"Hi, my name is ____ and i'm a shopaholic"

Reference:http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/19/health/mental-health/shopping-addiction-compulsive-buying/index.html?hpt=he_c2

Summary: The article explains about compulsive buying. It is becoming more and more serious. They say it could happen for a couple reasons. 1. Parents give gifts insted of attention 2. as a child you didn't have a lot of money so you spend it now 3. or "we buy as a way of trying to deal with our fears of death and the inevitability of death" (CNN)
1/3 of compulsive shoppers become hoarders. 6% of women and 5.5% of men are compulsive shoppers.

Analysis: Man........ it kinda makes me want to go shopping hahahaha just kidding


Impact: Maybe people will actually save their money now.

Yoga Eases Back Pain

So in recent studies it is proven that yoga, yes yoga of all things has lessen back and neck pains."We found yoga classes more effective than a self-care book -- but no more effective than stretching classes," said study leader Karen J. Sherman, PhD, MPH, a senior investigator at Group Health Research Institute.In the trial, 228 adults in six cities in western Washington state were randomly assigned to 12 weekly 75-minute classes of either yoga or stretching exercises, 9 out of 10 of them were primary-care patients at Group Health Cooperative. Participants in the trial typically had moderate -- not severe -- back pain and relatively good mental health, and most had been at least somewhat active before the trial started. The class participants received instructional videos and were encouraged to practice at home for 20 minutes a day between their weekly classes. Interviewers who didn't know the patients' treatment assignments assessed their back-related function and pain symptoms at six weeks, 12 weeks, and six months.

In 2005, Dr. Sherman and her colleagues conducted a smaller study that found yoga effective for easing chronic low back pain. "In our new trial," she said, "we wanted both to confirm those results in a larger group and to see how yoga compared to a different form of exercise of comparable physical exertion: stretching.

This discovery to me is great because my father almost lost his leg a few years back so I think if he can learn to not be lazy and stretch he might be able to walk without a limp. That would be the day I will truly be proud of how many surgeries he went through because it will then be worth it.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164708.htm

Hormone in Birth Control Shot Linked to Memory Loss

The hormone active in the birth control shot Depo Provera and many widely used menopausal hormone therapies, to impaired memory in rodents. The lab first linked MPA to memory loss in rats while studying it as a component of hormone therapy for menopause. This earlier study showed that MPA impaired memory in menopausal-aged rats.The current study specifically looks at the drug in relation to the birth control shot.Bimonte-Nelson said she and Braden began asking questions about the effects of the drug because Braden was concerned about friends taking MPA as a contraceptive."Does it have the same memory-impairing effects if someone takes it as birth control, when they are a younger age?" asks Braden."This is an important question, because what we are going to have in our future are women who are menopausal that also have a history of taking MPA as birth control when they were younger," adds Bimonte-Nelson It requires an injection every 12 weeks. Less than one percent of women get pregnant when using the birth control shot, according to Planned Parenthood. Its effectiveness and the infrequency of doses can make the shot an attractive alternative for women seeking to avoid pregnancy. While other studies have examined Depo Provera's effects on bone density. I found this article extremely interesting and frightening because I, myself have friends who are on this shot and am now going to tell them of the dangers of it, in the long run what if it could be harmful to life? threateninghttp://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/birth_control/

Hair Loss :D

The researchers identified stem cells within the skin's fatty layer and showed that molecular signals from these cells were necessary to spur hair growth in mice. Which I disagree with because that means they are animal testing and I think that is inhuman.

Men that are bald still have live stem cells in follicle roots but the stem cells lose the ability to jump-start hair regeneration. Scientists have known that these follicle stem cells need signals from within the skin to grow hair, but the source of those signals has been unclear.

"If we can get these fat cells in the skin to talk to the dormant stem cells at the base of hair follicles, we might be able to get hair to grow again," said Valerie Horsley, assistant professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology and senior author of the paper

Horsley's team observed that when hair dies, the layer of fat in the scalp that comprises most of the skin's thickness shrinks. When hair growth begins, the fat layer gets bigger, thats called called adipogenesis. They found that a type of stem cell involved in creation of new fat cells was needed for hair regeneration in mice.

This discovery is great and all but I am offended that they could have killed these animals just to fix a guy's baldness. Boo hoo for him. Let him be bald and save the animals.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901134641.htm

Discovery of a 'Dark State' Could Mean a Brighter Future for Solar Energy

Some researchers have now discovered that it is possible to double the number of electrons harvested from one photon of sunlight using an organic plastic semiconductor material. This means that we have a way to converse solar energy which will lead to higher efficiencies. "For one thing," said Zhu, "that 66 percent efficiency can only be achieved when highly focused sunlight is used, not just the raw sunlight that typically hits a solar panel. This creates problems when considering engineering a new material or device." Xiaoyang Zhu at The University of Texas at Austin. The silicon solar use is about 31 percent because of how the is hitting the cell is too high for usable electricity. But capturing the hot electrons may be able to increase the conversion to as high as 66 percent. The research team was spearheaded by Wai-lun Chan, a postdoctoral fellow in Zhu's group, with the help of postdoctoral fellows Manuel Ligges, Askat Jailaubekov, Loren Kaake and Luis Miaja-Avila. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy.

This is a very exciting new discovery in science because it will allow more solar energy to be used, therefor lessening to need for gases. Which in the long run will help out with global warming by making the green house effect less of a threat. We are finding a way to save the world! :)

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141617.htm

Why use a mid-wife?

Reference: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216150301.htm



Summary: Many women ponder the use of a midwife during their pregnancy. A recent study dome by Oregon State University had led to the idea that it is better to have one. Women have better health out comes with a midwife at home such as reduced rates of a c-section and labor induction than hospitals do. It also creates a bond between the family and the baby/mother since the family is all involved with the birth.


Critique- This article makes me think about the future. I would never have considered using a midwife before this article bu now i am starting to ponder that. If it is healthier for me, my baby, and my family, then why not?


Impact: This may impact many womens' choices. I would assume that every soon-to-be mother would want a healthy baby, family, and body. This is one of those options that women may want when pregnant.

Noisy Toys

Reference: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216174444.htm



Summary: Researches have been looked into 2 dozen toys for toddlers, picked the top 10, and have found something destructive. Out of the 10 toys, the majority of them reached 90 decibels and many reached 100 or more. This is equivalent to the noise of a chainsaw, train, or power mower. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 85 decibels can greatly impair hearing. These toys can be very effective to the little kids.

Critique: This article definitely makes me think twice about the toy that i would by for one of my siblings or friends. If these harm hearing, i would just be hurting them in the long run. Its not worth a fun toy for the loss of your hearing.

Impact: This article should impact many peoples viewpoint on what they buy their family or friends. Next time they try buying a toy that can be dangerous to s child's hearing, it doesn't matter if it's on clearance, it's not worth it!

new exoplanet discovered

Summary- Kepler space telescope has spotted a rocky exoplanet with a surface temperature of 72 degrees F, comparable to a nice spring day. This discovery may represent a possibility of a habitable planet. This exoplanet is known as the Kepler 22-b, it's host star is about 600 light years away. The star is 25% less luminous than the sun.The planet has 290 days in a year, rather than 365. It also shows that liquid water could exist on the surface.
Impact- If the Earth becomes to over crowded with people, or if it explodes, we can all move to this planet.
Critique- I thought this finding was really cool. The temperature is 72 degrees! That is amazing weather!
http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20111105195027data_trunc_sys.shtml

cell phones reverse Alzheimer's disease

Summary- A new study in mice shows that long term exposure to the emissions from cell phones may protect against or reverse Alzheimer's Disease. Cell phone exposure, beginning in early adulthood, protects the memory from developing Alzheimer's symptoms. The electromagnetic waves even reversed memory impairment. Exposing mice with Alzheimer's erased brain deposits of the harmful protein, beta amyloid. Most of the treatments trying to cure Alzheimer's try to target beta amyloid.
Impact- Since this generation of the most exposed to cell phone usage, we will be less likely to get Alzheimer's in the future, hopefully.
Critique- There's all these studies out showing how cell phone use causes brain cancer, and all these derrogitory studies towards cell phones, this is one study that states cell phones are actually good!
http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20100006215501data_trunc_sys.shtml

hormonal imbalances create geniuses!

Summary- Canadian researchers did a study on hormonal imbalances in the womb, and a new study shows it creates an intellectually gifted person. A researcher linked a person having an IQ score over 130 has higher levels of testosterone. He says that excessive prenatal exposure to testosterone increases connections in the brain.
Impact- Now smart people know why they're smart.
Critique-I think that this is a cool study. Who would've guessed high exposure to testosterone creates a genius?
http://www.scienceagogo.com/news/20110213223840data_trunc_sys.shtml

antioxidants cause fertility problems

Summary- Antioxidants are a popular dietary supplement. We are still unsure of how they act in our bodies. Scientists now know of a new bad effect of these supplements: they cause fertility problems in women. Common antioxidants are vitamin C and vitamin E, which work together by diminishing molecules called reactive oxygen species that the body produces naturally. Stress is a big over producer of these molecules. Once over produced, they can damage cells. Scientists fed antioxidents to female mice, once given, the ovulation levels (when a female releases an egg) dropped tremendously. This means that very few eggs were released from the ovaries, compared to those who didn't take antioxidants.
Impact- This can impact women who are wanting children, they shouldn't take antioxidants.
Critique- This may be a problem some women may be having, and now they have a solution to their problems. I thought antioxidants were always so good for you, I guess it may have more side effects than we have imagined.
http://scienceagogo.com/news/20110018230001data_trunc_sys.shtml

depression in young people

Summary- Depression in the young population have grown and are growing rapidly. Scientists think this may be because of a loss of healthy bacteria that contributes to an imflammatory response in the brain. A scientist says, "The modern world has become so clean, we are deprived of the bacteria our immune systems came to rely on over long ages to keep imflammation at bay."
Benign microorganisms taught the immune system how to tolerate harmless microorganisms, while reducing imflammatory responses that link to the development of illnesses, from cancer to depression.
Impact- Since we are deprived of what our body needs to stay healthy and happy, the young population is becoming more and more depressed. This impacts our young population.
Critique- I know I don't want to be depressed, we need to find a way to get the microorganisms back into our immune systems and keep kids from being depressed.
http://scienceagogo.com/news/20101107220930data_trunc_sys.shtml

First Two Flu Cases of the Season Reported

Reference- www.myfoxphoenix.com

Summary- In Arizona two people are recovering from the state's 1st two flu cases of the flu season. The people that caught the flu was an unvacinated women in her early 70s and a man in his late 30s whos vaccination status is uknown. These cases of the flu were confirmed through the Az State Lab. The CDC suggests that everyone 6 months and old should get a flu vaccine.

Critique- I don't get flu shots only because my parent don't and they told me that every time they've gotten one they got the flu faster than if they hadn't. I don't know when flu season is supposed to start but apparently its already here. What fun...

Impact- Well this impacts germ freaks because they will probably start using twice as much soap and germ gel. A lot of people start getting the flu and flu shots. So that business will be good for both Doctors and Pharmacys that administer flu shots.

invisible gorilla effect

Summary- Good listeners turn deaf when they hear unexpected sounds. Paying close attention to a conversation creates a situation which background noises go unheard. This is called the "invisible gorilla effect". A decade ago, researchers put on a video for some volunteers. Those people, which were watching a basketball being passed, failed to notice a gorilla suited person walk through the group. A scientist says, "We're not aware of as much as we think we are." This can wipe out perceptions of obvious happenings, such as the one I mentioned.
Impact- Sometimes this happens to me. I can be paying attention to someone talking to me, and someone can do something in the background and I would be completely oblivious to it. This is interesting.
Critique- This is weird. I think that you can miss out on a lot of things because of this.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/335904/title/%E2%80%98Gorilla_man%E2%80%99_goes_unheard

Swanson Recalls Celery Seed for Possible Salmonella

Reference- www.myfoxphoenix.com

Summary- The people at Swanson Health Products are recalling some packages of organic celery seed because it may be contaminated with salmonella. This recall is for Swanson Organic Celery Seed (Whole) packaged in plastic bottles with a net weight of 1.4 oz. The product was sold between June 16 and December 16. The company said that it became aware of the potential contamination when it was notified by their supplier, B & M Inc.

Critique- This could present a problem for this company. This has got to be the 5th contaminated food story I've read in at least the last 2 weeks. That is really not good.

Impact-This imapcts both the company and its customers. It said that the product has been on the shelves in stores since June and they find out now?! What kind of company realizes that their product may be able to kill someone at least 6 months after it goes in stores every where.

sleep & old people; new interesting find

Summary- As for young people, sleeping helps their memory, but as for older people, sleep does not increase memory at all. Sleep has been known to increase the ability to recall things and also improve physical skills. But that may only be available to the younger generation. In a recent study, a good night's sleep improved young people's ability to learn the piano. Adults over 50 didn't get any increase in performance after a same night's sleep a young person got. Scientists thought it was because old people have slow reaction times. But with this new study, memory benefits are reduced with age.
Impact- Now we all know why old people forget things a lot. This has an impact I suppose on the older generation.
Critique- I didn't even know that sleep had anything to do with memory. I thought reading this article was cool, but it's sad that old people forget.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/336077/title/Sleep_doesnt_help_old_folks_remember

Brighter Future for Solar Energy

Reference:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141617.htm

Summary:
The efficiency of conventional solar cells could be significantly increased, according to new research on the mechanisms of solar energy conversion led by chemist Xiaoyang Zhu at The University of Texas inAustin.
Critique:
what would that do for us? would it increase the amount of light we get off of solor pannels?
Impact:
save people who own soloar pannels a lot of money.

Biofuel Research

Reference:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141613.htm
Summary:
A generally accepted, 44-year-old assumption about how certain kinds of bacteria make energy and synthesize cell materials has been shown to be incorrect by a team of scientists led by Donald Bryant, the Ernest C. Pollard Professor of Biotechnology at Penn State and a research professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montana State University. The research, which will be published in the journal Science on Dec. 16, is expected to help scientists discover new ways of genetically engineering bacteria to manufacture biofuels -- energy-rich compounds derived from biological sources. Many textbooks, which cite the 44-year-old interpretation as fact, likely will be revised as a result of the new discovery.
Critique:
will the bifuel cost more or less once they find out if the certain bacteria can make energy?
Impact:
help the world be more eco-friendly.

Close Family Ties Keep Cheaters in Check: Why Almost All Multicellular Organisms Begin Life as a Single Cell

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141615.htm

Summary: any multicellular animal, from a blue whale to a human being, poses a special difficulty for the theory of evolution. most of the cells in its body will die without reproducing, and only a privileged few will pass their genes to the next generation.

Critique: interesting didnt know that humans started out with one single cell and when growing up you started to get more.

Impact: could be good to know and learn from it.

Young Star Rebels Against Its Parent Cloud

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215095237.htm

Summary: a giant cloud of hydrogen gas illuminated by a bright young star. it will soon quieten down by entering the main sequence, the adult stage of stellar life. the material spewing off the star not only gives the cloud its hourglass shape but also makes the hydrogen gas in it is very hot.

Critique: its very interesting that its kind of comparing a star to a teenager. also that clouds have attitudes.

Tiny Protein Helps Bacteria 'Talk' and Triggers Defensive Response in Plants

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212220954.htm

Summary: scientists have discovered a new signal that helps invading bacteria communicate but also helps targeted rice plants coordinate defensive attacks on the disease-causing invaders, a finding that could lead to new methods of combating infection not just in plants, but in humans.

Critique: i didnt know that tiny protein help bacteria talk to plants.

Impact: could help farms or somethings in the future.

Discovery of a 'Dark State' Could Mean a Brighter Future for Solar Energy

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141617.htm

Summary: the efficiency of conventional solar cells could be significantly increased, according to new research on the mechanisms of solar energy conversion led by chemist xiaoyang zhu at the university of Texas at Austin.

Critique: it was good information and could help or society.

Impact:it could help people lower their electricity bill and rely on the sun instead of telephone poles.

Researchers uncover reason why mole rats are oblivious to acid pain

Reasource: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-uncover-mole-rats-oblivious-acid.html Summary: Scientists have been very interested how mule rats are not affected by acid and never get cancer. You would think that mole rats would be affected by acid and die a lot easier due to the way that they live. They live underground and in a group which makes carbon dyoxide levels usually kill most animals and oxygen levels are really low which would make them feel pain to acid, but they don't. These researchers are trying to figure out why that is and they first came up with, mole rats have different nociceptors then other animals, but that is not true. Mole rats simply have a different sodium channel then most animals, so they took a closer look and found that nociceptors are things in your body that get attacked and can either block or send the message to your brain that you are feeling pain. The sodium channel that they looked at was the same for all animals so they looked at a different one called Nav1.7, which they found blocked when exposed to acid. This article stated that since these researchers found this out they could possibly find a way to change a part in the Nav1.7 so that people and animals wont have to feel pain towards acid. Impact: This article has a very big impact on society because if they find a way to make people not susceptible to acid then that could make a lot of problems with birth defects and other things go down dramtically. Critique: There is nothing bad about this article, all I can say is to read it because it is very interesting and hopefully these researchers find a way to make humans not susceptible to acid.

Detecting the 'Heartbeat' of Smallest Black Hole Candidate

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232722.htm

Summary: An international team of astronomers has identified a candidate for the smallest-known black hole using data from NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). the evidence comes from a specific type of X-ray pattern, nicknamed a "heartbeat" because of its resemblance to an electrocardiogram. the pattern until now has been recorded in only one other black hole system.

Critique: it was interesting on how to detect a heartbeat from the smallest black hole candidate.

Impact: it could be useful to detect other heartbeats from small blackholes.

First Low-Mass Star Detected in Globular Cluster

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215094817.htm

Summary: even the most powerful high tech telescopes are barely able to record remote low-mass and thus faint stars. together with researchers from poland and chile, an astrophysicist from the university of zurich has now detected a low-mass star in globular cluster M22 for the first time through microlensing. the result indicates that the overall mass of globular clusters might well be explained without enigmatic dark matter.

Critique: it was pretty interesting.

Meteorite Shockwaves Trigger Dust Avalanches On Mars

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216115022.htm

Summary: dust avalanches around impact craters on mars appear to be the result of the shock wave preceding the actual impact. A meteorite careens toward the dusty surface of the red planet, it kicks up dust and can cause avalanching.

Critique: did know that mars can have avalanching on the dust surface red plant.

Impact: can possibly destroy a plant and maybe others.

why do people blink?

http://whydopeople.net/why-do-people-blink/

Summary: it is something that people do involuntarily. According to experts we blink about once every 5 seconds. There are various reasons why people blink. The most important is to keep the eyes lubricated. The eyelid will keep on blinking until the irritant or foreign body is flushed away, usually with a good amount of tears, especially if the object is hard to remove.

Critique: did realize that our eyes blink a lot every 5 seconds .

Impact: can effect if someone is blind can they cry and blink to get the irritated object out of there eyes.

Researchers Assess Effects of a World Awash in Nitrogen

Researchers Assess Effects of a World Awash in Nitrogen

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232720.htm

Summary- Nitrogen is an essential building block to life on Earth. Also nitrogen is a major but inert component of its atmosphere. It had cycle at low but balanced levels over millennia, that balanced ended around 1895. There is one effect from the increased nitrogen inputs that can be seen in our inland water features like lakes, reservoirs and rivers.

Critique- Without nitrogen this world would be nothing without nitrogen. The nitrogen keeps the flow on the Earth.

Impact- This doesn’t have a big impact. It is more just of just data about the nitrogen.

what causes dizzines

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-causes-dizziness.htm

Summary: Dizziness occurs when you get up to fast or feel light headed. They can be a symptoms of an underlying problem or harmless. Dizziness can also indicate an infection in the inner ear. Dizziness is not and illness, its a symptom of something else.

Critique: The article was very good and interesting. Didn't know that it can possibly mean an inner ear infection.

Impact: You could end up in the hospital, also end up with midears disease and also vertigo disease.

why does our foot fall asleep?

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_does_your_foot_fall_asleep

Summary: When you sit on your foot your squishing your nerves in that certain area. Which means that the nerves cant get a message back to the brain and for the moment, the connection is cut off. When you uncross your legs the nerves in your leg are no longer compressed, and the feeling slowly comes back to normal.

Critique: I knew that if you sit on your leg for awhile that it sleeps, but I didnt know that your squishing your nerves.

Impact: it could possibly effect some people if they sit on their leg for a long time but it may not effect them.

why do people cry?

http://whydopeople.net/why-do-people-cry/

Summary: Emotional tears apparently contain more manganese, which is an element that affects temperament. to decrease tension by equalizing stress levels in the body and preventing a buildup of chemicals, which makes the person crying feel better afterward.

Critique: It was pretty interesting, but didnt know that we have different signs of cries like ababy does.

Impact: Different stages for a cry, and the same as a baby.

Why do people blackout?

http://whydopeople.net/why-do-people-blackout/

Summary: Being very drunk can be a reason why someone blacks out, and also standing up very quickly when a casualty has been sitting or lying down for some time, or a blow to the head. The term blackout can also mean, a temporary loss of vision. If this happens often, it could be a serious medical problem and it is worth seeking medical help.

Critique: it was interesting cause alot of people have blackouts even of they dont drink. i also didnt know that you would have to see a doctor if had blackouts a few times a month.

Impact: this could probably effect people in the future, or it may not.

effective breast cancer vaccine!

Summary- Researchers at UGA (University of Georgia) & the Mayo Clinic in Arizona have developed an effective breast cancer vaccine. It dramatically reduced tumors. The scientists made a mouse model to study on. The model mimics 90% of human breat and pancreatic cancer cases. The vaccine can treat cancers with the same carbohydrate signature, including ovarian and colorectal cancers, as well.

http://www.macroevolution.net/breast-cancer-vaccine.html
Impact- This is amazing. It doesn't only help breast cancer, but it helps other cancers as well, like ovarian and colorectal cancers. This may stop cancer right in its tracks.
Critique- I think that this is amazing. I hope this vaccine can soon treat all cancers.

low fat yogurt is bad when pregnant

Summary- Pregnant women who eat low fat yogurt have a higher risk for their child developing asthma and hay fever. Results showed that milk intake while pregnant was not associated with developing asthma, but it actually protected against asthma. Women who ate low fat yogurt with fruit once a day were 1.6 times more likely to have children who have asthma by age 7, compared to women who didn't eat low fat yogurt.
http://www.macroevolution.net/low-fat-yogurt.html
Impact- This can impact children in the future, because a lot of people eat low fat yogurt.
Critique- This is interesting how some yogurt can cause asthma in children. I would have never guessed that yogurt would be the cause of asthma and hay fever.

parents do have a favorite child, after all

Summary- An American science writer has just published a book that states, whether we admit it our not, parental favoritism is hard wired into the human pshyche. He says that 95% of the parents have a favorite child, & the other 5% are lying. A California study shows that 65% of mothers and 70% of fathers showed a particular liking to one certain child.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/8943106/Why-all-parents-have-a-favourite-child.html

Impact- this doesn't really have an impact on me, but I always wondered if parents had a favorite child.
Critique- I always wondered if a family of 10 if the parents had a favorite child, because it seems to me sometimes parents always treat that one kid to nice things and the other not so much. But it's kind of interesting.

140 new species

Summary- Researchers in California added 140 new species to our list of species. These include 72 anthropods, 31 sea slugs, 13 fish, 11 plants, 9 sponges, 3 corals and 1 reptile. Since there are still plenty of land to explore and find species, the scientists discovered these species on 6 continents, except Antartica. As well as 3 oceeans (Atlantic, Pacific & Indian.) The scientists descended to the bottom of the sea, and even found some in their own back yards (California) and even on Cameroon. Since they found these species, they plan to soon answer the questions, "How did life evolve?" & "how will it persist?"

http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/12/15/140.new.species.described.california.academy.sciences.2011

Impact- This will impact us because soon we may find out more answers to our big questions and it will tell us the past of the Earth. We may find more answers to our big questions, like how did life evolve?
Critique- I think this is cool, because since we keep finding new species, what if there are millions of species more that we haven't found?

Why do we say 'bless you' or 'gesundheit' when people sneeze?

http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/respiratory/sneezing.htm

Summary: When people sneeze its a polite way to be nice and welcome them back to life. Its also a habit when we say it some countries say something different instead of 'bless you' they say 'may you live 100 years'.

Critique: I didn't know that different countries have different sayings instead of saying 'bless you' they say 'may you live 100 years'. I also didn't know that some weird things can make you sneeze.

Impact: For people who want to try a new language to say 'bless you' or' may you live 100 years" then i would definitely try to read this. the people who want to know what we sneeze here you go.

What are Hiccup

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/7623.php

Summary: Most people have experienced hiccups, an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, but usually short lived experience. Sometimes they persist to stay for a long period of time and can possibility be a sign of a serious underlying disease.

Critique: I thought it was interesting on how hiccups occur and where it all starts.

Impact: I hope I or someones else never has a weird underlying disease just from having hiccups and I also didn't know that they can give you serious underlying disease.

this is a test

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Brain's Failure to Appreciate Others May Permit Human Atrocities

scientist are saying that some people are not really connected with the world. some people are antisocial so when the do come back into the world there diferent. they were saying that Hitler maybe had a say in that not really connected. i think that if your not connected you could loos friends.

was Darwin wrong about emotions

scientists are saying that not all emotions are given to us the same. scientists are saying that some people pout when there happy and are happy when there sad. some people are born with mutated genetics. a function that disables your normal ways to doing the posit. i think if we didn't have no emotions we would all be robots.

follow your nose

modern noses today are more advanced than earlier years. our brains have evolved almost complected by only the sense of smell. neanderthals had bad sense of smell like a English bulldog, us humans have more senses in the brain. a neanderthals brain is like a tv remote ours is like a super computer. i think it is a good thing that we can smell because if we wouldn't be able to smell a thanksgiving fest.

add quakes to rumbling over gas rush

In Youngstown Ohio people are drilling for oil. some scientist say that the oil that they are drilling could be connected to all the earthquakes they've been having. Youngstown Ohio hasnt had major earth quakes ever sense Irish settlers migrated there. I think that if they don't stop drilling for oil they might have bad earthquakes.

data hints at elusive particle, but the wait continues

The European Organization for Nuclear Research are only getting hints from a subatomic particle that's called Higgs boson. That will tell us why there is mass in the universe next summer they will have enough data that will show weather elusive particle really exists. I my self dont relay care weather we know that mass is rely there or not it wont help me in the future.

Statins May Reduce Risk of Dying From Flu

Reference-http:// abcnews.go.com

Summary- Researchers found that Statins may rduce the risk of death for patients who have been hospitalized for influeza. The Researchers from the Oregon Public Health Division analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Conntrol and Prevention's Emerging Infections Program. The results came from more than 3,000 adults patients who were hospitalized with influenza between 2007 and 2008. One- third of the patients were already on statins or given stating while in the hospitals. Researchers adjusted for confounding factors, including age, race and heart and lung disease, they found that patients who did not take statins were twice as likely to die from influenze than those who received statins. Flu treatments are limited to antiviral and immunization medications, but researchers said statins might be one more thing that could treat the virus that affects about 10% of the U.S. population each flu season.

Critique- I had no idea that the flu was so deadly. I've heard of it before, but I didn't realize that it affects 10% of our population each flu season. I don't know when flu season is but thats a lot of people if you think about it. And for researchers to find a medication that may help cure these affected people is remarkable.

Impact- This impacts all the people that have been affected with influenza. This also impacts people in the medical world, because they may have found something that could help these people.

Tireless Research Reveals Secrets of the 'Sleep Hormone'

Reference- www.biologynews.net

Summary- The researcher at McGill University have made major breakthrough by uncovering the inner workings of melatonin, also known as the 'sleep hormone'. Scientists in Italy were also in on this study. The study revealed the key role played by the melatonin receptor in the brain that promotes deep, restorative sleep. This finding led the scientists to create a novel drug called UCM765, which selectively activates this receptor. The results mean that their may be a promising and new treatment for insomnia, a common public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide.

Critique- This seems to be a very interesting topic. So basically if you can't sleep you should blame the sleep receptor thing. But for them to have developed a medicine, well drug, to help insomnia is quite remarkable.

Impact- This impacts the medical and science world tremendously. This breakthrough also impacts the millions of people that are affected by insomnia. Maybe they will soon be able to sleep, or at least somewhat.

Allergies Fewer In Babies With Less Stress

Summary: A new study says that kids with a lower stress hormone have fewer allergies. Researchers say that psychosocial diseases and stress hormones are mostly the reasons why. Psychosocial diseases are things you just seem to think about certain things and you don’t really know why, or maybe things you must have a certain way or you’ll go absolutely insane. For example: Paranoia, Arachnophobia, OCD, etc. are all types of psychosocial diseases.

Impact: There’s really no impact here, just the fact that you now understand why scorpions just scare the living crap out of you.

Critique: I personally don’t have allergies. Actually, one: tattoos. My kindergarten teacher put a washable one on me (It was a skull on my wrist in case any of you were interested) and I broke out in a rash on my belly. I decided at the young age of six and a half that I did not like having foreign spots on my body. Anyway, my parents were teachers. They know that silence is golden, usually, and that stress is over-rated. This means that they probably weren’t stressed out all that much.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212092747.htm

A Roach With the Reach of a Grasshopper

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/science/leaping-cockroach-discovered.html?ref=science

Summary: In South Africa in the Slivermine Nature Reserve in the Table Mountain National Park. It acts like a grasshopper but looks like a cockroach. It can jump up to 50 body lenghts in a single jump and it just four-tenths of and inch long.

Critique: If I found this on me I think I would freak out. It would be cool to have this animal in biology but not as a pet.

Impact: Probably one of the most weirdest animals that I know so far.

Eyes of an Ancient Predator Had 16,000 Lenses

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/science/anomalocaris-fossil-reveals-eyes-with-16000-lenses.html?ref=science

Summary: Paleontologists from Australia, have found a pair of fossil eyes that belong to a creature and also that it was a visual predator. They say it had extraordinarily complex eyes, with 16,000 hexagonal lenses in each eye.

Critique: It was interesting but weird that it had 16,000 hexagonal lenses in each eye and would is a rock that looks like a giant coin form the old days.

Impact: An eye of an animal found in Australia in a rock.

No-eyed Children

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/12/12/babies_born_with_no_eyes_scientists_identify_genetic_cause.html

Scientists at Dublin, Ireland have found a genetic alteration in which children are born with no eyes. This is called anophthalmia. This occurs when a child's eyes have not fully developed in the womb when their STRA6 gene (both copies) does not produce enough vitamin A. This means that scientists can now develop a test for couples who might carry this gene and plan to have a child. If this is found out between the couple they can dicuss the precautions about having a child or about their present children. "Anophthalmia (absence of one or both eyes), and its sister conditions microphthalmia (small eye) and coloboma (malformed eye), arise during the development of the baby in the womb." These 3 major issues account for 11% of all eye problems in children. Anophthalmia occurs in 1 in 100,000 births. The other two occur in 1 in 10,000 births. They can also be associated with lung, heart, diaphram malformations and other birth defects.

After reading this I feel sorry for all of the people out there with this defect and others with the potential to have a child with this defect. Some people might not be able to have children or might be too afraid to have a child with this birth defect. Also so people's lives could be ruined because of this. I wish they could prevent this from happening. It's terrible really, I couldn't live without seeing the world and even some blind people could see before but lost their sight. These children could never see. They will never look as we do as well.

Wasps in dinosaur eggs

http://www.macroevolution.net/wasps-in-dinosaur-eggs.html
Summary: Scientists discovered the 70-million-year-old Titanosaur eggs. Fossilised insect cocoons were discovered in the eggs that closely resemble the cocoons of modern day moths.

Critique: Insects living in dinosaur eggs seem disgusting.

Impact: Moth habitation can be more closely monitored.

Kepler-22b

http://www.macroevolution.net/kepler-22b.html
Summary: NASA has discovered over 1,000 new candidates for habitable planets. Kepler-22b was confirmed as the first new set of planets in the "habitable zone". Kepler is the smallest planet discovered in the "habitable zone", it is only 2.4 times the radius of Earth.

Critique: The discovery of a new, habitable planet seem exciting.

Impact: People can continue searching for other, intelligent life in the universe.

World's Smallest Frog Found

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/12/12/worlds_smallest_frogs_discovered_in_new_guinea.html

A reasearcher named Fred Kraus from Hawaii located the smallest frog in the world in New Guinea. Each frog was only 8-9 mm in length. The adults of the new specimine are called Paedophryne dekot and Paedophryne verrucosa. Kraus previously located two other small frogs from the Paedophryne genus, but they were 10-11 mm. Miniturization occurs in genus around the world but New Guinea seemed to represent this well with 7 species with this miniturization. These frogs have reduced digit sizes that will not allow them to climb tress well or up big leaves. Their usually habitat is in leaf litter or moss because of their reduced sizes. Their body has also reduced the amount of eggs they can have to two.

After reading this article I really want to see one of the frogs in person to really tell how small the frog is. And, I kind of want one. I believe that this could really effect the population of these frogs as well if they keep genetically spreading their miniature sizes. With them unable to climb trees and easily escape predators this could effect their population, even though they seem to be doing a good job now. Also they cannot have that many eggs, and if those eggs do not survive that could effect their population as well.

Chilean Doctors Separate Conjoined Twins

reference:http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/14/chilean-doctors-separate-conjoined-twins/

summary: Doctors separated conjoined twin girls after a 18 hour surgery and the surgery was on Wednesday that the twin girls were only 10 months old.

Rats to the Rescue in Cage experiment

www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/science/observatory-rats-have-empathy-study-finds-html?ref=science
Summary: I didn't know that rats were this smart and creative. They're like super hero's but animal and small.

Critique: Its cool how rats can think and unlock another rats cage door.

Impact: This can affect when you catch a rat, they can call their friends to set them free and ruin you house and wires.

Shoveling Snow Raises the Risk of a Heart Attack

Summary: Over 7 percent of patients were shoveling snow when the symptoms began. About two thirds were men average age was 63 and were highly to have had a family history of premature cardiovascular disease. The 7 percent significant and the number may be much higher, since many patients may not have mentioned that they were shoveling snow at the time their symptoms began.

Critique: I thought it was pretty interesting, because I never thought that shoveling snow would give you a heart attack.

Impact: This might be true for older men instead of younger, and maybe women also.

Studies May Have Overestimated Cellphone Crash Risk

references: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/13/studies-may-have-overestimated-cellphone-crash-risk/

summary: I think using your cellphone when your driving is a big risk of getting in a car crash because if you call or text someone when your driving you might get in a car crash and putatively injured yourself or kill yourself or worst kill the other person driving the other car.

Tropical Sea Temperatures Influence Melting in Antarctica

Tropical Sea Temperatures Influence Melting in Antarctica

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206095649.htm

Summary- Higher than normal sea-level pressure north of the Amundsen Sea sets up westerly winds. Those winds push surface water away from the glaciers and allow warmer deep water to rise to the surface under the edges of the glaciers. Glaciers on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, two of the five largest glaciers in Antarctica. Those two glaciers are important because they drain a large portion of the ice sheet. Sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific last showed significant warming in the 1940s.

Critique- The tropical sea temperatures could it be global warming. The temperatures are melting Antarctica’s glaciers. This would make the place very unsafe to walk on.

Impact- With these glaciers melting this wouldn’t be good to walk on at all. With these temperatures it just wouldn’t be good to even go to Antarctica at all.

Caring for Seniors During the Holidays

reference: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/13/caring-for-seniors-during-holidays/

summary: caring for seniors and helping them like how to taking proper care of themselves, excess time searching for words, help them remembering stuff and more.

animal species at risk of extinction

Summary-We all know that there's many endangered species in the world, but many of these endangered species in US have not made it onto the official Endangered Species Act (ESA) list. According to statistics, approx. 40% of birds, 50% of mammals & 80-95% of other species (such as amphibians, crustaceans & insects) were not recognized by the ESA as "threatened". Approx. 531 American species have not made it onto the ESA protection list.
Impact- Well if we don't watch out for our endangered species, these animals will be extinct before we know it. This could impact our food chain. If some animals' diet consisted of insects, & they become extinct, then we may also end up losing even more species.
Critique- This is sad. We need to start protecting our endangered species.

world's smallest frog in Honolulu

http://esciencenews.com/articles/2011/12/12/worlds.smallest.frogs.discovered.new.guinea
Summary- Honolulu has found the world's smallest frog in South eastern New Guinea. They are also the world's smallest tetrapods (non-fish vertebrates). These small creatures on only 8 to 9 millimeters.
Impact- This new discovery of frogs will lead to an update in the Guinness book of world records. :) The article did not say whether they are poisonous or not, so this may also be a new house pet. :)
Critique- Frogs are cute. I liked our class frog, Clumsy... until he died.

Top ten most controversial health stories of 2011

reference: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/12/top-10-most-controversial-health-stories-2011/

summary: The top ten most outrages health tips of 2011. This article represents the outrages health tips.

Critique: These crazy health are very interesting.

Impact: its funny to think that any one would beleive these tips.

Gene Therapy Used To Treat Hemophilia B

Reference- www.myfoxphoenix.com

Summary- Researchers made a huge advance in the effort to use gene therapy to treat the bleeding disorder hemophilia B, they say that six patients in a study started to make more of a crucial blood-clotting factor that prevents severe bleeding episodes. After a single gene-therapy treatment, four of the men started making enough of their own clotting factor that they no longer needed the regular protein injections that are being used to prevent bleeding episodes. Hemoplilia B is caused by a defect in the gene that makes a protein called Factor IX, which is crucial for normal blood clotting. About 1 in 30,000 individuals, usually men, inherit the mutation. Without enough clotting factor, patients can have frequent, painful bleeding episodes.

Critique- This is a major advance in the medicine world. This is good for the people that have that disease. Maybe this will finally be the way to treat Hemophilia B, and stop all the painful bleeding episodes.

Impact- This impacts people with Hemophilia B in a positive way. This also impacts the medicine world, because now they may have a treatment that could cure or atleast help people with the disease.

worlds smallest frogs discovered in new guinea

reference:

http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/12/12/worlds_smallest_frogs_discovered_in_new_guinea.html

summery:

in new guinea the worlds smallest frog was discovered. fully grown they are 8-9 mm long. something called miniaturization effects many species of frogs. but in other cases only some of the population is small while larger ones are present.

critique:

i thought it was interesting because i did not know frogs could get that small.

impact:

a new speces was discovered.

Study: Men with STDs Give Off Bad Smell

Reference- www.myfoxphoenix.com

Summary- According to a new study froom the Institute of Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk, Russia, men with STDs actually smell worse than their non-infected peers. Women that participated in this study found that men with gonorrhea had a "putrid" odor. Thirty-four men between the ages of 17 and 25 took part in this study. Out of these 34 men, 16 were healthy,13 had gonorrhea, and five had recently gotten rid of their gonorrhea infection with medical treatment. The men had to wear tight-fitting t-shirts with special sweat-absorbing pads that were sewn under there arms for an hour, then 18 women between the ages of 17 and 20 were asked to sniff and analyze each sweat pad.

Critique- First of all, what woman in their right mind would voluntarily go around and sniff sweat pads that were under a mans arm pit for an hour. That alone is disgusting, the other thing is that men with STDs smell worse than people without them. That is also Disgusting.

Impact- Well I guess guys with STDs might have to either shower more often, use more deordorant, or seek medical treatment so that people don't assume they have an STD if they smell bad. So I guess this mostly would and will affect people with STDs and the noses of people every where.

Cooked Chicken Breasts Recalled for Possible Listeria Contamination

Reference- www.myfoxphoenix.com

Summary- More than 4,100 pounds of cooked chicken breasts were recalled they may be contaminated with a bacteria. The chicken may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to listerosis, an uncommoc but potentially fatal disease. The products that are being recalled are 18-22 lb. boxes that contain two 9-11 lb. "Boneless Oven Roasted Chicken Breast." They have the establishment number "P-239A" and a package date of "1270" (Sept. 27, 2011).

Critique- Well this is not good because its contaminated chicken, its kinda self explanatory. A lot of people eat chicken so for some of it to be possibly contaminated and potentially fatal, is not good at all. I wonder if someone will die from this.

Impact- Well considering this involves a potentially fatal bacteria, I think this will impact a lot of things. If someone dies from this it will impact the family and the company. The company will have to stop selling a lot of their chicken, which means they lose money. So really nobody wins in this situation.

Cilantro Grown in Phoenix Being Recalled

Reference- www.myfoxphoenix.com

Summary- A food company in California is voluntarily recalling 6,141 cartons of cilantro in seven states, including Arizona, that may be contaminated with salmonella. No illnesses have been reported, the cilantro is being recalled as a percaution. Cilantro, also known as coriander, was distributed in Arizona, New Jersey, Indiana, California, Massachussetts, South Carolina and Missouri through retailers.

Critique- This definately could be a problem. I think all food should be tested for disease and bacteria before it gets shipped. Otherwise you have to let the retailers know to take that product off the shelf, and try to let all the citizens in that state or area that its infected. It;s just a lot of work to let people know that one of the herbs that they bought has something that could possibly kill them.

Impact- Well if someone gets salmonella then they could possibly die from it so that could be a huge impact. This also impacts the company because they have to recall one of their products,which means they will be receiving less money. Also one of their clients that buys from them might stop buying cilantro from them. So really this can impact both the company and people.

Lack of Sleep in Teens

Reference: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/video/lack-sleep-teens-14627944

Summary: Teens who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to engage in risky behaviors.

Critique: I disagree, when I don’t get enough sleep I get angry I don’t decide to go skydiving.

Impact: I guess if this is true it has an impact on high schools and behavioral problems.

7 Gifts That Give Back

Reference:http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/12/7-gifts-that-give-back/

Summary: 7 gifts that you can buy that give back a portion and in some cases 100% of the proceeds to different charitable organizations.
1) Bangles: These bangles are made by women in Uganda and are sold online at projecthavehope.org, 100% of the proceeds go back to help the women who make them in Uganda.
2) Helping hats: These hats are $20.00 sold online at unicefusa.org and 15% of that $20.00 goes to help fund people all over the world with vaccines, Food, water and things like that.
3) Makeup bag: This makeup bag is $30.00 and a portion of this will provide a child in need with 5 school lunches.
4) Pet Pillow: This pet pillow is $39.00, with this purchase the ASPCA receives $5 to help feed homeless dogs.
5) Sunglasses: These sunglasses made by the popular shoe company toms are $145 with every pair bought the toms company will provide eye care to a person in need.
6) Tree: With every purchase of this $20 tree gift set 10 new trees will be planted by the Trees for the Future organization.
7) Sneakers: A portion of these $50 converses will go to help project red the global fund to fight aids.

Critique: These gifts are pretty amazing.

Impact: Giving back always has an impact.

The lungfish, a strange little thing. These fish have been found to bound. By using there to pelvic apendegies they are just one step closer to walking.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-12-small-lungfish-big-evolution.html

Solar Storms Could Sandblast the Moon

Solar Storms Could Sandblast the Moon

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207000851.htm

Summary- Solar storms and associated Coronal Mass Ejections can significantly erode the lunar surface according to a new set of computer simulations by NASA scientists. In addition to removing a surprisingly large amount of material from the lunar surface. This could be a major method of atmospheric loss for planets like Mars that are unprotected by a global magnetic field. CME’s are basically an intense gust of the normal solar wind. A diffuse stream of electrically conductive gas that’s blown outward from the surface of the sun into space. A strong CME may contain around billion tons of plasma moving up to million miles per hour in a cloud many times the size of Earth. The moon has just the barest wisp of an atmosphere, technically called an exosphere. CMEs are effective at removing lunar material not only because they are denser and faster than the normal solar wind.

Critique- I think it is amazing how a strong CME may contain around billion tons of plasma moving up to million miles per hour in a cloud many times the size of Earth. That is very big if you think about it.

Impact- This will affect the moon from the CME. If it is a strong CME that would have more effect.

House-Hunting Honey Bees Work Like Complex Brains

Resource:
http://www.blogger.com/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.sciencedaily.com%252Freleases%252F2011%252F12%252F111208141942.htm

Summary:
The human race and the honey bee species both have to make decisions based on where to live. When bees leave their mother, they split into swarms to search for a home to best suit the new colony. The bees communicate to one another by dancing. When a bee finds a home that they like, they'll dance in a pattern that resembles the number 8. Scientists think this figure 8 pattern is a small map on how to get to the potential home. The swarm of bees often find more than one suitable home which forces them to make a decision quickly since they are exposed to the outside world. Kirk Visscher of the University of California, Seeley of Cornell University, and researchers say they have found another signal that plays a part in this process similar to monkeys making decisions. A bee will make a short buzzing sound and butt its head against the dancing bee to end the dance, called the stop signal. They do this to let the dancing bee know that there are other homes they have to consider, it’s about making a decision without being too hasty. To decide which area is going to be their home, they see how many bees the area attracts. The area that attracts the most bees is their home.

Critique:
I found it very interesting that bees have to make decisions just like humans and that they communicate to each other by dancing.

Impact:
I think these findings will help scientists better understand the behaviors of other animals.

Savanna Chimps Exhibit Human-Like Sharing Behavior

Resource:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201094819.htm

Summary:
The act of sharing food has been one of the most important characteristics of human behavior. Jill Pruetz of Iowa State University and researchers witnessed over 40 acts of Fongoli chimpanzees sharing food and hunting tools with other chimpanzees. Chimps share meet but in this case, it was unusual to see them sharing other materials. Of these 41 times, males transferred food and hunting tools to the females 27 times, which is believed to be exchanged for mating. Researchers have seen an increase in this activity, which they believe is do to the Fongoli chimpanzees high population. These findings of the Fongoli chimpanzee’s strange sharing behavior may be due to the effects of living in a very dry, hot environment, they are the only chimpanzees that occupy the savanna environment. The researchers feel that these findings can lead to how the first humans shared resources with one another.

Critique:
I think this finding is very interesting. I knew that other animals shared materials but I did not really know what or why they did so. It’s cool to see how much the human race and chimpanzees have in common.

Impact:
These findings will help researchers better understand how the earliest humans shared resources. This is because these chimpanzees are the first of their kind to settle in the savanna environment, just like the first humans on Earth.

Global Sea Surface Temperature Data Provides New Measure of Climate Sensitivity Over the Last Half Million Years

Global Sea Surface Temperature Data Provides New Measure of Climate Sensitivity Over the Last Half Million Years

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206082754.htm

Summary- The sensitivity of global temperature to changes Earth’s radiation balance is a key parameter for understanding past natural climate changes as well as potential future climate change. Researchers from the University of Southampton and Bristol For the first time Reconstructed climate sensitivity over five ice age cycles based on the global suite of records of sea surface and polar temperature change. These were compared with the new reconstruction of changes in Earth’s radiation balance caused by the changes in greenhouse gas concentrations. The researchers infer that Earth’s climate sensitivity over the last half million years. It is most likely amounted to a 3.1 to 3.9 Celsius temperature increase for the radiative equivalent of a modern doubling of atmosphere carbon dioxide concentrations. It is about a total range of 1.7 to 5.7 Celsius.

Critique- There is a change in the climate with the temperature from the past half million years. The temperature between now and back then is a big difference that is why it is good to have research into other topics to see the differences.

Impact- This will show the changes in the temperature from the past half million years. If there is a steady pattern going up or down in temperature researchers can calculate how much it will change and what will happen. This would help to see future changes in the climate in the future.

Climate Changes Faster Than Species Can Adapt for Rattlesnake

Climate Changes Faster Than Species Can Adapt for Rattlesnake

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102637.htm

Summary- The study which focuses on North American rattlesnakes. Researchers find that the habitat will be two to three orders of magnitude greater than the average change over the past 200 millennia. Over the next 90 years at best these species will change more than 100 times faster than they have in the last 320,000 years. The researchers make fact that species have been responding to climate change throughout their history and their past responses which can inform what to expect in the future. Projecting the model into the future the researchers calculate the expected changes in range at the upper and lower extremes of warming. Climate change between 1.1 degree and 6.4 degree Celsius. The researchers then calculate that rattlesnake’s ranges have moved about an average of 2.3 meters a year in the past 320,000 years. Also that their tolerances to climate have evolved about 100 to 1000 times slower.

Critique- I think it is cool how the rattlesnakes have moved 2.3 meters a year in the past 320,000 years. You can see now that the climate is changing a lot if the rattlesnakes have moved that much in the last 320,000 years. The climate which has changed between 1.1 and 6.4 degree Celsius will change the temperature a lot if it was per year even to per 5 years.

Impact- This will affect not only rattlesnakes but it will also affect other animals out there. The impact will show that researchers can look where most of the animals will be from calculating from the past to now. So researchers can see where the other animals will be in the future.

Drugs Help Monkeys Lose Weight, Are Humans Next?

Reference:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45224080/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/

Summary: Drugs that help people lose weight for a dieter is like a dream for them.  Right now scientists only know that it works on monkeys but they are going to test it on a humans soon to see if it actually works.  The drug that scientists are using is a protein called adipotide.  What it does is that it goes into the blood supply and kills the fat cells.  The research shows that the monkeys lost 11 percent of their body fat.

Critique: This is very interesting because if this drug proves itself to be useful for humans then won’t a lot of people just stop working out and use the drug whenever they need to lose weight?  In my personal perspective I think that working out to lose weight is a lot better than taking the drug because not only would people get lazy but they would not build muscle.  I just don’t think that needs to be our first resort to losing weight.  Exercise and eating healthy still has a lot to do with it.

Impact: It is really hard to say what is better until we find out if this drug works on any humans.  Some people may agree about doing the drug and some people may want to just work out like usual.  It is very important to do research before taking anything for weight loss as it could end up being bad for you body. 

Nasty germs lurking In Raw Cookie Dough, Scientists Warn

Reference: http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/09/9326025-nasty-germs-lurking-in-raw-cookie-dough-scientist-warns

Summary: If you’re one of those people that like to eat nice, soft cookie dough before you put it in the oven, government scientists say to stop it.  Reports say that there may be nasty germs lurking in ready to bake cookie dough.  This has caused seventy seven people in thirty states to get sick.  And about thirty five of those people had to be hospitalized.  What is making the people sick is the E-Coli in the dough.  E-Coli is a bacteria that causes the infection.  The way to stop this infection from happening to a family or friend is by not eating raw cookie dough.  It is as simple as that.

Critique: I love cookie dough, but now that I found out that this dough could possibly be tainted with E-Coli I am not going eat cookie dough again.  And for all those people that have families and eat cookie dough, don’t eat it anymore if you don’t want to get sick. 

Impact: E-Coli can cause a really bad infection.  Eating this cookie dough is not good for our bodies at all.  And they way to stop it is to make the wise decision and not eat the cookie dough anymore.  This does not mean you can’t make cookies, it just means don’t eat them raw.   

Severe Storms Coming

Summary: Because wind pressure has changed, more severe storms are on their way. This is apparently because of jet streams, which stir up the air and make tornados more likely to happen.

Critique: I like studying things about the weather, so I thought this was cool. Where I live, there aren’t many tornados at all, but if this article is true, we’ll be in for a huge surprise.
Impact: Get this, people. So I was looking at Tornado myths (See link below) and I saw this little graph thingy:

Top Weather Killers From 1960-1996:
Flash floods: 4,629
Lightning: 3,221
Tornados: 2,734
Hurricanes: 1,104

Hard to believe isn’t it? I guess this will make people feel a little bit better when they hear about another Hurricane, right?

http://www.spiralwishingwells.com/guide/tornados.html#stop

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110607102626.htm

Tornados

Summary: Tornados are made when a column of warm air begins to rise from sea level. Because it is rising, it mixes with the cool air above it and they blow at two different speeds together. How it is really started is unknown, but once the columns begin to spin faster, it thins out, like a rope. This makes it long enough to touch the ground. It ends when the warm air rises up through the tornado and the cold air seeps out around it. It sort of constricts the tornado, cutting off all of the air it is getting, and often disperses in a matter of minutes. There is something that I liked to call the Rampage Stage, where the Tornado does the most damage. This is when the storm is at its worst, because the warm air and the cool air are going so fast, the tornado gets worse. This can last for hours or for a few minutes.

Critique: Never having been in a tornado myself, I can’t really say what it’s like, but from what I’ve heard, it’s not something you want to get stuck in. It’s definitely worse to get caught in a Hurricane.

Impact: There are many tornados scattered throughout the United States, and no matter where you are, at least one – or a hurricane or tropical storm – has occurred in your state over the past ten years or so. Some last longer than an hour, but some only last a few minutes.

http://eo.ucar.edu/kids/dangerwx/tornado3.htm
http://www.spiralwishingwells.com/guide/tornados.html#stop

Storm Alert

Summary: NASA has spotted a hurricane – oh excuse me – "Tropical Storm" on the Indian Ocean. It doesn’t have a name yet, just a few numbers and letters that only NASA understands.

Critique: I remember when Hurricane Irene was coming through the U.S. People got scared when they heard that another storm was going to screw up their lives. Again. Then when scientists told people to not worry about it because it was only a Tropical Storm, people got even more scared, because guess what? They said the exact same thing about Hurricane Katrina. Everyone began to make a big deal about it, even the scientists who said it wasn’t a big deal to begin with were starting to become paranoid. I guess they started to believe the public when it supposedly got larger on the radar.

Impact: Something like this probably won’t affect the U.S, because India is very far away. I am just very interested in the weather.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205181919.htm

Elusive Ultrafine Indoor Air Contaminants Yield to Analysis

Elusive Ultrafine Indoor Air Contaminants Yield to Analysis

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207105431.htm

Summary- Monitoring such tiny particles was made possible by NIST advances in measurement capabilities. The measurements were carried out in weeks of experiments at a 340 square meters test house on the NIST campus in Gaithersburg. The researchers used the data to develop a model for predicting changes in the size and distribution of ultrafine particles smaller than 100 nanometers. The measurements and model will further efforts to explains the dynamics of ultrafine particles. An area of growing interests of environmental and health researchers. This will also let them also will advance work to develop accurate and reliable methods for determining how changes in heating and cooling systems.

Critique- this experiment will let the researchers use the data to develop a model for predicting changes in the size and the distribution. The experiment used 340 square meters which gave them a good amount of size to do their work on.

Impact- This will let the researchers to use all the data they have to spend time on the things they are doing. It will let them predict the changes in the size and the distribution. The particles are smaller than 100 nanometers which is very small.

For Midwesterners, More Boxcars Mean Cleaner Air

For Midwesterners, More Boxcars Mean Cleaner Air

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173716.htm

Summary- Much of impact that boils down to simple efficiency. Shifting from road to rail 500 million tons of the freight passing through or to the Midwest would make a large dent in the carbon dioxide spilled into the air by the movement of goods. There is a 31 percent decrease of carbon dioxide produced by freight shipping region. But carbon dioxide mixes fairly evenly in the atmosphere. Spreading its effects around the globe. The result is a much more thorough and local idea of the differences between truck and rail shipping. But more rail track would mean more pollutants near the tracks.

Critique- The only thing is that if more rail track would come which would mean more pollutants near the tracks. With the carbon dioxide decreasing by 31 percent chance produced by freight shipping would change.

Impact- There would be a big change if they would switch from truck to railing for shipping things. The change would be the carbon dioxide.

Is Climate Change Altering Humans' Vacation Plans?

Is Climate Change Altering Humans' Vacation Plans?

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115250.htm

Summary- In the study recently of the nine parks that experienced significant increases in mean spring temperatures since 1979. In contrast, of the 18 parks without significant temperature changes, only three exhibited attendance shifts. “We can't say for sure that global warming is causing this swing in visitation trends," Buckley said. However someone has acknowledged that other factors -- such as population changes, economic trends, park popularity and travel costs influence park visitor numbers. However those are probably to have more of an impact on total annual visits.

Critique- It could be global warming that could be the change in the peoples numbers with vacations. The climate would just change on where people go.

Impact- This would only affect where and when people would go to places if the climate was is changing. It isn’t a big impact the only impact it has is where people go.

Like Humans, the Paper Wasp Has a Special Talent for Learning Faces

Like Humans, the Paper Wasp Has a Special Talent for Learning Faces

Reference- http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201142756.htm

Summary- “Wasps and humans have independently evolved similar and very specialized face-learning mechanisms, despite the fact that everything about the way we see and the way our brains are structured is different”. The study marks the first time that any insect has demonstrated such a high level of specialized visual learning. In earlier research they found that paper wasps recognize individuals of their species by variations in their facial markings and that they behave more aggressively toward wasps with unfamiliar faces. Twelve wasps were trained for 40 consecutive trials on each image type. So they paired images included photos of normal paper wasp faces, photos of caterpillars, simple geometric patterns, and computer-altered wasp faces.

Critique- I think it is amazing how the paper wasps show different expressions and aggressions. These paper wasps have different faces depending on what is happening.

Impact- The wasps learned different faces for certain things. When the researchers showed the wasps, photos of caterpillars, simple geometric patterns, and computer-altered wasp faces. A reward was consistently associated with one image in a pair.

Blood Cell Test For HIV Treatment Monitoring is Cheaper and Just as Effective

Summary: A cheaper lab test the aids the anti-retroviral drug treatment for people with HIV/AIDS might be as effective as its more sophisticated counterpart. This still needs to be validated by more clinical trials, but researchers in the US, Canada, and Uganda suggested that viral load testing, the more expensive test, might not give a substantial benefit over the cheaper and older one, CD4+ testing. The study estimated that using the CD4+ test, each added healthy year of life would cost $174. With viral load testing each additional year would be $5,000! Anti-retroviral therapy costs about $600 per added year of life. The repot calculated that "with more than $100 million to spend on HIV, putting the money into antiretroviral therapy with CD4+ testing rather than viral load testing would add 36,000 healthy life years." The trial was conducted in Uganda, where more than one in twenty people are infected with HIV.

Critique: This is a great study. This is going to save a lot more lives than if all of the clinics abandoned the old test and went for the new test with not many more benefits.

Impact: There are many people who suffer from HIV/AIDS. This may save thousands of Africans lives because they probably wouldn't have been able to afford $5,000 a year.

Reference: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/12/01/blood_cell_test_for_hiv_treatment_monitoring_is_cheaper_but_just_as_effective.html

New Gene Study of ADHD Points to Defects in Brain Signaling Pathways

Summary: Researchers studying genetic influences in ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) have found changes in specific genes that take part in vital brain signaling pathways. This study raises the chances of a new treatment option being developed for those with ADHD who have those changes in their genes. At least 10 percent of ADHD patients in the study had those changes in their genes. Now there is a genetic explanation for the link that applies to a subset of children with ADHD.

Critique: I really hope that scientists will be able to find a new treatment option for everyone out there with ADHD. It's amazing that they were able to pinpoint specific genes.

Impact: Half a million children in the United States have ADHD. Anything that can change the lives of half a million children and their families has a gigantic impact.

Reference: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/12/04/new_gene_study_of_adhd_points_to_defects_in_brain_signaling_pathways.html

Scientists Rediscover Rarest US Bumblebee

Summary: Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, rediscovered the rarest species of bumblebee in the United States. "Cockerell's Bumblebee" was last seen in 1956, in the White Mountains in New Mexico. The bee is known from an area of less than 300 square miles. This gives Cockerell's Bumblebee the most limited range of any bumblebee species in the world! Currently, the bee is not under serious threat of habitat loss. The species has been ignored for so long because it was not believed to be a distinct species, just a regional color variant of another species. The next step for scientists is going to be coming to a firm conclusion regarding the status of the bee as a species.

Critique: I think that this is so cool- rediscovering a whole other species! I can understand how it got forgotten- according to recent estimates there are about 8 million species of insects in existence.

Impact: I don't think that there is much of an impact. Scientists rediscover about several dozen species every year, but I still think it's really cool. This is the rarest bumblebee in the United States!

Reference: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2011/12/05/scientists_rediscover_rarest_us_bumblebee.html

Research Finds Childhood Obesity is Best Tackled in Schools

Summary: Australian researchers looked at 55 interventions in older studies and found that programs at school were vital in getting kids to have healthy weights. For skeptics, there was little evidence that the programs would have a negative impact on the way the children say themselves. Children's health would be improved with lessons about healthy eating, physical activity, improving school lunches, making the students more active during the day, and supporting parents to make similar changes at home. The problem in getting these programs is funding.

Critique: I think that schools need to have more of these programs. I saw what went into school lunches on Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and it really shocked me. If they changed that I think that it would make a big difference along with teaching kids about being more healthy. I think that teachers need to emphasize making healthy choices with everything in moderation. Kids shouldn't faint when they see a hamburger and fries. Also, there are many students who suffer from anorexia and bulimia who need to be helped. Anorexia and bulimia can be just as dangerous as obesity. Hopefully through these programs the schools will cut obesity, as well as anorexia and bulimia.

Impact: Hopefully this will cause people to realize that schools need to change and put a larger emphasis on students' health.

Reference: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/12/07/childhood-obesity-best-battled-in-schools-research-finds/

America notices their kids are obese and blame cereal:)

Reference: http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/07/sugar-is-on-the-menu-for-kids-breakfast/?hpt=he_c2

Summary: Apparently the government finally noticed that kid's cereals are way over the recommended sugar limit for cereal by the government recently. (why they do not regulate that rule, no one knows...) Honey smacks, Froot Loops, Cap'n crunch are among them. ! in 3 american kids are obese. (That is GROSS!) Anyways, the government is blaming cereal for making kids fat, so the cereal makers like Kellog's are reducing the sugar in their cereal.

Critique: Good thing I eat waffles drowned in syrup for breakfast.

Impact: I can see it now: "But Mommy!!!! I don't wanna eat Raisin Brannnnnn!" Haha I feel bad for all those fat kids who eat Froot Loops.

Diabetes from working? Yay lets all quit our jobs!

Reference: http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/06/health/night-shifts-diabetes-link/index.html?hpt=he_c2

Summary: Studies have shown that women working at night are at higher risk of diabetes. They don't really know why, actually there wasn't much information at all except women working night shift could develop type 2 diabetes.

Critique: I think it was a poorly written article. I mean, there was not enough information and there was really no point. It's not like these women can just quit their jobs because they are "at risk of developing" diabetes.

Impact: Well women who work at night could get diabetes. Poor them. :(

Radiation in the Formula!

Reference: http://news.yahoo.com/radiation-traces-found-japanese-baby-formula-123020703.html


Summary: Radiation is being found in baby formula in Tokyo, Japan, likely a result of the recent radiation leak, pulling the food out of stock may be their only option. This is exactly what Meiji Co., a major food and candy producer, decided to do. Moreover, this was the best choice for keeping the people safe. Naturally, many consumers are concerned about radiation getting into all sorts of things, not just baby formula. . When the earthquake on March 11 sent radiation spraying vehemently into the air and ocean, one wouldn't be too surprised by this. Still, this was the first account of radiation being present in baby formula. To summarize, the best choice was to merely take it off the shelves of stores for safety, and to stay strong even though the country may be in tough times.

My thoughts: I only hope that these people can get through this.

Impact: Formula.

Steroids Help Babies?

http://news.yahoo.com/steroids-help-very-young-babies-survive-study-210331323.html


Summary: All mothers worry about their babies, it is hardwired into their instincts, but if they were told that taking steroids would help their unborn child they may be somewhat skeptical, yet it is in their best interests. If given a two shot regimen of steroids, a mothers' 23 week old fetus would have a better chance of surviving, then if she weren't given the shots. In short, give them this a few days prior to child birth, and expect the baby to do better and have a better chance of survival. Certainly women with a child in their womb be eager to test this out? Of course they have, however, there were worries of infection in pregnant mothers. This was not apparent in the studies that took place, none of the women in these tests were attacked by disease. In conclusion, giving these women shots of steroids can increase their baby's chances of survival.

My thoughts: This fact could prove to be useful in the future.

Impact: This could further our research and success in saving infants lives.
 

The 8 Germiest Places in the Mall

Reference: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20543689_1,00.html

Summary:

1. Bathroom sinks

- Sinks are moist, so it is easy for bacteria to live on them.

2. Food court tables

- Even trying to clean these table so not ensure that they are clean.

3. Escalator handrails

- Disgusting substances have been found on these rails including urine, feces and mucus

4. ATM keypads

- Many viruses are spread by germs on these ATM's

5. Toy stores

- Kids are get everything on their hands and then they touch everything.

6. Fitting rooms

- If several people try on one piece of clothing, they are covered in sweat and skin cells.

7. Gadget shops

- Stores such as Best Buy have displays of products used to test and spread germs.

8. Makeup Samples

- In 2007, 100% of samples carried bacteria

Critique: I have never been scared of germs, but for those who are, this could be helpful.

Impact: For people who do not like germs, this list can make them aware and help them prevent getting sick.