AIMC Biology

Biology week 12

2008-07-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-07-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

~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

2008-07-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

~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

2008-06-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

~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.

Biology Assignment 6

2008-06-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

How do you distinguish between living and nonliving systems?
~ Ever since this question was raised several weeks ago in class, I have been puzzled by it. I've gone on several lengthy walks around town and also up in the hills trying to ponder this. I know that the trees I see are living, but is the cement ground I walk on living? Is that house alive, this car, those books...etc I used to have a more definitive view of a living system; ability to reproduce, make waste and so on. In the past few weeks however, this view is broadening to include almost everything. Even these plastic keys I am now typing on hold some sort of life, some bit of chi. I believe that everything on this planet to some degree is alive, and everything is chi in different forms.

What do you feel is the significance of the use of language and tools in chimps?
~ Language and tool use in chimps, as well as others in the ape family is just proof that us humans are not the only 'intelligent beings'. We are not the only ones who are creative spirits who communicate and teach each other skills. Is it really such a surprise to find that other animals are smart and adaptable? Do we really need this type of evidence to prove that humans are not all that high and mighty? There is a lot we can learn from animals, especially our cousins the chimps as far as social behavior. Many humans have forgotten what it is like to be civil to each other. Wouldn't it be nice is we could just sit around grooming each other!

Chinese Medicine Gaining Respectability in West
~ I find it amazing that we are cultivating this wisdom in the U.S. after such a short time of its introduction. The knowledge of Chinese Medicine has only in the past 100 or so years been fully exposed to the West. It is happening at a critical point in the West when many people are becoming disheartened with the western health care system, pharmaceuticals, and cookie cutter doctors. Its wonderful that we now have access to this new knowledge of an ancient, deeply rooted system of holistic healing of the body and its energy systems. I am confident that respect and confidence in TCM and other 'alternative' healing traditions will continue to grow. Articles such as the one in the Chronicle are great ways for people to be exposed, if only briefly to the fact that there are other ways to heal yourself, and transform your medical future.

Biology Assignment 5

2008-06-02T16:01:00.000-07:00

~Can diversification save species?
I think having diversity within a species is incredibly beneficial. It is genetically advantageous to be diverse. As it relates to mono crops, having diversity will lead to ecological stability and ability to resist weather or pests. Homogony in any sense; agriculture, animal species and even humans can become detrimental to development and adaption. With more variation, the greater the species chances are for survival. Who doesn't benefit from diversity?

~ Do you vote for the chicken or the egg?
I'm going to have to put my vote in for the egg. Before there were chickens, there were 'non-chickens'. Two of these non-chickens must have mated, and a mutation either happened at the conception, or within the egg, leading to the birth of the first chicken. Since genetic material does not change throughout one's lifetime, the chicken DNA must have been present inside the egg. Without the egg there would be no chicken.

~“I always eat my broccoli!”
Yes! I love broccoli. Ever since I was little and imagined being very tiny and living in a broccoli forest with broccoli trees, I have enjoyed it. Beyond taste, smell, texture..etc, it is an amazing medicine, with more and more research coming out all the time about the health benefits. I eat it raw, steamed, stir fried, tempura..

If you want to know more: http://www.foodasfood.com/health-benefits-of-broccoli/

Scientific Name: Brassica aleracea

Biological Background: Broccoli is a dark-green vegetable with small, tight heads (curds) mounted on stem-like buds, and is a member of Brassica family of the Cruciferous vegetables. It is one of the most popular vegetables and was originated in Italy.

Nutritional Information: One cup of chopped and cooked broccoli (146 g) provides 46 calories, 4.6 g protein, 8.7 g carbohydrates, 6.4 g fiber, 178 g calcium, 1.8 mg iron, 220 RE vitamin A, 0.13 mg thiamin, 0.32 mg riboflavin, 1.18 mg niacin, 98 mg vitamin C.

Pharmacological Information: Broccoli is a spectacular and unique package of versatile disease fighters and abundant in numerous strong, well-known phytochemicals and antioxidants, including indoles, isothiocyanates, quercetin, glutathione, beta carotene, vitaminC, folate, lutein, glucarate, and glutathione. Broccoli is extremely strong in anticancer activity, particularly against lung, colon, and breast cancers. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it speeds up the removal of estrogen from the body, helping suppress breast cancer. Broccoli is rich in cholesterol-reducing fiber and has antiviral and antiulcer activity. It is a super source of chromium that helps regulate insulin and bloodsugar. Broccoli is also a good source of calcium, thus help fight osteoporosis. However, brocoli is one of the leading intestinal gas producers.

Eating Tips: Heavy cooking and processing destroy some of the anti oxidants and phytochemicals such as indoles and glutathione. Eat raw or lightly cooked as in microwave and stir-fry. To reduce its gas production, eat broccoli with ginger or garlic.

Biology Assignment 4

2008-05-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

~ Is there a drug around for just about everything?
There does seem to be a drug for every ailment, real or imagined. For all of them there is a pharmaceutical solution. Pop this pill and you will feel better...don't worry if you experience any side effects, you can take these pills too..! From anything from rashes, to 'hyperactivity' to depression and blood pressure, the pharmaceutical companies have managed to come up with a solution to everything. As students of Chinese medicine, I think we feel as if these drugs not only are deleterious in their effects, but are not actually addressing the real issue of the individuals' health. I have come to believe that there truly is a 'solution' to almost every ailment, whether it be through diet and nutrition, herbs, energy healing, acupuncture or chi-gung. Our bodies are surprisingly suffiscient at self healing, however this method takes time compared to the quick fix of popping a pill. Many people just aren't ready for the lifestyle changes that can result in health.

~ Can we raise our levels of dopamine ourselves?
By looking at American society today, one would think that there is a massive epidemic of depression. Millions of Americans are complaining of being unhappy and depressed—yet most doctors simply throw a pill at the problem! Dopamine, a neurotransmitter and hormone produced in several areas of the brain must balance with seratonin, another neurotransmitter for optimum mental health. All the neurotransmitters in our brains are made from amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Through proper diet, therefore, the brain can restore and keep its chemicals in balance and consequently alleviate symptoms of depression. A diet rich in food that contain tryptophan and tyrosine, the precursor amino acids to monoamine. Beans and legumes are rich in protein and are boosters of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Also, fish and other seafood are very healthy, high-protein, dopamine-and-norepinephrine-booster food. With proper nutrition, we can at least reduce deficiencies that result in low dopamine levels and with more care, raise the levels ourselves.

~How did humans and chimps diverge as a species?
Research has found the youngest divergent regions between humans and chimps appear to be no more than 6.3 million years old and probably no more than 5.4 million years old. This suggests the emergence of humans was more recent than previously suggested by the roughly 6.5- to 7.4-million-year-old Toumai fossil, 'humans' oldest known ancestor. Chimps and humans shared a common apelike ancestor much more recently than has been thought. Some members of the two groups seem to have interbred for about 1.2 million years after the first divergence, before they permanently split. The earliest fossils of humans might represent an abortive first attempt to diverge from chimps, rather than being our direct ancestors.

Biology Assignment 3

2008-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

~The finding that humans and chimps are genetically closely related, is a wonderful discovery. What tickles me the most about this, is that chimps are more closely related to humans than to the other great apes! This is just evidence behind the basis that humans are intimately connected with all life forms. Many people become quite pompous just because of their 'human' status, and differentiate themselves distinctly from animals. But wait, we are animals!Nothing on this planet exists in solitude, we are all interconnected, and if it takes raw data such as a percentage to get people to realize this, so be it. When humans stop having a superiority complex over 'the rest of the environment' and realize the intimate relationships in this earth, perhaps we will begin to honor and respect all forms of nature.

~ I really felt like I did have 'sympathy' for the life of bacteria after this; what a busy life! With all the dividing, flips, tumbles and sex changes, they must be exhausted!

~ The website was a straightforward, informative overview of human genetic evolution. I liked all the diagrams, pictures and examples, as visuals are very helpful for me. The information presented on this website is organized in a systematic fashion and is easily navigable. It appropriately describes our story from the beginning up until now, and throws in other bits of interesting information. The story about the evolution of the Peppered Moth was a wonderful example of how a population evolves, not individuals.

Biology Assignment 2

2008-05-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

Someone in class asked about the old growth redwoods, as a way to gauge age... These incredible beasts can live up to 2,200 years!!Wow. It really is breathtaking to walk through a grove of these wise giants..

Evolutionary Development is a truly interesting field of research. It is the link between the evolution of a species and the development of genes in individual organisms. How amazing is it that we are the slow transformation from an aquatic fish to terrestrial amphibian...to humans! Scientist have found that a relatively small number of closely related genes control the body plan of animal species, even when those species are dramatically different. So does this mean that the immense variety of species has come about because of modifications of those genes, or would a better term be mutation? And when convergent evolution is involved (animals in similar situations evolving similarly) does the same set of genes evolve in the same way to produce the same result in both species? I am eager to see more research appear about this. It makes me look at my arms/fingers in a whole new light, while comparing my structure to that of say a fish or a dog.

~ How does Darwinism matter to me?

In a way, it would be simplistic to just say that it holds great importance to me, because Darwinism can be applied to many aspects of life. A debateable topic is if natural selection evolved humans to have this body, have we also been evolved into 'human' behavior? The altruism article we read in class sparked this thought for me; whether behaviors such as altruism, aggression, jealousy and violence have an evolutionary advantages. Also, branching off lasts weeks question, how much do we really understand our biological selves. Evolution based on natural selection offers a simple explanation of the emergence of human intelligence, and its process. I was in an anthropology lab where we examined the earliest known skulls through modern day human skulls. It was amazing to see the way the brain case has morphed, and with each change in the structure, different parts of the brain were called into play(e.g. we now have a large frontal lobe, which regulates action, memory, recognizes future consequences..) Are our brains/bodies still evolving? There is no way to predict the future, in terms of our earth's environment, but it has become obvious that things are changing at a rapid rate. The rapid extinction of species makes me wonder if this planet has already produced the best she can, and with all the unnatural, man-made chemicals/pollutants in our environment, if malignant mutations are inevitable?

Biology Assigment 1

2008-04-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

Bio:
As a newcomer to AIMC I can barely begin to describe the range of emotions I am feeling right now. I am thrilled to be starting on a new path of learning and healing. I have been interested in natural healing for as long as I can remember and have explored several subjects before settling on Chinese medicine. This just seems like a perfect choice for me, in what I want to learn, practice and be. Living in Humboldt county for my undergraduate degree was a unique experience, in that there are so many choices there for alternative medicine and natural healing. It also became apparent to me how many people are frustrated with Western medicine and are seeking other healing methods.
On non-school days, I work at the race track as a vet assistant for the horses. I am interested in learning more about incorporating accupuncture into animal care, so that 'man's best hairy friends' may benefit from TCM just as much as humans. In my spare time, you might find me reading, hiking, cooking, or just being with my head in the clouds dreaming big dreams.

Discussion Issue:
How might technology help shape our future path?
Throughout time, our society has drastically been altered by technology and its affect on humanity. Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds every day. Things that never seemed possible are now gadgets of the past. What used to be 'science fiction' is now fact. Technology is pushing the boudaries of what it means to be human and deteriorating tradional boudaries. I have opposing views of technology in its different fields. The environment is one subject in which I feel technology is necessary for us to continue to live on this fragile planet. Much of the damage we have caused is irreversible, yet technology is helping understand what we can do to prevent more damage and ways in which we can live a 'cleaner life'. On the other hand, I think that technology is pushing the boundaries of bio-ethics too much. Stem cells, cloning, and robots are just a few of the aspects of technology that make me wonder if humans are outdoing themselves. When will enough be enough, and at what point will humans stop trying to take it to the next step. I am quite concerned about the future of technology and the effect it has already had on our world.