|
Subject |
Comments |
Views |
Author |
Date Written |
It's sore throat season, why does my mucus have red spots?
|
view preview
It's that time of year again when the weather starts to change, and we're more prone to getting sick. One such symptom that accompanies these seasonal illnesses is a sore throat. Sore throats not only feel like you've swallowed sandpaper, but they are also accompanied by coughing, congestion, and the production of mucus, sometimes with spots of blood. Firstly, mucus plays a crucial role in our respiratory system. It's a slippery, gel-like substance produced by the mucous membranes lining various parts of our body, including the respiratory tract. This viscous fluid serves as a protective barrier against invaders such as pathogens and irritants. It also helps keep these surfaces moist, allowing for proper functioning and efficient air exchang ...
|
|
|
1 |
14995 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
Bonobos, Chimpanzees, and the 98% DNA Link
|
view preview
When it comes to the animal kingdom, we often find ourselves marveling at the diversity of species that inhabit our planet. Regardless of our differences, the more we delve into the intricacies of genetics and biology, the more we realize just how interconnected all life on Earth truly is. One remarkable example of this interconnectedness is the relationship between humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees. Despite the differences in their "personality" traits, our DNA tells a compelling story of our shared ancestry with these incredible primates. Bonobos and chimpanzees, our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom, are often viewed as two sides of the same evolutionary coin. While they share approximately 98 percent of their DNA with each ot ...
|
|
|
0 |
15434 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
Major Diseases of a Century Ago
|
view preview
In the 1950s, 20,000 cases of polio occurred annually. After vaccination began, the number of cases plummeted to 10 in 1979. The major diseases of a century ago reflect how far we have come in our scientific and medical knowledge. Since then, the landscape of human health has evolved significantly, shaped by advancements in science, medicine, and technology. In this article, we will journey through time to understand the major diseases humans faced a hundred years ago. Infectious DiseasesOne hundred years ago, infectious diseases were among the leading causes of death. These diseases were caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, was a major global heal ...
|
|
|
0 |
4445 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
A Fruit You Won't Believe Contains MSG
|
view preview
Hidden within the vibrant red hues of a ripe tomato lies a secret that has excited taste buds and intrigued culinary experts for centuries. We're talking about monosodium glutamate, better known as MSG. While often associated with Chinese cuisine, MSG's natural presence in tomatoes adds a layer of complexity to the flavor profile of this beloved fruit (see vegetable). MSG is a naturally occurring compound found in various foods. This flavor-enhancing substance gained notoriety in the mid-20 th century when it was widely used as a food additive to intensify umami flavor – the so-called "fifth taste" that imparts a rich and savory sensation to dishes. MSG was originally isolated from kombu seaweed by Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. Its ...
|
|
|
0 |
1824 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
3D Imaging: A Practical Use of Mathematics
|
view preview
3D imaging used in dentistry. Once a panoramic x-ray is taken, the technician uses software to rotate the image; the software uses matrix mathematics to compute the position of the rotated image. One use for matrix math is in programming 3D engines for video games. A single point on the screen can be defined as a vector. The TV or computer screen is two-dimensional only, so to create the look of depth, objects must change size as they come closer to the viewer or go farther back into the scene. An image is made up of hundreds or thousands of vectors. By multiplying this set or matrix, you can change its size. You can also multiply the vector array by another array, which allows you to rotate the image. In rotation, parts of the image become ...
|
|
|
0 |
2148 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
The Secrets of Longevity: Exploring Okinawa, Japan
|
view preview
Have you ever wondered where people live the longest and healthiest lives on Earth? Look no further than the enchanting islands of Okinawa, Japan. Nestled in the East China Sea, Okinawa has gained international recognition for its high number of centenarians and remarkable longevity. Currently, there are 457 people in Okinawa aged 100 or over, an average of 35 for each 100,000 inhabitants. While Japanese people generally live longer than any other nation, the Okinawa inhabitants reach ages that take by surprise even the other Japanese: an average of 86 for women and 78 for men. One of the key factors contributing to the longevity of Okinawa's residents is their traditional diet. The Okinawan diet is rich in plant-based foods such as sweet po ...
|
|
|
0 |
1516 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
How Selective Breeding is Used in Behavioral Genetics
|
view preview
One of the methods used by behavioral geneticists is selective breeding. Selective breeding often involves selecting animals that are very different on one measure of behavior. For instance, if scientists take 20 rats and test how quickly they can solve a maze, chances are that they will get some variability in the speed with which the rats can solve the maze. Scientists would take the two fastest animals and the two slowest animals and breed them together. They would continue to do this over 20 generations, until they had a group of animals that solved the maze very rapidly and a group of animals that solved the maze very slowly. They are then able to examine potential differences in their brains and behaviors that contribute to maze solvi ...
|
|
|
0 |
753 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
Types of Fallacies in Reasoning
|
view preview
We often have lapses in critical thinking as we speak and write. A fallacy is a belief or argument that rests on invalid or false inference that is logically unsound. Fallacies are often used unintentionally, but they are also used intentionally when an effort is being made to deceive or mislead the listener or reader. 1. "If you know about BMW, you either own one or you want one."What's wrong with this statement? It is an example of the fallacy called false alternatives. It is also called dualistic or black-and-white thinking and bifurcation. The fallacy occurs when it is presumed that a classification is exclusive or exhaustive. It often takes the form of overlooking alternatives that exist between two polar opposites. Here is another examp ...
|
|
|
0 |
713 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
Why is sand listed as an ingredient in my potato chips?
|
view preview
One advantage of being a science major is knowing fancy scientific words for everyday things. Since my teenage years, I developed the habit of reading the ingredients list before purchasing any packaged food item. Recently while searching for a snack at the store, I stumbled upon the potato chips aisle (admittedly, salty, crunchy snacks have always been a weakness of mine). Given how expensive everything has gotten lately, the more affordable budget brands peaked my interest. After quickly glancing over the ingredients of one bag, I noticed that "silicon dioxide" was listed at the end; in fact, it was a common ingredient in that particular brand's entire line of products! Knowing that silicon dioxide is the main component of beach sand, my ...
|
|
|
0 |
9401 |
bio_man |
A year ago |
Growing Tomatoes and Peppers
|
view preview
Most vegetables do best in soil that is very high in organic matter. To increase the amount of organic matter in your soil, just add compost or manure. Before planting, apply well-decomposed compost at the rate of 40 to 60 pounds per 100 square feet of garden space. Don’t use compost or manure as a replacement for fertilizer. A healthy vegetable garden needs both. In addition to the compost recommended above, manure can be used instead of dry fertilizer. Manures vary widely in nutrient concentration and salt content, so take care to not apply too much. Compared with chemically formulated fertilizers, manures are a less precise method of fertilization because sources of manures vary greatly in nutrient and soluble salt content. A safe applica ...
|
|
|
0 |
3736 |
bio_man |
2 years ago |
Nipping Common Gardening Mistakes in the Bud
|
view preview
Some people are born with a green thumb – they need only pick up a watering can to make their gardens teem with brilliant flowers and vegetables. To the rest of us, gardening comes less naturally. And for some people, it’s a complete and utter mystery. But growing productive, vivacious plants doesn’t have to be hard. Following these simple guidelines can turn even the most fumbling gardener into a veritable Farmer John. Avoid over-wateringWatering is one of the most confusing and misunderstood gardening chores. Over-watering encourages shallow root systems, makes plants more susceptible to disease, and wastes water. Roots in waterlogged soil cannot breathe; as a result, plants wilt, turn yellow, rot, and die. Follow a few simple rules of thum ...
|
|
|
0 |
4438 |
Biology Forums |
2 years ago |
Citric acid: a natural preservative?
|
view preview
If you are into purchasing organic foods, you are likely the type of person who reads the ingredients label of everything you buy. A common food ingredient found in organic foods is citric acid. The name of the chemical reminds us of citrusy fruits, but have you ever questioned why it is used, where it comes from, or how it is produced? Or do you simply trust the ingredients of products labelled 'organic'? Most consumers will assume that citric acid is naturally extracted from fruit sources, such as lemons and limes, and used as a "natural" alternative to chemical preservatives, but that's far from the truth. The citric acid found in jarred foods and beverages is typically manufactured in factories using a species of black mold called Asperg ...
|
|
|
0 |
4333 |
cloveb |
2 years ago |
A Quick Guide for Detecting and Avoiding Spoiled Foods
|
view preview
Whether you're a chef, stay-at-home mom, or food euthanasiast, how food is handled and prepared is extremely important to preventing foodborne infections and food intoxications. As evident with how the coronavirus spread over to humans, millions of people suffer the symptoms of foodborne illnesses when an outbreak occurs. According to the CDC, millions of people are infected with foodborne illnesses every year. Most can be prevented by storing and cooking foods at their proper temperatures and preparing them under sanitary conditions. Here's a brief rundown on how to detect and avoid tainted food items. These Foods... | Are Risky When: | Fresh poultry | - stored raw in the refrigerator for longer than 1-2 days, (3-4 days for cooked poultry)
- left unrefr
|
...
|
|
|
0 |
15721 |
bio_man |
4 years ago |
Five Common Eye-Related Conditions and Diseases
|
view preview
Try imagining for a second how it'd feel to lose your eyesight. It's almost unimaginable because your vision is perhaps the most valuable tool for survival. This is why we need to constantly protect our eyes and learn what could potentially ail them. Below is a list of five common illnesses that plague the precious eyes of people around the globe. GlaucomaGlaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, often caused by elevated intraocular pressure. It results from excessive production of aqueous humor or diminished ocular fluid outflow. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, secondary to optic nerve damage. As of yet, there is no cure. Everyone is at risk, and there may be no warning signs. It is six to eight times more common in African Americans ...
|
|
|
1 |
2490 |
bio_man |
5 years ago |
The cost of water in the Middle East
|
view preview
If you live in North America, you've probably never given the cost of water a second thought. In fact, you've probably taken its value for granted probably because it costs very little or because it's vastly abundant. In places like Saudi Arabia, however, a liter of water costs five times as much as a liter of gasoline. This is because much of the water in Saudi Arabia is seawater that is purified in desalinization plants ( Al Jubail desalination plant shown above). This price relative to fuel is quite different in the United States. For example, a liter of water (from a tap) is virtually free, while a liter of gasoline is around $0.75 (about $3.00 per gallon). As a result of this significant difference in cost, it plays a major effect on hu ...
|
|
|
0 |
1296 |
bio_man |
6 years ago |
|