Post #2- August 19, 2024

I work hard to keep my grades up because I know how important they are for my future, even though school can sometimes feel like a grind. While I genuinely enjoy socializing and connecting with people, the work itself isn’t always exciting, especially when it’s repetitive or boring. That’s why I’m drawn to courses like E=mc², where I can dive into a specific topic I’m passionate about. When something sparks my interest, I love doing my own research, but having a focused purpose in a course like this makes the effort even more rewarding, and I feel more motivated to do it.

Outside of school, I find joy in spending time with my baby cousins, especially during the summer. Those moments of playing with them and watching them grow are some of my favorite memories. Similarly, in school, one of my most cherished experiences was during the cross-country season in ninth grade. The teamwork, the challenges, and the sense of accomplishment after each race made that season unforgettable. These experiences, both inside and outside of school, motivate me to keep pushing forward, knowing that balance is key ton success.

  Post #4- September 16, 2024

I am looking to investigate genetic and epigenetic effects on toxins.

I think I know that the amount of toxins in the world have been drastically increasing, as the amount of chemicals in our diets, in our clothes, in our water, and in the environment increases with the way industrialization has become tenfold as popular now compared to the 18th century. I also think I know that certain chemicals can cause cancers that affect both the inside and outside layer of the body. Cyanide may be a lethal poison, yet is also present in apples and other fruit seeds. I’ve heard that toxins can lead to genetic problems, but also have those very problems be passed down. Even the smallest mistake while producing goods such as foods, drinks, clothes, and contributing to the environment might lead to more harm than good. I’ve also heard that Some toxins can accumulate the body over time leading to chronic health conditions that may not appear immediately but surface later in life

I know I know that toxins can disrupt both our genetic makeup and how our genes function over time. For example, exposure to certain chemicals in the air, water, or food can damage our DNA, which may increase the likelihood of developing diseases like cancer. I know that these harmful effects aren’t just limited to immediate exposure—toxins can cause changes in gene expression, which is how our genes are turned on or off, without altering the underlying DNA itself. These changes, known as epigenetic modifications, can sometimes be passed down to future generations, affecting not just those directly exposed but also their children and grandchildren. Additionally, I know that chemicals found in everyday products, like plastics and pesticides, have the potential to interfere with normal hormone function and development, leading to health problems over time. Understanding how toxins affect both our genes and epigenetics is important because it helps explain how environmental exposures contribute to long-term health risks.

  Post #6- September 30, 2024

What is the difference between epigenetic and genetic mutations?

Genetic mutations refer to changes in the DNA sequence itself, often resulting in altered proteins that affect the body’s function. These mutations are either inherited from parents or acquired throughout life due to environmental influences such as exposure to toxins, radiation, or viruses. Genetic mutations are typically permanent, and if they occur in reproductive cells (germline mutations), they can be passed to offspring. Diseases such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington's disease are examples of conditions caused by genetic mutations. Unlike epigenetic modifications, genetic mutations directly alter the DNA sequence and can cause long-term impacts. These mutations are often difficult or impossible to reverse, making them an important aspect of biological inheritance.

In contrast, epigenetic changes involve modifications that affect how genes are expressed without changing the underlying DNA sequence. These changes occur due to environmental factors, such as diet, stress, and toxin exposure. A key aspect of epigenetic modification is DNA methylation, which either "turns on" or "turns off" specific genes depending on the presence of methyl groups attached to the DNA.

As the CDC explains, epigenetic changes are reversible and “do not change the sequence of DNA bases, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence.” This ability to switch genes on or off allows cells to respond dynamically to environmental stimuli. For instance, cells in your body might produce more of a protein needed for muscle function during physical activity or reduce production in times of stress.

While both genetic mutations and epigenetic changes affect gene function, the primary distinction lies in their mechanisms. Genetic mutations change the DNA code permanently, whereas epigenetic modifications alter how the code is read, without changing the sequence itself. The flexibility of epigenetics allows cells to adapt to environmental factors in ways that genetic mutations cannot.

As noted in research published on NCBI, “epigenetic factors could override genetic factors,” proving that environmental influences can sometimes take precedence over genetic predispositions. For example, mice predisposed to heart disease can give birth to healthy offspring if the mother’s diet is properly regulated. This suggests that lifestyle changes—such as proper nutrition, exercise, and mental health care—can significantly influence the health outcomes of individuals, even when they carry genetic risks.

For feedback, I plan to connect with my pharmaceutical sciences teacher, who specializes in chemicals and their impact on the body. Her insights will help me refine my understanding of how environmental factors influence gene expression, especially in relation to how toxins can lead to diseases.

  Post #8- October 23, 2024

"How do toxins from the environment cause changes or damage to our DNA?" is my NEED TO KNOW QUESTION which I believe to fall under the knowledge domain of the HOTQs. This is because it's similar to questions such as "how did ____ happen?" or "how would you explain _____?" To explain how toxins from the environment cause changes or damages to our DNA, I'll first research using a couple of resources, specifically about real-life examples of this happening and a deeper dive into a few toxins. By doing this, I can effectively explain how toxins affect the DNA to the audience in a way they can easily understand.

Sub-Questions:

1. How do environmental toxins interact with the DNA?- Knowledge- I need to find out the process that leads to toxins affecting the DNA.

2. How would you classify the type of genetic effect caused by the toxin?- Comprehension- I must be able to classify the different types of genetic effects that can be caused by toxins.

3. What are the parts or features of DNA?- Analysis- I may be able to "dissect" DNA into its different parts and explain each part clearly.

I think the best sub-question to help support my NEED TO KNOW QUESTION is "what are the parts or features of DNA?", which'll help with my NEED TO KNOW QUESTION, "How do toxins from the environment cause changes or damage to our DNA?", because this'll explain the most basic yet important part of my topic, since if I don't even know the structure of DNA, it'd be difficult to do any research without that knowledge

Sources: (Baccarelli), (How our...), (The Structure...)

  Post #10- November 6, 2024

This knowledge on environmental toxins acting upon our DNA is relevant, as these interactions sometimes give rise to genetic mutation, cancer, or hereditary diseases affecting a person and the generations that come thereafter, since these changes get passed on. The policy change, in this respect, takes up a different shape in terms of more stringent environmental regulations and affects public health and in a completely different way. Answering this question is important in educating us as to how we better protect our health and, even more important perhaps, the potential genetic impact of harmful exposures.

This mutated genetics problem affects each and every person who comes into contact with toxins in the environment-- air, water, and soil poisoning, basically everything that surrounds us. It is especially significant to people who live near industrial sites, workers in high-exposure industries, and individuals with genetic tendencies to get certain cancers. Understanding such effects helps individuals and policymakers make wiser health and safety decisions.

This is evidenced through research in toxicology and genetics on the cellular and genetic effects of environmental toxins. For instance, studies from organizations like the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences have documented specific genetic changes associated with exposure to environmental toxins. This is extremely important evidence because it underlines health guidelines, informs medical advice, and supports larger environmental programs.

This is a pivotal question because, in sum, it encompasses many fields: for one, biology and chemistry help us understand how toxins chemically interact with and harm DNA molecules; secondly, environmental science looks into the sources, dispersion, and persistence of these toxins in our ecosystems. Also public health links scientific findings to applications in the real world when studying the impact on communities, leading health recommendations, and informing government policies. This approach is necessary in tackling how the environment contributes to genetic health over time, the complexity in it, and how we can work together to limit these effects.

I had thought that only high concentrations of toxins or extreme environmental pollution can cause damage to DNA, but research is showing even smaller and repeated exposures to pollutants collect and can lead to genetic mutations or other long-term health problems. I never thought that just any damage of DNA would immediately cause health problems, but I learned that some of the changes are very subtle and can remain undetected for years with much later in life consequences like cancer or genetic disorders. This shifted my understanding to the more invisible dangers of everyday environmental exposures and underlined the relevance of deeply studying these effects.

  Post #12- December 10, 2024

I spent about 2 hours on this assignment and learned a lot in the process. for one, I realized my handwriting is kind of strange. More importantly, I came to understand how environmental issues, like leaks, can cause huge problems for an entire community, sometimes leading to devastating consequences, such as widespread health issues or death. It was frustrating, though, because the resources I found either didn’t go deep enough or were so detailed that they were hard to get through.  even when the topics were similar to what I wanted, they didn't quite hit the mark. The biggest takeaway for me was just how much damage something small, like a tiny amount of letting the water supply can cause irreversible health issues. Looking back, I'm proud that I could take a ton of information and make something short and interesting for others to read. but I know I still need to work on organizing my thoughts better and presenting things in a cleaner way. building off where I learn from DNA and the environmental problems, I ask myself the following: what are the different categories of toxins?

The podcast How Your Skin Tone Could Affect Your Meds examines how, but the more melanin and a person's skin, certain medications may be less effective because melanin can serve as a barrier to reduce absorption of drugs or alter their action. This puts out the importance of skin tone consideration and personalized medicine and Healthcare disparities. This is probably because the creators want to stress the need for more inclusive research and drug development. Advocative and engaging, this speaker uses rhetorical questions, dynamic language, and a charismatic voice to keep the listener interested. The professional production with the clear audio enhanced accessibility and impact of the message

  Post #14- January 20, 2025

The Safe Cosmetics articles bring light to the hidden dangers of toxic chemicals in everyday cosmetics, such as phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde-releasing agents even though they may not be listed in the ingredients in these products. The goal is to teach customers about these substances’ harmful effects, such as cancer risks, hormone disruption, and developmental issues. SafeCosmetics.org, which is part of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, is focused on advocating for safer cosmetic products, better regulations, and more accurate ingredient and warning labels. Unlike the SkinKraft article, which gives the reader only a general overview, SafeCosmetics.org goes deeper into specific chemicals and their impacts.

This research aligns with the theme of “toxic relationships” that my partner and I will be focusing our podcast on by exploring how products we use daily can expose us to harmful substances behind our backs. For example, phthalates, which are used as plasticizers, disrupt hormones, while 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen, contaminates products through manufacturing processes like ethoxylation. Despite all this information, the SafeCosmetics.org article doesn’t give the reader direct credentials to individual experts, limiting the ability to assess its scientific accuracy, since we don’t know whether the articles are biased or inaccurate. Similarly, the SkinKraft article oversimplifies the information given, such as chemical effects. Learning this new information increases understanding of how environmental toxins may harm DNA.

The storytelling techniques in Radiolab’s “Relative Genius” podcast engages the listeners through mystery and vivid imagery, having random pauses that suddenly bring you back to attention to the story, and twists that are more exaggerated with sound effects. Similarly, using these techniques on me and my partner’s podcast can make it more engaging to the audience.

Sources: (“Acrylates - Safe Cosmetics”) (“Benzophenone & Related Compounds - Safe Cosmetics”) (“1,4 Dioxane  - Safe Cosmetics.”) (Tamatam)

  Post #16- February 27, 2025

I've never worked on a podcast before, and I can say it requires a lot of teamwork, along with effort individually with our own free time. My partner and I met up to share what we'd been researching for the past few weeks, made scripts for us to record, then recorded the joint discussion after. I'd say that editing the project in our own homes away from each other was the most difficult, the distance becoming a barrier. At first, I thought that our podcast would be more lively, like a Radiolab episode, but I soon realized that with our limited editing abilities, it would not be quite as animated.. But we were still able to coexist by using reliable sources and reminding one another of the subject matter so that our information was relevant.

Through this project, I developed some basic editing skills and was able to enhance my discussion and collaboration skills more. The hardest part by far was actually the editing part, especially when searching for an ideal song for the theme but not dominating our voices. We decided to have a slow and soft background song to stay audible and not put the reader asleep from our conversation. I learned that I'm a team player and an effective communicator, but my researching skills are in need of some fine-tuning. My highlight was our last discussion at the end—it went well and way better than expected. If we had another week, I'd utilize it on sound effects, as fade-ins and fade-outs gave us challenges. My greatest tip for aspiring podcasters would be to record as early as possible and spend most of your time editing. Also, allowing the discussions to occur naturally rather than scripting them causes them to be more real. In conclusion, this project assisted me in gaining discussion and research skills that will aid me in both academics and the outside world.

  Post #18- March 13, 2025

The most long lasting question about the 2008 Chinese "bighead baby" scandal may be how such a massive food fraud operation went undetected for so long. Under existing food safety law, firms were able to cheat protein tests by spiking milk products with melamine, a chemical used to make protein levels look higher. This has consequences for regulatory oversight, the accuracy of food testing methods, and corporate accountability. In addition, whether the government response was sufficient is debatable—some think that the officials conspired to hide the scandal, while others think that they did what they legally could once the issue was in the open. Ethical questions also concern the motives of the perpetrators: were they greed-mongers, or were they driven by systemic economic necessities? My personal question, morally-driven questions being, what gave them the audacity? And why didn't they stop?

Different opinions on this case highlight the complexity of the issue. Scientifically, it exposed a huge shortfall in food testing protocols as traditional nitrogen-based protein tests did not detect melamine contamination. Ethically, the scandal was about corporate and government accountability to deliver safety in public health. At the individual level, the victims' families suffered enormous trauma as most of the children developed kidney stones or even died due to the contaminated formula. A surprising fact is that melamine was previously spiked in animal feed, but its effect on human consumption was not known until this crisis. If I were to interview an expert, I would choose either a food safety scientist or a toxicologist with knowledge on the effect of melamine on human health. Their expertise would be based on their experience in chemical toxins and public health, and I would ask them how melamine was able to so completely fool protein testing and what policy adjustments would prevent such catastrophes.

  Post #20- March 27, 2025

   The takeaway I want the audience to walk away with is also to realise how food safety is never a given, and that the abhorrent consequences of rampant corporate greed only reveal themselves once regulatory failures have occurred. The 2008 Chinese melamine scandal was more than a hint, it was a wake-up call blaring: it revealed fundamental failings in food testing, oversight, and ethics In conducting my research, I have learned that food fraud is typically purposeful and motivated by greed rather than accidental. Remember that melamine was clandestinely added to artificially increase protein levels, resulting in infant deaths and millions of illnesses — not the work of the invisible hand but a regulatory failure where ancient laws governing this market had long been trampled by corporate oligopoly. I also understand how the sych scandals have an international dimension, and food markets depend on trust in safety standards. Digging into this case has opened me up more to the way that failures of regulation continue to allow for food fraud to take place, and I see why vigilant oversight is so necessary to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

   In the documentary, I want to bring this message to life, but it can be explained through six sections: Introduction, melamine background, scandal timeline, human suffering, legal reforms, and takeaway. We'll begin the documentary with some news clips and footage of grieving families to grab the emotional attention of the viewer. Graphics and expert interviews describe why melamine fooled protein tests and how regulators missed it. The victims' stories, their families' lives and the long-term effects -- that will be a major focus. Lastly, I will analyze if China learned from the scandal and changed their approach or if ongoing cases are a result of a broken system. This series will provide a broad based and informative perspective by compiling research, expert analysis, survivor experiences, and government reports before filming. When the documentary ends, I want my audience to ask, “Is our food safe today?