Assess how societal needs (i.e. the need for healthy foods; active lifestyles) lead to scientific and technological developments related to internal systems.
Have you noticed that the more we age the more we need to be healthy? I mean, your biggest issue at this moment might be that 'ready-to-burst' pimple, but the growing issue that our society faces is the need to be healthier. Everywhere you go there are advertisements such ads in bus vehicles or in magazines about being healthy. If you think about it, who wouldn’t want to be healthy-especially if you live in a world of full of global warming and carbon dioxide! So you're probably wondering what my point is, well, I did a lot of soul searching (okay, who am I kidding?), this blog explores how society’s need for such things lead both the scientific and technology field to meet the needs of society.
With the scientific and technological boom that our society is experiencing, it was only fitting to create and design such devices that meet the new needs of our society. If you observe, there have been many appliances and tools that serve the purpose of meeting the goals of our healthy conscious society.
I think that of all our needs, the need to live a more active lifestyle is on top of the list. Only now have come to the understanding that our generation has been going downhill when it comes to our overall health status. However, there have been technological modifications that have been to guide a person to be a more active and healthier individual.
There are now electronic balances that are designed to count calories for the calorie-conscious person. Appliances such as this make it convenient for a person to find out just how much calories they are consuming.
You’ve all seen those late night infomercials that offer that stomach you’ve always wanted. The image below is a device that is used to enhance weight loss through vibration
Of all technological advances, I must say that the one that impressed me the most was the Wii. They broke the boundaries by introducing healthy activities within its system- people are able to stay active while indoors and have fun at the same time!
If you look around, there are different devices that were specifically made to help us in our sudden quest to be healthy and fit. Just think of it, about twenty years ago did our parents and their generation really need all of this stuff? No. With the evolution that our generation is experiencing; the need to look younger, look fit, be healthier as well the environmental risks we are exposed to- our society is doing a great deal of preventing or improving the state of our health.
The scientific field has also done their part in providing society with the answers to their needs. An example would be the study of nutrigenomics in which scientist study the effect that food has on a person's overall health. With the help of nutrigenomics, scientists are able to find the different ways in which food is beneficial and harmful to our health.
Overall, I think is pandemic movement is positive for our society. There were technological advances that damaged us in the first place- those video games that succumbed youth to stay indoors and become overweight. Now, the same technology that damaged us is doing their part in helping us in our goal to redeem ourselves. The same goes for the food caused our high cholesterol and diabetes, now we can trace our steps and be mindful of the food we eat. Not bad!
References:
http://www.genomicseducation.ca/informationArticles/health/nutrigenomics.asp
http://hobby.vocaboly.com/241/vibration-exercise-equipment-%E2%80%93-is-it-a-scam/
http://www.americanweigh.com/images/scoutproLG.jpg
Commented on:
Clodia Kassis and Ana Abad
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Say what now ?!?!
In other parts of the world, bio solids (human waste) from sewage treatment plants are treated and used as sustainable agricultural fertilizer. Research the pros and cons of this method and take a stand whether this can be a realistic alternative to our current agricultural practices. Who are the potential stakeholders in this issue? Are we influenced by the western view of human waste as an unsanitary and disgusting nuisance?
As children growing up in the western society, we’ve all be desensitized into believing that bio solids are disgusting and unsanitary. In many cases, it is because …you know why! The true question now is can our society accept a method far from what we are used? In this blog, we will be exploring the different pros and cons that come with using bio solids as sustainable agricultural fertilizer.
Before we do that, let’s observe the present method in which we fertilize:
There are many different types of agricultural fertilizers but some commonly used fertilizers are organic fertilizers, in organic fertilizers as well as micro and macronutrient fertilizers.
As to using ‘organic’ fertilizers, why not use bio solids? I mean, it is organic! Now let’s find some pros and cons in using such a unique material as a fertilizer
According to http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html , it states that bio solids have many benefits; the following are some advantages of using bio solids:
• Improve crop production
• Reduce soil erosion and protect water quality
• Provide topsoil for recreational uses
• Reclaim strip-mined lands
• Enrich forestland
• Conserve landfill space
• Provide economic incentives
Since the use of bio solids have not been completely accepted within our society, there must be reasons why. Well, according to http://www.aces.edu/crd/publications/ANR-721.html there some disadvantages that come along with the usage of bio solids as a fertilizers
• The potential for applying too much or too little of each nutrient
• The presence of toxic constituents
• The possible detrimental effects on water quality from leaching, erosion, or runoff losses
If you observe the pros and cons, you’ll be able to see that it can improve the production of crop. In addition, it can also. Most of all, the greatest advantage in using it as a fertilizer is the help it gives us by conserving landfill space. It’s like basically recycling our ‘poop’ into something that is beneficial to our environment.
In the case of bio solids being introduced as another form of fertilizer, there are many people held responsible for accepting it or not. There is a whole process in which it has to be approved of in the first place, it may go under the approval of the government, bio waste, agricultural, healthcare industry as well as the acceptance from the people of society.
I think that after viewing the different advantages and disadvantages that come along with the use of bio solids as agricultural fertilizers, I have came to the understanding that I could accept it as alternate fertilizer. Even though there are some disadvantages in using it, I believe that it helps both the society and the environment in the long run. I think that after we get over the whole ‘poop’ thing, we will be able to realize that our ‘poop’ is actually doing us good.
In conclusion, I think that sooner or later the use of bio solids as fertilizers will be widely accepted in our society. As I said before, one we get over the ‘poop’ factor, we’ll also learn that it actually helps the environment and society by saving our time and money.
Reference
http://www.agriculturalproductsindia.com/fertilizers/fertilizers-agricultural-fertilizer.html
http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html
http://www.aces.edu/crd/publications/ANR-721.html
Commented on:
Ana Abad and Tammy Nguyen
As children growing up in the western society, we’ve all be desensitized into believing that bio solids are disgusting and unsanitary. In many cases, it is because …you know why! The true question now is can our society accept a method far from what we are used? In this blog, we will be exploring the different pros and cons that come with using bio solids as sustainable agricultural fertilizer.Before we do that, let’s observe the present method in which we fertilize:
There are many different types of agricultural fertilizers but some commonly used fertilizers are organic fertilizers, in organic fertilizers as well as micro and macronutrient fertilizers.
As to using ‘organic’ fertilizers, why not use bio solids? I mean, it is organic! Now let’s find some pros and cons in using such a unique material as a fertilizer
According to http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html , it states that bio solids have many benefits; the following are some advantages of using bio solids:
• Improve crop production
• Reduce soil erosion and protect water quality
• Provide topsoil for recreational uses
• Reclaim strip-mined lands
• Enrich forestland
• Conserve landfill space
• Provide economic incentives
Since the use of bio solids have not been completely accepted within our society, there must be reasons why. Well, according to http://www.aces.edu/crd/publications/ANR-721.html there some disadvantages that come along with the usage of bio solids as a fertilizers
• The potential for applying too much or too little of each nutrient
• The presence of toxic constituents
• The possible detrimental effects on water quality from leaching, erosion, or runoff losses
If you observe the pros and cons, you’ll be able to see that it can improve the production of crop. In addition, it can also. Most of all, the greatest advantage in using it as a fertilizer is the help it gives us by conserving landfill space. It’s like basically recycling our ‘poop’ into something that is beneficial to our environment.
In the case of bio solids being introduced as another form of fertilizer, there are many people held responsible for accepting it or not. There is a whole process in which it has to be approved of in the first place, it may go under the approval of the government, bio waste, agricultural, healthcare industry as well as the acceptance from the people of society.
I think that after viewing the different advantages and disadvantages that come along with the use of bio solids as agricultural fertilizers, I have came to the understanding that I could accept it as alternate fertilizer. Even though there are some disadvantages in using it, I believe that it helps both the society and the environment in the long run. I think that after we get over the whole ‘poop’ thing, we will be able to realize that our ‘poop’ is actually doing us good.
In conclusion, I think that sooner or later the use of bio solids as fertilizers will be widely accepted in our society. As I said before, one we get over the ‘poop’ factor, we’ll also learn that it actually helps the environment and society by saving our time and money.
Reference
http://www.agriculturalproductsindia.com/fertilizers/fertilizers-agricultural-fertilizer.html
http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html
http://www.aces.edu/crd/publications/ANR-721.html
Commented on:
Ana Abad and Tammy Nguyen
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Talk about change!
Assess how societal needs (i.e. the need for healthy foods; active lifestyles) lead to scientific and technological developments related to internal systems.
Have you noticed that the more we age the more we need to be healthy? I mean, your biggest issue at this moment might be that 'ready-to-burst' pimple, but the growing issue that our society faces is the need to be healthier. Everywhere you go there are advertisements such ads in bus vehicles or in magazines about being healthy. If you think about it, who wouldn’t want to be healthy-especially if you live in a world of full of global warming and carbon dioxide! So you're probably wondering what my point is, well, I did a lot of soul searching (okay, who am I kidding?), this blog explores how society’s need for such things lead both the scientific and technology field to meet the needs of society.
With the scientific and technological boom that our society is experiencing, it was only fitting to create and design such devices that meet the new needs of our society. If you observe, there have been many appliances and tools that serve the purpose of meeting the goals of our healthy conscious society.
I think that of all our needs, the need to live a more active lifestyle is on top of the list. Only now have come to the understanding that our generation has been going downhill when it comes to our overall health status. However, there have been technological modifications that have been to guide a person to be a more active and healthier individual.
There are now electronic balances that are designed to count calories for the calorie-conscious person. Appliances such as this make it convenient for a person to find out just how much calories they are consuming.
You’ve all seen those late night infomercials that offer that stomach you’ve always wanted. The image below is a device that is used to enhance weight loss through vibration
Of all technological advances, I must say that the one that impressed me the most was the Wii. They broke the boundaries by introducing healthy activities within its system- people are able to stay active while indoors and have fun at the same time!
If you look around, there are different devices that were specifically made to help us in our sudden quest to be healthy and fit. Just think of it, about twenty years ago did our parents and their generation really need all of this stuff? No. With the evolution that our generation is experiencing; the need to look younger, look fit, be healthier as well the environmental risks we are exposed to- our society is doing a great deal of preventing or improving the state of our health.
The scientific field has also done their part in providing society with the answers to their needs. An example would be the study of nutrigenomics in which scientist study the effect that food has on a person's overall health. With the help of nutrigenomics, scientists are able to find the different ways in which food is beneficial and harmful to our health.
Overall, I think is pandemic movement is positive for our society. There were technological advances that damaged us in the first place- those video games that succumbed youth to stay indoors and become overweight. Now, the same technology that damaged us is doing their part in helping us in our goal to redeem ourselves. The same goes for the food caused our high cholesterol and diabetes, now we can trace our steps and be mindful of the food we eat. Not bad!
References:
http://www.genomicseducation.ca/informationArticles/health/nutrigenomics.asp
http://hobby.vocaboly.com/241/vibration-exercise-equipment-%E2%80%93-is-it-a-scam/
http://www.americanweigh.com/images/scoutproLG.jpg
Commented on:
Clodia Kassis and Ana Abad
Have you noticed that the more we age the more we need to be healthy? I mean, your biggest issue at this moment might be that 'ready-to-burst' pimple, but the growing issue that our society faces is the need to be healthier. Everywhere you go there are advertisements such ads in bus vehicles or in magazines about being healthy. If you think about it, who wouldn’t want to be healthy-especially if you live in a world of full of global warming and carbon dioxide! So you're probably wondering what my point is, well, I did a lot of soul searching (okay, who am I kidding?), this blog explores how society’s need for such things lead both the scientific and technology field to meet the needs of society.
With the scientific and technological boom that our society is experiencing, it was only fitting to create and design such devices that meet the new needs of our society. If you observe, there have been many appliances and tools that serve the purpose of meeting the goals of our healthy conscious society.
I think that of all our needs, the need to live a more active lifestyle is on top of the list. Only now have come to the understanding that our generation has been going downhill when it comes to our overall health status. However, there have been technological modifications that have been to guide a person to be a more active and healthier individual.
There are now electronic balances that are designed to count calories for the calorie-conscious person. Appliances such as this make it convenient for a person to find out just how much calories they are consuming.
You’ve all seen those late night infomercials that offer that stomach you’ve always wanted. The image below is a device that is used to enhance weight loss through vibration
Of all technological advances, I must say that the one that impressed me the most was the Wii. They broke the boundaries by introducing healthy activities within its system- people are able to stay active while indoors and have fun at the same time!
If you look around, there are different devices that were specifically made to help us in our sudden quest to be healthy and fit. Just think of it, about twenty years ago did our parents and their generation really need all of this stuff? No. With the evolution that our generation is experiencing; the need to look younger, look fit, be healthier as well the environmental risks we are exposed to- our society is doing a great deal of preventing or improving the state of our health.
The scientific field has also done their part in providing society with the answers to their needs. An example would be the study of nutrigenomics in which scientist study the effect that food has on a person's overall health. With the help of nutrigenomics, scientists are able to find the different ways in which food is beneficial and harmful to our health.
Overall, I think is pandemic movement is positive for our society. There were technological advances that damaged us in the first place- those video games that succumbed youth to stay indoors and become overweight. Now, the same technology that damaged us is doing their part in helping us in our goal to redeem ourselves. The same goes for the food caused our high cholesterol and diabetes, now we can trace our steps and be mindful of the food we eat. Not bad!
References:
http://www.genomicseducation.ca/informationArticles/health/nutrigenomics.asp
http://hobby.vocaboly.com/241/vibration-exercise-equipment-%E2%80%93-is-it-a-scam/
http://www.americanweigh.com/images/scoutproLG.jpg
Commented on:
Clodia Kassis and Ana Abad
Friday, January 22, 2010
HOLY COW !
If we look back and examine how technology has effected us, we'll notice that most of it was for our own well being. Now, how would classify such a topic as Artificial Selection, I mean, where do we start? Should we even be practicing this type of method in the first place?
Well, before we jump to conclusions and judgments, we should first study and understand the term Artificial Selection. It is the Human intervention in animal or plant reproduction to ensure that certain desirable traits are represented in successive also known as Selective breeding.
So, the issue here is do humans have the right to do this in the first place? Let's observe, take in our ever growing hunger for meat products. For farmers, in order for them to make some income, they need to satisfy their consumer's demand for such products, and in this case, meat. But how are they to do so when in some cases, these chickens don't produce as much as we'd like them to? That's when artificial selection comes in! This specif process is used to help sustain the overall existence of animals to make them stronger as well cause them to produce the needed products that society demands.
A great example is the selective breeding of cows, the cow above has gone through selective breeding and as a result has more muscle than a regular cow, and for us- more lean meat!
There's one thing about satisfying consumer demands, but there's another pushing the limits. There have been recent reports of the inhumane ways of artificial selection. For example, because meat is such a great demand they have enhanced chickens to be more convenient by adding more meat and no feathers. This change in features of the chicken can result to more harm than good for the animal because they are prone to more diseases and parasites without their feathers as well as mate unsuccessfully because of the disabled wing.
If we take both factors in consideration, we can conclude that artificial selection is a process that can really affect the breeder and the organism being bred. I think that artificial selection has done us all good, but the food and farming industries should be more wary about the treatment of the animals and plants under this process. If used with consideration, I think that this process is a win-win situation for both humans and the species involved. It satisfies the need of society of and at the end of the day, it positively effects both the peoples and the animals involved in the process- when used moderately. Though we may have the power to do this, I still believe that we shouldn't take advantage of it by completely disregarding the well-being of the animals and plants that undergo the process.
References:
http://www.biology-online.org/2/12_selective_breeding.htm
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Selective_breeding
http://scienceray.com/biology/selective-breeding/
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118084/Gene/Genetic_variation/artificialselection.htm
Commented on:
Tammy Nguyen - http://tammy-bioblogtingz.blogspot.com/
Aarany R - http://bio-aarany.blogspot.com/
Well, before we jump to conclusions and judgments, we should first study and understand the term Artificial Selection. It is the Human intervention in animal or plant reproduction to ensure that certain desirable traits are represented in successive also known as Selective breeding.
So, the issue here is do humans have the right to do this in the first place? Let's observe, take in our ever growing hunger for meat products. For farmers, in order for them to make some income, they need to satisfy their consumer's demand for such products, and in this case, meat. But how are they to do so when in some cases, these chickens don't produce as much as we'd like them to? That's when artificial selection comes in! This specif process is used to help sustain the overall existence of animals to make them stronger as well cause them to produce the needed products that society demands.A great example is the selective breeding of cows, the cow above has gone through selective breeding and as a result has more muscle than a regular cow, and for us- more lean meat!
There's one thing about satisfying consumer demands, but there's another pushing the limits. There have been recent reports of the inhumane ways of artificial selection. For example, because meat is such a great demand they have enhanced chickens to be more convenient by adding more meat and no feathers. This change in features of the chicken can result to more harm than good for the animal because they are prone to more diseases and parasites without their feathers as well as mate unsuccessfully because of the disabled wing.If we take both factors in consideration, we can conclude that artificial selection is a process that can really affect the breeder and the organism being bred. I think that artificial selection has done us all good, but the food and farming industries should be more wary about the treatment of the animals and plants under this process. If used with consideration, I think that this process is a win-win situation for both humans and the species involved. It satisfies the need of society of and at the end of the day, it positively effects both the peoples and the animals involved in the process- when used moderately. Though we may have the power to do this, I still believe that we shouldn't take advantage of it by completely disregarding the well-being of the animals and plants that undergo the process.
References:
http://www.biology-online.org/2/12_selective_breeding.htm
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Selective_breeding
http://scienceray.com/biology/selective-breeding/
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118084/Gene/Genetic_variation/artificialselection.htm
Commented on:
Tammy Nguyen - http://tammy-bioblogtingz.blogspot.com/
Aarany R - http://bio-aarany.blogspot.com/
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