comment on Debunking Captivity:
One quote that stands out is, "No state of the art captive aquarium or marine park can ever meet the complex physiological and psychological needs of a dolphin, or most other animals, for that matter."
Her article lays out a logical argument against captivity, and I wonder how parks like Sea World are actually allowed to exist. My hope is that more people boycott such parks, and learn more about nature by being in nature and natural environments.
This article brings me back to memories of going to the zoo in Houston, Texas in the late 70's. As a small child, I remember wondering why all these animals were caged and got really upset seeing the gorillas indoors with painted greenery on the walls. I know zoos have evolved to create more natural habitats for the animals, but still, unless they are being rescued or being assisted to reproduce if threatened by extinction, why must we hold them in captivity for our entertainment?!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Week 13--Biodiversity
Commenting on:
.the human species is living as if it had more than one planet to occupy…”
After reading, "Ringing the Alarm for Earth" and the articles for this week, a previous topic about our ecological footprint on the planet comes up.
Comparing China's population of 1.3 billion with America's 300 million seems as though the impact of China's consumption and waste would be greater.
However,
The average ecological footprint for one Chinese citizen calculated in 2006 is 2.0, meaning that it takes two global acres of resources to sustain each individual. Whereas the average ecological impact of an American is 24. While it is quoted around 6.2 in Beijing, as city dwellers consume more, and while an average of 22.2 was quoted for those in Sarasota, Florida, overall, Americans have about 10 times more impact on resources.
The main point is that the American model is definitely not sustainable and is destroying other life forms, animals and plants to make way for our use and destruction of resources. China is developing rapidly with the Western consumerist model within their country and by means of all the goods they export. As I see it, both and all of us create the problem. The human species is definitely living as if it had more than one planet.
In Ringing the Alarm for Earth," botanist Peter Raven calculates that it would take 3 planets to sustain the population of the world if everyone lived "as comfortably as the Americans, British or French." The main message here that should be broadcast far and wide, particularly in the mainstream media, is that things are not going to be reversed. Rather than going into paralyzing despair about what's happening and what has been done, the choices should revolve around how to stabilize it and how to become fully sustainable.
Are GMOs Worth the Trouble?
It definitely doesn't seem that they are, as this article helps debunk the assertions that GMOs are helping feed more people by increasing yield. I ask what is it that they are actually feeding people and if these foods actually meet intrinsic nutritional needs for healthy, vital lives?
I appreciate this scientist's research and suggestions for prevention to increase production including alternatives such as reducing food waste and reducing consumption of animal products, which in itself takes enormous resources as in raising cattle.
Another comment I find important is noting that ". . . herbicide resistant crops (that) will exacerbate pesticide use." Using GMOs just perpetuates the problem ad infinitum, with unaccountable affects on surrounding crops, insects, plants, animals and the environment.
A PAC commercial based on this article could be run next to the Monsanto ads on T.V. Instead of equating pastoral fields of grain with a nostalgia of a healthy America and feeding the world, they could be juxtaposed with the reality that no more food is actually being produced (vs. conventional breeding). Soils are being polluted and unknown effects of cross-pollination with genetically modified seeds is happening, not to mention the economic and social justice issues around controlling seeds. If only the NRA was behind organic farming . . .
Are GMOs Worth the Trouble?
It definitely doesn't seem that they are, as this article helps debunk the assertions that GMOs are helping feed more people by increasing yield. I ask what is it that they are actually feeding people and if these foods actually meet intrinsic nutritional needs for healthy, vital lives?
I appreciate this scientist's research and suggestions for prevention to increase production including alternatives such as reducing food waste and reducing consumption of animal products, which in itself takes enormous resources as in raising cattle.
Another comment I find important is noting that ". . . herbicide resistant crops (that) will exacerbate pesticide use." Using GMOs just perpetuates the problem ad infinitum, with unaccountable affects on surrounding crops, insects, plants, animals and the environment.
A PAC commercial based on this article could be run next to the Monsanto ads on T.V. Instead of equating pastoral fields of grain with a nostalgia of a healthy America and feeding the world, they could be juxtaposed with the reality that no more food is actually being produced (vs. conventional breeding). Soils are being polluted and unknown effects of cross-pollination with genetically modified seeds is happening, not to mention the economic and social justice issues around controlling seeds. If only the NRA was behind organic farming . . .
Week 11--The Chemistry of Life
Acupuncture and GAD: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
I appreciate seeing this particular disorder being researched in biomedicine using acupuncture. This article says that about 3% of the American population experiences GAD, as compared with 2-4.7% in China. If we look at the number of people in America, quoted as 317, 860, 300 as of this writing, that's about 953, 580 thousand people. Close to 1 million people.
I have found acupuncture to give immediate relief to people suffering with anxiety, even when they are experiencing a panic attack. Over the 8 years of my practice, in addition to 4 years in school, I have consistently seen people dealing with long term anxiety issues.
While the causal factors need to be addressed, which can largely be triggered by emotional stress, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can immediately interrupt the sympathetic nervous system response and allow the body to come into a calmer parasympathetic state. It not only works on reducing the immediate stress response but it also treats the person's underlying deficiency patterns to strengthen them so that the negative hormonal cascade can begin to self-correct. This is crucial as it also helps regain normal sleep patterns, which, as we know, are essential for self-regulation.
Drugs such as the SSRI's and benzodiazepines have noted side effects, and it would be great if more people were educated as to the benefits of Chinese medicine in treating anxiety. It is not usually the "silver bullet," but in conjunction with appropriate psychosomatic therapies and diet and herbs, I have seen a profound and lasting impact with those suffering from anxiety disorders.
I appreciate seeing this particular disorder being researched in biomedicine using acupuncture. This article says that about 3% of the American population experiences GAD, as compared with 2-4.7% in China. If we look at the number of people in America, quoted as 317, 860, 300 as of this writing, that's about 953, 580 thousand people. Close to 1 million people.
I have found acupuncture to give immediate relief to people suffering with anxiety, even when they are experiencing a panic attack. Over the 8 years of my practice, in addition to 4 years in school, I have consistently seen people dealing with long term anxiety issues.
While the causal factors need to be addressed, which can largely be triggered by emotional stress, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can immediately interrupt the sympathetic nervous system response and allow the body to come into a calmer parasympathetic state. It not only works on reducing the immediate stress response but it also treats the person's underlying deficiency patterns to strengthen them so that the negative hormonal cascade can begin to self-correct. This is crucial as it also helps regain normal sleep patterns, which, as we know, are essential for self-regulation.
Drugs such as the SSRI's and benzodiazepines have noted side effects, and it would be great if more people were educated as to the benefits of Chinese medicine in treating anxiety. It is not usually the "silver bullet," but in conjunction with appropriate psychosomatic therapies and diet and herbs, I have seen a profound and lasting impact with those suffering from anxiety disorders.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Week 12--Biochemistry: Cell Biology and Radioactivity
Re: Quantum Tunneling
I found this article interesting, largely because I didn't understand how q.t. is affecting finding more complex compounds in outer space. So, after a little research, I landed on this video, which helps explain the basic principles:
brief explanation of quantum tunneling
That electrons aren't always found in the outer valence shells, which I've been taught and read about for the span of my education, was a new idea. Also, that they can travel through seemingly solid materials without leaving a "hole in the wall" and appear on the other side is another somewhat incomprehensible idea, but fascinating. Reminds me of Star Trek and the ability to re-materialize in different locations.
Re: Links
Found it helpful to think about bacteria and how they are grouped based on their:
1. response to oxygen: aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative anaerobic bacteria, which like oxygen but don't necessarily need it. (that was a new one to me.)
2. how they obtain energy: heterotrophs and autotrophs, which create their own energy, and reminded me of the exploration of types of jelly fish for creating a light source which could help brain research with paralysis.
The idea of plasmids caught my attention:
Plasmids may carry genes that provide resistance to naturally occurring antibiotics in a competitive environmental niche, or the proteins produced may act as toxins under similar circumstances. Plasmids can also provide bacteria with the ability to fix nitrogen or to degrade recalcitrant organic compounds that provide an advantage when nutrients are scarce. (wikipedia)
Helps me appreciate that Chinese herbal medicine is synergistic vs. targeted antibiotics, which aren't always effective, possibly in connection with bacterial plasmids in that Chinese herbal formulas have more than one mechanism of action.
Archeans
"Even older than the bacteria are the archeans (also called archaebacteria), tiny prokaryotic organisms that live only in extreme environments: boiling water, super-salty pools, sulfur-spewing volcanic vents, acidic water, and deep in the Antarctic ice."
I had never heard of this and appreciate that they are even older than bacteria of 3.5 Billion years.
"Many scientists now believe that the archaea and bacteria developed separately from a common ancestor nearly four billion years ago." --one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, and quite distinct from bacteria even though they are superficially grouped together. Learning more about the evolution of our planet and the stuff we're made of.
I found this article interesting, largely because I didn't understand how q.t. is affecting finding more complex compounds in outer space. So, after a little research, I landed on this video, which helps explain the basic principles:
brief explanation of quantum tunneling
That electrons aren't always found in the outer valence shells, which I've been taught and read about for the span of my education, was a new idea. Also, that they can travel through seemingly solid materials without leaving a "hole in the wall" and appear on the other side is another somewhat incomprehensible idea, but fascinating. Reminds me of Star Trek and the ability to re-materialize in different locations.
Re: Links
Found it helpful to think about bacteria and how they are grouped based on their:
1. response to oxygen: aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative anaerobic bacteria, which like oxygen but don't necessarily need it. (that was a new one to me.)
2. how they obtain energy: heterotrophs and autotrophs, which create their own energy, and reminded me of the exploration of types of jelly fish for creating a light source which could help brain research with paralysis.
The idea of plasmids caught my attention:
Plasmids may carry genes that provide resistance to naturally occurring antibiotics in a competitive environmental niche, or the proteins produced may act as toxins under similar circumstances. Plasmids can also provide bacteria with the ability to fix nitrogen or to degrade recalcitrant organic compounds that provide an advantage when nutrients are scarce. (wikipedia)
Helps me appreciate that Chinese herbal medicine is synergistic vs. targeted antibiotics, which aren't always effective, possibly in connection with bacterial plasmids in that Chinese herbal formulas have more than one mechanism of action.
Archeans
"Even older than the bacteria are the archeans (also called archaebacteria), tiny prokaryotic organisms that live only in extreme environments: boiling water, super-salty pools, sulfur-spewing volcanic vents, acidic water, and deep in the Antarctic ice."
I had never heard of this and appreciate that they are even older than bacteria of 3.5 Billion years.
"Many scientists now believe that the archaea and bacteria developed separately from a common ancestor nearly four billion years ago." --one of the oldest living organisms on Earth, and quite distinct from bacteria even though they are superficially grouped together. Learning more about the evolution of our planet and the stuff we're made of.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Week 9--A Question of Balance
Thoughts about: pH Balance: Acids & Alkalis and Anti-Oxidants
Proponents of this diet say that eating more alkaline foods helps prevent disease. By avoiding more acidic foods, the body maintains a better mineral balance as it doesn't have to process high levels of acid from more acidic foods such as meats, dairy, and refined foods.
Of course there's debate when it comes to scientific studies advocating the specific benefits of eating more alkaline foods as to whether it does prevent cancer or help support the body with less strain on the kidneys, bladder and liver for detoxification.
The blood pH maintains a slightly alkaline pH measurement of 7.35-7.45, so one could measure blood pH in relation to diet and see if that remains at homeostasis. Also, it's important to look at urine and salivary pH, which could be more significant indicators of how the body deals with acidosis.
I like the suggestion of trying a more alkaline diet for 2 months as well as with checking urine pH daily at the same time every morning after waking to see how the body detoxifies during a resting state through the night.
How to measure pH with pH test strips:
http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/ph-test-strips.html
Thoughts on discussions: MSG presentation
I found the presentation on MSG very informative and useful. It is hidden in so many foods under the guise of other names such as "natural flavoring," "yeast extract," and even "enzymes."
Here's a link showing sources of hidden processed free glutamic acid or MSG:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html
I appreciated learning that:
free glutamate as an isolated compound varies from the bound form.
it is an excito-toxin like aspartame.
it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin--important for understanding more about the epidemic blood sugar mismanagement that plagues industrialized society.
it's calming like valium--my first conscious experience of being "high" was after eating Chinese food as a child.
it causes vasoconstriction, and has a possible connection with salt intake and heart disease.
Proponents of this diet say that eating more alkaline foods helps prevent disease. By avoiding more acidic foods, the body maintains a better mineral balance as it doesn't have to process high levels of acid from more acidic foods such as meats, dairy, and refined foods.
Of course there's debate when it comes to scientific studies advocating the specific benefits of eating more alkaline foods as to whether it does prevent cancer or help support the body with less strain on the kidneys, bladder and liver for detoxification.
The blood pH maintains a slightly alkaline pH measurement of 7.35-7.45, so one could measure blood pH in relation to diet and see if that remains at homeostasis. Also, it's important to look at urine and salivary pH, which could be more significant indicators of how the body deals with acidosis.
I like the suggestion of trying a more alkaline diet for 2 months as well as with checking urine pH daily at the same time every morning after waking to see how the body detoxifies during a resting state through the night.
How to measure pH with pH test strips:
http://www.thebestofrawfood.com/ph-test-strips.html
Thoughts on discussions: MSG presentation
I found the presentation on MSG very informative and useful. It is hidden in so many foods under the guise of other names such as "natural flavoring," "yeast extract," and even "enzymes."
Here's a link showing sources of hidden processed free glutamic acid or MSG:
http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html
I appreciated learning that:
free glutamate as an isolated compound varies from the bound form.
it is an excito-toxin like aspartame.
it stimulates the pancreas to release insulin--important for understanding more about the epidemic blood sugar mismanagement that plagues industrialized society.
it's calming like valium--my first conscious experience of being "high" was after eating Chinese food as a child.
it causes vasoconstriction, and has a possible connection with salt intake and heart disease.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Week 8--Chemistry of Household Products
What's under the kitchen sink?
Well, considering I just moved and don't really have my own kitchen, I dare not look under the sink in the house I'm currently subletting.
What I do currently have/use
Comet, which interestingly does not list the ingredients, but I found this on their website:
Other information
The surfactants in Comet® are biodegradable
Contains No Phosphate
White Vinegar
Bleach
Another staple I had in Texas
Boric Acid as a roach pesticide, which is 100% boric acid
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mediterranean Diet" article
Key Points:
Well, considering I just moved and don't really have my own kitchen, I dare not look under the sink in the house I'm currently subletting.
What I do currently have/use
Comet, which interestingly does not list the ingredients, but I found this on their website:
Other information
The surfactants in Comet® are biodegradable
Contains No Phosphate
White Vinegar
Bleach
Another staple I had in Texas
Boric Acid as a roach pesticide, which is 100% boric acid
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mediterranean Diet" article
Key Points:
- While a low-fat diet can lower cholesterol, a whole diet approach has a greater reduction in cardiovascular deaths and heart attacks
- Low fat diets didn't reduce coronary heart disease and heart attacks
- Adopting a whole food diet is better for reducing cardiovascular risk and has other health benefits
- Attention should be given to what is consumed as well as to what is excluded, i.e. consuming a variety of cardio protective foods vs. focusing on low fat foods
Here are a couple of links to check out, which extend the debate about what good and bad fats actually are and why people get fat . . .
Weston A. Price is a great organization, supporting whole food nutrition with a wealth of knowledge, and they help protect farmers selling raw milk. Here's one article about fats:
Author of "Why We Get Fat" and "Good Calories, Bad Calories," Gary Taubes' books are worth checking out:
Friday, February 21, 2014
Week 7--Electrochemistry and Alchemy
Semiconductor: Silicon
In Group XIV of the periodic table
Symbol: Si, Atomic Number: 14
Has 4 valence electrons in its outermost shell which gives it the ability to gain or lose electrons equally at the same time, readily either donating or sharing its four outer electrons, allowing for many forms of chemical bonding.
As a semiconductor, it has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor, such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass, and is fundamental to modern electronics.
Over 90% of the Earth's crust is composed of silicate minerals, making silicon the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen.
It is used commercially in clays, cements, mortars and stucco, ceramics, soda-glass, and in semiconductor electronics. With its wide use in most computers, modern technology is quite dependent on silicon.
Alchemy--science, magic, art...
It seems that alchemy is a combination of all three. As a precursor to the modern science of chemistry, alchemy and chemistry both referred to the same discipline of synthesizing and transmuting matter. During the 18th century, alchemy became more associated with transforming base metals into gold and with finding the golden elixir of longevity and immortality. With the advent of the occultists in the 19th century and Carl Jung in the 20th century, alchemy became more defined in spiritual and esoteric terms. Originally seen as a combination of art and science, over time alchemy has become separated from the more materialistic based science of chemistry and is currently associated more with esoteric metaphysical and spiritual practices.
Chinese medicine can be viewed through the lens of alchemy with its blend of chemistry and science and its practice as an art. It is based on technical knowledge of point energetics and point location in addition to Western science knowledge of organ systems and the chemistry of herbs. The beauty of this medicine, however, connects with each practitioner's refinement of it as his and her own art form.
While several practitioners can come up with the same diagnosis and effective treatment, no two treatments will be the same. The practitioner's being and inherent qi is transmuted through the acupuncture needles and in each doctor's prescription and combination of herbs. Also, the actual combination of herbs is its own alchemical formula with certain herbs enhancing the medicine's efficacy or offsetting possible side effects.
Science and art blend in the practice of this ancient medicine, keeping it relevant in modern day practice. It continually evolves, as do the conditions it aims to treat. As for magic, that depends on the eye of the beholder. Magic to some is just part of the natural world to others that can't necessarily be seen with the human eye and assessed through the brain. The placebo effect has been scientifically documented as a real phenomenon. Magic or the influence of a shift in energy affecting neural pathways and cellular metabolism? I don't know, but results matter and mystery has an alluring appeal, which continues to foster my curiosity and search for knowledge.
In Group XIV of the periodic table
Symbol: Si, Atomic Number: 14
Has 4 valence electrons in its outermost shell which gives it the ability to gain or lose electrons equally at the same time, readily either donating or sharing its four outer electrons, allowing for many forms of chemical bonding.
As a semiconductor, it has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor, such as copper, and an insulator, such as glass, and is fundamental to modern electronics.
Over 90% of the Earth's crust is composed of silicate minerals, making silicon the 2nd most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen.
It is used commercially in clays, cements, mortars and stucco, ceramics, soda-glass, and in semiconductor electronics. With its wide use in most computers, modern technology is quite dependent on silicon.
Alchemy--science, magic, art...
It seems that alchemy is a combination of all three. As a precursor to the modern science of chemistry, alchemy and chemistry both referred to the same discipline of synthesizing and transmuting matter. During the 18th century, alchemy became more associated with transforming base metals into gold and with finding the golden elixir of longevity and immortality. With the advent of the occultists in the 19th century and Carl Jung in the 20th century, alchemy became more defined in spiritual and esoteric terms. Originally seen as a combination of art and science, over time alchemy has become separated from the more materialistic based science of chemistry and is currently associated more with esoteric metaphysical and spiritual practices.
Chinese medicine can be viewed through the lens of alchemy with its blend of chemistry and science and its practice as an art. It is based on technical knowledge of point energetics and point location in addition to Western science knowledge of organ systems and the chemistry of herbs. The beauty of this medicine, however, connects with each practitioner's refinement of it as his and her own art form.
While several practitioners can come up with the same diagnosis and effective treatment, no two treatments will be the same. The practitioner's being and inherent qi is transmuted through the acupuncture needles and in each doctor's prescription and combination of herbs. Also, the actual combination of herbs is its own alchemical formula with certain herbs enhancing the medicine's efficacy or offsetting possible side effects.
Science and art blend in the practice of this ancient medicine, keeping it relevant in modern day practice. It continually evolves, as do the conditions it aims to treat. As for magic, that depends on the eye of the beholder. Magic to some is just part of the natural world to others that can't necessarily be seen with the human eye and assessed through the brain. The placebo effect has been scientifically documented as a real phenomenon. Magic or the influence of a shift in energy affecting neural pathways and cellular metabolism? I don't know, but results matter and mystery has an alluring appeal, which continues to foster my curiosity and search for knowledge.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Week 6--Molecular Weight
Alkali Earth Metal: Radium
Symbol Ra, Atomic number 88
highly radioactive and chemically reactive
mined from Uranium
Commercial uses:
Radium was formerly used in self-luminous paints for watches, nuclear panels, aircraft switches, clocks, and instrument dials. Due to its instability, it's luminescent and has a faint blue glow.
Radium was once an additive in products such as toothpaste, hair creams, and even food items due to its supposed curative powers. Such products soon fell out of vogue and were prohibited by authorities in many countries after it was discovered they could have serious adverse health effects.
In the mid-1920s, a lawsuit was filed against the United States Radium Corporation by five dying "Radium Girl" dial painters who had painted radium-based luminous paint on the dials of watches and clocks. The dial painters routinely licked their brushes to give them a fine point, thereby ingesting radium. Their exposure to radium caused serious health effects which included sores, anemia, and bone cancer. This is because radium is treated as calcium by the body, and deposited in the bones, where radioactivity degrades marrow and can mutate bone cells.
Medical uses:
The isotope 223Ra (under the trade name Xofigo) was approved by the FDA in 2013 for use in medicine as a cancer treatment of bone metastasis.
Avogadro's Hypothesis/Hypotheses
A hypothesis is an explanation of a phenomenon, one that still can be rigorously tested as opposed to a scientific theory, which has undergone extensive testing and is generally accepted as an accurate description of the observation.
Avogadro hypothesized that two volumes of gas of the same volume at the same temperature and pressure have the same amount of molecules. I'm not sure how I would test this, but I understand how an equal volume of, say, hydrogen and nitrogen have the same number of molecules when they are at the same temperature and pressure.
I also see that it took 50 years for Avogadro's Hypothesis to be accepted as it was refuted for years by Dalton's theory. Even though Avogadro's work holds up with a more thorough understanding of molecules and bonding principles, it still took time to be tested and become the standard of thought.
Molecular Medicine
"The molecular medicine perspective emphasizes cellular and molecular phenomena and interventions rather than the previous conceptual and observational focus on patients and their organs."
With advances in medicine and biochemistry, molecular medicine allows for treatments of diseases on a micro level, ideally, with the benefits of doing less harm to the individual and being able to specifically target disease or malfunctioning cells. Another benefit is the compliance with easier administration of treatments as with inhalers for pulmonary diseases. The downside could be controlling people without their consent, or even children by their parents without understanding the long term effects of treatments.
Another major side effect is bypassing treating the individual as a whole, as does Chinese medicine. If one misses treating the underlying causes, whether they be physical and/or emotional, the disease can reoccur. Also, strengthening underlying constitutional weaknesses is key to long term health and cures as well.
Symbol Ra, Atomic number 88
highly radioactive and chemically reactive
mined from Uranium
Commercial uses:
Radium was formerly used in self-luminous paints for watches, nuclear panels, aircraft switches, clocks, and instrument dials. Due to its instability, it's luminescent and has a faint blue glow.
Radium was once an additive in products such as toothpaste, hair creams, and even food items due to its supposed curative powers. Such products soon fell out of vogue and were prohibited by authorities in many countries after it was discovered they could have serious adverse health effects.
In the mid-1920s, a lawsuit was filed against the United States Radium Corporation by five dying "Radium Girl" dial painters who had painted radium-based luminous paint on the dials of watches and clocks. The dial painters routinely licked their brushes to give them a fine point, thereby ingesting radium. Their exposure to radium caused serious health effects which included sores, anemia, and bone cancer. This is because radium is treated as calcium by the body, and deposited in the bones, where radioactivity degrades marrow and can mutate bone cells.
Medical uses:
The isotope 223Ra (under the trade name Xofigo) was approved by the FDA in 2013 for use in medicine as a cancer treatment of bone metastasis.
Avogadro's Hypothesis/Hypotheses
A hypothesis is an explanation of a phenomenon, one that still can be rigorously tested as opposed to a scientific theory, which has undergone extensive testing and is generally accepted as an accurate description of the observation.
Avogadro hypothesized that two volumes of gas of the same volume at the same temperature and pressure have the same amount of molecules. I'm not sure how I would test this, but I understand how an equal volume of, say, hydrogen and nitrogen have the same number of molecules when they are at the same temperature and pressure.
I also see that it took 50 years for Avogadro's Hypothesis to be accepted as it was refuted for years by Dalton's theory. Even though Avogadro's work holds up with a more thorough understanding of molecules and bonding principles, it still took time to be tested and become the standard of thought.
Molecular Medicine
"The molecular medicine perspective emphasizes cellular and molecular phenomena and interventions rather than the previous conceptual and observational focus on patients and their organs."
With advances in medicine and biochemistry, molecular medicine allows for treatments of diseases on a micro level, ideally, with the benefits of doing less harm to the individual and being able to specifically target disease or malfunctioning cells. Another benefit is the compliance with easier administration of treatments as with inhalers for pulmonary diseases. The downside could be controlling people without their consent, or even children by their parents without understanding the long term effects of treatments.
Another major side effect is bypassing treating the individual as a whole, as does Chinese medicine. If one misses treating the underlying causes, whether they be physical and/or emotional, the disease can reoccur. Also, strengthening underlying constitutional weaknesses is key to long term health and cures as well.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Week 5--The Chemistry of Color and Nutrition
Inert Gas of the Week: Argon
Argon has an atomic number of 18 and is one of the noble gases. It's the third most common gas in the Earth's atmosphere, about 24x more common than the next most common atmospheric gas, CO2, and 500x more common than the next common noble gas, Neon.
As an inert gas, it is very stable and resistant to bonding with other elements. It was the first noble gas molecule detected in outer space.
Argon is produced industrially by the fractional distillation of liquid air and is mostly used as an inert shielding gas in welding. Other industrial uses include argon in incandescent and fluorescent lighting, as a preservative in aerosol cans, as a fire extinguisher as well as its use in medicine for cryosurgery. In the poultry industry, it's used to asphyxiate birds as a means of slaughter and for mass culling after disease outbreaks. (that one surprised me!) As it is cheap to produce and abundant, about 700,000 tons of Argon are produced each year.
Colors of Food in my kitchen
The most abundant is green: kale, arugula, broccoli. Yellow/orange would include eggs, squash, sweet potato and spices like turmeric. Some bananas and persimmon, maca powder. Brown/red would be quinoa, sesame and garlic mochi, brown rice, various spices like coriander, cumin, cinnamon, himalayan sea salt, also beets, a pear, miso, and last but not least, chocolate and red wine. Blue/purple is more abundant for me in the summer with blueberries, but sometimes my kale has the dark purple leaves. Nori and dulse in there, too. Butter, coconut milk, sauerkraut, kimchi and salsa round things out. I would say I have a variety of colors, I'm just missing bone broth and slow cooked meals with meat in the crock pot as I currently live in a vegetarian home.
Discussion thoughts
I totally relate with Medicine as Food and believe the need for most of modern medicine would vanish if we all had whole food based diets with better environmental conditions for living and growing food. I consistently educate my clients about the connection between diet and health and help them become healthier within the boundaries of their current lifestyles. Nutrition is one of the major pillars in Chinese medicine and eating for health and with the seasons is fundamental for great health and longevity.
As for TCM and Living Color, I find it interesting to notice what colors people wear, which helps me assess their moods, and overtime, their personality types with color to help keep them in balance. I also associate Feng Shui with color and appreciate arranging living and work environments to enhance more Qi flow, ease, beauty and productivity.
Argon has an atomic number of 18 and is one of the noble gases. It's the third most common gas in the Earth's atmosphere, about 24x more common than the next most common atmospheric gas, CO2, and 500x more common than the next common noble gas, Neon.
As an inert gas, it is very stable and resistant to bonding with other elements. It was the first noble gas molecule detected in outer space.
Argon is produced industrially by the fractional distillation of liquid air and is mostly used as an inert shielding gas in welding. Other industrial uses include argon in incandescent and fluorescent lighting, as a preservative in aerosol cans, as a fire extinguisher as well as its use in medicine for cryosurgery. In the poultry industry, it's used to asphyxiate birds as a means of slaughter and for mass culling after disease outbreaks. (that one surprised me!) As it is cheap to produce and abundant, about 700,000 tons of Argon are produced each year.
Colors of Food in my kitchen
The most abundant is green: kale, arugula, broccoli. Yellow/orange would include eggs, squash, sweet potato and spices like turmeric. Some bananas and persimmon, maca powder. Brown/red would be quinoa, sesame and garlic mochi, brown rice, various spices like coriander, cumin, cinnamon, himalayan sea salt, also beets, a pear, miso, and last but not least, chocolate and red wine. Blue/purple is more abundant for me in the summer with blueberries, but sometimes my kale has the dark purple leaves. Nori and dulse in there, too. Butter, coconut milk, sauerkraut, kimchi and salsa round things out. I would say I have a variety of colors, I'm just missing bone broth and slow cooked meals with meat in the crock pot as I currently live in a vegetarian home.
Discussion thoughts
I totally relate with Medicine as Food and believe the need for most of modern medicine would vanish if we all had whole food based diets with better environmental conditions for living and growing food. I consistently educate my clients about the connection between diet and health and help them become healthier within the boundaries of their current lifestyles. Nutrition is one of the major pillars in Chinese medicine and eating for health and with the seasons is fundamental for great health and longevity.
As for TCM and Living Color, I find it interesting to notice what colors people wear, which helps me assess their moods, and overtime, their personality types with color to help keep them in balance. I also associate Feng Shui with color and appreciate arranging living and work environments to enhance more Qi flow, ease, beauty and productivity.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Week 4--Green Chemistry
Catalyst of the week: Paladium
It is a rare and lustrous silvery-white metal discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston. He named it after the asteroid Pallas, which was itself named after the epithet of the Greek goddess Athena, acquired by her when she slew Pallas.
Palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium form a group of elements referred to as the platinum group metals (PGMs). These have similar chemical properties, but palladium has the lowest melting point and is the least dense of them.
Over half of the supply of palladium and platinum goes into catalytic converters, which convert up to 90% of harmful gases from auto exhaust (hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide) into less-harmful substances (nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor).
Palladium is also used in electronics, dentistry, medicine, hydrogen purification, chemical applications, groundwater treatment and jewelry. Palladium plays a key role in the technology used for fuel cells, which combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water.
Discussion: How Close Are we to a Green Economy?
It seems that we are still far off from a fully Green Economy. However, the private sector and businesses are investing in green technologies such as wind and solar power and energy efficient transportation. Discussions are becoming global with groups such as the Green Economy Coalition with its goal to transition the world to a "new green economy." It includes a diverse set of organizations including NGOs, research institutes and UN organizations, businesses and trade unions in current discussions about furthering environmental sustainability and social equity. Government involvement also has to improve. Enforcing legislation for sustainable business practices and improving taxation structures that aim at harmful practices like pollution and waste are also ways to further Green Economy.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Review: Advancing Green Chemistry.org
With over 83,000 known chemicals used in industry, the concept and application of "green" chemistry should be a mandatory process to stop infiltrating the environment with toxins. The link I followed noted:
One area of growing concern is how to ensure that the next generation of chemicals does not have the potential to act as endocrine disrupting compounds.
By using various checkpoints along the way of testing, compounds can be tested for such markers. The idea is then if they don't pass each checkpoint with safe results, then testing begins anew.
These ideas seems like total common sense. I just wonder how people will actually succeed getting industry to follow protective standards. And the issue of how we can deal with these thousands of chemicals that have already been introduced into our whole ecology--as with plastics and hormone disruptors in our water supply affecting plant and animal life.
One area of growing concern is how to ensure that the next generation of chemicals does not have the potential to act as endocrine disrupting compounds.
By using various checkpoints along the way of testing, compounds can be tested for such markers. The idea is then if they don't pass each checkpoint with safe results, then testing begins anew.
These ideas seems like total common sense. I just wonder how people will actually succeed getting industry to follow protective standards. And the issue of how we can deal with these thousands of chemicals that have already been introduced into our whole ecology--as with plastics and hormone disruptors in our water supply affecting plant and animal life.
Neptune's Medicine Chest
Bill Fenical's life's work seems to be contributing to significant and long-reaching influences in finding not only cures for cancer but also for the creation of medicines to help the body fight disease and heal. I also find it interesting that one of his discoveries led to isolating an anti-inflammatory compound that was sold to Estee Lauder for use in cosmetics.
He has also had far-reaching inspiration on hundreds, probably many more, researchers and scientists, who are using his work for the advancement of medicine. And last but not least, he has been a pioneer across interdisciplinary fields of science drawing his research from the ocean, which has been a largely untapped resource for these purposes.
Reading this article made me want to hang out on the boat with all of them collecting samples and enjoying the splendor of ocean and the diversity of the marine ecology (in good weather, that is).
He has also had far-reaching inspiration on hundreds, probably many more, researchers and scientists, who are using his work for the advancement of medicine. And last but not least, he has been a pioneer across interdisciplinary fields of science drawing his research from the ocean, which has been a largely untapped resource for these purposes.
Reading this article made me want to hang out on the boat with all of them collecting samples and enjoying the splendor of ocean and the diversity of the marine ecology (in good weather, that is).
Transitional Metal: Zinc
Zinc, in commerce also spelter, is a metallic chemical element. It has the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is the first element of group 12 of the periodic table. Zinc is the 24th most abundant element in the Earth's crust and has five stable isotopes. The largest mineable amounts are found in Australia, Asia, and the United States.
Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes, and it plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. A daily intake of zinc is required to maintain a steady state because the body has no specialized zinc storage system.
Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes, and it plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. A daily intake of zinc is required to maintain a steady state because the body has no specialized zinc storage system.
Sources of Zinc
A wide variety of foods contain zinc. Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. Other good food sources include beans, nuts, certain types of seafood (such as crab and lobster), whole grains, fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products.
Phytates—which are present in whole-grain breads, cereals, legumes, and other foods—bind zinc and inhibit its absorption. Thus, the bioavailability of zinc from grains and plant foods is lower than that from animal foods, although many grain- and plant-based foods are still good sources of zinc--especially if soaked and sprouted before cooked or eaten.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
thoughts on Week 2's discussion about the Elk River spill
I find it interesting, but not surprising, that legislation is outdated in regulating the use of chemicals in the environment and that not enough research is done on chemicals before using them in processes that have widespread effects on the environment and public health. Also, I hope people continue to read more investigative journals and learn what is happening where they live, so they can become more involved with decision making processes affecting everyone's health and our collective environment.
Molecular modeling: Water Concepts
This link shows the bonding properties of hydrogen and oxygen in water molecules through moving images of water molecules in motion with their symmetry and hydrogen bonding.
The moving images help show the attraction and repulsion between molecules and how they interact with each other in greater detail than just a 2D image.
The moving images help show the attraction and repulsion between molecules and how they interact with each other in greater detail than just a 2D image.
Element of the week: Iodine
Iodine is a chemical element with symbol I and atomic number 53 and is a non-metal. The name is from Greek ἰοειδής ioeidēs, meaning violet or purple, due to the color of elemental iodine vapor.
Iodine, a trace mineral, is required by the body for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 contains 4 iodine atoms. When one of the iodine atoms is stripped off of T4, it becomes T3, with 3 iodine atoms remaining.
In the universe and on Earth, iodine's high atomic number makes it a relatively rare element. Iodine's rarity in many soils, due to initial low abundance as a crust-element, and also leaching of soluble iodide by rainwater, has led to many deficiency problems in land animals and inland human populations. Iodine deficiency affects about two billion people and is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities.
Besides severe conditions of goiter and cretinism from iodine deficiency, more widespread is the chronic issue of hypothyroidism and even hyperthyroidism characterized by lack of dietary iodine.
Foods richest in iodine include sea vegetables, milk, yogurt, eggs and strawberries. While it is unusual to overdose on iodine when getting it from whole food sources, one must be aware that excessive consumption can be toxic, and that those with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease must pay particular attention to iodine consumption or supplementation.
sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=69
Periodic Table link impressions
I checked out chemicalelements.com and johnpratt.com.
I find it interesting that "chemical elements" started out as an 8th grade project and has turned into a more in depth and great resource for learning about and studying the periodic table. It's interactive, colorful, and well organized by various topics. I also respect that the author has fully disclosed what is going on with the advertisements and why he's chosen to have them.
John Pratt has created a great tool for memorizing the periodic table with memory "pegs" to help with name, abbreviation and atomic numbers. If I needed to memorize the elements and their properties, this would be a great site to use.
I find it interesting that "chemical elements" started out as an 8th grade project and has turned into a more in depth and great resource for learning about and studying the periodic table. It's interactive, colorful, and well organized by various topics. I also respect that the author has fully disclosed what is going on with the advertisements and why he's chosen to have them.
John Pratt has created a great tool for memorizing the periodic table with memory "pegs" to help with name, abbreviation and atomic numbers. If I needed to memorize the elements and their properties, this would be a great site to use.
Bio
Hi everyone, here's a summary of why I'm here and what I'm up to:
I recently (20 days ago) moved to the East Bay from Austin, TX after having lived there for 11 years. After studying Chinese medicine at AOMA, I stayed in Austin and had a successful acupuncture and nutrition practice of 8 years. While I was quite established and doing well there in many areas of life, I craved closer connection with mountains, ocean, and a thriving dance community, and an escape from the oppressive summer heat as well as the overall political climate.
Although I'm nationally certified and have had my license to practice Chinese medicine in Texas for over 8 years, California doesn't recognize any other accreditation. In addition to needing to sit for CALE, I don't have several science prerequisites, which is why I'm taking Chemistry, as well as Physics currently.
My previous background includes being a massage therapist since 1999 and a yoga teacher under the teaching of Ana Forrest since 2007. I also have several other focuses in my Chinese medicine practice including Japanese meridian therapy and using whole food based supplements with functional medicine and a system of muscle testing called Nutrition Response Testing. Rounding this out is my love for the subtle but powerful medicine of Flower Essences, which I use to help people bring their physical well-being in alignment with their emotional and mental bodies.
I'm not sure how I will eventually reconfigure my practice, but it's my hope to merge into the community and be able to share my gifts for the betterment of us all.
I recently (20 days ago) moved to the East Bay from Austin, TX after having lived there for 11 years. After studying Chinese medicine at AOMA, I stayed in Austin and had a successful acupuncture and nutrition practice of 8 years. While I was quite established and doing well there in many areas of life, I craved closer connection with mountains, ocean, and a thriving dance community, and an escape from the oppressive summer heat as well as the overall political climate.
Although I'm nationally certified and have had my license to practice Chinese medicine in Texas for over 8 years, California doesn't recognize any other accreditation. In addition to needing to sit for CALE, I don't have several science prerequisites, which is why I'm taking Chemistry, as well as Physics currently.
My previous background includes being a massage therapist since 1999 and a yoga teacher under the teaching of Ana Forrest since 2007. I also have several other focuses in my Chinese medicine practice including Japanese meridian therapy and using whole food based supplements with functional medicine and a system of muscle testing called Nutrition Response Testing. Rounding this out is my love for the subtle but powerful medicine of Flower Essences, which I use to help people bring their physical well-being in alignment with their emotional and mental bodies.
I'm not sure how I will eventually reconfigure my practice, but it's my hope to merge into the community and be able to share my gifts for the betterment of us all.
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