Closing the Wound: Biosolid Snake

Well, now we know where the idea for Twilight came from.

Look at that apple in your hand. Now back to me. Now back at that apple. Now back to me.

Chances are, that apple in your hand was grown out of a beautiful thing called biosolids. Now, before you raise your eyebrows, what exactly are biosolids? Well, I would tell you, but you'll probably end up throwing that apple away. But since I'm getting graded for this, I'm going to tell you anyway.

In short, biosolids are nutrient-rich materials which come from municipal wastewater plants, treated and processed in order to create fertilizer for farmers. Yes, that's exactly what it is. Your apple was grown out of someone else's dinner.

Or at least, that’s our view of “wastewater”. In fact, there’s more to it than what we’re led to perceive. Biosolids are full of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and zinc that plants need to grow. Not only that, but using biosolids as fertilizer improves the fertility of the soil, prevents erosion and runoff, and increases moisture retention. With the nutrients needed already in the fertilizer, farmers and companies who produce these “biosolid fertilized” products save hundreds of dollars, as they don’t need to enhance the soil with separately purchased nutrients. Not only that, but the wastewater, or “sludge” as some people call it (though I don’t know why, it makes it sound worse than it already is), is redirected from landfills and put to good use as plant food. So not only is it economically-friendly, but environmentally-friendly too.

But wait! You might be thinking about what kind of stuff actually goes into biosolids. Since it comes from humans, and passes through a wastewater facility, the biosolid is bound to have picked up a few things along the way. Well, that’s true. Medicine, steroids, chemicals, metals, hormones and other such things have been found in biosolids before, and people against using biosolids aren’t exactly willing to let it drop. However, all biosolids that are used as fertilizers are screened and tested to ensure that it doesn’t negatively affect the plants. Farms that use biosolid fertilizer are monitored carefully to make sure that everything is running smoothly.

Even though there are benefits to using biosolids to fertilize our crops, there’s still the fact that farmers are using human waste to grow our food. To many people, especially those who don’t know the benefits of using biosolids, the concept of wastewater fertilizer is downright disgusting. Who would want to eat something that came out of someone else’s rear end? I don’t blame them; the concept sounds pretty terrible. But once people get over the “ick” factor, they’ll realize that the benefits of using biosolids for fertilizer is actually larger than the downsides.

Besides, our society wastes so much anyway, might as well put all that waste to good use.

Well that doesn't look too bad now, does it?

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Information from

• http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/sewbiobroch.htm#1
• http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/biosolids-and-human-health/
• http://southeastfarmpress.com/biosolids-seen-fertilizer-alternative
• http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/wastewater/treatment/biosolids/genqa.cfm
• http://www.cwwa.ca/faqbiosolids_e.asp

Picture credits from

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/16/biosolids-and-human-health/

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/Biosolid.pumpkin.row.jpg

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Look at your blog post, then back at mine. Now back to your blog post, then back at mine. Sadly, it isn't mine, but it can be like mine if I comment on it.

Just like I did to these guys:

Erica Wright, Biosolids Are Used as Fertilizers!

Kendra Spencer-Cole, Hu-Manure!?

NORMALLY, I'D PUT A SILLY .GIF HERE TO COMMEMORATE THE END OF THIS UNIT.

BUT I HAVEN'T SLEPT IN TWO DAYS, SO I'M NOT GOING TO.

The Fifth Incision: Dissection without Dissecting

Roses are red, violets are blue. I didn't have a camera, so here's an x-ray of you.

Throughout our history, we have been working to improve our understanding of our bodies. Why does the heart beat? Where does the air go after we breathe? Why do we bruise when punched? What we know about the human bodies comes from the continuously improving technologies in the medical field. Wilhelm Rontgen developed the use of x-rays, which was a great asset to understanding the skeletal structure. By studying the electromagnetic rays of Crookes Tubes, he discovered that they could be used to see through objects. Using this knowledge, Rontgen took the first x-ray image in history; his wife’s left hand.

Dr. Raymond Damadian further improved the technology of looking into the body with the development of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or the MRI scanner. Using liquid helium to cool magnets, he used this technology to create the first MRI scanner, which provided the first clear image of a heart, lungs and chest without needing to open the body.

As our knowledge of the body and its internal workings grew, we learned how to improve our health by developing new techniques, devices and medicine. For example, by studying the effects of the pancreas and its effect on dogs, Dr. Frederick Banting and his team discovered a way to combat diabetes and discovered insulin. With this discovery, countless of lives were saved. With this discovery, Dr. Banting became one of the most significant figures of modern medicine, as well as one of the greatest inventors in Canadian history.

Another important figure of modern medicine is John Hopps, another Canadian, and the man credited with the creation of the artificial pacemaker. Using radio frequencies and electrodes, he discovered that the human heart could be restarted after stopping. This research became the basis of the first cardiac pacemaker, created in 1950. Dr. Hopps’ invention was so significant, that even he had his own pacemaker implanted.

Technology continues to improve, and with it, new advances within the medical field continue to appear. In 2010, the first robotic surgery was performed in Canada. The surgical robot, named “DaVinci” was assisted by an anaesthesia robot named “McSleepy”. With the use of robots, surgeons were able to perform delicate movements and procedures, as well as fine-tuning the correct dosage of anaesthesia. With these robots, the safety of the patients is guaranteed, and surgeons are now able to perform delicate tasks, normally impossible to do with human hands.

Our understanding of the body will continue to improve. As technology advances, humans will be capable of doing magnificent feats. A hundred years ago, what we have accomplished now was considered improbable…impossible, even. We have accomplished so much, but in reality, our journey through the discovery of new medical technologies has only begun. Who knows what the future has in store…

Yes, DaVinci can do everything now.

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Information from

• http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/damadian.html
• http://www.whoinventedit.net/who-invented-the-pacemaker.html
• http://www.whoinventedit.net/who-invented-the-x-ray.html
• http://nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/insulin/discovery-insulin.html
• http://www.essortment.com/john-hopps-invented-pacemaker-27221.html
• http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/smart-takes/world-8217s-first-all-robotic-surgery-performed-in-canada/11859

Picture Credits

http://i.bnet.com/blogs/mcgill-aprikian-davinci-mcsleepy-remote-operation.png?tag=mantle_skin;content

http://worldsfamousphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/first-human-x-ray-1896.jpg

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Look at your blog post, then back at mine. Now back to your blog post, then back at mine. Sadly, it isn't mine, but it can be like mine if I comment on it.

Just like I did to these guys:

Justin Valmores, Technology: There is Always More to Come

Kyle Tran, Technology at its Best

YES. I'm almost done Biology. About darn time, too...

The Fourth Incision: You Are What You Eat

Mutant watermelons are the biggest thing in farming nowadays.

Many times to we encounter the phrase "You are what you eat" in our daily lives. And in a certain point of view, that is, in fact, quite true. As much as we are obsessed with having the perfect everything (refer to my previous post), we have even taken to controlling our food sources to provide us with the right food and the right products from the right animals...for the right price.

And this is where selective breeding and industrial agriculture come into play.

What is selective breeding?

Long story short, selective breeding is a way to produce animals and crops that have desirable characteristics to the customer or company producing them. In animals, these characteristics would include things from the right colour and fur to a long life and large breasts for meat. In plants, farmers would look for fast growth and plentiful yield. While at first glance, purposely selecting the right genes from the gene pool to produce the perfect pet or meal might sound like a good idea, but once you fold back the page, it’s clear that it isn’t.

Selective breeding and factory farming was developed for one purpose, and one purpose only; to provide for the human population without any regard to the species in which they are targeting. Because of human meddling and experimenting, we have developed the perfect crops to satisfy our needs and demands. However, the plants and animals that were used for these things have suffered greatly. Recessive genes in these gene pools have been, or is close to being phased out as they weren’t deemed ‘useful’ by the breeders. The extinction of these genes is irreversible; once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. These recessive genes give species variations which have contributed to their ability to adapt and survive. Without these genes, what would happen to the species if a sudden outbreak of an unknown disease spread through the population?

Not only that, but the things that go on during these factory industrialized breeding have the potential to harm the humans making them. Animals live in cramped, filthy living spaces, with just enough room for survival. Disease is easily spread, and dirt and filth from the area can get stuck on the animal during transportation and preparation. Medicines and antibiotics are mixed in with the fodder for the animals, which can be indirectly consumed by people.

While it is obvious that the demands of the consumers have grown so much that farmers needed to resort to unethical ways to satisfy the customers, selective breeding and industrialized farming isn’t the proper way to do so. The abuse these animals go through and the disappearance of important genes within the gene pools are consequences that can be easily avoided. Sustainable farming (producing food through the proper way) is a way to produce goods without the dangers that come with industrialized farming.

If we really are what we eat, then we’d better do something about how we get our food, don’t you think?

Mmmm, delicious.

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Information from

• http://www.animalfreedom.org/english/information/objections.html
• http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4119
• http://www.biology-online.org/2/12_selective_breeding.htm

Pictures from

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/2638682977_d4f4030b00.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BGPSBdsl497uVwQPeDk8Gul9rTUNckcqCO_FY26_CT23jwJsxpLimSrmafDKnTpMJCFaQloBbwTK0oAkcFJGn85FVzOd8GbSDhyFYHtnhNXwPltRjanaQFesGntNTvdNrXihhlDfIjxO/s1600/veal+pages.jpg

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Look at your blog post, then back at mine. Now back to your blog post, then back at mine. Sadly, it isn't mine, but it can be like mine if I comment on it.

Just like I did to these guys:

Erica Wright, 'Sustain or Industrialize'

Jasmin Chattergoon, 'Selective Breeding SHOULD NOT be allowed!'

I finished Unit 8!

...Wait, isn't there a test...?

The Third Incision: Designer Babies

In a world of 'Designer' everything, it appears babies aren't the only exception anymore.

Ever since the beginning of human reproduction, babies have always been a guessing game amongst expectant parents. Boy or girl, tall or short, healthy or unhealthy are only a few of the questions that run through the minds of parents when expecting a new addition to the family. However, birth defects, diseases and hereditary disorders are real, and there's always the chance that parents could pass on those genes to their children.

However, medical science has developed a way to bypass some of the 'guessing' when it comes to making babies. With InVitro Fertilization, and a technique known as Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis, scientists can pre-screen embryos to find a select few that are healthy and disease-free. Only these embryos are introduced into the womb to grow into a fetus, and eventually come out as a baby.

I'd like a slightly-tanned baby with blue eyes and a side of brown hair to go, please...

While these medical advances could improve the lives of children born to parents with hereditary diseases and other complications, there are ethical and moral issues that come with altering the genetic makeup of potential babies. Many people believe that tampering with human genetics is morally wrong; this is especially true with many religious groups who believe that the creation of a baby is a sacred rite for a married couple. When they hear the word ‘designer babies’, they immediately assume that parents sit down with a large catalogue and pick out features they want on their future baby. Scientists then enter the lab; tweak the cells to the customer’s liking, before delivering the ‘new and improved’ embryo to the awaiting mother.

The truth of the matter is that science is a long way from this ‘shake and bake’ baby that many people believe. As of today, the most science can do for your future baby is to make sure that it doesn’t grow to develop some sort of medical disease or disorder though PGD. Parents who were afraid to have children due to existing family problems can now have the children they always wanted knowing that they wouldn’t grow up sick. With this technology, abortions due to complications with the growing baby will decrease, and lives will be saved in the future. Many people hope for a world with less suffering, and with PGD, that might be feasible.

“But Patricia!” you might be thinking, “What if science achieves the technology for ‘catalogue babies’? Is that okay?"

Don’t worry, dear reader, changing an embryo’s genetic makeup for a purely aesthetic reason is very wrong. Because that specific type of genetic engineering actually involves some form of disassembling the gene and rebuilding them for the 'right baby', and that is unethical. But if scanning for healthy embryos can save lives and stop abortions, then I see nothing wrong with PGD. Eventually, catalogue babies might become the reality, but I see that happening in the distant future. As of now, the best we have is keeping our babies healthy and disorder-free, and coming from a family with a long history of liver disease, I’m glad we have PGD.

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Information from

• http://www.humansfuture.org/genetic_engineering_designer_babies.php.htm
• http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/db_cont1.htm
• http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html
• http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/03/designerdebate/

Pictures from

http://www.thelocal.de/articleImages/28319.jpg

http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/regulate-designer-babies_1.jpg

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Look at your blog post, then back at mine. Now back to your blog post, then back at mine. Sadly, it isn't mine, but it can be like mine if I comment on it.

Just like I did to these guys:

Erica Wright, 'Beautiful Babies'

Grace El Khechen , 'Designer Babies...the Future Generation'

Congratulations, I finished Unit Five.

Dumbledore Approves.

The Second Incision: Coral Reefs

(Word count - 500, not including hyperlinks at the end of the page or picture captions)

Coral Reefs, when healthy, are full of life and hosts hundreds of aquatic species.

What are coral reefs? Well, they might look like lifeless structures, but in reality, they are living animals. Belonging to the cnidaria family, coral are stationary animals that depend on tentacles to catch small fish and plankton for nourishment. Each coral animal is known as a polyp, and they live in colonies that range from a hundred members to well over a thousand. While there are two general types of coral, the ones known as 'hard coral' are the ones that make up coral reefs. Made up of hard, calcium carbonate material, millions polyps that fall under the hard coral category come together and form colourful structures that we recognize as coral reefs.

Coral reefs are home to thousands and millions of other species, including fish, lobsters, and seahorses. Due to the large number of other aquatic life that depends on coral reefs for survival, it's safe to say that coral reefs are an integral part of underwater ecology.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are disappearing. Due to human interaction, the number of healthy coral reefs in the world is dwindling faster than the rainforest. The increase of water temperatures due to global warming results in ‘bleached’ coral’, an occurrence in which coral expels algae essential for its survival, and it loses its colour. Pollution, including oil spills and garbage, can severely affect coral reef ecosystems. Trash and other sediments that cover the surface of the water blocks sun from the coral, something that is essential to the polyps and animals living within. Animals can mistake the shadow of discarded trash as food and accidentally consume them, or can be trapped in old fishing nets left behind by visitors. Careless tourism and over-fishing have also contributed to the decline of coral reefs.

But, there are things that humans have been doing to preserve these underwater rainforests. Reef Check is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of tropical coral reefs around the world. It was founded in 1996 by Dr. Gregor Hodgson, a marine ecologist. Reef Check has four main goals: to spread the word about the importance of coral reef ecosystems, to create a global network of volunteers dedicated to helping maintain the coral reefs, to collaborate with other organizations and businesses in finding economical, yet sustainable solutions to the problem, and to work together with the local population in helping with the recovery of damaged reefs.

Reef Check is unique, as it works through the local population, such as divers and fishermen, along with scientists to survey damaged coral reefs. This allows the locals to get information on the coral reef near their homes, and how they can protect and maintain it. Through the research and data gathered by Reef Check surveys, the world now has a clear view on just how serious the damage of coral reefs have gotten. Hopefully, through the continued effort of scientists and local volunteers, we can stop the decline of these majestic coral reefs, and return them to what they once were.

Damaged Coral Reefs are unable to sustain life. Compare this image of a damaged reef to the healthy one at the beginning of the post. Sadly, more reefs around the world look like this, rather than the one at the top.

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Information gathered from:

• http://reefcheck.org/default.php
• http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/coral_species.html
• http://www.coral.org/resources/about_coral_reefs/threats_to_coral_reefs
• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/08/070807-coral-loss.html
• http://www.iyor.org/reefs/

Pictures from:

http://www.coralreefinfo.com/images/coral_reef.jpg
http://serc.carleton.edu/images/eslabs/corals/coral_reef_blast_damage.jpg

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Look at your blog post, then back at mine. Now back to your blog post, then back at mine. Sadly, it isn't mine, but it can be like mine if I comment on it.

Just like I did to these guys:

Caitlin Cosgrove, Greenpeace

Justin Valmores, WWF

I have to admit, they both deserve a Monacle Smile.

The First Inscision

Hello world of biology. I'm Patricia, and I totally did this last year.

Except this was for another course, Media Arts, to be specific. Ironically, Ms. Saran was also my teacher for that course. Hm, I wonder if there's a connection between last year's blog, and this year's blog...because that wouldn't be surprising at all.

I will end this introduction post with something awesome: