CSI NDB- Up in Flames!

CSI NDB was a fun way to review the body systems. My group had the nervous system and through our presentation and research this was a great way for me to really understand how the body reacts to events around them.

Here is our intro video to the project to show you a little glimpse of what this was all about!

Our crime was about Mr. Piggie, Mrs. Piggie, and Aunt Piggie. Mr. Piggie was murdered and found in his house during a fire. The report showed he had clean lungs meaning he was not breathing during the fire this was because his wife, Mrs. Piggie, worked in a lab where she stole a drug. The crime involved botulism which is what caused his nervous system to shut down so his nerves could not react when the fire started.

We started the class out by having them in the front and watching the video above. This gave a good background to the crime. I was so excited because I could already see students starting to think of possible crimes. Next we took the class to the back. First, was my station, and it was the police station.  At my station there were written police notes about the whole crime and backgrounds of the piggies involved. There was also a police board connecting the people. I had people read through and take notes while writing out a timeline of events. This was a good way to practice collecting information and recording it. The next few stations involved fire reports, corner reports, and interviews. These all set the stage for the class to figure out the crime! After we did a review of the nervous system.

The nervous system is separated onto the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The body reacts to events around them through these two systems. Afferent and efferent neurons communicate so your body can react. Afferent neurons send the signal to your central nervous system and then the reaction is sent back through efferent neurons. The picture below is a great diagram of the nervous system.

This was such a fun project because it allowed us to be so creative while learning so much about the body. I really enjoyed solving the mystery of my classmates project who also did an amazing job!!

Video featuring classmates and editing done by Davis Whalen

“Nervous System.” Wiki Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1205_Somatic_Autonomic_Enteric_StructuresN.jpg&gt;.

Two Weeks of Fun!!

 

 The past two weeks have been packed with fun and educational activities. We are 14 away from the AP test and learning our last bit of information!

Dissection.. many people cringe at the thought, but I get excited! We were lucky enough to be able to dissect fetal pigs in class! At the beginning we were put into groups and had jobs: cutting, reading or writing. I chose cutting and was super excited to get to explore the different systems of the pig. I have dissected a few times before so I was prepared for everything. The smell does not bother me, but looking at the little pigs face does make me a little sad. Once we started cutting I got over it and quickly got so into the dissection.

We went through the body systems looking at the organs and structures involved. It is one thing to read about something in a book but a totally other thing to actually touch something and see it. For example feeling the difference in the small intestine and large intestine can tell you so much about function. This was a great way to review for not only the AP test, but also our upcoming practical on the body systems.

My favorite part was looking at the heart. The heart is so interesting to me and being able to hold it in my hands was so cool and fascinating. Looking at the heart I was able to differentiate some of the different parts.

Holding the real pig heart I was able to feel the thickness of the aorta and the thinness of the atrium. We cut into the atrium slightly to see that it actually is a thin layer. Seeing characteristics like these help me understand more about heart and each of its structures and functions. To me the heart really was my favorite part and learning about the circulatory system. This system is one of my favorites to learn about.

Overall, the fetal pig dissection was a successful activity to learn more about the body systems. I loved dissection the pig and it was a great way to have fun while learning!!

“Heart Diagram.” Wikimedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.

Pictures taken by me and other lab members

LiMPETS- Field Trip Fun!!

On Wednesday my AP bio class and I went to the FitzGerald Marine reserve in Half Moon Bay. My class began by exploring the site. We were able to walk around and see so many different species. It was so fascinating to be up close and able to touch everything!

I learned so much from the trip. I learned about the different sea anemones and how to differentiate them using senses. The aggregating anemone, sunburst, and giant green were the three we observed. From size to color and texture by the end I was easily able to tell the difference.

We also learned to identify turban snails and whelks. The shape of the shells also helped us identify. We had to touch and pick up the turban snails to make sure they did not start moving meaning it was actually a hermit crab. Lastly, we also learned about the ochre sea star. The sea star doesn’t have blood flowing through the body so it actually uses water meaning it cannot be out of water for long. My class actually got lucky enough and saw one of the sea star. (pic) I learned so much about the different organisms and quickly learned how to identify them.

In class we just finished the life-organized unit. We learned about many of these organisms and how they fit into certain phyla and classes. For example from class I could identify that the sea star was in the phylum echinoderms. This is because if it’s radial symmetry and several arms, which are just two features that put it in that phylum. I was also able to identify characteristics of many other organisms, which is cool to put what I learned to use! I also applied the idea of adaptation and survival of the fittest to the field trip. All these creatures in the tide pools need to be able to survive in and out of water for a long period of time. They go for hour spans in different environments and must be fit to live in both. Some of these animals may have had to adapt in order to do so. This is such a harsh environment that they have to live in and we learned that some animals are slowly decreasing in number, linked to survival of the fittest. Those organisms that are fit to live in this harsh environment are still flourishing and reproducing.

This field trip really was a great experience and a lot of fun! I really enjoyed looking at the organism up close. It is so cool to see them in real life and actually be able to touch them. Out of everything my favorite part was being able to explore. I thought it was so cool just to walk around and take in everything. This is something that I wont forget. It was also funny to see all my classmates (myself included) trying not to slip on all the tar. I enjoyed being able to be a part of this educational experience that was also service learning. It feels great to get something out of the trip! If I were to do this again or give advice to others I would definitely tell them to go in with a positive attitude. Yes, it is cold and yes you will get wet, but do not let it affect how you take in the creatures around you. This field was definitely worthwhile and one of my favorites!!

Check out the website for LiMPETS and FitzGerald Marine Reserve!!

Disclaimer: All pictures and video taken by either Mrs. Girard or myself.

Vaccinations- Should people vaccinate?

Should we require vaccinations? This is a such a common debate that many people have different views and opinions on.

In the KQED article they brought up a recent outbreak of the measles in Anaheim California. Although there is no cure for the measles the vaccination is very effective and has led to a 99% reduction in measles cases. This outbreak showed that although the vaccination is available in the US many parents do not vaccinate their children. Some parents do not believe in vaccination because of religious reason or beliefs that vaccinations are not healthy. Below is a map on the stats of people who have had measles vaccinations.

Personally, I have always been vaccinated and believe in vaccinations. Vaccinations are helpful because not only are they safe, but also very effective in protecting from disease. Preventing disease is very important because although measles was not very present once the outbreak happened, the measles spread rapidly to all of those who are unvaccinated.

This is my view on getting vaccinations but there are many people who do not believe in them. From that point of view people believe they are not effective or safe. I  further looked into the reason why some people do not vaccinate and found an interesting article about why a doctor, Dr. Kurt, does not vaccinate his child. Click here to read more.

Overall I believe that we should vaccinate. This helps prevent disease and helps people remain in good health. What do you think?

Photos from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox

Three Parent Babies

On February 3, 2015 the UK passed the law allowing for three person babies. This allows mitochondrial DNA modification.The mitochondria in our cells carries a lot of DNA with important information but many women have fatal diseases within their mitochondria, which can lead to death of their children.

The new law will allows doctors to replace the nucleus from a healthy donor egg with the nucleus in the unhealthy fertilized egg. This will create an embryo from three people. The Picture below describes the process in more detail.

I find this article very interesting. I think this process is a huge leap in science and technology and will help so many families in the future. I believe that this is a great way for mothers with mitochondrial diseases to still be able to carry and have their own baby. In the UK about 2,500 mothers could have children who are unhealthy due to the mitochondrial diseases. I believe that this could help so many people and is an important discovery.

I go to a catholic school where a topic like this would be very controversial. The catholic church does not belief in IVF to become pregnant. They teach that having a child should happen the natural way. Personally, I do not agree with this. I believe that every woman should have the right to carry her own child and this gives more woman a chance to experience motherhood. I think that using a donor cell is completely ethical and helpful. I hope that this law will grow to more place than the UK because this could really change the face of IVF and pregnancy for many families.

Clink here for more information on the new law!

Photo creds:

www.dailymail.co.uk

The Common Cold

Cold season is back again! Every year millions of Americans catch the cold and on an average of 2-3 times! The cold can actually be very serious for young children and the elderly.

A runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat or a headache is not enjoyable so  would you take certain measures to prevent it? Besides washing your hands and not sharing drink there are other ways to prevent the cold: a medical mask. A lot of people believe in wearing masks to prevent those who are sick from spreading the cold while in public. This is a good idea to prevent germs from spreading, but not very realistic. Many people would not wear the mask so this would not completely prevent the spread of the cold. I think it is a good idea, but personally when I see people wearing a medical mask I always am a little thrown off. I think this is a smart way to prevent it but hard to encourage people to do so. This should be a decision made by the person who is sick.

There are many ways to prevent the cold so stay healthy!

Works cited

Pictures:

“Defying Lupus.” Defying Lupus. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2015.

“Smiles ‘n’ Snuggles.” Smiles ‘n’ Snuggles. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2015.

Websites:

“10 Tips to Prevent the Common Cold by MedicineNet.com.” MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2015.

“Should Cold Sufferers Wear Medical Masks?” KQED Education KQED Public Media for Northern CA. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2015.

Never, Ever Give Up- Diana Nyad

Today I watched a TED talk where Diana Nyad spoke of her dream that she accomplished. She swan from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64. She talked about the struggles of swimming that length and what she was experiencing, but she mainly focused on the feeling she had that she was able to accomplish her goal. This was her fifth attempt and after years of training, she pushed through and did not give up.

This speech was truly inspiring. This really shows her strength and perseverance, I was so blown away by this accomplishments and could not imagine that feeling. Just by looking at Diana you could tell she was full of pride, she said life is a one way street we are getting older and that it what help push her to the finish line.

For me my main goal in life is to have a successful career. I have always wanted to be a nurse practitioner and now that college is next year the dream is getting closer. I know I will have to work hard in college and get into a good graduate school, but all the hard work and studying will pay off. Once I accomplish my career goal I know it will all be worth it. There are always challenges or obstacles to overcome and how you overcome them shows who you are as a person. I am ready for what comes my way and like Diana said life is a one way street we only have one chance so we should never, ever give up.

Disclaimer– Pictures: labeled for reuse on google Video: TED Talk

UC Berkley Nano High Ebola

Nano High at UC Berkley gives a series of educational talks to high school students. The lectures focus on cutting edge scientific research or current events. I have been to a nano high in the past to hear about the study of sleep in teenagers. This years nano high lecture was about Ebola presented by Dr. Ronald Francis.

After doing a lot of research in biology on Ebola this talk was very engaging. I knew exactly what Dr. Francis was talking about after the extensive research and projects we did in class. I was glad I had such a great background because the lecture was easier to follow since I knew a lot about ebola. I was a little surprised that Dr. Francis did not go into more depth because I expected to learned a little more than what I already knew. Although there was not as much new information I still throughly enjoyed the speech.

I would like to attend more lectures at UC Berkley because they are very informative and entertaining!

Sick Science Spooling DNA!!

Since we just learned about genetics and DNA replication, Jennifer Schulz and I performed an experiment to extract DNA. DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, carries genetic information to build proteins and construct cells. DNA has a double helix structure, with different arrangements of bases. DNA is condensed into chromosomes, and we have 23 pairs. The genetic information varies from person to person, so that no two people are exactly the same. Even though DNA is what makes us unique, DNA is found in every eukaryotic organism, even strawberries!

 

To perform this experiment, Jennifer and I used the following:

-1/3 cup of water

-1 tablespoon dish soap

-1/2 tsp salt

-one strawberry (green top cut off)

-isopropyl alcohol (chilled)

-plastic bag with a zip top

-two glasses

-wooden stirring tool

-tweezers

Each ingredient had its own purpose in removing the DNA. The soap was used to weaken and dissolve the membranes, the salt to assist the DNA in grouping and the breakdown protein chain. The water acts as a solvent to mix the soap, salt, and strawberry. The isopropyl alcohol separates the solution and the DNA since the DNA cannot mix with the alcohol.

 

After mixing the solution of water, salt, and soap, we added this to the bag containing the strawberry. We mashed up the strawberry and mixed it with the solution. We strained out the strawberry chunks and added rubbing alcohol to the liquid solution in the cup. Making sure not to mix the strawberry solution with the isopropyl alcohol, we waited for the DNA to become noticeable. We observed as it happened relatively quickly. Once we could visibly see the DNA clump, we extracted the bunch of DNA with the tweezers and observed.

 

This experiment was really fun, easy, and educational! Before we did the experiment, we were afraid that the experiment would take a long time and would not work since we’ve never extracted DNA before. Jennifer and I did a trial experiment before we recorded the video to make sure we did all the steps correctly. But when we tried to extract the DNA, we could not find any chunks! We hypothesized that this lack of chunks was because of two errors. One was that most of the salt was left in the bottom of the first cup and never entered the bag with the strawberry. The job of the salt is to help the DNA clump together so without the salt, the DNA was not able to clump. The second reason was because the strawberry was not in the bag with the solution for the necessary amount of time. Since each variable has its own job in extracting the DNA, without proper interaction between the organism and the mixture, each thing cannot do its job. In the second time around when we recorded the video, we made sure that most of the salt entered the bag and that the strawberry was in there for longer. The experiment was successful! We were able to connect a lot about what we’ve learned about the structure of DNA to this experiment. We really enjoyed this experiment and we highly recommend that everyone else tries the experiment.

Cracking the Code of Life!

Cracking code of life was a very interesting movie. I enjoyed watching it and felt like I learned a lot after. I liked learning about specific people and their stories. I found it very interesting watching Celera competing to map the genomes. What they did was truly beneficial to many people.

One of the questions on the guide asked if you could take a test to find out if you have a certain disease would you. I thought about this question for a while and realized I would want to know. If there was a chance I could have a gene such as a cancer gene I would want to know in order to do what I could to prevent it. I think it is better to know and be prepared than for it to just happen.

Another question on the sheet asked if parents should be allowed to choose their children’s DNA to genetical construct them to make them a certain way. I did not agree with this and thought it was unethical. I believe that the DNA we receive should happen naturally and not be genetically modified to make a baby a certain way.

Overall I found this movie interesting and learned a lot!