls in others.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
"Superorganism" Ant Colonies as Compared to Cells
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121219092819.htm
This article I read pertains to the energy efficiency of large ant colonies as opposed to smaller ones and even the individual ants themselves. Scientists at Missouri State University of Science and Technology are able to use this metabolic rate of the large colonies, or "superorganism", as well as their growth rate, reproduction rate, and longevity of individuals lives compared within the colony. They are using mathematical formulas and energy scaling laws that are beyond me. But what made it most understandable and relatable was that the author of the article compares this "superorganism" to cells in an organism.
Our cells are most effective when they are working together rather than individually, just like the ants. Just as a horse and mouse do not use proportionately equal amounts of energy (the exact law is body mass to the 3/4 power), the cells within the animals do not either and it goes the same for ants of larger colonies than smaller ones. The cells of the horse actually use less energy than those of the mouse cells because they're apart of a bigger cell "colony". It makes a lot of sense to say that the bigger the "superorganism" that an individual is a part of, the less energy consumed per individual. This is exactly what scientists are now realizing and are also using this knowledge to determine that these colonies actually have a longer lifespan. For instance, if one cell dies in an organism of 10 cells compared to a cell death in an 1000 cell organism, their would be less impact on the community because the cell wasn't as crucial. This goes the same for the ant colonies being studied; the larger the colony, the longer the lifespan and less energy being produced.
The realization came about at first in a 2010 study in which the idea of a "superorganism" was introduced. Since then, it has led these other discoveries pertaining ants and cells and also leaves many hopes for future plans. The energy scaling laws could be used to study animal's energy uptake and particularly, food restrictions necessary to expand their lifespan. For humans, the idea can be used to determine the energy efficiency of cities (the larger the city, the more energy efficient). Overall, this "superorganism" concept with ants in which their energy efficiency and lifespan is determined by their size as a whole can, and will, lead to many other circumstances down the road! Most importantly, it is interesting to see how this ties in with cells and their importance in organisms.
This article I read pertains to the energy efficiency of large ant colonies as opposed to smaller ones and even the individual ants themselves. Scientists at Missouri State University of Science and Technology are able to use this metabolic rate of the large colonies, or "superorganism", as well as their growth rate, reproduction rate, and longevity of individuals lives compared within the colony. They are using mathematical formulas and energy scaling laws that are beyond me. But what made it most understandable and relatable was that the author of the article compares this "superorganism" to cells in an organism.
Our cells are most effective when they are working together rather than individually, just like the ants. Just as a horse and mouse do not use proportionately equal amounts of energy (the exact law is body mass to the 3/4 power), the cells within the animals do not either and it goes the same for ants of larger colonies than smaller ones. The cells of the horse actually use less energy than those of the mouse cells because they're apart of a bigger cell "colony". It makes a lot of sense to say that the bigger the "superorganism" that an individual is a part of, the less energy consumed per individual. This is exactly what scientists are now realizing and are also using this knowledge to determine that these colonies actually have a longer lifespan. For instance, if one cell dies in an organism of 10 cells compared to a cell death in an 1000 cell organism, their would be less impact on the community because the cell wasn't as crucial. This goes the same for the ant colonies being studied; the larger the colony, the longer the lifespan and less energy being produced.
The realization came about at first in a 2010 study in which the idea of a "superorganism" was introduced. Since then, it has led these other discoveries pertaining ants and cells and also leaves many hopes for future plans. The energy scaling laws could be used to study animal's energy uptake and particularly, food restrictions necessary to expand their lifespan. For humans, the idea can be used to determine the energy efficiency of cities (the larger the city, the more energy efficient). Overall, this "superorganism" concept with ants in which their energy efficiency and lifespan is determined by their size as a whole can, and will, lead to many other circumstances down the road! Most importantly, it is interesting to see how this ties in with cells and their importance in organisms.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The Genetics Behind Fainting
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120806161727.htm
The act of fainting (vasovagal syncope) has always seemed to me to be the human body's reaction to particular physiological or environmental situations. However, according to recent discoveries by the University of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia) in Neurology®, fainting is not necessarily just due to external triggers. Apparently people can have a strong predisposition to having problems with fainting based on genetics. This brings up the debate of nature vs nurture-- for instance, did a child faint due to a trigger like dehydration or does it just run in their blood? The author of this study, Samuel F. Berkovic, studied twins to determine if fainting can be genetic.
In this study of 51 same-sex twins (at least one had fainted before), 57% had a history of fainting in the family and those that were identical twins were shown to be twice as likely to have fainting problems as opposed to fraternal twins. This is because identical twins come from one fertilized egg (not two like fraternal) so therefore they inherit the same genes. And the risk of fainting with and without environmental triggers was higher for identical twins than fraternal twins. The article summed up saying that although fainting has been proven to be genetic, it is most likely coded by multiple genes and therefore doesn't have a strong genetic component in non-twin relatives. It also recognizes that fainting is not just genetic as it is often brought about by multiple environmental factors.
It was interesting for me to see in this article how what we've been learning about the beginning of life and DNA replication takes effect. That identical twins might share this fainting characteristic because they came from the same fertilized egg because of the DNA replication producing the same genes for each child. It also brought me a new understanding of what it means when people say things like, "heart problems run in the family" that it is not just physical characteristics, diseases, and disorders that are determined by genetics but possibly all kinds of physiological problems.
Admittedly, this study does not seem very revolutionary or dramatic. The science behind it was not particularly technical but it brought about new information nonetheless. Although it may not have drastic effects on the science community, it is still a piece of knowledge scientists have in their back pocket for the future and for further studies. For instance, if a doctor had a patient with frequent fainting they may be able to determine if it is because of genetics or environmental factors and if a twin might suffer the same problems too.
The act of fainting (vasovagal syncope) has always seemed to me to be the human body's reaction to particular physiological or environmental situations. However, according to recent discoveries by the University of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia) in Neurology®, fainting is not necessarily just due to external triggers. Apparently people can have a strong predisposition to having problems with fainting based on genetics. This brings up the debate of nature vs nurture-- for instance, did a child faint due to a trigger like dehydration or does it just run in their blood? The author of this study, Samuel F. Berkovic, studied twins to determine if fainting can be genetic.
In this study of 51 same-sex twins (at least one had fainted before), 57% had a history of fainting in the family and those that were identical twins were shown to be twice as likely to have fainting problems as opposed to fraternal twins. This is because identical twins come from one fertilized egg (not two like fraternal) so therefore they inherit the same genes. And the risk of fainting with and without environmental triggers was higher for identical twins than fraternal twins. The article summed up saying that although fainting has been proven to be genetic, it is most likely coded by multiple genes and therefore doesn't have a strong genetic component in non-twin relatives. It also recognizes that fainting is not just genetic as it is often brought about by multiple environmental factors.
It was interesting for me to see in this article how what we've been learning about the beginning of life and DNA replication takes effect. That identical twins might share this fainting characteristic because they came from the same fertilized egg because of the DNA replication producing the same genes for each child. It also brought me a new understanding of what it means when people say things like, "heart problems run in the family" that it is not just physical characteristics, diseases, and disorders that are determined by genetics but possibly all kinds of physiological problems.
Admittedly, this study does not seem very revolutionary or dramatic. The science behind it was not particularly technical but it brought about new information nonetheless. Although it may not have drastic effects on the science community, it is still a piece of knowledge scientists have in their back pocket for the future and for further studies. For instance, if a doctor had a patient with frequent fainting they may be able to determine if it is because of genetics or environmental factors and if a twin might suffer the same problems too.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Wax Nano-tech "Muscle" Yarn
At University of Texas at Dallas a new revolutionary
material is being developed. A wax filled nanotech yarn is able to lift more
than 100,000 times its weight and acts like a super strong muscle. It is 10,000
times smaller than human hair but can be woven together to form a kind of
muscle fabric. Despite it being called an artificial muscle, this yarn cannot
function in living organisms at its current stage. Given what we have learned
about the human body with cells, this is most likely because it is composed of
candle wax (paraffin) and carbon yarn two materials that can’t function with
human cells.
This article interested me because of the possibilities that can result from its creation. It has the ability to rotate a paddle at 11,500 revolutions per minute and can contract at 25-thousandths of a second. These kinds of capabilities could lead the nano yarn to become a new kind of fan or windmill rotator. Given that it can essentially “move” (contracts or unwinds) with help of heating and cooling, means it may be possible as a source of energy transfer in a windmill or in a factory. At the same time it is strong and could be used as a support system for architectural developments such as bridges. Given they are temperature sensitive (contracting up to 1000 degrees Celsius above melting point of steel), the yarn can be used for temperature regulation situations. This excites me that even though this material is at an early stage, it may one day revolutionize machinery, laboratories, even clothes! Its thermal characteristics allow for the thread to increase in volume and decrease in length providing for possible new temperature controlled apparel. Unfortunately I am still skeptical of this creation.
This is a fairly new discovery (was published in journal Science two days ago) and it makes me think there may be flaws down the road or that it is not as successful as the scientists hope. In fact the article says it operates in high temperature situations but if it must reach a very high temperature or very low temperature to be successful, then it may not be very effective for thermal apparel. Similarly, if it does operate (contract and move) in moderate high and low temperatures it may not be the best material for buildings and bridges, structures that must stay sturdy in all weather. Also, scientists working with this yarn say that they have not completely mastered being able to create large actuators with many yarns working together. Not to mention that the yarn works by being constantly heated and cooled which may ultimately wear it down and cause it to become ineffective very quickly. The article stated the overall potential uses of the yarn and generally how it works/is expected to work but there weren’t many particulars. They didn’t really talk about what might not work with it as these kinds of developments often do have various problems. Although this article has little to do with the biological features that we are learning about in class, it is relatable because it has the potential to change the materials that make up our society. Maybe if it does end up being a successful product, it may be developed
This article interested me because of the possibilities that can result from its creation. It has the ability to rotate a paddle at 11,500 revolutions per minute and can contract at 25-thousandths of a second. These kinds of capabilities could lead the nano yarn to become a new kind of fan or windmill rotator. Given that it can essentially “move” (contracts or unwinds) with help of heating and cooling, means it may be possible as a source of energy transfer in a windmill or in a factory. At the same time it is strong and could be used as a support system for architectural developments such as bridges. Given they are temperature sensitive (contracting up to 1000 degrees Celsius above melting point of steel), the yarn can be used for temperature regulation situations. This excites me that even though this material is at an early stage, it may one day revolutionize machinery, laboratories, even clothes! Its thermal characteristics allow for the thread to increase in volume and decrease in length providing for possible new temperature controlled apparel. Unfortunately I am still skeptical of this creation.
This is a fairly new discovery (was published in journal Science two days ago) and it makes me think there may be flaws down the road or that it is not as successful as the scientists hope. In fact the article says it operates in high temperature situations but if it must reach a very high temperature or very low temperature to be successful, then it may not be very effective for thermal apparel. Similarly, if it does operate (contract and move) in moderate high and low temperatures it may not be the best material for buildings and bridges, structures that must stay sturdy in all weather. Also, scientists working with this yarn say that they have not completely mastered being able to create large actuators with many yarns working together. Not to mention that the yarn works by being constantly heated and cooled which may ultimately wear it down and cause it to become ineffective very quickly. The article stated the overall potential uses of the yarn and generally how it works/is expected to work but there weren’t many particulars. They didn’t really talk about what might not work with it as these kinds of developments often do have various problems. Although this article has little to do with the biological features that we are learning about in class, it is relatable because it has the potential to change the materials that make up our society. Maybe if it does end up being a successful product, it may be developed
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
daily blog 6/7
the first history class we've had in a long time! we discussed the morals and ethics of the business world as well as honest and dishonest graft. People had their opinions (as always) and we spent most of the class debating about what was right and wrong when it comes to how businesses are run. I think there is a fine line between honest and dishonest graft so you have to be careful when accusing someone of being a crook when really their methods are completely fair.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
daily blog 5/31
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol for immigrants that they have they reached the new land and as they arrived at Ellis Island. It certainly meant a lot back then but we talked about if it has a purpose now. At this point it's just there as a symbol I think and a memory of the days when ships came in to the "new land"!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
daily blog 5/26
I am pretty sure that everyone knows what I'm trying to say when I attempt to get a point across in a discussion but it seems that no matter what anyone says, someone else has to shut it down. I admit, I am guilty of doing this to people but it's actually really obnoxious when you're trying to make sense but people won't take you seriously. Like today in our discussion about how worker's rights should be dealt with. It was kind of difficult to understand at first what would really be the best way but soon enough, as usual, people formulated opinions and the class turned into one big argument. Like always. Don't get me wrong, I like to debate but it really does get tiring after a while.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
daily blog 5/25
Westing was all we talked about today. Like, if that is a a good enough way to judge someone's character for accepting people in to certain things (like police academy or something). And also the difference between knowing and understanding which actually don't mean the same thing (which people sometimes confuse). Ultimately, understanding encompasses both meanings because if you understand something, you typically know it.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
daily blog 5/24
Today's class was full of confusing hypothetical situations that got everyone in a fluster and that some people seemed to take to literally. It seems the topic of wages in society and how that system works was a little bit too much for us to grasp. By the end I think most everyone understood what Mr. Boyle was trying to say but it sure took a long time to get there.
Monday, May 23, 2011
daily blog 5/23
In class we talked about Rockefeller and how he made his success to a monoply with the oil business. One of his major steps was selligh stocks which is a good business tactic. We then landed on the topic of the stock market and how it works. It was good to learn that because I feel like I always here about the stock market but I never really knew what it was and the point of it until now.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
daily blog 5/19
We learned the definitions of monoply and oligopoly (besides that the first one is a game). They have to do with their being only one (mono) company in a certain field or multiple (oligo). Some examples of oligopoly are the cereal business; kellogs, general mills, post, etc. As for monopoly, Andrew Carnegie was a good example of that with his steel industry! Throughout the course of his life he improved his business by buying out other companies and incorporating materials to make a cheaper product which in the end, resulted in a monoply.
Monday, May 16, 2011
daily blog 5/16
Again we talked about Andrew Carnegie but rather than focusing on the way the world sees him, we focused more on his opinions. For instance, his views on the wealthy of this day and age (such as Paris Hilton), some of his business tactics, his thoughts on how the rich should use their money, and other opinions of his. All in all it gave me a better idea of who Andrew Carnegie was himself and also I learned some good life lessons like, always let your lawyer take care of it!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
daily blog 5/10
We learned about the positives and negatives of industrialization through a popular children's book, The Lorax. I always got the gist that that story was about all the negatives of factories and major companies and how they ruin nature but I never thought of it showing the positives. Even though that book is for little kids, it really does apply to real life in many ways.
Monday, May 9, 2011
daily blog 5/9
We talked about Thomas Edison and his supposed genius and how it affected society. We did so by reading either Calvin Coolidge's speech or a letter by a 1920's housewife. I had the wife's letter and I found it interesting how much they depended on electricity and how much we do too in this generation. As for thanking Edison for this, I don't think that is completely necessary. He may have sparked a good deal of technology revolution but he didn't invent most of the things that she was thanking him for in her letter. I think he's just a little overrated and I wouldn't necessarily call him a genius.
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