The Mexican Grey Wolf

THE MEXICAN GREY WOLF The scientific name for the Mexican Grey Wolf is also known as Canis lupus baileyi or the Spanish name Lobo. The Mexican Grey Wolf became an endangered species in 1973. This is when the endangered species act was passed, which provided protection. When the wolves came into conflict with humans killing the owners livestock the government became involved and created an exterminating campaign to rid the wolves. Humans also encroached into wolf territory causing wolves to lose their natural ability to produce and make their habitat strong. This is what led them to become endangered species. Grey Wolves are canines with long bushy tails that are black tipped. Their color is a mix of gray, and brown or black. Their facial markings are usually buffy, they look like German Shepherds. The Wolves have a larger head, narrow chest, and longer legs compared to the German Shepherds. Currently today there are over 50 breeding facilities across the United States and Mexico. Professional biologists and other wildlife facilities helped create this program in order to save this breed of animals. As of July 2008, there were over 327 Mexican Grey Wolves living in 47 captive wolf breeding holding facilities in the U.S. and Mexico, many of which are Zoos. Thanks to the reintroduction of wolves in 1995, Yellowstone National Park is one of the most favored places to see and hear wolves in the native habitat. Wolves like to travel in packs of at least 4 animals on average. Packs include mother and father wolves and pups. They like to stick together and produce strong social bonds, they are very family oriented and protect their own, and they may even sacrifice their own lives in order to save another life. Mating season in usually in the months of January & February, their gestation is 63 days and average between 4-7 pups. When the pups are born, the pack will care for them until they mature at about 10 months of age. Wolves usually eat ungulates, or large hoofed mammals, like elk, deer, moose and caribou. They also eat small prey consisting of beaver, rabbits, they are also known to be scavengers and often eat animals that have died of starvation or diseases. Ghosts of the Southwest, Author, Mark MacAllister http://www.azprogress.org/sites/default/files/content/mexican%20gray%20wolf.jpg May 1, 2013 Photo http://www.fieldtripearth.org/article.xml?id=1112 May 1, 2013 When did the Grey Wolf become endangered, Author, Katherine Hartman, eHow Contributor http://www.ehow.com/info_8652539_did-gray-wolf-become-endangered.html May 1, 2013 Grey Wolf, Author, Larry Schwiger Photo http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Library/Mammals/Gray-Wolf.aspx May 1, 2013 Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolf May 1, 2013 Los Angeles Times, author, Steve Marble http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-now-live-chat-gray-wolves-20130425,0,1647566.story May 1, 2013 Photo, Dawn Villella, AP http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-now-live-chat-gray-wolves-20130425,0,1647566.story May 1, 2013 Lobos of the Southwest, Author, Phil Carter Photo http://www.mexicanwolves.org/index.php/captive-breeding May 2, 2013 Defenders of wildlife, Author, John Eastcott, National Geographic’s Photo http://www.defenders.org/gray-wolf/basic-facts May 2, 2013

Unit Paper 4

The Unit Paper 4

 

In reviewing the worldview choices, I feel my take on worldview would be stewardship.  We have an ethical responsibility to take care our earth and all our finite resources.  If our generation does not make better individual choices, there may not be any resources for our future generations.  I also feel that human beings should be mindful of how many offspring they reproduce.  It’s not ethical to have lots of children and use up many of the resources.  We must all engage in wise sustainability.

Four causes of environmental problems that we face are over Population, air pollution, water pollution, climate changes.

If I were assigned to write a research paper, I would choose Rachel Carson.  Rachel was a woman that had a passion for ecology.  It was her legacy to study and earn her degree in the 1900’s.  She made it her legacy to let the world know how important natural resources were, and not taking it for granted by destroying our world.

Discussion 3

Pneumonia

  

 Pneumonia is a disease caused by streptococcus pneumonia bacteria.  It is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable illness and death in the United States.  People 65 years and older, and the very young are most at risk.  Pneumonia disease can lead to serious infection of the lungs, blood, and covering of the brain also known as meningitis. This disease kills about 1 out of 20 people who get it.  There is a vaccination available for this disease (PPSV), but it is mostly used for elderly and the young.  This vaccination protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.

 I chose this topic as I was diagnosed with this in December.  I started out with a sore throat and it then turned into bronchitis, then into Pneumonia.  I was sick for 8 days until I ended up in the hospital for 4 days.  I felt fatigued and shortness of breath, my heart rate was over 150 and the doctors were afraid I would have a heart attack.  I was put on an antibiotic treatment for 4 days; also I had breathing treatments every 4 hours.  This knocked my immune system out of whack for over a month. 

Bacteria are single celled organisms.  They draw their energy and raw material from their environment.   Diagnostic tools include x-rays and examination of the sputum.  There are several treatments to treat this disease; it depends on the cause of pneumonia.  Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.

Sepsis is a condition in which the body is fighting a severe infection that has spread to the bloodstream.  If a patient becomes “septic” they will have low blood pressure leading to poor circulation and lack of perfusion of vital tissues and organs.  When the infection is in the bloodstream and your immune system is in shock, it can sometimes lead to death and/or may take a long time to overcome the disease and return to your normal health.

“Sources”

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, What you need to know, authors, CDC

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-ppv.pdf

April 24, 2013

Science Reference, authors Dan Hogan and Michele Hogan

http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/p/pneumonia.htm

April 24, 2013

Sepsis (Blood Infection), author, Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sepsis_blood_infection/article_em.htm

April 24, 2013

Unit Paper 3

What is hemophilia?   Hemophilia is a collective term for several different hereditary bleeding disorders with similar symptoms.  Hemophilia is cause by a deficiency of one or more clotting factors.  I chose this topic because I was interested in what caused this type of disorder.  I do not know anyone personally affected by this, but I have heard how something as a minor scratch can cause such trauma to a human body.  This disorder is also caused by the third stage of hemostasis, which is stoppage of bleeding or of the circulation of blood to a part.

   

   

 

Hemophilia is a lifelong disease and is inherited from one of your parents and passed on to you as a carrier.  There are many types of hemophilia, there are two types of hemophilia, type A & B.  This is a lifelong disease, but with proper treatment, it can be maintained and live decent lives. Some signs and symptoms of hemophilia may include large bruises, joint swelling caused by internal bleeding, excessive and prolonged bleeding and tightness in joints.  What I found interesting was that a simple tooth extraction may cause excessive bleeding in a hemophiliac.  Emergency signs and symptoms can be a simple headache that is painful and last a long time, excessive vomiting as well as fatigue can play a factor in hemophiliacs. My suggestions are to pay attention to your body and visit a physician if you experience any severe medical illnesses.

You should avoid aspirin and any anti-inflammatory agents such as Advil as they interfere with blood clotting.  It is also a good idea to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water, if a cut arises, keep pressure on the sight that is bleeding. You must also pay attention to internal bleeding as well and call or visit an emergency room in a case of any significant trauma.

“Sources”

                Hemophilia, authors, Mayo Clinic Staff

                http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hemophilia/DS00218

                April 17, 2013

                Hemophilia, authors Troy S Cutler, MD

                http://www.emedicinehealth.com/hemophilia/page6_em.htm

                April 17, 2013

1.        What one assignment or activity you performed in this unit are you the most proud of?                I enjoyed the tissue exercise; I learned a lot from that chapter and was able to understand the information.

2.       Why did you enroll in this biology class?

I enrolled in this class as it was my last class to fulfill my accounting degree. 

3.       Did you feel prepared for this experience when you registered?

No, I was extremely intimidated about taking this class, I am a math person; I have never been interested in Science.  I was scared at first, but you made the class interesting and easy to communicate my concerns and frustrations.

4.       How was your experience different from your expectations?

My experience was enjoyable from my beginning expectations.  My first test I performed badly, and was ready to give up and drop the class.  I am glad I stuck it out, it turned out that we use science in our everyday life and it’s not such a bad subject.   I admit, I hated and struggled in some of the lessons, but mostly enjoyed the challenge.

5.       What can I do to help you?

You were open and communicated well via emails and short videos…you also provided lots of help, and encouraged us to get the extra help.  I think you did a great job in preparing us for your tests, it was so nice to know that we could submit our answers prior to test taking and you would respond with suggestions.

Chicken Leg Dissection

                                                    

Describe how the connective tissue looks and feels.  What type of connective tissue is this?

The outside layer of the skin was slimy, bumpy and a milky looking color, it was very easy to cut away from the muscle of the chicken.  This type of connective tissue is squamous epithelium.

Describe the arrangement of the muscle bundles.

The muscle bundles are skeletal muscle tissues, as they connect to tendons which attach to bone.  They are very long and attach to the bone.

What sort of connective tissue are tendons composed of?

Tendons are composed of dense fibrous connective tissues

What sort of muscle tissue is represented?  How do you know?

The muscle tissue that is represented in this dissection would be the skeletal muscle tissue, the reason being is that tissues attach and connect to the tendons and bone.  The fibers are also thin and long.

Nerves are generally thin, threadlike white strands found between the muscle and the nearest bone.  Look for the nerve in your specimen.  Did you find them?

Yes, I found many white threadlike strands between the muscle and bone.

What is the physical difference in the tendon of the insertion when compared to the origin?

The tendon was small at the insertion, but dense and the origin is a little wider and not as dense.

What is the soft material inside a bone?

The soft material inside the bone is called bone marrow, which is a red like spongy feeling tissue.

Name three specific types of cells present here.  Do not break the bone; it is sharp!

The three cells that are present are the osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts.

Name three functions of bone.

Three functions of bone are, support, movement, and protection.

What type of connective tissue composes the ligaments?

Ligaments are composed of dense fibrous connective tissue.

Unit 2

Sickle-Cell Anemia

       

What is sickle-cell anemia, and what causes this this disease?  Why does this disease mostly affect African Americans?  I chose this topic because it’s a disease that I am not familiar with or known any one affected by this disorder. 

Sickle-cell anemia is an inherited disorder in which the red blood cells assume a sickle shape when the oxygen concentration is low.  People who inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene have sickle cell trait.  This trait can be passed on to their children.  There are many factors in determining if the trait will be passed on.  For example:

·         If both parents have this trait there is a 25% chance the trait will be passed on.

·         If one parent has this trait, there is a 50% chance the trait will be passed on.

People with disease are born with two sickle cell genes one from each parent.  If you have only one sickle cell gene, it’s call a trait.   Nearly 40% of the black populations have the sickle-cell trait.  1 in 500 African Americans is born with sickle-cell anemia and only 8% have sickle-cell trait.

Sickle-cell anemia is present at birth, but usually don’t show any symptoms until around 4 months of age.  The symptoms that usually occur are shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, coldness in the hands and feet.  Sometimes their skin will turn jaundice like color or even have pale skin or mucous membranes.

Currently bone marrow transplants are the only cure for sickle-cell anemia.  This procedure is not suitable for everyone.  Age, severity of the disease and donor availability play a role, bone marrow produces red blood cell curing the patient of sickle-cell anemia.

In my research on this disease, it’s upsetting to know that African Americans are mostly affected by this disease.  This puts a damper on trying to have a family and worry about this disease.  It would be beneficial for blood tests to be taken before starting a family

Sources

Sickle Cell Trait, Author, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/traits.html

March 27, 2013

Sickle Cell Anemia,

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sicklecellanemia.html

March 27, 2013

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia?

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sca/signs.html

March 27, 2013

Cure for Sickle Cell Anemia, Author, Meghan Slocum,

http://www.ehow.com/about_5531141_cure-sickle-cell-anemia.html

March 27, 2013

   

1.        What one assignment or activity you performed in this unit are you the most proud of?

·         Flip-a-coin & genetics calculation lab

2.       What do you now understand best about the information in this unit?

·         Traits and Alleles

3.       What actions did you take for yourself to enhance learning or enjoyment of the material?

·         Viewed the videos and slideshows

4.        When did you feel most “connected” with the course?  Most distanced?   

·         Most connected ,Punnett squares.  Most distanced,  reading the genetic code of mRNA

5.       What could I offer you to help your understanding or enjoyment of the material?

·         More youtube videos

Value of Reproductive Cloning

What is cloning?  Cloning is the production of identical copies of a gene, a cell, or an organism. There are several types of cloning, therapeutic cloning, cloning of the cells from an embryo for the purpose of producing human stem cells, and human reproductive cloning, an adult human cell with the intent of producing a human body. 

Cloning is a very sensitive subject and some view it as morally and ethically wrong.   It should be a personal choice, but it affects our society and religious beliefs, whether you are for or against it, there will never be a mutual agreement on this subject, someone will always have a point of view on the subject.

The process of cloning is a difficult process and requires lots of research and money to develop a fool proof technique.  Scientists are ready to perform the biological engineering in cloning, but know there are moral issues involved in this study.   

Scientists generate clones by replacing the nucleus of an egg cell with that from another individual. Scientists have tried to clone human embryos, but are unsuccessful.  Human cloning is a very difficult process and will take many years of research in order to perfect.

On the other side, you will find an organization that is against this type of research. Human reproductive cloning is a conflict of liberties.  Many feel cloning will cause physical harm and lead to violations from this process, causing psychological harm.  Some scientists believe that it is up to the individual to agree upon the research.

Enacting a so-called ban from congress would accomplish absolutely nothing.  Banning the research would just put the scientists farther behind. If banning were illegal, there would be underground research conducted.  Cloning should not be political, but some feel it will either promote or hurt a political career.  Couples who are wanting to have a test tube baby would file law suits to protect their individual rights, and religious organizations would support the ban of cloning.

In my own personal opinion, I don’t mind either way if cloning is accepted or not.  I feel it is important for scientists to continue their research and find cures especially for the human body to heal from diseases.  The only thing I disagree upon is using animals for cloning experiments.  I feel it is not fair for the animals to be tested, but then if we do not have animals, how else would the testing be complete.

Sources

Cloning of a human, Author, Charles Q. Choi

http://www.ebscohost.com.proxy.yc.edu

March 4, 2013

Human reproductive cloning:  a conflict of liberties, Author, Joyce C. Havstad

http://web.ebscohost.com.proxy.edu/ehost/delivery

March 4, 2013

Congress and cloning, Author, Wesley J. Smith

http://search.proquest.com.proxy.yc.edu

March 4, 2013

Triglycerides

 

A Triglyceride is a neutral fat molecule consisting of a molecule of glycerol and three fatty acid tails.  Triglycerides are the body’s most concentrated source of energy fuel.  Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in your blood.  If you don’t maintain healthy triglyceride levels, you may suffer health issues, especially heart disease. I chose to write about this, as my paternal side of my family has heart issues.

In doing my research I found out what the normal and abnormal levels are in maintaining a healthy life. 

·         Normal– less than 150 milligrams per deciliter

·         Borderline– 150 – 199 milligrams per deciliter

·         High-  200 to 499 milligrams per deciliter

·         Very high- 500 milligrams per deciliter

Triglycerides store unused calories that supply our body with energy. Triglycerides can’t dissolve in our blood stream; they circulate within our bodies with the help of proteins that transport lipids.

One option in controlling healthy triglycerides, is taking vitamins. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and may help against heart disease. This vitamin helps in decreasing the cholesterol in your blood vessels.    

                                                                                                                                                 Niacin helps with lowering the bad cholesterol which can interfere with your liver.  Biotin is another vitamin that can help with the prevention of diabetes.  Please remember to always check with your physician before starting any vitamin regimen.

Foods play a big role in maintaining a healthy lifestyles and triglycerides.  If we must indulge in unhealthy foods, we must consume these in moderation. 

·         Alcohol: Beer, wine, hard liquor

·         Saturated fats: including butter, animal fat, fried food, whole milk, cheese & red meats

·         Trans fats: fast food, commercial snack foods, pastries

·         Sugar: honey, jams, doughnuts, ice cream

·         Beverages: fruit juices, fruit drinks, sodas, smoothies.

·         Starch: Bagels, pasta, rice, potatoes

It is important to eat healthy, exercise at least 20 minutes per day and pay attention to what you put into your body.  Triglycerides are just one part of your body’s many functions that you have to take care of, in order to live a healthy and happy life.

“Sources”

Vitamins for Triglycerides, Author, Jenna Marie, http://www.livestrong.com/article/199251-vitamins-for-triglycerides/

February 19, 2013

Foods High in Triglycerides,  Author, AH Lichtenstein, http://www.high-triglycerides.com/herbal-remedies/high-triglycerides/foods-highin-triglycerides

February 19, 2013

Triglycerides: Why do they Matter? Author, Mayo Clinic staff, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/triglycerides

February 19, 2013

Part 2

1.     The milk, juice, & carrot lab exercise was the best assignment given.  I enjoyed using stuff my kitchen to perform the experiment.  I was able to utilize the cell information that I learned to help with the assignments.

2.     I now have a better understanding of the cellular respiration process and how the steps come together.

3.    The actions that I took to learn the above process, was to read my chapter book and answer questions.  I also watched videos online to learn about the cellular respiration process.

4.     I felt most connected when I finally figured out all the steps to the online course.  Learning Symbiosis, creating a blog, and taking a few quizzes.  I felt most distanced in the beginning, as I was learning how to access blackboard, and not feeling comfortable with the assignments and what was expected as a student.

5.      As a student, I would like to see more lectures in videos, and maybe some examples or helpful hints with the material we are learning.  I do appreciate having the discuss tool, in case we have questions or comments to share.

Carrot Lab

In this experiment I used two jars with 2 cups of  fresh water, one of the jars had a teaspoon of salt added.  I also took a carrot and cut it in half.  I used a string to tie both pieces of carrots before placing in water.

Initial length and with of the carrot pieces:

Piece 1  5 inches X 1 1/4

Piece 2  3 inches X 1/2 (salt water)

I left the carrots in the fresh water for 24 hours.  I predicted the carrot in the salt solution would swell and the carrot in the water without salt would shrink up.  I also predicted that osmosis would play a role in the salt water carrot.

The carrot that was left in the salt water was loose, and the string came off right away with no help at all.

After-experiment length and width of carrot pieces:

Piece 1  5 1/2  X  3/4

Piece 2  2 1/8 X  7/8

After 24 hours I removed each carrot from the water, the first observation I noticed was the carrot in the salt solution floated, and the one in th fresh water sunk to the bottom of the jar.  This was due to the hypertonic solution (salt water).

The other observation I noticed when the carrots were taken out of th water, were the strings.  The string in the water solution was tight and still attached to the carrot.  The carrot in the salt water string, just fell off when taken out. 

My predictions were incorrect, as the salt carrot actually shrunk in width, while the fresh water carrot remained the same.

                                                   Fresh Water Carrot       Salt Water Carrot

                                                  Fresh Water Carrot           Salt Water Carrot

Juice Lab

In this lab experement I used three jars, 6 cups of water, and 1/2 a cup of grape juice. I used tap water, ice cold water, and boiling water, I divided the juice into three parts. 

In the first jar I poured the juice into the tap water, the molecules in this jar moved slowly, and the water turned into a clear pinkish color.

The 2nd jar used contained the ice water, once I poured the juice it  went straight down to the bottom of the jar.

The 3rd jar used was the boiling water, once the juice was poured in, the juice moved slowly, but blended completely as part of the steam evaporated.

                                                     Tap water, cold water, boiling water

                                        Due to the molecules of the water temperature, diffusion takes place.

Milk Lab

I began this lab excercise with a shallow cup and a 1/ 2 cup of 2% milk.  I predicted the milk left out for three days in a warm, dark place would turn the milk into the consistency of yogurt.

I checked the milk once a day to see if any changes occured, day one the milk looked the same, on day two I noticed the milk evaporated just a bit, and the edges of the glass looked a little slimy.

Day One

Final day

On the last day of my experiment, the milk in the cup appeared to be watery, and not the consistency as I predicted.  Milk has bacteria and can turn into an acid like form. I think if I would have used whole milk and another place that was warmer, the bacteria in the milk would have turned into a yogurt form.



Vaccines & Autism

Vaccines & Autism Autism is a hot topic these days…it is a developmental disorder found in children at a young age. Some of the effects of this disorder include slow speech, excessive movement and detachment from people and daily functions in day to day living. Autism is usually diagnosed in the first three years of age, usually because the child is progressing for his/her age. The name is the vaccination is called MMR (measles, mumps & rubella). This is a 3 in 1 vaccination that protects against the three diseases. This is a series of shots, given when the child is 12–15 months, then around 4-6 years of age. It is optional to receive the shot if you are over the age of 18 and born after 1956. With 2 doses of shots, you are more immune from catching the disease. These diseases can be fatal and may cause death. It is estimated that 1 or 2 out of 1000 who obtain the vaccination will die from it. CDC recently stated that children with autism have risen over 78% in the last decade. It is also estimated that 1 in 88 children, now have some type of autism disorder. This is a high number in my opinion. It is also stated that boys out number girls by 5 to 1 ratio. Thimerosal is found in this vaccination, it’s a mercury-containing preservative. This ingredient has been used since the early 1930’s. At this time there is no convincing evidence that this vaccine is the cause of autism. Since 2001, the ingredient is no longer used in childhood vaccines. Jenny McCarthy has a child that has been diagnosed with autism; she is an activist in regards to vaccinations and autism. Jenny has made millions of dollars for selling books and trash talking about autism and vaccines. There are many sites online that try to stop Jenny for talking trash about Autism. Any child with a disease is very sad, but it’s up to each individual to make that choice and decide if the MMR vaccine is right for their child. There is no scientific evidence that vaccinations cause autism. http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/29/health/autism/index.html Accessed 02/05/2013. http://www.thinktwice.com/autism.htm Accessed 02/05/2013. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002026.htm Accessed 02/05/2013. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Concerns/thimerosal/index.html Accessed 02/05/2013. http://www.stopjenny.com/ 2/5/2013