Thursday, September 29, 2011
Critical reviews: Stem cells
Article link: http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.com/articles/winter01/stem_cell.html
Stem cells are cells that can reprogram and reproduce themselves such that they develop into various other types of specialised cells. These cells can be taken out of an adult's body and later replanted into any other part of the body which requires new cells. They have the ability to replace cells that a body may have lost due to diseases and injuries. This form of treatment is very promising as the stem cells, being taken from the same body, holds a very small chance of rejection. Hence, if this form of treatment becomes widely available in the future, the medical industry will be revolutionised.
After reading the article, my thoughts were that there would be many prospects for this kind of treatment if it becomes possible. People could potentially regrow lost limbs, and recover from degenerative diseases and so on. This discovery represents a great leap forward in the area of medical treatment, as we can cure numerous diseases with that sort of technology. However, stem cells are rare, and hard to extract with our current technology standards, according to the article. Nonetheless, this is still very valuable information, and with some luck, before long this type of technology will become possible.
Stem cells are cells that can reprogram and reproduce themselves such that they develop into various other types of specialised cells. These cells can be taken out of an adult's body and later replanted into any other part of the body which requires new cells. They have the ability to replace cells that a body may have lost due to diseases and injuries. This form of treatment is very promising as the stem cells, being taken from the same body, holds a very small chance of rejection. Hence, if this form of treatment becomes widely available in the future, the medical industry will be revolutionised.
After reading the article, my thoughts were that there would be many prospects for this kind of treatment if it becomes possible. People could potentially regrow lost limbs, and recover from degenerative diseases and so on. This discovery represents a great leap forward in the area of medical treatment, as we can cure numerous diseases with that sort of technology. However, stem cells are rare, and hard to extract with our current technology standards, according to the article. Nonetheless, this is still very valuable information, and with some luck, before long this type of technology will become possible.
Most memorable lab session
The most enjoyable lab session I had this year was the lens one, where we had to focus the image through the window onto a screen. It was pretty amazing seeing how the image could be projected onto the screen, and watching the image sharpen and focus. Through this lab session, I learnt about the different images produced when they are more or less than the focal length of the lens, as well as how to draw a proper ray diagram.
Trip to MacRitchie Reservoir Park
In the second term, we went on a learning excursion to MacRitchie Reservoir, to learn about the ecosystem there. We started at the amenities centre, where we waited for a few classmates. When they arrived, we set off at once, taking the Prunus trail. Ms Ting, our replacement teacher for a term, led us through the trail.
At the first location we reached, we looked around and observed the surrounding scenery, ticking down what we could observe; the reservoir, the forest reserve, the bandstand, the dam, fishing areas, kayak lanes and the amenities centre. Since the second location was currently under construction, we headed for the third location.
There, we observed and checked the water quality. There was almost no debris and smell in the water, with a clear colour and 0 turbidity. The temperature of the water was 25 degrees, and the ph level was 6.35, which is healthy.
Next was the kayak platform, where we met some of our classmates (in canoeing cca) There, we also observed various trees and plants that were present in MacRitchie Reservoir. We also walked a little bit into the forest fringe. Unfortunately, we did not observe any monkeys. On the way back, we observed the various fishes present in the reservoir.
Our last stop was the reservoir deck, where we were shown about some methods and ways that water was saved in MacRitchie, like a pipe leading from the car park where rainwater would enter, to the planter box with filter media. In addition, we also learnt about filtration, and attempted to spot the gully trap that was present at the reservoir deck.
The day ended off with Ms Ting treating us to free ice cream in the cafe nearby :D. I feel that this was a really educational trip, as I could get the chance to learn outdoors, instead of just sitting in the same old boring classroom everyday. This was also a rare chance for me to get to see animals in their habitats, as I rarely go outdoors(excluding school). I also learnt a lot through this excursion, about sustainable water, habitats, checking water quality, and the water management facilities found in MacRitchie. For example, when it rains, the runoff water collects in the reservoir. The dam barricades the water in, while the spillway is a section of the dam that controls flooding in rainy seasons. The draw-off tower draws water to the pumping station, where the water treatment plant treats the water. The water will then be distributed to homes, public buildings and industries for usage.
At the first location we reached, we looked around and observed the surrounding scenery, ticking down what we could observe; the reservoir, the forest reserve, the bandstand, the dam, fishing areas, kayak lanes and the amenities centre. Since the second location was currently under construction, we headed for the third location.
There, we observed and checked the water quality. There was almost no debris and smell in the water, with a clear colour and 0 turbidity. The temperature of the water was 25 degrees, and the ph level was 6.35, which is healthy.
Next was the kayak platform, where we met some of our classmates (in canoeing cca) There, we also observed various trees and plants that were present in MacRitchie Reservoir. We also walked a little bit into the forest fringe. Unfortunately, we did not observe any monkeys. On the way back, we observed the various fishes present in the reservoir.
Our last stop was the reservoir deck, where we were shown about some methods and ways that water was saved in MacRitchie, like a pipe leading from the car park where rainwater would enter, to the planter box with filter media. In addition, we also learnt about filtration, and attempted to spot the gully trap that was present at the reservoir deck.
The day ended off with Ms Ting treating us to free ice cream in the cafe nearby :D. I feel that this was a really educational trip, as I could get the chance to learn outdoors, instead of just sitting in the same old boring classroom everyday. This was also a rare chance for me to get to see animals in their habitats, as I rarely go outdoors(excluding school). I also learnt a lot through this excursion, about sustainable water, habitats, checking water quality, and the water management facilities found in MacRitchie. For example, when it rains, the runoff water collects in the reservoir. The dam barricades the water in, while the spillway is a section of the dam that controls flooding in rainy seasons. The draw-off tower draws water to the pumping station, where the water treatment plant treats the water. The water will then be distributed to homes, public buildings and industries for usage.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Homeostasis
http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/endocrine/adam-200092.htm
Do you know what the difference between cold and warm blooded animals? Well, warm blooded animals can keep their body temperature at a constant temperature, cooling their body in hot surroundings and warming their bodies in cold surroundings, whereas for cold blooded animals, their body temperature changes with the surroundings. It is general knowledge. But there is more to that than just keeping their body temperature constant.
Homoeostasis is the maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment like body temperature, blood and tissue fluid. It is amazing to see how the human body can adapt itself, to adjust and prevent change in our bodies.
Do you know what the difference between cold and warm blooded animals? Well, warm blooded animals can keep their body temperature at a constant temperature, cooling their body in hot surroundings and warming their bodies in cold surroundings, whereas for cold blooded animals, their body temperature changes with the surroundings. It is general knowledge. But there is more to that than just keeping their body temperature constant.
Homoeostasis is the maintenance of a relatively constant internal environment like body temperature, blood and tissue fluid. It is amazing to see how the human body can adapt itself, to adjust and prevent change in our bodies.
Ethics and Qualities of Good Scientists
Code of Ethics for Scientists
Research shall be so directed that its applications and other consequences do not cause significant ecological damage.Research shall be so directed that its consequences do not render it more difficult for present and future generations to lead a secure existence. Scientific efforts shall therefore not aim at applications or skills for use in war or oppression. Nor shall research be so directed that its consequences conflict with basic human rights as expressed in international agreements on civic, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
The scientist has a special responsibility to assess carefully the consequences of his/her research, and to make them public.
Scientists who form the judgement that the research which they are conducting or participating in is in conflict with this code, shall discontinue such research, and publicly state the reasons for their judgement. Such judgements shall take into consideration both the probability and the gravity of the negative consequences involved.
Five qualities required to be a Scientist
Raw brain powerDedication to finish long-term projects
Communication skills (writing, speaking)
Curiosity
Attention to detail
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