Hello Everyone,
Congrats on surviving your first week of college!! Now it is time to get down to business. Here is your first assignment.
1) Find an article or video that discusses some element of science dealing with the topics that we will be covering in this class (e.g., oceanography, geology, geography, atmospheric science, climate science, biology, ecology, environmental issues, etc.).
2) Post a link to the article/video as a comment at the end of this post.
3) Add (1) a short (1 paragraph) summary of the information you learned from the article and (2) a short (1 paragraph) discussion of the reliability of the information in the article.
DUE DATE: Must Be Posted by 5 PM on Friday September 7th.
Note: As a motivation to get you to turn your work in early, there are no duplicate articles allowed. Thus, if someone posts your article before you do you must find a new article!!
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-greenland-canyon-20130830,0,5451102.story
ReplyDeleteEssentially, there was a recent discovery of a canyon deep inside Greenland’s ice sheet. This canyon is the longest canyon on Earth, but the Grand Canyon beats it in depth. The researchers, led by Jonathan Bamber, were able to find the canyon by using NASA’s IceBridge program which studies polar ice. Since this is a recent finding, information about it are still coming out.
The reliability of this article is fairly high since it’s coming from a reputable news company. Also, this story is being covered by many other news outlets, like BBC News and National Geographic, which add to the validity of the article. If this article said something wrong, it’s easy to check the facts with the other articles covering the exact same discovery.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/25/science/earth/air-pollution-may-have-suppressed-storms-research-suggests.html?ref=oceans&_r=0
ReplyDeleteThe article above discusses the possible correlation between air pollution and the number of major storms occurring. Studies suggest that while during the 20th century, industries producing immense amounts of air pollution may have actually suppressed the number of major storms occurring due to the fact that air pollution changes the way the clouds cool. Today, it is believed that the efforts to reduce the amount of air pollution has actually returned the storms back to their natural state, thus the reason we have been experiencing more storms within the past years.
The article appears to be fairly valid due to the fact that The New York Times along with several other reliable sources are promoting the story. Also, reading the actual study added validity to the idea that this article can be trusted. Personally, I find this article to be very interesting and it makes you wonder what/who is really to blame for the significant increase in storms.
http://www.nbcnews.com/science/human-tissue-regeneration-its-just-over-horizon-6C10984423
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the human species is in no way able to regenerate limbs like the salamander. However, recent studies on a Zebrafish have demonstrated that scientists do have the ability to repair its damaged heart. This is due to a particular protein that controls the regenerative process. This has nothing to do with humans, except that scientists took the hypothesis that maybe this same process would work on the human species, and scientists have proven that they can turn human scar tissue into electrically conductive tissue. This particular study has not just been performed on fish. Scientists performed a similar study on the toes of mice. Ultimately, it was found that it is possible to enhance the regenerative response in adult mice. This is just one small step on a speculatively decade journey, but if scientists continue to find such promising results in their studies, humans could one day be regenerating limbs and possibly even scarred heart tissue.
The validity of this article is discouraging at first, as it is unbelievable humans could have the ability to regenerate body parts. However, the performed studies are linked to well-educated professors at well known schools of medicine. To enhance this statement, the actual article was posted by a very well known and trusted news website, NBC news. Also, I copied and pasted the news article title into a Google search engine box, and my results were very reassuring. Numerous well known and trusted news websites had posted a very similar article at approximately the same time. These sites include “E! Science News,” topix.net, and the Duke University news website.
http://www.conservation.org/FMG/Articles/Pages/CI-and-Partners-Launch-the-Ocean-Health-Index.aspx
ReplyDeleteThe article above discusses the introduction of an index known as the Ocean Health Index by first giving some facts about the ocean and is widespread use around the world. It continues on with an explanation of the goals on Conservation International, the company launching the index, which include assessing the relationship between the ocean and the people that rely on it. In order to judge the health of the ocean, it is given a score in each of ten categories, such as coastal protection and food provision, as well as an overall score. These scores will help researchers determine what needs to be done in order to improve the relationship between people and the ocean.
This article seems to be reliable based on the information given in the article, as well as the fact that the article was posted to a website ending with .org. Most websites with a .org ending tend to be more dedicated to publishing reliable and credible information. The article also contains a link to the Ocean Health Index’s website so the reader can learn more specific information about the index. The fact that the article provides outside links for more information lends to its credibility.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/08/130830091618.htm
ReplyDeleteThe current buzz on athletic injuries focuses heavily on concussions, especially in all levels of football. Athletes and coaches across the nation are searching for simple, yet high quality neurologic expertise on the sidelines. Recently, Northern Arizona University teamed up with Mayo Clinic for a research study on the possibility of a telemedicine robot assessing athletes with suspected concussions and head injuries during football games. This robot will be controlled by a camera system miles away, allowing the players to be seen by a specialist in real time. This invention will benefit teams that do not have access to doctors or athletic trainers on the sidelines, as the specialists will be able to evaluate several different teams all from the same location. The downside, however, is the questionable accuracy of a remote neurological assessment compared to a face-to-face evaluation.
This trending story seems to be extremely reliable, as it is backed by many other websites and news teams. From biology websites, to college sports pages, to law firms, anything concerning research done by the Mayo Clinic seems to attract a lot of attention. With the ongoing concern of the long term effects of concussions on the brain, biologists and neurologists are jumping at the chance to support this sort of endeavor.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/352706/description/Life_under_ice
ReplyDeleteThis article reports on the possibility of an entire ecosystem that could exist in a lake 4,000 meters under the ice of Antarctica. Recently, scientists have finally drilled their way into the lake waters and discovered genetic material that not only suggests bacterial life, but more complex sea life as well. The subject has caused some argument among many reputed scientists as to whether or not the data is valid, and not contaminated by the tools used to extract it. The study is still ongoing.
The story seems to be pretty reliable, mostly because of the information that it gathers from the scientists performing the actual study. The article is filled with quotes from reputed scientists on both sides of the argument. While it doesn't quote other news outlets on the story, the magazine seems specialize in stories such as this.
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-a-cosmic-caterpillar-shaped-by-fierce-stellar-winds-photo-20130830,0,6927940.story
ReplyDeleteThe article above discusses the reasoning and science behind an image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. Call it a caterpillar or whatever your mind sees it to be, but the truth is that this visually stimulating cosmic creation is actually a star struggling to grow. Because of intense stellar winds the nucleus of the star, which is where gas and dust help to enlarge the star, is struggling to contain the resources needed for the star to grow. Radiation from other stars and the struggling star itself is what makes the tail of the "caterpillar" glow. If the star cannot overcome the stellar wind and gain the resources needed to grow, the star will end up very small in size, relative to other stars around.
This article seems to be very valid since the picture came from an actual aircraft out in space. Since the article does include other scientist commenting on the photo, the validity of the science and reason behind this picture increases. The source of the article, LA Times, is a reliable and a creditable source of information. Many other news articles have been posted over the same photo and all have the same reasoning for the cosmic caterpillar, which makes this article very valid and reliable.
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ReplyDeletehttp://www.insidescience.org/content/deadly-bacteria-go-viral/1375
ReplyDeleteThe article discusses that scientist and researchers at UCLA have found out how and why tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is hard to find and treat. Apparently TB tricks the body into thinking it is a virus instead of a bacteria. When the body's immune system thinks that something is a virus is does not fight it. This allows the TB to grow and multiply undercover. Now that this has been discovered, UCLA scientist now have found a way to fight it and have already had successful results in the lab. Their next step is to take it to the streets to figure out if their discoveries work.
This article looks to be legitimate because there is video of the UCLA researchers in the lab, the scientist are quoted and shown in the video, and the website is reliable. The author is also given instead or there being no author or the author being unclear (i.e. on wikepedia, ask.com, ect.). The author's accolades and history are also given after the article to show that she is a reliable writer.
http://geology.com/press-release/hydrothermal-vent-pyrite/
ReplyDeleteThe article above talks about how ocean life receives iron. Obviously, fish and smaller life, such as plankton, cannot acquire iron like we do from vegetables or red meats. So instead, they acquire iron from nano particles of pyrite that are dispersed from hydro-thermal vents on the ocean floor. Because it is pyrite, which is a mixture of iron and sulfur to form iron disulfide. This helps the iron stay in its original form instead of rust or oxidize. This helps the iron float around and because it is so small it can be eaten by fish and small animals. This iron supplement helps keep ocean life developing.
This article seems to be legitimate because it describes many scientists who have conducted this study. It also is on a seemingly reliable website that has many articles of scientific study. The writers are listed at the bottom of the page along with the scientists who have been apart of the study. I deem this to be a worthy scientific article.
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/08/28/sun-82-billion-year-old-twin-found/
ReplyDeleteRecently in the constellation called Capricornus, the sun's twin was found located about 250 light-years away. The newfound star is 8.2 billion years old, which is about 4 billion years older than our sun. Scientists have conducted studies to prove the alike characteristics through observing its chemical composition, mass, and temperature. By comparing and researching the star's characteristics, scientists are able to predict what the sun was like in its youth and what it will become in the future. Unlike other solar twin's found in the past, this newly discovered star's chemical composition is close to the sun's. In turn, continual research is being performed to locate any possible orbiting planets; so far, none are to be found.
The credibility of this article is proven through a few embedded quotes and videos given by the astronomers currently researching the new discovery. At the bottom of the article, many other sources are listed that will also be publishing the article as well. Also, the website is a reputable source and has posted many other scientific stories.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/352799/description/News_in_Brief_Flu_antibodies_can_make_disease_worse
ReplyDeleteWe have all heard the rumors regarding the flu vaccine; some being that getting the vaccine would make us more likely to get the flu or that we would become very sick after receiving it. This was recently proven true in a group of pigs. The pigs were injected with the flu vaccine to prevent them from getting the illness. However, after the injection the pigs became very ill and developed severe lung complications, as well as, lung viruses. Scientists are trying to create a universal flu shot but so far they have run into issues with the vaccine but also with natural illnesses that could worsen the symptoms.
The source of this article is credible due to the citations found at the bottom of the page and the date of the article is recent. The website the article was found on is solely a science website where many more credible articles have been found. The website is hosted by the Society for Science and the Public which also produce their own science magazine.
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ReplyDeletehttp://www.foxnews.com/weather/2013/09/03/are-sinkholes-occurring-more-
ReplyDeleteoften-than-once-were/
The article starts off by giving us two examples of devastating sinkholes both occurring in Florida. The writer is asking experts in Florida if sinkholes are occurring more often than they used to. The experts are saying that they cannot prove this accusation. They instead say that because humans are building in areas that were already sinkhole prone, it seems to appear that they are happening more often when in reality humans are upsetting the ground and causing the sinkholes to reform. The article then explains what sinkholes are and gives yet another dreadful example. Heavy rainfall, extreme droughts, and human interference can cause surfaces to collapse. Many people have blamed the sinkholes to drilling though scientists cannot link the two together.
The article should be fairly valid, as Fox News is a well-respected news source. The article gives many opinions from two scientists in different centers who seem to agree in proving that sinkholes are not happening more often. The writer gives three examples and even explains how the sinkholes are formed, helping the reader understand. However, the author does not give any extra sites or where he received the information on sinkholes which lowers the credibility of the article.
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/artscience/2012/11/david-liittschwager-the-world-one-cubic-foot-at-a-time/
ReplyDeleteThis article is about sharks and how their blood undergoes chemical changes (like lactic acid build-up) when they get very stressed. This article talks about how scientists are trying to create a "chill pill" because this chemical change in a shark's blood is a life-threatening occurrence at times.
This is from Smithsonianmag.com and I would think it is somewhat valid, but it does not end in ".gov" so I cannot promise anything. It also did not list an exact scientist, so it may be completely wrong.
http://mentalfloss.com/article/51967/what-does-marijuana-do-spiders
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses the effect various drugs (mainly marijuana) had on spiders and their web-building abilities. I found this article interesting because it explained the effects of marijuana in other animals as well, not just spiders. Not all animals reacted the same way to the drug. For instance, deers that had eaten off of the marijuana plant were observed to be "unusually frisky" and "abnormally high spirited". Dogs and cats were generally groggy and/or tired, and it was found that marijuana can actually be toxic to them. Monkeys who were exposed to THC wanted more, which I found humorous. Spiders were also exposed to various drugs and then observed while building their webs. Spiders exposed to marijuana were "easily sidetracked and left their webs unfinished".
The validity of this source is confirmed in my belief through the established name of the organization. It is a website I have personally used for over a year and have had no problems with. The articles I have read have been presented in a scholarly yet humorous fashion with a clear message. That being said, it is a .com website and not a .org website, which is reason enough for one to question its reliability. Nevertheless, I continue to believe it is a dependable source of knowledge for those that seek it from a well-established name in academia.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130903194153.htm
ReplyDeleteA recent study by the University of Hebrew in Jerusalem suggests that the genetics of children affects how they are parented, as well as which parenting methods are most effective on them. The study used twins on the hypothesis that identical twins should be parented more similarly than non-identical twins, as twins share 100 percent of their genes and non-identical twins share on average 50 percent of genes. They found that children’s genetically-influenced behaviors affect how they are parented. The study found that shared-environment factors such as culture and socioeconomics affects 43% of parenting differences, non-shared environment such as different school and friends affects 34% of differences, and that 23% of differences is determined by a child’s genetics. This ultimately concludes that treatments and interventions for parenting must consider both the traits of the parent and the child, and that there can’t be a “general rule book” for parenting.
The credibility of this article’s source, Science Daily, is fairly credible. Science Daily publishes most of its articles straight from universities and other research institutions. Some other articles are written by staff members, but are from credible sources. The study itself came from a credible university, and the study size was huge (14,600 pairs of twins). The huge sample size of the study gives it a much better accuracy rating.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/die-off-of-bottlenose-dolphins-caused-by-virus-is-worst-in-25-years/2013/08/27/69c135cc-0f48-11e3-bdf6-e4fc677d94a1_story.html
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses the virus responsible for the death of many bottle nose dolphins off the Mid-Atlantic-Coast. Since the start of July, approximately 360 dead or dying dolphins have been found washed up along the shores from New York to North Carolina. Researchers are almost positive that this outbreak is the work of the same virus that killed more than 700 dolphins in the same area years ago. Marine officials are researching other possible causes of this outbreak, such as toxic chemicals in the water, but all signs strongly indicate that this is the same epidemic that occurred several years ago. Currently, biologists have not discovered a way to stop the spreading of this virus since distributing a vaccine among dolphins is not realistically possible.
This article seems to be fully reliable, as it comes from a trustable source and provides evidence from official research. Also, the information given has been backed up with studies from when this occurred several years ago as biologists have found direct links in each occurrence.
http://www.livescience.com/39409-new-sun-reflecting-london-skyscraper-melts-cars-video.html
ReplyDeleteThis video describes a new skyscraper in London, called the Walkie Talkie because of its unique shape, and the new conflict it is causing. A man with a parking spot in front of the new building complained the reflection of the sun off the building was so hot it was melting his jaguar. A restaurant nearby has had a bench melt and tiles damaged. The seat of a bike temporarily sitting outside the skyscraper even had a flame form and burn a section of the seat. A solar physicist suggests that windows should be painted with a textured covering so that the rays would be reflected in different directions and not all concentrated in the same area.
This news report is credible because it gives visual examples of the damaged products located near the skyscraper. Also a credited solar physicist gives his input on the topic and uses reliable equipment to measure the actual solar radiation reflecting from the building.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/01/health/arkansas-amoeba-survivor/index.html?hpt=he_c2
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses the progress of twelve year old Kali Hardig, who has been hospitalized since early this summer with a brain-eating amoeba. The amoeba is of a very rare and severe kind called Naegleria fouleri and is typically contracted in hot springs and warm, fresh water. Health officials in Little Rock, Arkansas believe that the amoeba was present at the Willow Springs Water Park, and they have found similar cases of amoebas there before. Doctors are treating Kali with antifungal medication and various prescriptions, however survival rate is very rare with this particular infection.
The credibility of this source is high, as it is produced by CNN, one of the top news reports in the nation. This article alone shows 94 comments, meaning that many people rely on the credibility and accuracy of CNN. The writer also ensures accuracy by talking with the physician and citing this source by name. It shows that the writer is relying on first-hand knowledge, rather than his own opinions.
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/352830/description/Tiny_human_almost-brains_made_in_lab
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses the creation of "cerebral organoids," which are small brain-like structures formed from human stem cells. The structure is not as complex as a human brain, but it contains many similar qualities such as specialized neurons that make up the retina, choroid plexus, hippocampus, as well as traces of the cerebral cortex. This creation is a remarkable step forward in analyzing and treating more complex brain disorders like schizophrenia and autism, which are at the root of brain development. Some researchers have already begun to study an organoid comprised of cells infected with microcephaly, a brain disease that has been difficult to examine.
This article seems highly reliable. In the first sentence, there is a reference with a link to the source of the article. Additionally, there is a citation at the end with further suggested readings on the topic. The website has been active since 2000, so if it has lasted for 13 years it must be giving valid information to the public.
http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-07/how-3-d-printing-body-parts-will-revolutionize-medicine
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses the possibility of using 3-D printing technology to print organs for use in regenerative medicine. The concept of biological printing was first originated by Dr. Thomas Boland in 2000 at Clemson University using a modified Lexmark printer to print collagen cells onto black silicon paper. As the technology of 3-d printing began to emerge more complex multi-layered items such as capillaries and skin grafts for burn patients. Scientist hope to be able to print viable complex organs such as livers and hearts for transplant patients.
This article is credible because it is published by Popular Science magazine, a leading science magazine first published over 120 years ago in 1872. Popular science has been providing current, accurate scientific knowledge for over 100 years.
This article discusses the world’s largest volcano, Tamu Massif, which was recently discovered beneath the Pacific Ocean. It is much larger than the Hawaiin volcano that was previously thought to be the Earth’s largest. Before now, geologists were under the impression that Tamu Massif was part of a giant oceanic plateau, but further research led to a new conclusion. At 400 miles wide, this is actually a volcano that is a part of a class that has never been seen before. Scientists believe that other volcanoes could be just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteThis article seems to be very reliable. Fox News is one of the top news outlets and they would not portray questionable information as facts. If anything in this article seems like it may be questionable, it can be double checked with one of the many other articles from other sources talking about this new volcano. The article mentioned multiple names and quotes, and was able to explain the procedures that took place to make sure that Tamu Massif actually was a volcano. Fox News is a well-known and trusted news source, and the information in this article all seems very valid.
http://www.ecoenquirer.com/global-warming-asteroid.htm
ReplyDeleteThis article claims that the increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is causing an increased risk of asteroids colliding with Earth. The reasoning behind the claim is as follows: the immense amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, being put into the atmosphere is causing the temperature of the atmosphere to rise. Since the atmosphere is composed of gasses, the gasses will expand due to the rise in temperature. Therefore the expansion of the atmosphere provides a "bigger target" for asteroids to hit.
This article has no credibility. The article itself is a spoof on global warming articles, and the only scientist listed is "Charles Boyle", which is a name comprised of two gas laws. Therefore the article can not be taken seriously because it is not meant to be.