Friday. Dec 14

1. This week I learned that end of course exams are totally stupid. I've also learned about the heart, the anatomy and physiology. Learning about what's going to be on our finals next week was the majority of what I learned during this stressful week.
2. I've completed my Frankenstein essay, and also the majority of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Not to mention the anatomy test on Monday, which I did surprisingly well on. Completing some reviews..actually a lot of reviews were also completed during the course of pre-finals.
3. I plan on finishing this rigorous semester with doing well on these upcoming tests...and of course more reviews. And STUDYING! Ahhh. Which kind of makes me sad because this is the last Friday blog I'll ever write :( I think we are all going to miss this class! (minus the coursework)

https://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/fro12bwa/2012/11/21/post-3-baruch-life/studying-watercolor1/

Friday Dec. 7

1. This week I completed the edocrine and reproductive systems! Props to us for finishing two chapters in one week... I also finshed the outline for my Frankenstein essay. AND ended yet another chapter in Pre-calculus with a bang (exam). On top of all this, I also studied like crazy for the ACT. You could say it was a productive...stressful week!
2. This upcoming week, I plan on officially ending chapters 9 and 16 with preparing for a test on Monday. Also preparing for the next section ahead in this class as well as Pre-calculus. I also plan on finishing my essay, and reading a few chapters of our most recent novel in English, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Exciting stuff. ALSO preparing for a chemistry and English 3 end of course exam (I will not get into my opinion for these...).
3. I learned about net ionic equations and how to calculate molarity in chemisrty. I also learned about the graphic, painful process of delivering a child (never having kids). Also the anatomy of the different parts of males and females! Fun stuff.


http://www.amazon.com/The-Real-ACT-Prep-Guide/dp/B005SN50C2




http://www.chop.edu/healthinfo/overview-of-labor.html

Stress.

Junior year, in my opinion, could definitely be considered the most stressful year in high school. Tests that decide your future, rigorous schedules, and narrowing down some college decisions. Especially in society today, stress can be harmful, even deadly! According to the video we watched today, 40,000 heart attacks were recorded to have been triggered by stress. Once again.... mind blown.

Short term stress can actually help you be more efficient and productive... but to a point.  

Long term stress can cause build up in arteries, causing cardiovascular problems. The body's natural healing process is also affected by long term stress and can also cause a weak immune system. Along with being prone to sickness and risks of heart attacks, stress can cause ulcers, colitis, and problems with the reproductive system. 

So you have stress... and now even more stressed thinking about these dangerous affects. DON'T FEAR. There are multiple ways to deal:

-yoga

-meditation

-deep breathing

- focusing on certain sounds

-more sleep 

My stress reduction method involved deep breaths and stretching. This works for me because oxygen flow to the brain automatically relieves stress and clears your mind. And stretching literally makes my body feel more relaxed. The two combined would be considered yoga I guess which is ideal, and would do more often if I had the time! So breathing and stretching will be my relievers during finals. Bring it. 

Different stretching positions that can help reduce stress.

http://yogabellystudio.com/blog/?p=465

Friday. Nov. 30

1. Well I'm a little late this week because I was in Alberquerque for a cheerleading competition....we took FIRST PLACE :) I'm still quite excited about that so that was probably my biggest accomplishment this week. Along with finishing up the outline for my Frankenstein essay, and studying for that nervous system test  as well as the ACT (which took up most of my time...besides practice)!
2. I learned A LOT about the brain and nervous system in not much time. I've also learned a few test taking tips for the ACT, which I am taking Dec. 8... omg.
3. I plan on really focusing on getting all the notes and work done for this class involving this next section, chapters 9&16 I believe. Considering we have a test on FRIDAY. I also plan on getting more practice ACT tests done, and completing my Frankenstein essay. You could say I have a busy week ahead of me. Good thing we are learning how to reduce stress....

look familiar? 

http://www.intenseintestines.org/2012/01/coping-with-stress-with-an-ibd/

Friday. Nov. 23

1. Well we had two days this week...I suppose I accomplished a lot. On Monday we made a play-doh brain which was surprisngly difficult, but helped to understand the basic anatomy of the brain. But on Tuesday we actually dissected a real brain (well, a sheep brain. but still super cool). I also helped run the talent show and took a test in pre-calculus (officially ending another chapter woo!).
2. I learned what a pons was this week. And a corpus callosum. :)
3. I plan on eating some leftovers, sleeping, and learning more about the brain this week. WOO. Oh and i guess I should read more of Frankenstein.

The cerebellum and the pons are my favorite.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pons

Brain.

So, what does the brain do? There really is no simple answer. But why? Well think about it. There is no one function of the brain; there's many. It does so much it's difficult to grasp. It's complex. it's unique, it's... mysterious. Because even scientists don't know everything about it yet. Information about this complex organ is learned mainly through research of things gone wrong. That sounds strange. However knowing what's malfunctioning in the brain (resulting in diseases), helps understand normal functions. Most people conceive the brain as the "nucleus". In other words most people know that brain as the control center of the body. Perfect gray and white matter that's in charge of everything little thing you do. From blinking to running to talking to learning. It's mind blowing. 

The neurologist in the TED video intimately describes her stroke as an unreal experience. She describes it as an insight to the functions and great control of conscious. A blood clot in her brain results in a stroke that took eight years to recover from. One unexpected blood clot one unexpected morning. One abnormality in one part of the brain effects her perception, information processing, conscious, and more. Well what is actually going on in her brain is probably too complicated for non-neurologists to understand, so she describes in a way that people can connect to emotionally. An surreal experiences that makes everyone look around, and appreciate the complexities of the brain and life in general.  Once again, mind blowing.



http://www.healthcentral.com/ibd/h/stomach-hemorrhage.html


To help understand this mysterious and complex extremities of the thing that controls every movement and thought you make, this is a link to a video of "3 clues to help understand your brain". The neurologist speaking you are familiar with... He is my idol.... Dr. Ramachandran! A slight overview of the video describing diseases we watched.

Friday. Nov. 16

1. So what did I accomplish this week? Well first off, I started to read Frankenstein more intensive and actually get into it a little. I also completed the 3rd chapter in Pre-calc which I will officially finish Tuesday with a test. I also accomplished in introduction to THE BRAIN/nervous system by wacthing a couple very interesting movies and an online lab.
2. I actually learned a lot this week, especially in anatomy. The most interesting things I've learned of course have to do with the brain and what all can go wrong. Diseases such as Phantom limb, blind sight, capgras, and temporal lobe seizures seriously intrigue me. I learned that the brain is such an abstract organ that scientists learn more about it by the things that go wrong inside. I also learned how to dissect a leech.....which will come in handy one day I'm sure. And more importantly  I learned about neurons and how response to stimuli can identify the type of neuron!
3. I plan on learning a lot more about the interesting depths of the brain and all the anatomy and physiology and all that good stuff involved. And also I will learn to dissect the brain! Exciting stuff this week. Hopefully I can handle it.


Soon!
http://brainu.org/sheep-brain-dissection

Leech.

The objective of this Neurophysiology Lab on HHMI: was to record electrical activities of neurons while delivering mechanical stimulus, inject fluorescent dyes to neurons for visualization of morphology, and identify neurons based on morphology and response to stimuli. This objective was met by first dissecting the leech all the way to the sinus. After carefully opening the sinus, I located a cell with the electrode and observed the response on the oscilloscope. I then recorded the responses of the cell to a feather stimulus (light), a probe stimulus (medium) and forceps stimulus (high). The last step was to inject dye into the cell so the inside could be visible under UV light. The last objective was met after I was able to identify the type of cell by the response to stimuli and the morphology.

The results you ask? WELL after testing a number of different cells in the sinus, a conclusion could be made. The conclusion you ask? WELL not all cells responded the same to the different stimuli. Therefore, there are different types of neurons in the sinus. There are different types neurons because they all have different functions.

The point of this lab was basically to introduce the nervous system and learn a little bit about the neurons. (and eventually the brain.. woo!)




http://scientopia.org/blogs/scicurious/2011/05/04/science-101-the-neuron/



Just for fun: What else do they use leeches for? Click the picture for more info!

Cockroach.

First off, I want to say that this is completely mind blowing. A remote control cockroach? I mean you're asking us to discuss the pros and cons of "mind control", but the concept is so crazy to wrap your head around, it's hard to say if it's ultimately a good thing or a bad thing. However I will attempt to organize my thoughts.

Pros                                                                                                                     Cons

-Cure to the paralyzed?                                                                             -MIND CONTROL

-Breakthrough to amputees, or anyone                                                    - Very controversial

born with a disability                                                                                 - Unethical?                    

                                                                                                             -More and more secrets 

                                                                                                            of scientific breakthroughs

                                                                                                          (danger of knowledge) 

Now the question is: do the results outweigh the means? If you think about it, a lot of critical or important knowledge was discovered through what some consider unethical practices. Does this mean the controversial way some information was discovered was "okay" because the outcome was beneficial? I think the opinion depends on the person and their views and beliefs. However, our generation is at the point where research on different information is only attainable through different ways. For example, this relates to stem cell research. The concept is unreal and very beneficial, but has the potential to be very dangerous. Thus making the topic very controversial. Cure to the paralyzed... or mind control? A breakthrough for science and evil minds. This could eventually lead to secrets being kept from society because they can consider information to be "to dangerous for knowledge". Is secret keeping only going to get worse as new discoveries progress? 

If scientists can create a way to keep breakthrough information only for good intentions in science, the world will be changed.

      or         

http://www.generationbubble.com/2009/08/14/confidence-games-keynes-and-the-casino-economy/

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-08-12/local/17904860_1_van-crash-spinal-cord-injury-paralyzed

Friday. Nov. 9

1. So this week was very hectic, but somehow I managed to complete the balancing chemical reactions chapter in chemistry with acing test. Finishing my Macbeth essay in English, AND complete the rigorous muscle system ended with the dreaded test.
2. Learning...I did learn this week. I learned the sliding filament theory in detail, MH disease, and how exactly the feeling of "soreness" is created. I also learned how, and all the rules involved in, balancing equations. FUN. Not to mention all the fun facts involved in the physiology of generating ATP for contraction.
3. I plan to learn more about the book we are reading in English, Frankenstein. I also plan to learn a little bit about our next system: the nervous system! (I believe). I really can't wait to learn about the brain and all it's intriguing functions and anatomy. The brain fascinates me :) So yes you can say I am excited for the nervous system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain

Click to learn more about this book if you are interested...

http://www.amazon.com/Frankenstein-Dover-Thrift-Editions-Shelley/dp/0486282112

Friday. Nov 2.

1. This week I completed a classification chemical reaction lab in chemistry, all the notes for chapter 6, and also the outline for my Macbeth essay in English! So I guess you could say it was a productive week :)
2. I've learned the anatomy and some physiology of how the muscles move and contract. ALSO that Armstrong was just naturally born with perfectly engineered muscles... efficient ATP use and low lactic acid build up. I had no idea some one could just born as the perfect athlete! Seriously though. I love when we watch those interesting movies in class though.... just saying.
3. This week I plan to focus on understanding the physiology of muscle contraction and finishing "The Book".  Study group for sure. Also to finish the rough draft of my Macbeth essay. AND TO BEAT CRUCES ON FRIDAY!

Inside look of a sacromere showing the protiens myosin and actin involved in contraction.

Anti-dawg day is on Thursday...

citations

http://click4biology.info/c4b/11/hum11.2.htm

http://www.mobiletopsoft.com/blackberry/download-anti-dog-whistler.html

Skeletal muscle.

In reality, no one really knows how complicated the process of simply moving your arm up and down. Garenteed anybody's first time learning about the anatomy of our muscles and the microscopic structures will be mind blown. Imagine we are in the "Magic School Bus" (I always do), and we are in any skeletal muscle in your body. We "ride" from the bone to the tendon (made of epi-, peri- and endomysiums). Then we suddenly come across a new surface: a little less strong. The epimysium! Feeling adventurous, we venture deeper into the muscle. We come across the perimysium, the connective tissue that surrounds the fascicles. Deeper, we enter a fascicle (bundle of muscle fibers). The last of the mysiums, endomysium, surrounds each muscle fiber. In each muscle fiber, the myofibrils contain sacromeres. We are traveling to see the infamous actin and myosin in action! Entering the sacromere, we see layers and layers and layers of what we know as the thick and thin filaments. Specially designed to overlap, the thick filaments (myosin) bind to the thin (actin) and "slide" all the actin simultaneously, creating CONTRACTION!

After we leave the body, we notice the skeletal muscle contains all the mysiums (epi-,peri- and endo-). Why? After seeing how much work a simple movement takes, we realize that the muscle is responsible for movement of an entire bone! SOO therefore, the muscle needs to have all three mysiums for strength to make movement possible without tearing. Yeah. Our body is amazing.

Blast from the past.

Rap about muscles! Its not bad haha.

citations

http://blog.scienceinsociety.northwestern.edu/tag/the-magic-school-bus/
http://www.infobarrel.com/Media/Microscopic_Anatomy_of_Upper_Arm_Muscles

Friday. (oct.26)

1. So this past week I have completed chapter 2 in pre calculus, became more familiar with the gross anatomy of the muscles, and the play Macbeth in English!
2. This week I've learned that you only use 1/3 of your muscle fibers, bone is stronger than concrete, and that it is possible to actually rip muscle from your bone! The video we watched in class informed us that in times of crisis or life threatening situations, our brain actually triggers super human powers/strength that we didn't even know we had! What we know as adrenaline rushes is actually a biochemical reaction in glands just above the kidneys, and it can provide us with Olympic speed running and unrealistic strength. I've learned that our body is pretty much amazing!
3. This week I plan to learn more about insertion, origin, and action of our amazing muscles. I also plan to work more on "the book" and to real my actual book. :)

location of the biochemical reaction that causes adrenaline rushes...

we all have the potentual to run like Usain Bolt! 

citations

http://www.enstarz.com/articles/5207/20120811/mens-4x100m-relay-video-usain-bolt-says-its-been-amazing-of-london-2012-olympics-watch-race.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenal_gland

Literacy.

Sooo yes, my book is pretty much everything I'd hoped it would be (not to brag or anything). However I can't seem to find motivation to make time to read it. When I start to read it, I can get into pretty easy. It's the starting to read is what's hard! BUT besides the point. I have learned that America is actually prepared for a biological weapon attack. I have also learned how the very first vaccines were experimented with!
insight: Smallpox was such a big threat to the human population, that now they is only TWO places it is held in containment: one locked freezer in Russia and on in America. Not only are they locked, but there is a decoy freezer in case someone tries to steal the virus! Crazy right? (HENCE THE NAME "DEMON IN THE FREEZER" LOL) This book is obviously teaching me some history as well as science. I like the science part better though, of course :) I am about half way done with Richard Preston's novel, and more than likely going to learn more about the history of the biological threat to the human race in 1979. WOO!

map of smallpox in the 1900s

picture of a case of smallpox from CDC files

True story! click below

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/smallpox/en/

citations

http://www.ussartf.org/terrorism.htm

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879625712000314

Friday.(oct.19)

Friday. October 19, 2012

1. Recently, I have completed learning the anatomy and physiology of the skeletal system (woo!). I have also just completed chapter 6 in pre-calculus.
2. I have learned how to name covalent and ionic compounds, that one muscle cell can be as long as your thigh!, that we shrink during the day, and that you can train your lungs to hold a higher capacity of air.
3. I plan to begin to get more into the muscle system, learning and memorizing the gross anatomy first and to get started on "the book" (packets for this section). I also plan on reading and watching more of Shakespeare's Macbeth in English. YAY.

Brief view of what I'm expected to know. 

citations

http://www.medicalook.com/human_anatomy/systems/Muscular_system.html

Egil.

Fact or fiction?

When I first read this article I questioned if it was even real haha. But really, this story is mind blowing. MIND BLOWING. The picture above shows the priest about to crack Egil's skull in half to examine the exact thickness. Little did he know that the 150 year old skull would withstand the blow. How is this even possible? Egil the viking suffered from Paget's disease. This is a chronic disorder that results in englarged and misshaped bones. To be simple, the remodeling of bone is disturbed, not synchronized. Excessive bone growth causes bone pain, deformity  fracture, and arthitis... poor Egil :( Ultimately, the excessive bone growth is due to the osteoblasts in the bones creating an uncontrolled amount of osetocytes due to lack of osteoclasts. The cause of Paget's disease is unknown, but have recently discovered that the seqeustrome on chromosome 5 may be associated and that virus may be necessary to trigger this disease. Another fun fact: Paget's disease is common in approximately only 1% of the American population! This is my guess as to why there is little research and information on this chronic disorder. BUT for more information, click here ---> http://www.medicinenet.com/pagets_disease/article.htm

Portrait by Quentin Matsys of a duchess suffering from Pagets... 

Poor lady :(

citations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paget's_disease_of_bone

http://www.flickr.com/photos/valkyr/4662811955/

Skeletal.

Two systems... Similar functions.

Both the skeletal system and integumentary system share the function of protection. The skeletal system, for example, includes the thoracic cage which protects internal organs, the skull which protects the brain, and also the pelvic girdle which protects the pelvis. So what about the skin you ask? WELL one of the integumentay system's main function is actually protection. The skin is the physical, chemical and water barrier. It protects the inside of the body from physical damage (cuts) and it's also hydrophobic (waterproof) to prevent loss or gain of hydration. The skin also protects the body from damage chemically, for example melanin prevents UV light from penetrating deep tissue! The skin is seriously amazing, obviously. These two systems are physiologically related by their functions and not to mention the skin (along with the muscle and nervous systems) actually protects the skeletal system itself! ---> I have a feeling this is just one example of how ALL the systems that allow our body to function are physiologically related. Which is fascinating to me because if you think about it, we are so perfectly designed? Creation or biological evolution...? 

 

Fun facts about the skin? Click below :)

http://youtu.be/YXC9QwAQBS0

Citations

http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-1402875-water-drops-on-the-skin.php

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/0909rc_1932_ford_tudor_classic/photo_03.html

Choices.

To be honest, the book about using cocaine to cure disease was my first choice just because I was curious as to how that would be possible. Sadly it wasn't available at the time :( SOO I chose The Demon in the Freezer (bum bum buuuum). The main reason I chose this novel is because I was previously required to read The Hot Zone in my honors bio class with Mrs. Rewalt. Coincidentally, these books are written by the same author, Richard Preston. I actually kind of enjoyed The Hot Zone because it was very descriptive and gory (gross). Also, both books are based on a true story, which intrigued me. So, being the risk taker I am, chose a book that would probably be similar to a book I had actually enjoyed reading.

Interested in reading? Click the links below :)

http://www.amazon.com/The-Hot-Zone-Terrifying-Story/dp/0385479565

http://www.amazon.com/Demon-Freezer-True-Story/dp/0345466632

 

(what my book is about....) ^^^ 

citations

http://www.betterworldbooks.com/the-hot-zone-id-074356538X.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Demon-Freezer-True-Story/dp/0345466632

http://urmablog.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html

Skin.

The functions of the skin (physiology) include protection (chemical/mechanical barrier and water barrier), excretion, sensation, vitamin D synthesis, and thermoregulation. Okay, so I'm going focus mainly on thermoregulation in the sense of maintaining and regulating homeostasis. Changes in glandular secretions, accessory organs, vasodilation, vasoconstriction all work to produce or dissipate heat to maintain a constant temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. How you ask? WELL more specifically, the skin can can use eccrine glands to produce sweat to cool down the body, and also vasodilation (dilation of blood vessels for permeability for evaporation) when the body overheats, hence the red tone of our skin when we are hot or exercising. The skin is so amazing that it can also insulate heat! Whaaat? The arrector pilli muscle works to pull the outer layer of skin closer to the dermis and hypodermis to insulate body heat, causing what we know as goosebumps (not the book). Vasoconstriction also helps to maintain body heat. The blood vessels within the dermis contract, decreasing blood flow therefore ->decreasing movement  which->decreases the amount of heat being given off. The integumentary system, as I just now explained, can be used as one example of the systems in our body that have specific functions that work together to maintain a dynamic state of equilibrium
.

citations

http://appalachiantrail.com/content/attractions/other-stuff/the-sweat-crew/

http://typophile.com/node/96914

Tissue.

I want to start off by saying that this video was really pretty cool (that was my first thought.). This actually increased my interest for bio engingeering and possibly choosing this as my major..? This BLEW MY MIND. But besides the point. The TED video by Flo Omenetto discussed and explained a discovery of a silk, film type material. This new material is composed simply of water and proteins. This material seems simple, but can be formed into a material of many forms and purposes with the help of bio engineering. This relates to the human body tissue because much like this new silk material, specific tissues are formed to fit certain functions. Depending on the engineering of the silk, it can be made specifically to fit anything from vein muscles to bones; just like cells in tissue directly relate to its function. Alright. My last thought: Like..where will science and technology be when I'm old? How many other discoveries will blow my mind?

Another educational TEDtalks video about DNA :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_b80fHmuWw&feature=share&list=PL2E1F56682B39C20E

citations

http://knowyourmeme.com/photos/288643-mind-blown

http://cnx.org/content/m43137/latest/?collection=col11410/latest

Passion.

I am passionate about cheerleading. Not just the sport, but also my team. We spend more time with eachother than our own families. Cheerleading is a year round sport. Along with all the practices, volleyball games, boys and girls basketball games, and football games, we also have to concentrate on our own competition season. Nothing compares to the feeling of working so hard for a stunt or a tumbling pass to hit, then finally hitting it.  That feeling of being proud of yourself, and proud to be part of your team after a performance or competition is indescribable.  The rush of everyone watching you and your team on the floor, performing a 2 and a half minute routine that represents all your hard work is what keeps me so passionate about my sport.

citations

http://misericordiacom215.tripod.com/AlexisCheer101/BasketTossPage.html