Plasticity Lab

Just recently we learned about the Earth’s mantle having plasticity. We recreated a lab to visualize this, by mixing the substances of water and cornstarch. The end result was a thick amorphous solid. An amorphous solid is a solid that has the capability to flow. The mixture made in my group was very gooey. It did not take a complete form because too much water was added and not enough corn starch. Thus, we did not have the opportunity to make the mixture into a ball. When I pushed my finger into the substance quickly, I did not give it enough time to leave my finger’s mark. On the other hand, slowly pushing into the mixture, the mark remained and that area swiftly became a solid. Also, the mixture turned into a solid when force was acting upon it. Continuously applying pressure resulted the now solid to crumble. However, between my fingers, it was flowing like a liquid. This mixture is very similar to earth’s mantle because of its movement. The asthenosphere is one of the layers of the mantle which is made up of molten lava. Like the mixture, it is an amorphous solid because of its ability to flow. The two are similar because they both have plasticity. I found this lab to be interesting and entertaining.

October Sky

“October Sky”, an eye-opening movie depicts a group of boys striding for their dreams who successfully reach their goals by determination and perseverance. Homer Hickam, the main character must violate his father’s orders and listen to his heart. Homer was determined to create a rocket that had a triumphant flight into the sky. Two main aspects intrigued Homer to go forth and fulfill his dream. One included the Russian’s Sputnik, the first Earth satellite launched into space and the other was Ms. Riley’s encouragement. Ms. Riley was the one teacher who always kept faith in Homer knowing how much potential had. An average family in Coalwood, West Virginia at this time would expect their sons to go work in the Coal mines after education. Homer was positive he did not want to spend the rest of his life in a coalmine. As most know, coalmines are very risky and hazardous to one’s health. Once you are on the shaft and heading down there is no guarantee whether or not you will come back up. The noxious fumes inhaled can cause serious illnesses. Soon enough the lungs will no longer be able to sustain the fumes and possibly give out. Lung Cancer is another precaution to worry of when going into the mines. After a tremendous amount of work and effort put in, Homer and his friends finally created a rocket that flew remarkably. They concluded the rocket needed alcohol as fuel to fly the distance of their choice. However, Homer did bump into obstacles during the way. He had to learn many formulas and improve on his math skills to know what he was doing. Also, he was accused of setting the fire that occurred on the mines property. Homer proved that he was innocent by using his calculations to give an approximate of where the rocket really landed and where the fire was. Following the successful rocket launch the boys had a possibility to compete in the science fair for a chance to get a college scholarship. Homer was sent to the national science fair where he won first place. Character Education Traits were also displayed and in some cases not displayed in the movie. Cooperation was a trait seen. For example, Homer had to cooperate with Quentin even though it meant ruining his social status, but he did not care because he wanted to achieve his goal. Homer’ father on the other hand did not show respect toward Homer’s interest. While in the process of creating the rocket, Homer’s father threw his supplies outside and did not want Homer to get involved in all of this. This movie also showed assertion when everyone did what they could to support the Rocket Boys. They wanted to show their enthusiasm and encouragement for Homer and his friends. Homer’s friends showed empathy for him when he had to go work in the mines for some time. They knew it’s not something a seventeen-year-old would enjoy doing, but they had Homer’s back. Homer had self-control when his classmates made fun of him. He did not do anything except let the comment pass. All in all, “October Sky” was an inspirational movie saying hard work will always come through. Determination goes a long way and surely paid off for Homer Hickam who now is a retired NASA engineer and an author.

Adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD)- Blog 2

In the blog Tink3 the author talked about a genetic disorder called ALD. I found it interesting how this disease only affects boys, but at the same time the female can hold the gene. I ponder if women can get affected. However, the blog thoroughly explains what the disease exactly is and how it affects the body. The good news is there are treatments which can ease and slow the disease. Unfortunately,this disorder can cause death within one to ten years after symptoms are presented. Overall, this was a clear blog depicting the symptoms of the genetic disorder, Adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD).

Genetic Disorder-Charcot Marie-Tooth Disease

In 1886, three French doctors came to discover the genetic disorder known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. This disease is named after the three doctors, Jean-Marie Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Tooth. In short C.M.T. is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders. This illness is targeted to affect the nervous system. There are many possible symptoms a patient is likely to face. For example, weakness of the foot and lower leg muscle and foot deformities is likely to occur. Progression of symptoms is gradual. Down the road, muscle atrophy in the hands and sensory loss can arise if something is not done. Unfortunately, there is no cure for CMT. However, physical therapy can improve on patient’s symptoms. Orthopedic devices may aid one’s pain. Pain Killers prescribed to a patient’s needs. A person can fully live their normal expectancy with CMT. This isn’t a very common disease yet approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the United States are affected. Adolescence or early adulthood is the time, which the disease is likely to come up. Symptoms on the other hand appear in mid-adulthood. CMT is genetic disorder and occurs in the peripheral nerve. The NINDS foundation is supporting CMT research. They are identifying mutant genes and proteins and gene therapy experiments hoping to find a better treatment. Scientists have come far with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. I believe it is unfair how some people may get this disease, however, its is great that one does not have to fret that their life is shortened. All in all, the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a genetic disorder which some must live with every day.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/charcot_marie_tooth/charcot_marie_tooth.htm

Marine Life Endangered

The beautiful blue seas of Puerto Rico hold more than what we may think. The island of Vieques is a site where previous munitions have been left after practice. The governor’s office replied this area was possibly used as a practice site for Navy missiles in World War II. These unarmed bombs in the ocean are leaking fumes and toxins which can be very fatal to marine life. Marine life close to the bomb fragments such as sea urchins and seaweed consist of very high levels of carcinogenic material. All the contaminants found are deadly and poisoning life underwater. Conferences have brought scientists together to find a way to clean up the munitions that can be lying everywhere in the oceans. Cleaning up this mess is trouble by its self. If not safely removed, scientists could create a bigger problem. The Army has given $4 Million dollars to clean up about 2,000 munitions.


http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/02/26/undersea.munitions.cleanup/index.html

S.S. Blog-International

The Latest of China’s food poisoning is tainted pork. So far this contaminated meat has made 70 people sick. Three remain in the hospital. The infected pork contained an illegal drug known as clenbuterol which avoids animals to gain excess fat. This drug is illegal because it can be fatal to humans. Although the drug is illegal, there are people who use it such as athletes in order to build muscle. The case continues, however, three people have been arrested for their possible involvement in the contaminated meat. China’s lack for food safety has also got pork onto the list of contaminations including milk. Correspondents say the reason for the mishap is these small businesses are struggling with prices soaring to the sky. Their tight budget is leading them to take shortcuts.


citation:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7905717.stm

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S.S. Blog

A very heart-breaking event occurred to the Weronick family just today. Their 3-year-old toddler, Cassandra Weronick escaped the house at 3 am this morning. Just dressed in a t-shirt and a diaper, the child was found a half a mile from their home, frozen to death! Tuesday night’s harsh and frigid cold had frozen the toddler. And out of all the nights, she chose one of the coldest nights of the year to flee. It has been said, Cassandra has done this before, however, was found. Police say that the child knew how to open the door and left. With the dog’s barking, her mother woke and checked the door which was open. She locked the door, but did not bother to check on her child as well. A very unfortunate tragedy happened to this family today.
For more information, follow the link below:
http://wcbstv.com/local/mountaindale.child.freezes.2.926994.html

Corot’s Find of Yet Another Exoplanet!

The French space telescope, Corot has done it again. An exoplanet is a planet outside our solar system that also orbits a star. The latest one found, is the smallest and one of the very few handful which are also “rocky” and share similar aspects such as Earth and Venus. An approximate of 330 exoplanets have been discovered so far. Because this exoplanet orbits extremely close to its star, it attains a temperature of about 1,000 to 1,500 degrees Celsius. Thus, concludes it is unable to withstand or support life. A great majority have been found by the radial velocity method. It is much easier to detect planets with a larger mass than others using the method. Lead by the French Space Agency, Corot’s mission is to the investigation of exoplanets and to study the interior of stars. To find more information about this topic, please follow the link below.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7868100.stm

President Obama Inauguration

On January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama had made history. He was the first African American to have become president of the United States of America. Barack Obama was sworn in as president on the same exact bible Abraham Lincoln had done so on his day of inauguration. Speaking an inspirational speech, he had brought tears to those who stood in the frigid cold just to watch him. President Obama is surely to change the economic crisis we struggle today and get the US back on its track. Those capable of witnessing this historic day will remember this for the rest of their lives.
Over a billion people watched as President Barack Obama addressed the US with his eye-opening speech. Obama’s exact words from his speech are "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met." This statement alone displays how determined he is for the change we need for this nation. He knows the many issues and is ready to face them with pride. Vowing many changes throughout his speech some included leaving Iraq, to end this war on terrorism, and to the Muslim people, "a new way forward, based on mutual interest.” America, the World has very high hopes for the 44th president knowing he will make a difference. For information, follow the link below. http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.inauguration/index.html
Deafening cheers roared at the Capitol Building as President Obama walked out for the inauguration to begin. After the swearing-in, the Illinois governor was now transferred as the President of the United States. Obama is really urging the people in picking ourselves up and remaking America. Through the years, life has not become any simpler and Barack Obama wants that to change and get the working class and America out of this economic crisis that has hung over us for the past eight years. Although there was no mention of race, many African Americans traveled to Washington just to experience this memorable day of history. President Barack Obama has also helped destroy the racial gap in our nation for many years. Obama is the president we need to turn things around and gain back the honor this country had to offer. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_rdp
I believe President Obama will bring Americans back on their feet and have an impact to the world. Obama is a dedicated and hard-working person who has the knowledge to get the nation out of this economic crisis. He will do as much as he can to have the nation excel. Although the progress may be slow, there will be a difference to the world. Barack Obama being elected as president is the turning point in this crisis.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum?? It is the complete sequence of all the electromagnetic waves placed in increasing frequency. The spectrum consists of six different types of waves which include the radio waves, infrared rays, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays. The speed, wavelength and frequency are all related due to the formula to find speed. Speed=Wavelength x Frequency.
Radio waves have longer wavelengths with the lowest frequencies. Microwaves are radio waves with the shortest wavelength and highest frequency. Moving a little down the spectrum is Infrared Rays. These electromagnetic waves have shorter wavelengths than radio waves. Because they have a higher frequency they have more energy. Making up a very little part of the electromagnetic spectrum, visible light is electromagnetic waves that the human eye can see. The change in wavelength can display the different colors that appear. Ultraviolet waves are those who have wavelengths just a little shorter than visible light. Their frequency increase in the spectrum also has an increase to the energy put in. Ultraviolet Rays compose of enough energy to kill living cells. X-Rays is the next wave in the spectrum. The frequency is a little bit higher; however, the wavelength is lower than ultraviolet rays. X-Rays are used for a photographic film that go passed the tissue to the bone. These can also be used for engineering and industry use. Coming to the end of the electromagnetic spectrum, gamma rays have the shortest wavelengths with the highest frequencies. Gamma Rays consist of the most energy as it is the most incisive wave of all the electromagnetic waves. Although gamma rays are extremely harmful, they have become use due to technology. They produce enough energy to kill cancer cells in the body. The Electromagnetic Spectrum consists of many details that can further extend your knowledge about waves.

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_spectrum

Algae Fueled Plane Takes Off!

Just yesterday, Wednesday January 8, 2009, when an aircraft was tested for a 50/50 mix of biofuel and normal aircraft fuel, the flight was perfect. One of the US airlines tested the biofuel of algae as another alternative for aircraft fuel. The flight of the Continental Boeing 737-800 was the first plane by the US Carrier in progress of using alternative fuels. The aviation industry is having high hopes of using biofuels throughout within five years. Its ninety minute flight was completed from Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport to a course in Gulf of Mexico. The pilot had done several tests such as the mid-flight engine shutdown to find the plane exceeding the anticipations the industry yearned for. The biofuel used was made out of two types of plants, algae and jatropha. Both sources have a high growth speed and thus can be accessed at ease. Now the challenge is on in creating the biofuel in efficient ways to use everyday.

I think this is a very useful as it soon can be part of our everyday lives. Using natural sources from the earth can also be helping the environment instead of damaging it. The aviation industry should really begin using biofuels more frequently.

For more info:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7817849.stm