Biology week 12

Giant Toad and Colossal Squid:
I think that the existence of these two interesting species, as well as many others points to the simple fact that life forms are and can be infinitely variable, adapting to suit the environment in which they live. Also, I think it is important for humans to recognize these creatures as just large beings living their lives, with no real need for us to eradicate them.
The Significance of Chimps and Tools:
Perhaps the chimps are evolving into humans beings and will eventually replace us like we replaced Neanderthals?! Once again, a good point is made that humans are not the only species that has intelligence and creativity, spirit and communication. Yet time and time again humans are shocked to learn that other mammals are smart and adaptable also.

Biology Week 11

The Global Crisis in Diet: I would start by subsidizing sustainable organic agriculture instead of pesticide laden, monoculture, corporation owned factory farms. Another vital factor is education. Get into schools early educating the children about health, whole foods, and diet. Every school should have a community garden so the kids can see what it takes to actually grow food instead of just see it turn up on their dinner plate. Maybe a bit extreme, but I think everyone should visit a slaughter house; we need to know every process our food goes through. No more pretty packaging. I think that when people start to eat less meat, we will also see an improvement in the so called global food shortage, which is really just a crisis in the distribution of food. If we could produce food on the land that is currently used to produce grain for cattle, there would be much less of a problem.


Carbon Offsets:
I don't really see the benefit of this idea. This means that increasing carbon emmisions by flying all over the world is acceptable for governement officials, but not for the common folk? This is just a way for hypocritical politicians to feel better about flying.


Laughter:
Laughter is a great medicine, yes perhaps even the best. And its free! Anyone and everyone who has gone through an emotionally difficult time knows the benefit of a good, uplifting, full belly laugh. Something I have noticed is that there is sometimes a thin line between laughing and crying. My crying has occasionally led a much needed laughing spree, when I realize the 'poor me' of my crying spell. And extensive laughing has often led to tears in my eyes. Both are great releases of emotional build ups.

Check this Out!

Country, the City Version: Farms in the Sky Gain New Interest

~Farm Skyscrapers in Cities:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/15/science/15farm.html

What do you think? It would certainly make eating local a lot easier!

Biology Week 10

~How would you prioritize the reintroduction of the American Bison
"We recognize the bison is a symbol of our strength and unity, and that as we bring our herds back to health, we will also bring out people back to health." - Fred DuBray, Cheyenne River Sioux That says it all right there! For me, any return to a deeper respect and intimate relationship with of our animal ancestors would be tremendously healing, helpful, and empowering for the human beings. With this in mind, I believe that the returning of the Bison to their land and abundance is extremely important and relevant to our times and our needs.

~How would you assess the “New pill promises to reduce breast cancer risk”?
I am very suspicious of anything that stops the monthly release of blood and energy that the female human body expresses. I realize that the effects of preventing the period may not be immediately or directly noticed but this seems as unnatural to me as trying to prevent other body functions such as sweating(which is why people clog up their delicate pores w/ 'anti-perspirants') Considering that we are finding contraceptive chemicals from the Pill and other pharmaceutical birth-control substances in our drinking water and certain plastics emitting estrogen, I find it ironic to think that we would be flushing a new birth-control and anti-cancer chemical down the toilet while suffering from cancer potentially caused by, or connected with the drinking of toxic water. This new chemical - mifeopristone - is completely unknown to the human body or the natural world. How much are we going to test it? or how much has it been tested and the appropriate number of people educated about it that we can now release it publicly?

Biology Week 9

What do you think about the “eight-point Deep Ecology Platform”?

Deep Ecology PlatformDeep ecology provides a fairly radical framework to analyze the relative position of humans on the planet. Basically, deep ecology requires that we view ourselves as just another species, not more important or less. It requires a radical shift in our moral reasoning to one where our survival and comfort is not of paramount importance, or even a primary consideration. I think it threatens American values more than any others, given our culture's belief that consumption is the key to a satisfying existence. I think the platform is visionary, particularly given the fact that it was issued when the level of acceptance of a more ecological sensibility was in vogue. Its premises are readily acceptable to communities in Northern California, however it may take more convincing in other parts of America.

~Can you explain why “Ecosystems are both strong and fragile”?

Ecosystems are strong and fragile. They show incredible resilience in being to adapt over time to changes. The problem is that rapid change to the environment, for example, threaten that underlying strength. Evolution of a species can take multiple generations, or thousands of years depending on which evolutionary biologists you believe. Similarly, evolution of a complex system like an ecosystem takes a long time. The rate of change in climate and in other aspects of our environment that is being caused by humans is so rapid that ecosystems are being undermined. Their delicate balance is being thrown into chaos. This, unfortunately causes a downward spiral causing more climate change.

~How would you assess the “end goals” of Social Ecology?

Social Ecology looks at the relationship between social institutions such as government and other cultural entities and the environment. It is only by analyzing both that meaningful improvement in our use of resources can occur. Clearly, at this point, social structures and the environment are on a collision course. Because of the materialist culture which dominates the whole world (west and east), we are consuming without any recognition of scarcity. Scarcity has even become a dirty word in lots of circles. It's all about abundance these days. Think big and get big. Social ecology challenges social institutions to change the way we see the environment, and to make more sensible choices regarding the way we inhabit the world we live in. I think the idea is promising, but whether we have institutions that are amenable to any agenda other than one promoting consumption and the good life is questionable.

Biology Week 8

~How do you feel about western approaches to HIV/AIDS?
Given that HIV/AIDS has only been in awareness for the past 40 years, I feel that Western medicine has made great strides in understanding the illness. The information gathered has encompassed a cellular and biological understanding that continues to provide researchers, physicians and scientists with more 'ammo' to prevent further infection and treat those infected. It has essentially, done what it does best by utilizing tools and technology that other medical modalities don't have access to (or interest?) in. This enhances treatment and furthers research capabilities, which only paves the way for various healing approaches to come in and treat/prevent from a different standpoint. It has laid a strong foundation for broad spread health and healing with regard to HIV. However, I think that the Western approach to AIDS has bought a lot of people a lot of time. The drugs available to treat HIV and AIDS are costly, both financially and to the general health of the patient. But they do seem to be working when they are available and that is an amazing thing.

~Can TCM strengthen our immune systems?
Yes, of course it can! The TCM approach to any illness, whether chronic or acute, always encompasses some method of tonifying the immune system. This is the foundation for 'preventative medicine'. If we can boost immune systems and increase the health and vitality of individuals, then illness is not as widespread or as severe. The treatment includes tonification of a depleted system, yin, yang, body fluid. The energetic balance is the goal and somehow, one way or another, the immune system feels the affects and it's energy system is consequently enhanced.

~What do you think of “the deal that saved the whale”?
I am impressed that an agreement was actually struck which protected the environment. So often I read about the detrimental affects and poor decisions by money-making companies which destroy tropical rainforests, decimate wilderness, pillage land and put animals in danger (and endangered). This, was an uplifting story, to some extent... The whales will still have breeding ground, the local community and owners of the land are being supported financially, and the developers have stepped back as a consequence. It's reminiscent of preventative medicine, but it's "preventative environment".

Biology Assignment 7

~How sophisticated is our understanding of cancer?
Our understanding of cancer and cell-growth abnormalities appears to be quite extensive. Just look at the wikipedia page on cancer... which is just a page in a grouping of pathologies that include tumors, neoplasia, and oncology. We have a highly specific understanding of the the various forms of cell abnormality and all sorts of treatments yet I would bet that the fear of cancer is extremely high on people's list. What does not seem to be extensively or clearly understood is the cause of cancer in the human body - the reasons why the human body would manifest such self-destructive tissue. Modern scientific medicine also fails to be able to treat cancer without destroying the immune and nervous systems of the afflicted persons. There is a gap between understanding the nature of the cancer cells themselves and the best way to heal the body that is manifesting such dis-ease.

~How does a TCM approach to cancer differ?
" The traditional Chinese treatment of cancer is based on the principle of Fu Zheng Gu Ben. Fu Zheng means strengthening what is correct. Gu Ben means regeneration and repair."

We also believe that every disease, including cancer, must have at least two causes. One cause may place stress upon the cells, another may cause a weakness in the body's defense. Other causes, such as the emotional environment and congenital susceptibility can also play a part.

Treating cancer with Chinese herbs requires diagnosing the probable causes of the cancer, then choosing the correct course of treatment. Diagnosis is made according to the four examinations. The aim of treatment is to harmonize the patient as well as it is to attack cancerous cells."

Within the Chinese Medical Field, there also appears to be a widespread acknowledgment that herbs can treat cancer effectively and safely, that is, without destroying the patient. Here are some links and articles:

• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14997.php
• http://www.drshen.com/chineseherbsforcancer.htm
• http://www.alternativemedicinechannel.com/cancer/tcm.shtml

These sources offer the history of TCM as a sort of resume, making it appear more worthy of serious consideration as an effective treatment method for cancers. Many herbs have been shown to be effective, and yet there are still articles like the alternativemedicinechannel.com site that denies the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of cancer. This is what they say with regards to TCM and Cancer:

"TCM plays an auxiliary role in cancer treatment. It treats side effects of conventional therapies, helps control pain, and helps keep the immune system strong."

At best, it is an auxiliary treatment. This seems to be rooted in a deep distrust of alternative medicines, even those founded on thousands of years of research, practice, and proven efficacy. Yet they do have a point - TCM does not cut out or poison the cancer cells and the body around it with the same intensity and aggression that Western Medicine does. This is true and it is one of the virtues of TCM - it is a natural-based system of medicine that works with the pace of the body. The cancer cells didn't pop up overnight and perhaps they should be removed, when it is safe to do so, in a less intense speed and with less damage done to the human we seem so concerned about.

~Are our genes still being shaped by natural selection?
Yes, I believe that every time a human is born, genes are selectively chosen. Our environment is still changing, from things such as global warming even to being more technologically driven, or being surrounded by more and more chemicals in our environment. Therefore, we are
not in some special time or place that would cause genetic material to stop in it's seemingly endless process of replication and transformation.