Study Reveals Genetic Path of Modern Britons

Grace Leemputte                                                                                                       03/21/15

Current Event                                                                                                             Biology

Wade, Nicholas. "Study Reveals Genetic Path of Modern Britons." The New York Times. The                               

     New York Times, 18 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Mar. 2015.

The article “Study Reveals Genetic Path of Modern Britons.” discusses how there are only 17 genetic clusters in Britain. Scientists in Britain are now analyzing the DNA of people from Britain to see where they came from. There are some clusters from Orkney Islands, Wales, and 17 other regions. This happened when Romano-British people reproduced with Saxons. More people came to Britain from different areas in Europe which caused these genetic clusters to happen in certain areas. Dr. Donnelly who is one of the main scientists looking at this experiment said “ The study was groundbreaking because it is really the first time that scientists looked in great detail within a country at the pattern of genetic variation.” They studied 2,000 people and then organized them into genetic groups.

This article is an important connection to society because it is a brand new study. If we conduct an experiment like this in the United States we would be able to see all the places people are from and if we have clusters like they do in Britain. This may even be able to help us in medicine because sometimes people are more susceptible to diseases or illnesses depending on their genes. If we can find which groups of people are more susceptible to disease we could find a specialized cure for those people.

This article was very interesting but could sometimes be hard to understand. It seemed like it was skipping around a little bit. It would talk about one thing and then go to another and then come back to the first thing. Overall, I found this article to be very interesting and informative.

Slowdown Of Brain's Waste Removal System Could Drive Alzheimer's

Maryasa Krivitskaya 3/20/15

Biology

Hawkes, Cheryl. "Slowdown Of Brain's Waste Removal System Could Drive Alzheimer's."    

IFLScience. N.p., 20 Mar. 2015. Web. 20 Mar. 2015.

Alzheimer’s has been classified as a disease for more than a century. Since then, scientists have tried to find a cure for this disease, but unfortunately they have only been able to delay some of its effects, such as memory loss. This article discusses some of the possible reasons why finding a cure for the Alzheimer’s disease is so difficult. The brain is surrounded by a blood- brain barrier which is in charge of what goes in and out of the brain. When the brain is younger, the blood-brain barrier is tighter and therefore works better. As the brain gets older, the brain barrier works slower and the  β-amyloid, which is quickly removed from from a young brain, can sometimes build up as the brain ages. The collection of  the  β-amyloid in the brain is one of the causes of Alzheimers. Drugs, which can help cure some diseases can’t help to cure Alzheimers. This is because the blood-brain barrier is tight enough not to keep out the drugs from entering the brain. One way this problem can be resolved is by attaching the dug to a substance which the brain accepts, like glucose. As well identifying this disease at an early stage may help as well. New advances in technology, such as an MRI help identify the disease in and allow the patient to go into treatment as early as possible.

The search for a  cure for Alzheimer’s is extremely important for the human race. Alzheimers is the kind of disease which not only provides physical damage to its victim, but also emocional. Imagine not being able to remember any events of your life or not being able to recognise your own children. Many families suffer emotionally when a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimers. Finding a cure for this disease will decrease the amount of deaths and as well it might help find answers to other existing diseases.

This article clearly explains how Alzheimer's disease is caused and can be easily understood. The article also provides a diagram which shows the parts of a capillary. At the same time it would be more helpful if the article gave some numbers such as the percentage of people who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; as well the age which they are diagnosed with the disease. This would help strengthen the point that Alzheimer's disease is more likely found in older people.

"Unsung" Scientist Hero: Alfred Wallace

Ben Grieco

Biology 3rd Quarter Current Event

3/19/15

“Unsung” Scientist Hero: Alfred Wallace

Alfred Wallace made huge advancements in the field of biology, yet he isn’t nearly as famous as other scientists in the world, as he hasn’t received close to the amount of attention and credit he deserves for his achievements in science. Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist who was best known for the co-discovery of natural selection and pioneering work on biogeography.

Alfred Wallace was born in Wales in 1923. When he was young, his parents had financial troubles, so they struggled to pay for his education. As a result, he was taken out of school at only 14 years old. After being withdrawn from the school, Wallace became an apprentice surveyor to his older brother, William. But, as his older brother’s business declined due to economic troubles, Wallace left that job. After being unemployed for a brief amount of time, Wallace was hired to work at a collegiate school in Leicester as a professor. At the college, Wallace taught drawing, mapmaking, and surveying. Following his job at the college, Wallace, with his younger brother John, started an architecture and civil engineering firm.

Wallace’s most important work was initiated when he began his real career as a traveling naturalist. When he started traveling, Wallace had already believed in the transmutation of species, which is the term to describe the idea for the altering of one species into another. The transmutation of species was advocated by many scientists, but since it was considered a radical idea, it was also criticized by many more experts. This idea was important because it preceded Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection. In his travels, Wallace came to the conclusion that every species has come into existence coincident both in space and time with a close allied species. Later in his life, Wallace wrote the book Darwinism, which explained natural selection, and defended his and Charles Darwin’s ideas.

Also, Wallace contributed to the science fields of biogeography and ecology, and put in plenty of effort to help cure many environmental problems, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and invasive species.

Unfortunately, Wallace died in 1913, at 90 years old. He was one of many under appreciated scientists who never received the proper recognition for their work.

Biology Current Event

Christina Brumbaugh

Zimmer, Carl. "Studying Oversize Brain Cells for Links to Exceptional Memory." The New York Times. The New York Times, 12 Feb. 2015. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.

A study involving eighty-year olds sparked new research concepts for the anatomy of the brain. Known as “SuperAgers,” these senior citizens received amazing results on memory tests given to them by a Northwestern graduate, Dr. Gefen. Their scores were equivalent to those of the average fifty year old’s, if not better. With their consent to donate their brains to medical research post-mortem, Dr. Gefen has had the opportunity to observe the inner workings of their brains “in life and death.” An abundance of von Economo neurons and a thick band of neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex were present according to a high-resolution CAT scan. The SuperAgers had five times as many of them as the average individual. Researchers have been trying to identify the purpose of these spindle-shaped “oversized brain cells.” John M. Allman of CalTech, for example, believes that they provide “long distance transmission of nerve impulses,” which aid the functioning of the frontal lobe. There is uncertainty as to how the von Economo neurons form to begin with, but scientists are developing numerous tests today to learn more. New knowledge could provide life-changing cures to some of today’s most common brain diseases.

Statistics from the article show how a lack of von Economo neurons are detrimental to the functioning of the human brain. Because alcoholics have sixty percent fewer neurons than the average person, their memories may perform poorly earlier in life. Learning more about these oversized brain cells may not only confirm their purpose but also help to treat or maybe cure brain deterioration. The more information gathered, the more of a chance there is to prolong the lives and to stop the destruction of these apparently beneficial cells. To speed up the process of discovering more about their role and how they form would only facilitate this process. As embryonic stem cells are capable of forming any type of cell in the human body, a possible solution could be using these versatile cells to form more von Economo neurons to bring back declining memories.

Throughout the article, the author used much scientific vocabulary to explain the research he presented. His choice of facts were well-used, serving to inform the reader of necessary evidence to better their comprehension. However, to open this article to a wider audience, these terms could have been better defined or eliminated. The author was successful in keeping the reader’s interest by consistently making connections to the bigger picture, such as talking about a possible cure for Alzheimer’s disease. He also was able to gather statistics from prestigious figures to heighten the significance of his claims.

Rosalind Franklin

Sarah Wagner                                                                                                                       3/4/15

Bio                 

Rosalind Franklin

        Rosalind Franklin. (2015). The Biography.com website. Retrieved 05:56, Mar 02, 2015, from http://www.biography.com/people/rosalind-franklin-9301344.

There are many famous names in science. Mendel, Newton, Curie and Einstein, are all names that easily recognized by most people. However, there are many other names, much less well known, that have made great contributions to the world of science but received little fanfare for doing so. Rosalind Franklin is one of these scientists.

            Franklin was born in England on July 25, 1920. She attended St Paul's Girls' School and she did exceedingly well in both academics and athletics. She graduated at age 18 and went on to study at the Natural Sciences Tripos at Newnham College in Cambridge. After graduating in 1941, Franklin earned a research fellowship and she joined the University of Cambridge physical chemistry laboratory under Ronald George Wreyford Norrish. She earned her PhD in 1945 and eventually went on to become a researcher at King’s College in London in 1951. It was at King’s College that her most notable work began.

             During her time at King’s College, Franklin discovered that she could use X-rays to create the diffracted images of DNA This technique led to the discovery of the DNA double helix. Most people believe that James Watson and Francis Crick are solely responsible for the discovery of the double helix, however this is simply untrue. Watson himself admitted that without Rosalind Franklin’s research and data, it would have been nearly impossible to confirm the structure of DNA. Unpublished drafts of her papers (written are proof that she had independently determined the overall B-form of the DNA helix and the location of the phosphate groups on the outside of the structure. It was a report of Franklin's that convinced Crick and Watson that the backbones of the structure had to be on the outside.

            Sadly, Franklin was diagnosed with cancer in 1956. Yet instead of feeling sad or sorry for herself, Franklin pushed ahead and continued working as best she could. She continued her research at King’s College, but eventually lost her battle with cancer in April of 1958. Franklin was never recognized for her work while she was alive. Mainly for the simple fact that she was a female. At the time, females were not considered equal to their male counterparts in the scientific world. Even after the structure of DNA was proven and Watson and Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work in 1962, Franklin received no formal recognition for her work, not even posthumously.

            Without a doubt, for every well-known scientific hero, there is one who is far less well known, if at all. Rosalind Franklin is, sadly, one of these “unsung heroes” who was disenfranchised simply because she was a woman. Hopefully, one day, her name will take its rightful place among the giants of science.

           

Matthew Bato

3/1/15

Biology C Odd/Mrs. McClellan

Fink, Sheri. "Nearly Halted in Sierra Leone, Ebola Makes Comeback by Sea."The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 Feb. 2015. Web. 01 Mar. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/world/africa/nearly-beaten-in-sierra-leone-ebola-makes-a-comeback-by-sea.html?ref=science>.

We have unfinished business with the Ebola crisis. Nearly Halted in Sierra Leone, Ebola Makes Comeback by Sea, is an article in the New York Times about a new Ebola outbreak that has landed in Sierra Leone. After the first outbreak of Ebola that made news headlines around the world, the Ebola virus has been simmering down rapidly. Now in Sierra Leone the president lifted travel restrictions, schools were to reopen, and news from local politicians say that no new infection reports have been made however Ebola has washed up on the shore of Sierra Leone. On early February two boats carrying three sick fisherman landed on the shore of Sierra Leone near some of the fanciest hotels housing public health workers. A two week trip was cut short because the captain was vomiting according to Mohamed Bangura, a crew member of one boat. About 60 to 80 new cases have been reported since the late of February. Nevertheless, according to Dr. Pierre Rollin, an infectious disease expert with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, “I doubt it will stop just suddenly” but that doesn’t mean a cure is impossible. The Vice President of Sierra Leone has taken matters into his own hands after one of his security officers contracted and died from Ebola. He has placed himself under quarantine just to make sure he himself hasn’t been in contact with the disease. Now new reports of people such as other fishermen and boat cleaners have been in contact with Ebola but other seamen were delayed in reporting that they may be infected. Some dozen or more residence in the quarantine area have been trying to escape at night because they claim that they felt cooped up and the food did not always arrive. According to many doctors the fight for a cure is far from over but they will do everything in their power to create one.

The importance for this article is knowing what is happening around the world. Nevertheless the Ebola virus has taken a huge toll on the lives of many. People around the world need to understand the severity of the epidemic. We all need to realize if we do not find a solution fast for this this can become a worldwide problem. A lot of the people living in sierra Leone need to know  that when they run from the quarantine they are putting many people in harms way.

The article was well written by the author, she put information that was somewhat 

complicated but easy enough to understand. There really isn’t enough criticism to be 

said about this article. I believe that all the information that was written had enough 

evidence to supported it. This article is a very credible source because it was taken 

from the New York Times.

Nearly Halted in Sierra Leone, Ebola Makes Comeback by Sea

Allegra Alfano Biology

Current Event 2/28/15

Fink, Sheri. "Nearly Halted in Sierra Leone, Ebola Makes Comeback by Sea." The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 Feb. 2015. Web. 28 Feb. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/world/africa/nearly-beaten-in-sierra-leone-ebola-makes-a-comeback-by-sea.html?ref=science&_r=0>.

Nearly Halted in Sierra Leone, Ebola Makes Comeback by Sea by Sheri Fink is about the new resurgence of Ebola in Sierra Leone. The original outbreak of Ebola in Africa seemed to simmering down, and many restrictions on travel were being lifted, and children were returning to school. In February Ebola came back, this time from fishermen. After the number of newly infected people went down sharply, people thought that Ebola might be going away. Many other diseases like measles, and polio have had resurgences after doctors and scientists thought they had been eradicated. Dr. William Foege believes that there are still many more surprises that Ebola has in store. Even the president of Sierra Leone, Samuel Sam-Sumana,  has put himself under quarantine after one of his guards caught the disease. The fishermen landed at the Tamba Kula wharf in Freetown. Tamba Kula is a settlement that is made mostly of metal, and wood shanties. Two dozen people in Tamba Kula have contracted Ebola. They have all been workers in the fishing industry: fishermen, deck hands, and people who sell the fish. Three possible reasons for the spread of Ebola in the wharfs are; shared toilets, delayed reporting of contraction of Ebola, and the fact that many fishermen that might of had Ebola just went out to sea when quarantines were being put in place. Many families are also hiding their sick relatives, and when people are caught with Ebola they often try to run. In February, Abass Koroma, a man from Tamba Kula, lost his wife to Ebola and when he started to get sick he took a taxi to his hometown and ended up infected up to 42 people in his community. Although not in the news Ebola is still a major problem in Western Africa.

The Ebola outbreak has a huge impact on people’s lives in West Africa. The governments in Africa are not equipped to handle a disease like this, which makes it very easy to spread. If Ebola was in a developed country it would have been eradicated and would not be a problem anymore. Since, people in Sierra Leone have not been cooperative with their government by not obeying travel restrictions and quarantine rules, the effects of Ebola are greater. In order to get rid of Ebola for good the people who get it have to go to a hospital and limit contact with humans. The fact that fishermen who knew they might have Ebola went out on their ships and then contaminated many other people shows that the people who have Ebola are not taking it as seriously as it should be taken.

The article is well written and easy to understand. You do not need to have much prior knowledge to know what the author is talking about. The source, The New York Times,  is credible and reliable. It was interesting to see how the Ebola outbreak has progress because news stations have stopped talking about it on their programs. It shocks me that even though the people in Sierra Leone know very well what Ebola does to a person, they do not think about what the right thing to do is when they contract it.