1. Connections between Cell Biology and TCM
After nearly four years of studying “Integrative Medicine”, I still find it really challenging to make connections between Western medicine and TCM; especially with respect to microscopic things like cells. Chinese medicine doesn't really break things down like this. The approach is much more holistic. I’ve finally come to realize that both styles of medicine are very different. It's like comparing tennis and football. They're both competitive sports but beyond that is it even useful to find comparisons?
I have an appreciation and fascination for both types of medicine. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Because we live in a Western society and the majority of our patients will come to us because they want to supplement the care they are receiving from their Western medical doctors, I want to have a pretty good understanding of diseases from a Western medical point of view, at least the Signs and Symptoms, pathophysiology, labwork, treatment and medications.
2. How Cells Divide: Mitosis v.s. Meiosis
This was an interesting web site. I think the web site is better than the program, Nova. I used to watch Nova all the time, but it now tends toward sensationalism. I have no issue with the subject matter, it's just the presentation is sometimes too sensationalist for my taste. But, the web site is very good. I enjoyed the visuals.
3. Mrskingsbioweb.com/cell.html
There were some very good graphics on this web site. I mentioned on last week's assignment that one of the web sites pointed out that animal cells lack cell walls. I was surprised to hear this. Mrskingsbioweb.com/cell.html helped me to realize that I was equating cell walls with cell membranes. Two different things, of course! Anyway, I enjoyed this web site.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Assignment 11
1. Diversity of Species in my Environment
I have all kinds of creatures living in my immediate environment. Well, for starters there are humans. I have a dog. There are cats, deer and raccoons that visit us from around the neighborhood. I have a variety of houseplants and outdoor plans. We have ants, spiders, earthworms, Sal bugs, fungus (including mushrooms), thrips, scale, and rust (a type of lawn fungus). We have robins and hummingbirds. We have moths, butterflies bees and mosquitoes. In the summertime we also get Blue Jays. We sometimes see Hawks and Herons.
2. Animal Cell Structure Website
I liked the animal cell structure web site because it illuminated some very basic things about cell biology that I did not know. For example, I didn’t realize that animal cells do not have a cell wall as do plants. This lack of cell wall allows for greater diversity of cells and tissues in the animal kingdom. I also didn't know that animal tissue is surrounded by an extracellular matrix composed of collagen, which when it hardens, becomes bones, shells and spicules.
3. Spike’s Gallery
Wow, I really like this website! These are gorgeous photographs. I especially liked fossil diatoms from Oamaru and Volvox globate. I think it's because I'm partial to blue.
I have all kinds of creatures living in my immediate environment. Well, for starters there are humans. I have a dog. There are cats, deer and raccoons that visit us from around the neighborhood. I have a variety of houseplants and outdoor plans. We have ants, spiders, earthworms, Sal bugs, fungus (including mushrooms), thrips, scale, and rust (a type of lawn fungus). We have robins and hummingbirds. We have moths, butterflies bees and mosquitoes. In the summertime we also get Blue Jays. We sometimes see Hawks and Herons.
2. Animal Cell Structure Website
I liked the animal cell structure web site because it illuminated some very basic things about cell biology that I did not know. For example, I didn’t realize that animal cells do not have a cell wall as do plants. This lack of cell wall allows for greater diversity of cells and tissues in the animal kingdom. I also didn't know that animal tissue is surrounded by an extracellular matrix composed of collagen, which when it hardens, becomes bones, shells and spicules.
3. Spike’s Gallery
Wow, I really like this website! These are gorgeous photographs. I especially liked fossil diatoms from Oamaru and Volvox globate. I think it's because I'm partial to blue.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Assignment 9
1. My thoughts on the ethics of gene therapy
This topic is fraught with controversy and is very complicated. I guess I make the distinction between somatic cell gene therapy and germline therapy. As I understand it, somatic cell gene therapy involves inserting healthy cells into a person who has a disease. Germline therapy involves using an altered gene that is inserted into sperm or egg cells (germ cells) leading to a change in not only the individual receiving the treatment but future offspring. The intent of somatic cell gene therapy is to cure disease and reduce suffering. The idea behind germline therapy is to enhance a person's natural attributes (e.g., making a mediocre baseball player into a hotshot, or turning an average person into a genius). I have no problem with somatic cell gene therapy provided its use is limited to curing disease and reducing suffering. Germline therapy on the other hand reminds me of Hitler’s obsession with creating a perfect society (as he defined it). Thinking that everyone should be super intelligent, or physically stellar leads to intolerance of those who are not. This kind of thinking is dangerous. creeps me out.
2. Definitions of the Chemistry of Life
To me, this web site is not very intriguing. I was not interested in the laundry list of definitions.
3. Animations
I liked this web site much more than "Chemistry of Life." I think it's because I relate more to graphics than to words when it comes to chemistry.
This topic is fraught with controversy and is very complicated. I guess I make the distinction between somatic cell gene therapy and germline therapy. As I understand it, somatic cell gene therapy involves inserting healthy cells into a person who has a disease. Germline therapy involves using an altered gene that is inserted into sperm or egg cells (germ cells) leading to a change in not only the individual receiving the treatment but future offspring. The intent of somatic cell gene therapy is to cure disease and reduce suffering. The idea behind germline therapy is to enhance a person's natural attributes (e.g., making a mediocre baseball player into a hotshot, or turning an average person into a genius). I have no problem with somatic cell gene therapy provided its use is limited to curing disease and reducing suffering. Germline therapy on the other hand reminds me of Hitler’s obsession with creating a perfect society (as he defined it). Thinking that everyone should be super intelligent, or physically stellar leads to intolerance of those who are not. This kind of thinking is dangerous. creeps me out.
2. Definitions of the Chemistry of Life
To me, this web site is not very intriguing. I was not interested in the laundry list of definitions.
3. Animations
I liked this web site much more than "Chemistry of Life." I think it's because I relate more to graphics than to words when it comes to chemistry.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Assignment 8
Assignment 8
1. My Semiconductor of the Week
My Semiconductor of the Week is Boron. It is a chemical element with atomic number 5 and the chemical symbol B. Boron is a trivalent nonmetallic element which occurs abundantly in the evaporite ores borax and ulexite. Boron is never found as a free element on Earth.
Elemental boron is used as a dopant in the semiconductor industry, while boron compounds play important roles as light structural materials, nontoxic insecticides and preservatives, and reagents for chemical synthesis.
Boron is an essential plant nutrient, although higher soil concentrations of boron may also be toxic to plants. As an ultratrace element, boron is necessary for the optimal health of rats and presumably other mammals, though its physiological role in animals is poorly understood.
Brown amorphous boron is a product of certain chemical reactions. It contains boron atoms randomly bonded to each other without long range order.
Chemically boron is electron-deficient. It is an electrophile. Compounds of boron often behave as Lewis acids, readily bonding with electron-rich substances to compensate for boron's electron deficiency. The reactions of boron are dominated by such requirement for electrons. Also, boron is the least electronegative non-metal, meaning that it is usually oxidized (loses electrons) in reactions.
Turkey and the United States are the world's largest producers of boron. Turkey has almost 72% of the world’s boron potential and boron reserves. Boron does not appear in nature in elemental form but is found combined in borax, boric acid, colemanite, kernite, ulexite and borates. Boric acid is sometimes found in volcanic spring waters. Ulexite is a borate mineral that naturally has properties of fiber optics.
Borax crystals
2. Chembalancer
I liked the “Balancing Equations” website better than this one. It was more helpful and easier to navigate. On “Chembalancer,” if I made a mistake I didn’t get any help solving my problem. I found it frustrating.
3. Balancing Equations
I really liked this website. It was very simple and easy to follow.
1. My Semiconductor of the Week
My Semiconductor of the Week is Boron. It is a chemical element with atomic number 5 and the chemical symbol B. Boron is a trivalent nonmetallic element which occurs abundantly in the evaporite ores borax and ulexite. Boron is never found as a free element on Earth.
Elemental boron is used as a dopant in the semiconductor industry, while boron compounds play important roles as light structural materials, nontoxic insecticides and preservatives, and reagents for chemical synthesis.
Boron is an essential plant nutrient, although higher soil concentrations of boron may also be toxic to plants. As an ultratrace element, boron is necessary for the optimal health of rats and presumably other mammals, though its physiological role in animals is poorly understood.
Brown amorphous boron is a product of certain chemical reactions. It contains boron atoms randomly bonded to each other without long range order.
Chemically boron is electron-deficient. It is an electrophile. Compounds of boron often behave as Lewis acids, readily bonding with electron-rich substances to compensate for boron's electron deficiency. The reactions of boron are dominated by such requirement for electrons. Also, boron is the least electronegative non-metal, meaning that it is usually oxidized (loses electrons) in reactions.
Turkey and the United States are the world's largest producers of boron. Turkey has almost 72% of the world’s boron potential and boron reserves. Boron does not appear in nature in elemental form but is found combined in borax, boric acid, colemanite, kernite, ulexite and borates. Boric acid is sometimes found in volcanic spring waters. Ulexite is a borate mineral that naturally has properties of fiber optics.
Borax crystals
2. Chembalancer
I liked the “Balancing Equations” website better than this one. It was more helpful and easier to navigate. On “Chembalancer,” if I made a mistake I didn’t get any help solving my problem. I found it frustrating.
3. Balancing Equations
I really liked this website. It was very simple and easy to follow.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Assignment 7
1. Alkaline Earth Metal of the Week
Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and the atomic number 20. It has an atomic mass of 40.078. Calcium is a soft grey alkaline earth metal and is the fifth most abundant element by mass in the Earth’s crust.
Calcium is essential for living organism, particularly in cell physiology, where movement of the calcium ion Ca2+ into and out of the cytoplasm functions is a signal for many cellular processes. As a major material used in mineralization of bones and shells, calcium is the most abundant metal by mass in many animals.
Calcium is the fifth most abundant element by mass in the human body, where it is a common cellular ionic messenger with many functions, and serves also as a structural element in bone.
Chemically calcium is reactive and soft for a metal (though harder than lead, it can be cut with a knife with difficulty). It is a silvery metallic element that must be extracted by electrolysis from a fused salt like calcium chloride.
Calcium salts are colorless from any contribution of the calcium, and ionic solutions of calcium (Ca2+) are colorless as well. Many calcium salts are not soluble in water. When in solution, the calcium ion to the human taste varies remarkably, being reported as mildly salty, sour, "mineral like" or even "soothing." It is apparent that many animals can taste, or develop a taste, for calcium, and use this sense to detect the mineral in salt licks or other sources. In human nutrition, soluble calcium salts may be added to tart juices without much effect to the average palate.
Calcium is not naturally found in its elemental state. Calcium occurs most commonly in sedimentary rocks or in the minerals calcite, dolomite and gypsum. It also occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks chiefly in the silicate minerals.
Calcium, combined with phosphate to form hydoxylapatite is the mineral portion of human and animal bones and teeth. Foods such as milk and cheese, are a well-known source of calcium. However, some individuals are allergic to dairy products and even more people, particularly those of non Indo-European descent, are lactose-intolerant, leaving them unable to consume non-fermented dairy products in quantities larger than about half a liter per serving. Others, such as vegans, avoid dairy products for ethical and health reasons. Fortunately, many good sources of calcium exist. These include seaweeds such as kelp, wakame and hijiki; nuts and seeds (like almonds and sesame); blackstrap molasses; beans; oranges; figs; quinoa; amaranth; collard greens; okra; rutabaga; broccoli; dandelion leaves; kale; and fortified products such as orange juice and soy milk. An overlooked source of calcium is eggshell, which can be ground into a powder and mixed into food or a glass of water. Cultivated vegetables generally have less calcium than wild plants.
2. Avogadro’s Hypothesis
This was an interesting web site. I thought Avogadro’s Principle was a theory, not a hypothesis. Am I to assume from this web site that his principle is tentative? (meaning it has not yet been well tested?) Is it being modified when results are not as expected? Since it is not yet a theory, I guess it has the possibility of being wrong. How many times does a hypothesis need to be successfully tested before it is considered a theory?
3. What is the mole? - Review of link
I did not find this link to be particularly helpful. The long-winded narrative style lost me by the second paragraph. I think more graphic examples would help facilitate my understanding.
Calcium is the chemical element with the symbol Ca and the atomic number 20. It has an atomic mass of 40.078. Calcium is a soft grey alkaline earth metal and is the fifth most abundant element by mass in the Earth’s crust.
Calcium is essential for living organism, particularly in cell physiology, where movement of the calcium ion Ca2+ into and out of the cytoplasm functions is a signal for many cellular processes. As a major material used in mineralization of bones and shells, calcium is the most abundant metal by mass in many animals.
Calcium is the fifth most abundant element by mass in the human body, where it is a common cellular ionic messenger with many functions, and serves also as a structural element in bone.
Chemically calcium is reactive and soft for a metal (though harder than lead, it can be cut with a knife with difficulty). It is a silvery metallic element that must be extracted by electrolysis from a fused salt like calcium chloride.
Calcium salts are colorless from any contribution of the calcium, and ionic solutions of calcium (Ca2+) are colorless as well. Many calcium salts are not soluble in water. When in solution, the calcium ion to the human taste varies remarkably, being reported as mildly salty, sour, "mineral like" or even "soothing." It is apparent that many animals can taste, or develop a taste, for calcium, and use this sense to detect the mineral in salt licks or other sources. In human nutrition, soluble calcium salts may be added to tart juices without much effect to the average palate.
Calcium is not naturally found in its elemental state. Calcium occurs most commonly in sedimentary rocks or in the minerals calcite, dolomite and gypsum. It also occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks chiefly in the silicate minerals.
Calcium, combined with phosphate to form hydoxylapatite is the mineral portion of human and animal bones and teeth. Foods such as milk and cheese, are a well-known source of calcium. However, some individuals are allergic to dairy products and even more people, particularly those of non Indo-European descent, are lactose-intolerant, leaving them unable to consume non-fermented dairy products in quantities larger than about half a liter per serving. Others, such as vegans, avoid dairy products for ethical and health reasons. Fortunately, many good sources of calcium exist. These include seaweeds such as kelp, wakame and hijiki; nuts and seeds (like almonds and sesame); blackstrap molasses; beans; oranges; figs; quinoa; amaranth; collard greens; okra; rutabaga; broccoli; dandelion leaves; kale; and fortified products such as orange juice and soy milk. An overlooked source of calcium is eggshell, which can be ground into a powder and mixed into food or a glass of water. Cultivated vegetables generally have less calcium than wild plants.
2. Avogadro’s Hypothesis
This was an interesting web site. I thought Avogadro’s Principle was a theory, not a hypothesis. Am I to assume from this web site that his principle is tentative? (meaning it has not yet been well tested?) Is it being modified when results are not as expected? Since it is not yet a theory, I guess it has the possibility of being wrong. How many times does a hypothesis need to be successfully tested before it is considered a theory?
3. What is the mole? - Review of link
I did not find this link to be particularly helpful. The long-winded narrative style lost me by the second paragraph. I think more graphic examples would help facilitate my understanding.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Assignment 6
1. My Halogen of the Week
Along with fluorine, bromine, iodine and astatine, chlorine is a member of the halogen series that forms the group 17 of the periodic table - most reactive group of elements. It combines readily with nearly all elements. Chlorine is a member of the salt-forming halogen series and is extracted from chlorides through oxidation often by electrolysis. With metals, it forms salts called chlorides. As the chloride ion, Cl−, it is also the most abundant dissolved ion in ocean water.
The symbol for chlorine is Cl. As the chloride ion it is abundant in nature and necessary to most forms of life, including humans. In its common elemental form (Cl2 or "dichlorine"), it is a pale green gas about 2.5 times as dense as air. It has a disagreeable, suffocating odor that is detectable in low concentrations and is choking and poisonous. Chlorine is a powerful oxidant and is used in bleaching and disinfectants. As a common disinfectant, chlorine compounds are used in swimming pools to keep them clean and sanitary. Chlorine-containing molecules have been implicated in the destruction of the ozone layer.
2. Alchemy: Science, Magic, Art or all three?
I think it's all three. There is something wonderfully magical about converting one substance into another. The early alchemists were transforming substances before they had the tools and practices to know what they were doing from a scientific point of view. They were naturally dabbling in mysticism and magic at this point in their discoveries. They employed trial and error (which I think of as an "art") until they got it right. As they got more sophisticated, certain scientific principles became evident. Modern-day alchemy, while much more sophisticated, is still a process of "trial and error" and "art". It is definitely "scientific".
3. A Short Introduction to Chinese Alchemy
Wow! This is a very interesting web site. Thank you, Larry, for introducing me to it. I've never studied alchemy, or even done much reading about Daoism, but I’ve recently taken an interest in the latter. Just this week, I did a presentation in one of my classes on the history of Qi Gong which, as you know, is steeped in Daoist philosophy.
I found this web site really fascinating, and very deep. It is amazing to me how sophisticated they were at that time.
Along with fluorine, bromine, iodine and astatine, chlorine is a member of the halogen series that forms the group 17 of the periodic table - most reactive group of elements. It combines readily with nearly all elements. Chlorine is a member of the salt-forming halogen series and is extracted from chlorides through oxidation often by electrolysis. With metals, it forms salts called chlorides. As the chloride ion, Cl−, it is also the most abundant dissolved ion in ocean water.
The symbol for chlorine is Cl. As the chloride ion it is abundant in nature and necessary to most forms of life, including humans. In its common elemental form (Cl2 or "dichlorine"), it is a pale green gas about 2.5 times as dense as air. It has a disagreeable, suffocating odor that is detectable in low concentrations and is choking and poisonous. Chlorine is a powerful oxidant and is used in bleaching and disinfectants. As a common disinfectant, chlorine compounds are used in swimming pools to keep them clean and sanitary. Chlorine-containing molecules have been implicated in the destruction of the ozone layer.
2. Alchemy: Science, Magic, Art or all three?
I think it's all three. There is something wonderfully magical about converting one substance into another. The early alchemists were transforming substances before they had the tools and practices to know what they were doing from a scientific point of view. They were naturally dabbling in mysticism and magic at this point in their discoveries. They employed trial and error (which I think of as an "art") until they got it right. As they got more sophisticated, certain scientific principles became evident. Modern-day alchemy, while much more sophisticated, is still a process of "trial and error" and "art". It is definitely "scientific".
3. A Short Introduction to Chinese Alchemy
Wow! This is a very interesting web site. Thank you, Larry, for introducing me to it. I've never studied alchemy, or even done much reading about Daoism, but I’ve recently taken an interest in the latter. Just this week, I did a presentation in one of my classes on the history of Qi Gong which, as you know, is steeped in Daoist philosophy.
I found this web site really fascinating, and very deep. It is amazing to me how sophisticated they were at that time.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Assignment 5
1. My Inert Gas of the Week
Krypton is a chemical element with the symbol Kr and atomic number 36. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless noble gas which occurs in trace amounts in the atmosphere. It is often used with other rare gases in fluorescent lamps. It is inert for most practical purposes.
Krypton, like the other noble gases, can be used in lighting and photography.
Krypton is characterized by a brilliant green and orange spectral signature. It is one of the products of uranium fission. Solidified Krypton is white and crystalline with a face-centered cubic crystal structure; a common property of all noble gases. The melting point of krypton is -157.2 degrees Celsius, and its boiling point is -153.4
2. Colors of Food in my Kitchen
I love this subject! I always have a fridge full of beautiful fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors. I eat just about everything except I don't care for bananas. I shop at the farmers market twice per week because I love to cook and need to have a wide assortment from which to choose. I prepare food for myself and my husband every day. We eat mostly fruits and vegetables (all kinds!). Today I made a really nice coleslaw which was very colorful and tasty. I don't have exact measurements, because I made it up on the spot, but here are the ingredients:
Napa cabbage (sliced thinly)
Carrots (thinly sliced on a mandolin)
green onion (sliced on the diagonal)
cilantro (coarsely chopped)
garlic (chopped)
coriander powder
cumin powder
olive oil
course grain mustard
agave nectar
lime juice
I sautéed the carrots and garlic in olive oil with the cumin and coriander powder for a couple of minutes. Added the cabbage and the green onions and cooked for another minute or two until wilted. I added the mustard, cilantro, agave nectar and lime juice at the end, after turning off the flame. I didn’t cook this for very long at all. It had a nice crunch to it and was really flavorful.
3. Colors of Elements in a Flame
I did not care for this site. I found it to be really dry. When I tried to open the pictures, it malfunctioned.
So I investigated the “What Is Important about the Color of Minerals?” site instead. This was a really beautiful site. I was struck by how many minerals were new to me. For example, Chrocoite an unusual lead mineral which is well known for its distinctive orange red color. The name tipped me off as to its location. Most quality specimens come from the Dundas District of Tasmania, Australia.
Krypton is a chemical element with the symbol Kr and atomic number 36. It is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless noble gas which occurs in trace amounts in the atmosphere. It is often used with other rare gases in fluorescent lamps. It is inert for most practical purposes.
Krypton, like the other noble gases, can be used in lighting and photography.
Krypton is characterized by a brilliant green and orange spectral signature. It is one of the products of uranium fission. Solidified Krypton is white and crystalline with a face-centered cubic crystal structure; a common property of all noble gases. The melting point of krypton is -157.2 degrees Celsius, and its boiling point is -153.4
2. Colors of Food in my Kitchen
I love this subject! I always have a fridge full of beautiful fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors. I eat just about everything except I don't care for bananas. I shop at the farmers market twice per week because I love to cook and need to have a wide assortment from which to choose. I prepare food for myself and my husband every day. We eat mostly fruits and vegetables (all kinds!). Today I made a really nice coleslaw which was very colorful and tasty. I don't have exact measurements, because I made it up on the spot, but here are the ingredients:
Napa cabbage (sliced thinly)
Carrots (thinly sliced on a mandolin)
green onion (sliced on the diagonal)
cilantro (coarsely chopped)
garlic (chopped)
coriander powder
cumin powder
olive oil
course grain mustard
agave nectar
lime juice
I sautéed the carrots and garlic in olive oil with the cumin and coriander powder for a couple of minutes. Added the cabbage and the green onions and cooked for another minute or two until wilted. I added the mustard, cilantro, agave nectar and lime juice at the end, after turning off the flame. I didn’t cook this for very long at all. It had a nice crunch to it and was really flavorful.
3. Colors of Elements in a Flame
I did not care for this site. I found it to be really dry. When I tried to open the pictures, it malfunctioned.
So I investigated the “What Is Important about the Color of Minerals?” site instead. This was a really beautiful site. I was struck by how many minerals were new to me. For example, Chrocoite an unusual lead mineral which is well known for its distinctive orange red color. The name tipped me off as to its location. Most quality specimens come from the Dundas District of Tasmania, Australia.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Assignment 3
1. Transitional Metal of the Week (Gold)
Chemically, gold is a transitional metal. Gold does not react with most chemicals, but is attacked by chlorine, fluorine, aqua regia and cyanide. Gold dissolves in mercury, but does not react with it. Gold is insoluble in nitric acid, which will dissolve silver and base metals, and this is the basis of the gold refining technique known as "inquartation and parting". Nitric acid has long been used to confirm the presence of gold in items, and this is the origin of the colloquial term "acid test," referring to a gold standard test for genuine value.
Gold is a highly sought-after precious metal which has been used as money and in jewelry since the beginning of time. Gold occurs as nuggets or grains in rocks. It is also found underground and in a alluvial deposits. It is used as coinage. It is dense, soft and shiny and the most malleable substance known. Pure gold has a bright yellow color.
Modern industrial uses include dentistry and electronics, because of its good resistance to oxidative corrosion.
2. Water Concepts
This is a really cool site. I like the visuals. They helped to reinforce that oxygen atoms attract electrons more strongly than hydrogen atoms thereby creating an uneven distribution of positive and negative charges. This polarization is what allows water to dissolve so many substances.
Chemically, gold is a transitional metal. Gold does not react with most chemicals, but is attacked by chlorine, fluorine, aqua regia and cyanide. Gold dissolves in mercury, but does not react with it. Gold is insoluble in nitric acid, which will dissolve silver and base metals, and this is the basis of the gold refining technique known as "inquartation and parting". Nitric acid has long been used to confirm the presence of gold in items, and this is the origin of the colloquial term "acid test," referring to a gold standard test for genuine value.
Gold is a highly sought-after precious metal which has been used as money and in jewelry since the beginning of time. Gold occurs as nuggets or grains in rocks. It is also found underground and in a alluvial deposits. It is used as coinage. It is dense, soft and shiny and the most malleable substance known. Pure gold has a bright yellow color.
Modern industrial uses include dentistry and electronics, because of its good resistance to oxidative corrosion.
2. Water Concepts
This is a really cool site. I like the visuals. They helped to reinforce that oxygen atoms attract electrons more strongly than hydrogen atoms thereby creating an uneven distribution of positive and negative charges. This polarization is what allows water to dissolve so many substances.
Assignment 4
1. Catalyst of the Week
My catalysts of the week are chlorine free radicals because they impact the environment by breaking down ozone. They are formed by the action of ultraviolet radiation on chloroflurocarbons. Free radicals are atoms, molecules or ions with unpaired, highly reactive electrons. They play a role in many different types of chemistry, including atmospheric chemistry. I chose chlorine free radicals because of my concern about ozone depletion.
2. Green Chemistry As a Social Movement
I can scarcely think of anything more important. Of course scientists and engineers are at the forefront of new ways of doing chemistry, but we all need to do our part is individuals. It is through lobbying, activism and education that we will be able to protect our natural resources and ecosystems. We need to find new ways of managing our resources in a sustainable manner, and it's going to take a concerted global effort to do this. This is Green Chemistry in a broader context. For example, as individuals we can all reduce waste and pollution. This reduces the chemical reactions which lead to the destruction of our planet. The more we do, and the more we talk about what we're doing to reduce waste, the more awareness we bring to the issue. I'm hopeful that this movement will continue to develop and it will eventually become a more substantial global effort.
3.. Atom Economy
This link is interesting. It basically reiterates what we were discussing last night. I think it is really important to look at the amount of waste that is generated during a manufacturing process. It is exciting to think about further development in this area.
For myself, this class is making me hyperconscious of how much waste I personally generate. I am much more aware of what I'm consuming and am trying to find new ways of reducing waste. For example, this week, I tried to prepare all of my food with natural ingredients that did not come with packaging. With only a couple of exceptions, I managed to accomplish this. It focused mostly on fruits and vegetables. I used some chicken broth in a box, and some rye crisp in a box, a some meat from the butcher (very little), which came in paper, but that was all for four days. Everything else was fresh and came without packaging.
My catalysts of the week are chlorine free radicals because they impact the environment by breaking down ozone. They are formed by the action of ultraviolet radiation on chloroflurocarbons. Free radicals are atoms, molecules or ions with unpaired, highly reactive electrons. They play a role in many different types of chemistry, including atmospheric chemistry. I chose chlorine free radicals because of my concern about ozone depletion.
2. Green Chemistry As a Social Movement
I can scarcely think of anything more important. Of course scientists and engineers are at the forefront of new ways of doing chemistry, but we all need to do our part is individuals. It is through lobbying, activism and education that we will be able to protect our natural resources and ecosystems. We need to find new ways of managing our resources in a sustainable manner, and it's going to take a concerted global effort to do this. This is Green Chemistry in a broader context. For example, as individuals we can all reduce waste and pollution. This reduces the chemical reactions which lead to the destruction of our planet. The more we do, and the more we talk about what we're doing to reduce waste, the more awareness we bring to the issue. I'm hopeful that this movement will continue to develop and it will eventually become a more substantial global effort.
3.. Atom Economy
This link is interesting. It basically reiterates what we were discussing last night. I think it is really important to look at the amount of waste that is generated during a manufacturing process. It is exciting to think about further development in this area.
For myself, this class is making me hyperconscious of how much waste I personally generate. I am much more aware of what I'm consuming and am trying to find new ways of reducing waste. For example, this week, I tried to prepare all of my food with natural ingredients that did not come with packaging. With only a couple of exceptions, I managed to accomplish this. It focused mostly on fruits and vegetables. I used some chicken broth in a box, and some rye crisp in a box, a some meat from the butcher (very little), which came in paper, but that was all for four days. Everything else was fresh and came without packaging.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Assignment 2
#1. Element of the Week - Iron
Periodic Table Information: Atomic Number: 26; Symbol: Fe, Atomic Weight: 55.847 Electron Configuration: [Ar]4s23d6
Properties: The melting point of iron is 1535°C, boiling point is 2750°C. Pure iron is chemically reactive and corrodes rapidly, especially in moist air or at elevated temperatures.
Uses: Iron is vital to plant and animal life. In humans, it appears in the hemoglobin molecule. Iron metal is usually alloyed with other metals and carbon for commercial uses. Iron is the least expensive, most abundant, and most used of all metals.
Sources: Iron is a relatively abundant element in the universe. The sun and many types of stars contain iron in quantity. Iron is found native in a class of meteorites called siderites and it is a minor constituent of the other two classes of meteorites. The Earth's core is thought to be composed mainly of iron. Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. The most common iron ore is hematite (Fe2O3), from which iron metal is obtained by reduction with carbon. Iron is also found in minerals such as taconite and magnetite, which is commonly seen as black sands along beaches and stream banks.
#2. Discussion about Ozone
In discussing Ozone with my friends and family I discovered that most everyone was at least up to speed on the notion that pollution contributes to ozone depletion.
No one was aware that new evidence shows that pollution is not the major cause of ozone depletion, but rather climate change. I explained that as of April 2005, ozone was at its lowest levels in 40 years, despite the reductions in CFCs due to the Montréal protocol. I explained that changes in the atmosphere due to climate change are allowing pollutants to destroy the ozone. This was a sobering realization for everyone with whom I spoke. Most everyone has been more focused on climate change anyway. For the most part they have not been thinking much about ozone levels, assuming it is improving. No one had any idea that it was getting worse. And, it was startling for all to realize that ozone depletion is directly affected by climate change. This reinforced everyone's desire to see a new administration in office. We also talked about what we as individuals could all be doing to further reduce our contributions to pollution and climate change.
#3. Review of link on Atomic Structures, Bonding and Compounds.
Periodic Table Information: Atomic Number: 26; Symbol: Fe, Atomic Weight: 55.847 Electron Configuration: [Ar]4s23d6
Properties: The melting point of iron is 1535°C, boiling point is 2750°C. Pure iron is chemically reactive and corrodes rapidly, especially in moist air or at elevated temperatures.
Uses: Iron is vital to plant and animal life. In humans, it appears in the hemoglobin molecule. Iron metal is usually alloyed with other metals and carbon for commercial uses. Iron is the least expensive, most abundant, and most used of all metals.
Sources: Iron is a relatively abundant element in the universe. The sun and many types of stars contain iron in quantity. Iron is found native in a class of meteorites called siderites and it is a minor constituent of the other two classes of meteorites. The Earth's core is thought to be composed mainly of iron. Iron is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. The most common iron ore is hematite (Fe2O3), from which iron metal is obtained by reduction with carbon. Iron is also found in minerals such as taconite and magnetite, which is commonly seen as black sands along beaches and stream banks.
#2. Discussion about Ozone
In discussing Ozone with my friends and family I discovered that most everyone was at least up to speed on the notion that pollution contributes to ozone depletion.
No one was aware that new evidence shows that pollution is not the major cause of ozone depletion, but rather climate change. I explained that as of April 2005, ozone was at its lowest levels in 40 years, despite the reductions in CFCs due to the Montréal protocol. I explained that changes in the atmosphere due to climate change are allowing pollutants to destroy the ozone. This was a sobering realization for everyone with whom I spoke. Most everyone has been more focused on climate change anyway. For the most part they have not been thinking much about ozone levels, assuming it is improving. No one had any idea that it was getting worse. And, it was startling for all to realize that ozone depletion is directly affected by climate change. This reinforced everyone's desire to see a new administration in office. We also talked about what we as individuals could all be doing to further reduce our contributions to pollution and climate change.
#3. Review of link on Atomic Structures, Bonding and Compounds.
ELEMENT
a. consists of only one kind of atom
b. cannot be broken down into a simpler type of matter by either physical or chemical means, and
c. can exist as either atoms (e.g. argon) or molecules (e.g., nitrogen).
MOLECULE consists of two or more atoms of the same element, or different elements, that are chemically bound together.
COMPOUNDS
a. consists of atoms of two or more different elements bound together,
can be broken down into a simpler type of matter (elements) by chemical means (but not by physical means),
b. has properties that are different from its component elements, and
c. always contains the same ratio of its component atoms.
MIXTURES
a. consists of two or more different elements and/or compounds physically intermingled,
b. can be separated into its components by physical means, and
c. often retains many of the properties of its components.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Assignment 1 9/5/08
1. My Bio
I worked in corporate America for 16 years. I suffered a severe repetitive stress injury on my last job that left me completely incapacitated for several months. I could not open doors, brush my hair, or prepare my food and could barely dress myself. Western medicine was completely ineffective at helping me recover from this injury. As a result, I continued searching until I found something that worked. During my search I was introduced to Chinese medicine. Although I did not get any relief from Chinese medicine for my repetitive stress injury, I was nonetheless, fascinated with the medicine. I spent my leisure time studying Chinese medicine until it became clear to me that I wanted to practice this healing art for the rest of my life. I now receive regular acupuncture treatments which have improved my health in the number of ways.
In addition to studying Chinese medicine, I am a proud mother of a 27-year-old daughter named Jennifer. She lives in Maine and is married to a wonderful guy named
Colin. She is currently studying for her Master's degree in accounting. My husband's name is Rob. He's an Architect and is originally from South Africa. We've been together for 26 years. We love to sail, cook, garden and have dinner parties with friends. Our dogs name is Hondi. He’s an Australian Labradoodle and is super cute.
2. Should there be more effective control of the pharmaceutical industry?
Absolutely. I was pretty disgusted after reading the article in class. It seems, at a minimum, that the industry is fraught with unethical practices. It says in the article “ So, physicians are walking a fairly fine line.” I personally think many have clearly crossed it.
I was stunned to learn about the off -label use of prescribing Neurontin for pain. As I mentioned in class, my physician prescribed it to me for that purpose. It did not work and it made me feel sick.
There is clearly a lot of evidence to confirm abuses in the pharmaceutical industry. What if doctors profited directly by selling medicine to their patients. Wouldn't this be a huge conflict of interest? In my opinion it would.
Yet, in our field this practice is commonplace. Practitioners make a profit on everything they sell. In the development of their business plans, practitioners calculate how many herbal formulas they need to sell in order to meet their inventory/sales objectives. Is this not a conflict of interest?
I don't mean to suggest that all Chinese medical practitioners are unethical and interested only in profits. However, I don't know any Chinese medical practitioners who sell herbal formulas at cost. They intend to make a profit on the medicines they sell. I think there is a lot of room for abuse with this practice. It is easy for us to point fingers at the Western medical community, but I think we need to make sure that our practices are scrutinized and regulated as well.
3. Results of quiz
I missed five on the quiz. I only got the others right because I happened to guess correctly.
I worked in corporate America for 16 years. I suffered a severe repetitive stress injury on my last job that left me completely incapacitated for several months. I could not open doors, brush my hair, or prepare my food and could barely dress myself. Western medicine was completely ineffective at helping me recover from this injury. As a result, I continued searching until I found something that worked. During my search I was introduced to Chinese medicine. Although I did not get any relief from Chinese medicine for my repetitive stress injury, I was nonetheless, fascinated with the medicine. I spent my leisure time studying Chinese medicine until it became clear to me that I wanted to practice this healing art for the rest of my life. I now receive regular acupuncture treatments which have improved my health in the number of ways.
In addition to studying Chinese medicine, I am a proud mother of a 27-year-old daughter named Jennifer. She lives in Maine and is married to a wonderful guy named
Colin. She is currently studying for her Master's degree in accounting. My husband's name is Rob. He's an Architect and is originally from South Africa. We've been together for 26 years. We love to sail, cook, garden and have dinner parties with friends. Our dogs name is Hondi. He’s an Australian Labradoodle and is super cute.
2. Should there be more effective control of the pharmaceutical industry?
Absolutely. I was pretty disgusted after reading the article in class. It seems, at a minimum, that the industry is fraught with unethical practices. It says in the article “ So, physicians are walking a fairly fine line.” I personally think many have clearly crossed it.
I was stunned to learn about the off -label use of prescribing Neurontin for pain. As I mentioned in class, my physician prescribed it to me for that purpose. It did not work and it made me feel sick.
There is clearly a lot of evidence to confirm abuses in the pharmaceutical industry. What if doctors profited directly by selling medicine to their patients. Wouldn't this be a huge conflict of interest? In my opinion it would.
Yet, in our field this practice is commonplace. Practitioners make a profit on everything they sell. In the development of their business plans, practitioners calculate how many herbal formulas they need to sell in order to meet their inventory/sales objectives. Is this not a conflict of interest?
I don't mean to suggest that all Chinese medical practitioners are unethical and interested only in profits. However, I don't know any Chinese medical practitioners who sell herbal formulas at cost. They intend to make a profit on the medicines they sell. I think there is a lot of room for abuse with this practice. It is easy for us to point fingers at the Western medical community, but I think we need to make sure that our practices are scrutinized and regulated as well.
3. Results of quiz
I missed five on the quiz. I only got the others right because I happened to guess correctly.
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