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HOT SCIENCE!!!
HOT SCIENCE!!!
Check in here for links to specific topics, the latest changes in science and extra credit resources throughout the year!
Hispanic History Month! Sept-Oct
Black History month resource! PBS
April 22nd = Earth Day!! Click here to go to the page with event listings!!
Carbon nanotube:
The wave of the future
Nanotechnology = hot science!!
WHAT: The rotating image to the left is a carbon nanotube.
This nanotube may not look like much- but it is changing the face of science, medicine and electronics as we know it! Researchers hope that these tubes will lead the way to smaller, faster more powerful means of research, technology and medicine.
Scientists have been studying the physical and chemical properties of molecules and their interactions on EXTREMELY small scales.
They have found that molecules react differently at this small scale.
WHY: Sound like nothing you can use? Think again! Nanoparticles have been used in products you buy, like sunscreen and even some foods!
The DEBATE: Since this is a relatively "new" area of science, researchers are still investigating the effects of nanoparticles on living things (like us!). Should they continue to be used if they will be a danger to society? DO the benefits outweigh the risks?
Learn more at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotubes http://www.nbtc.cornell.edu/mainstreetscience/science.html.
http://discovermagazine.com/2002/nov/feat50
Follow this link to the top 50 women scientists
and more!
Global Warming
This topic has been all over the news lately- from the business section complaining about rising oil prices, arguments in Congress over the responsibility of humans for global warming;and possible alternative solutions for us to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions.
Don't care? Wait till YOU start driving and paying for gas!!!!
Mean surface temperature anomalies during the period 1995 to 2004 with respect to the average temperatures from 1940 to 1980
Dolly the Sheep: A cloned animal
Human Genome Project
Cloning
WHAT: Clones= genetically identical (or close) organisms
Did you know that clones are a natural part of life? Just look at twins and triplets! Plants and other organisms create clones all of the time.
WHY: Scientists have used clones to help create copies of genetically modified (altered) organisms.
The DEBATE: Some people are concerned that cloning would be used to create "super soldiers" or other mutations in people.
Learn more:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/genetic/cloning.htm
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/cloning.shtml#whatis
WHAT: Completed in 2003, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was a 13-year project coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health. It eventually pulled resources from other countries as well.
Project goals were to
identify all the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA,
determine the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA,
store this information in databases,
improve tools for data analysis,
transfer related technologies to the private sector, and
address the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) that may arise from the project.http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml
WHY:
To learn more about our genes, how they function and hopefully apply this knowledge to technology and medical treatments.
THE DEBATE:
Would this lead to technology that could scan everyone's' genes instantly? Would we get jobs or positions in society based on our genes? (Theres a great movie GATTACA that addresses this)
Learn More:
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml
WHAT: Scientists study the changes in organisms and the earth over time
WHY: To learn more about life on earth and their origins.
THE DEBATE: Here is where science clashes with religion. Many people do not want to learn about this topic because they feel it clashes with their personal beliefs. Think it doesn't affect you? Evolutionary studies have effected everything from society ads and conversations to medicine.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/
Steroid Use & Abuse
WHAT: Steroids are chemicals like hormones that are naturally produced by the body, but can also be used as medication.When abused they can cause severe side effects.
THE DEBATE: Steroid abuse has been a problem in sports especially. Is it fair that athletes use these products to improve their performance?
Learn More:
Background info on anabolic steroids and side effects on WedMD:
http://men.webmd.com/tc/anabolic-steroid-abuse-topic-overview
Warning: graphic medical images!The effects of steroid abuse:
June 10, 2005. Which one is the robot?
National Geographic News. Photograph from AFP/Getty Images
WHAT: Robotics has taken flight into science fiction territory by creating humanoid like robots.
THE DEBATE: Should we make robots in our image? Will we end up with a "Matrix" future where humans become batteries? hmm...
Learn More:
"Japanese Create Female Android"
! SPECIAL COLLECTION
The CRISPR Revolution
The CRISPR Revolution
CRISPER Gene Editing!
Check it out here: http://www.sciencemag.org/site/extra/crispr/?intcmp=NEWS-crispr-PROMO
Business Insider got in on it too!
From left to right, Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, Ulmea University professor and Microbologist Emmanuelle Charpentier, UC Berkeley Professor of Chemistry Jennifer A. Doudna, and actress Cameron Diaz attend the Breakthrough Prize Awards Ceremony at NASA Ames Research Center on November 9, 2014 in Mountain View, California.
Read more: https://www.quantamagazine.org/20150206-crispr-dna-editor-bacteria/#ixzz3UvSNRI7E
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