New Species Foun in "Lost World"

• Pinocchio Frog was found by accident
• went into the Foja Mountains camp kitchen
• can't find another one of these animals so they suspect they live up in the tree tops
• the male frog's nose hangs up when it is calling but down when its not

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/05/photogalleries/100517-new-species-lost-world-foja-science-pictures/#foja-mountains-new-species-discovered-frog_20352_600x450.jpg

Reflection

In my biology class we have studied evolution. In evolution there are some traits that are neither good nor bad for a species. The pinocchio-like nose of the Pinocchio Frog could be one of those traits. I think that this new animal is pretty cool. I wonder how many animals we have overlooked or just not discovered in areas that we think we have searched inside and out. This animal is obviously one of the animals that have hidden from humanity for a decent amount of time.

Laman, Tim. "Mobile Phone Use and Brain Cancer Risk: Inconclusive Results from International Study." Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. 17 May 2010. Web. 20 May 2010. .

Mobile Phone Use and Brain Cancer Risk: Inconclusive Results from International Study

• the studies that cell phones can give you brain cancer haven't brought forth results
• brain tumors in relation to cell phones have been recorded and studied
• the tests usually don't have frequent users
• the expanding use of cell phones have brought worries about if it i hazardous to ones health

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517085204.htm

Reflection:

In my biology class we went over cancer. Though I understood what we studied, I barely had a clue what they were talking about in this article. There were a lot of technical terms for cell phones and cancer. I feel that, thought I barely understood most of it, I got the message. Cell phones could be cancerous, but we don't know for sure yet. I know that I am going to be a lot more careful with using my cell phone because I now know how it might affect me. This is an article that I had to share because it affects most, if not all, of teenagers.

International Agency for Research on Cancer. "Mobile Phone Use and Brain Cancer Risk: Inconclusive Results from International Study." ScienceDaily 17 May 2010. 19 May 2010 /releases/2010/05/100517085204.htm>.

EXPERT ASSESMENT - The Vatican Supports Stem Cell Research

PART ONE: ARTICLE SUMMARY

KEY IDEAS:

• the Church is providing financial support International Intestinal Stem Cell Consortium
• research is to find out a new way to get stem cells without embryos
• research is going to be in Rome
  
• Dr. Alession Fasano says that of the adult stem cells, the intestinal stem cells seem to be the best to use

PURPOSE:

• the purpose of the financial support is to find a new way to harness stem cells

KEY CONCLUSIONS:

• my conclusion is that the Vatican is trying to eradicate the use of embryonic stem cell research by supporting the research for this new method

PEOPLE, AGENCIES, etc.:

• Catholic Church
• International Intestinal Stem Cell Consortium
• Dr. Alessio Fasano
• Center of Celiac Research
• University of Maryland School Medicine
  

Biology class has bettered my understanding of this article. We have covered the topic of Stem Cell research and without that I wouldn't have known what they were. We studied how they address moral issues and how they can be found in only specific areas of the body. The topic of stem cells has been covered well and I feel that I understand them very well.

TYPE OF ARTICLE = a report on new research development

Hutchison, By Courtney. "Vatican Backs Stem Cell Research - ABC News." ABCNews.com - Breaking News, Politics, Online News, World News, Feature Stories, Celebrity Interviews and More - ABC News. 23 Apr. 2010. Web. 18 May 2010. .

PART TWO: BACKGROUND RESEARCH

ARTICLE #1: Vatican Financing Adult Stem Cell Research In Md.

This article is about how the Church and science are agreeing on partnership. The Vatican funded adult stem cell research in Italy for over two million dollars. The article talks about how the Vatican is supporting the therapeutic applications for adult stem cells. The purpose of the intestinal stem cell research is to cure gastrointestinal diseases. The University of Maryland health institutions in Italy will lead the research in adult intestinal stem cells.

Bubala, Mary. "Vatican Financing Adult Stem Cell Research In Md. - Wjz.com." WJZ - Baltimore, Maryland's Breaking News, Weather & Sports Station - Wjz.com. 28 Apr. 2010. Web. 20 May 2010. .

ARTICLE #2: Vatican to Finance Adult Stem Cell Research

This article notes that the Vatican will finance the research of adult intestinal stem cells. It says that the Vatican will give over two million dollars to the University of Maryland's School and Medicine. Though the Church is against embryonic stem cell usage, adult stem cell usage is pro-life and accepted by the Vatican. The article states that Pope Benedict said "adult stem cell research respects human life." The researchers hope to find the answer in the next two or three years.

Bubala, Mary. "Vatican Financing Adult Stem Cell Research In Md. - Wjz.com." WJZ - Baltimore, Maryland's Breaking News, Weather & Sports Station - Wjz.com. 28 Apr. 2010. Web. 20 May 2010. .

ARTICLE #3: Vatican Supports Stem Cell Research

This article states that the Vatican is backing up adult stem cell research, but has not yet given financial support. Embryonic stem cells treatment is opposed by the Church. The Church supports adult stem cells, which are taken from organs and tissues. The project that the Church is supporting is research for intestinal adult stem cells. These can are adaptable cells obtained through endoscopy.

Albainy-Jenei, Stephen. "» Vatican Supports Adult Stem Cell Research." Patent Baristas. 26 Apr. 2010. Web. 20 May 2010. .

PART THREE: ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL BIAS

1. Bias through selection and omission

This article shows bias through selection. The writers only chose to quote the scientists point of view. Only once did they chose to quote the Pope, and that was when he said that adult stem cell research respects human life. They most likely left out some quotes that opposed stem cells research. One quote that might have potential bias is "'We are trying to explore stem cell research aside from embryonic stem cells,' says Dr. Alessio Fasano" This might have potential bias. They might, instead of using embryonic stem cell research, use other stem cells that can prevent the birth of another human.

2. Bias through placement

This article isn't placed in any particular order. Each one of these articles is part of a website.

3. Bias through headline

All of the headlines have to do with the Vatican siding with stem cells. They obviously don't say that the Vatican is siding with adult stem cells instead of embryonic. The bias that Vatican has completely changed its viewpoint on the subject is in each of the headlines. One specific example of bias through headlines is "Vatican Supports Stem Cell Research." A more appropriate headline would be "Vatican Supports Adult Stem Cell Research."

4. Bias by photos, captions, and camera angles

There are no photos or captions on any of the websites that include that articles I read.

5. Bias through use of names and titles.

In article #3, the writer calls the research an "international project for adult stem cell research." I think that this puts more emphasis on the stem cell research than on the Vatican. This gives a reader the feeling that the choice for supporting adult stem cell research is a great decision.

6. Bias through statistics and crowd counts

There were very few statistics in the articles that I read. The only statistic that seemed to show bias was the amount of money the Vatican invested in the stem cell research. They seemed to stress that the Vatican invested $2.7 million dollars. This could show bias that they either put to much money in or to little.

7. Bias by source control

This type of of bias was blatant. Most of the sources were from the International Intestinal Stem Cell Consortium.

8. Bias by word choice and tone

The tone for all of articles for me was shock. It was trying to show how shocking it was for the Vatican to change its mind on stem cell research.

Hammerhead Shark Study Shows Cascade of Evolution Affected Size, Head Shape

• hammer head sharks were on the earth 20 million years ago
• through the years the hammerhead shark's head changed in size and shape
• the ancestor of the hammerhead shark was most likely larger
• through divergent evolution, it branched into the eight species of hammerhead known today

http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2010/05/100518113132.htm

Reflection:

This article relates to my biology class in many different ways. We studied divergent evolution and convergent evolution. This species of shark, the hammer head, underwent divergent evolution. This is the process when one species branches into two due to different environmental pressures. This article is another interesting article. Imagine what the early species of hammerhead shark was before it diverged into the current eight species. The idea of a larger shark in the water is a frightening one. I thought that this article was a nice article to share.

University of Colorado at Boulder. "Hammerhead Shark Study Shows Cascade of Evolution Affected Size, Head Shape." ScienceDaily 18 May 2010. 18 May 2010 /releases/2010/05/100518113132.htm>.

Discovery of New Species Proves Indonesia’s Rich Biodiversity

• a new species was found in Papua
• scientists have already found an abundance of new species in the forest of Papua
• also found the smallest marsupial and a new bat
• Indonesia has an abundance of biodiversity

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/05/19/discovery-new-species-proves-indonesia%E2%80%99s-rich-biodiversity.html

Reflection:

In my biology class we have studied the environments and Darwinian explanations for biodiversity and natural variation. In Indonesia there is much diversity within the wild life. This article also shows how far we are from discovering all the animals on the face of this planet. We have discovered a large amount, but we still have much to go. I wanted to share this with the class because new discoveries is a topic that most people are interested in.

Simamora, Adianto P. "Discovery of New Species Proves Indonesia’s Rich Biodiversity." The Jakarta Post. 19 May 2010. Web. 18 May 2010. .

Natural Compound Speeds Bone Growth

• scientists have found natural compound that might be able to fix fractures more efficiently
• the natural compound tells stem cells to turn into new bone
• so far only tested on mice
• protein called Wnt

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre63r5fg-us-bone-growth/

Reflection:

My biology class has helped me to understand Wnt. We have been studying stem cells and how they can change into other cells depending on what genes are turned on and what genes are not. I enjoyed reading this article because of how many uses their are for stem cells. I have made many interesting blog entries about stem cells and their many uses and so far I think that this one is one of the best. I hope that this new treatment will be approved because a bunch of people will need this. Scientists are becoming more and more creative with their uses for stem cells.

Fox, Maggie. "NewsDaily: Natural Compound Speeds Bone Growth: Report." NewsDaily: Your Best Source for Breaking News. 28 Apr. 2010. Web. 19 May 2010. .

Stem Cells Regrow Crucial Hearing Cells in Mice

• Stem cells can be turned into cells that cure hearing disabilities
• Scientists have only tested on mice, but are soon testing on human stem cells
• Will help millions of humans that suffer from hearing problems
• Works by regrowing the hair cells that carry signals to the brain
• These cells can't be replaced once destroyed
  

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre64d0bx-us-deafness-cells/

Reflection:

My biology class has helped me to understand this article. We have studied stem cells and how they can be used in treatments. Stem cells are cells that have the ability to change into other cells. With this ability, stem cells can be used to treat many diseases, disabilities, and abnormalities that regular treatments cannot be able to. Once again, I am amazed at the uses of stem cells. Even though it seems good, it can also be a serious problem. Stem cells generally come from embryos, or an undeveloped human. Getting these cells will cause many problems and controversies are already being formed. I am waiting to see how this new hearing treatment does on humans.

Fox, Maggie. "NewsDaily: Stem Cells Regrow Crucial Hearing Cells in Mice." NewsDaily: Your Best Source for Breaking News. Web. 17 May 2010. .

Building Organs Block by Block: Tissue Engineers Create a New Way to Assemble Artificial Tissues Using 'Biological Legos'

http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/2010/05/100513112813.jpg

• tissue engineering has been tough because they always form flat
• to overcome this obstacle, researchers put cells into little cubes and arranged them into 3D organs
• called "micromasonry"
• this new technique has a lot of potential to become the primary way to build artificial tissues

Reflection:

My biology class has helped me to understand this topic. From learning about cellular reproduction, I can see how making a 3D shape would be hard. Though a difficult obstacle, scientists and researchers have been able to once again find an answer. I feel that this topic is rather interesting. The fact that someone can build an artificial tissue through the use of "cellular blocks" is amazing. Imagine the uses this new technique will have. I can't wait to hear more news about this topic.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Building Organs Block by Block: Tissue Engineers Create a New Way to Assemble Artificial Tissues, Using 'Biological Legos'." ScienceDaily 14 May 2010. 15 May 2010 /releases/2010/05/100513112813.htm>.

Snake vs. Dinosaur in New Fossil Find

• archeologists discovered a snake and baby dinosaur fossil
• tells the story about the danger baby dinosaurs had
• ancient snakes may be linked to modern day boas
• could eat some animals whole
  

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/photogalleries/100301-snake-eats-dinosaurs-fossils-sanejeh-indicus-scitech-pictures/#snake-eating-baby-dinosaurs-model_13236_600x450.jpg

My biology class helps me to understand this article from studying evolution. This discovery relates to biology through evolution. According to this discovery, ancient snakes could eat a baby dinosaur whole. Over a long period of time, this prehistoric snake might have evolved into what is now called a boa. I think that this archeological find is interesting. The snake and young dinosaur were fossilized right as the snake was going to eat the baby. The question is how were they fossilized?

Than, Ker. "Ad Call." Daily Nature and Science News and Headlines | National Geographic News. 1 Mar. 2010. Web. 05 May 2010. .

New Giant Lizard Discovery "an Unprecedented Surprise"

• a human sized lizard has hidden from humanity until recent discovery
  
• it was known to Filipino tribal hunters, but classified as a new species in 2009
• has different DNA, scale structure, and size
• hid from science in the Philippines in the trees
• known as the Varanus Bitatawa and is related to the Varanus Olivaseus

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2010/04/100407-new-giant-lizard-varabus-bitatawa-biology-letters/

This article does directly relate to my biology class. Biology is the study of life and organisms. This animal is a recently discovered organism, which means that it relates to biology in general. This is very cool because this animal has hidden away from humanity. This animal is unique and I am fascinated by this discovery. It is hard to imagine what other animals we overlook in some areas. I can't wait for new animal discoveries to come out.

Owen, James. "New Giant Lizard Discovery "an Unprecedented Surprise"" Daily Nature and Science News and Headlines | National Geographic News. 7 Apr. 2010. Web. 04 May 2010. .

Pozen, AstraZeneca Win FDA Approval of Arthritis Drug (Update1)

• a new arthritis drug has come out
• a mixture of a painkiller and an ulcer medication
• approved by the Food and Drug Administration

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-30/pozen-astrazeneca-win-fda-approval-of-arthritis-drug-update1-.html

This article relates to my biology class by the immune system. We have learned about how arthritis attacks the immune system. This arthritis drug "combines a painkiller with an ulcer medication." Doctors and Scientists are coming up with new antidotes for diseases, injuries, and abnormalities. This combination of drugs is something that I think is amazing and interesting. I would think that the mixture of two different drugs for the same purpose would be somewhat dangerous, but I guess not.

Grapes May Protect Your Heart

• the University of Michigan Health System found that grapes reduce risk factors for diabetes and heart disease in rats
• after further tests, research showed that rats eating grapes lowered their blood pressure
• rats with the grapes in their diet also had a low risk for type II diabetes
  
• more research will be made this summer for heart health

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/6979453.html

My biology class doesn't relate to this article from topic discussed. It partially relates to the immune system, but mostly relates to the study of organisms. I feel that this article is very cool because I eat a lot of grapes so I might have a lower risk of heart disease. It is great that they are doing more testing this summer. I will be waiting for that story to come out.

Cancer Vaccine to be Approved

• A new vaccine that effectively treats cancer may be available next month
  
• more people with prostate cancer will be able to survive
• cancer vaccines are finally starting to show results
• it is highly unlikely that this vaccine will be declined

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/TechandScience/Story/STIStory_520011.html

This new vaccine shows how far our knowledge of medicine has evolved. We have almost found the cure to cancer, which has been an enigma to the human race for so long. This vaccine will most likely lead to a variety of discoveries involving cancer research. I feel that this new discovery is the gateway to a branch of new findings.

"Cancer Vaccine to Be Approved." The Straits Times. 28 Apr. 2010. Web. 28 Apr. 2010. .

Protein Found in Alzheimer's Patient Brains May Be Linked to Immune System

• physicians previously thought little of the protein that was a product of other processes in the brain
• evidence suggests that not only are the proteins a part of the plaques found in an Alzheimer patient's brain, but they may also provide immunity to the body
• researchers are looking into these results further to determine whether or not they can use these findings to create immunity
• more research must be conducted on the protein

http://www.betterhealthresearch.com/news/protein-found-in-alzheimers-patients-brains-may-be-linked-to-immune-system-19649393/

I found this website as I was looking for an interesting topic. It took me a little while to find a topic that was worthy of sharing, but I finally found this one. The fact that the protein found in Alzheimer's could help with the immune system treatments is astonishing, but how will they take this protein and use it? Does it harm those innocent people, or is it as harmless as taking blood?

Park, Donna. "Protein Found in Alzheimer’s Patient’s Brains May Be Linked to Immune System." Better Health Research. 3 Mar. 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2010. .

Fish-Killing Virus Spreads to Lake Superior

• identified in 28 freshwater species in Great Lakes watershed
• viral hemorrhagic septicemia - VHS
• causes fatal anemia and hemorrhaging in many fish species
• no threat to humans
• has been responsible for massive fish kills in some Northeast waters

http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2010/01/fish-virus-spreads-to-lake-superior.html

This disease is serious. Many fish are at risk of dying. Fish are a key source of food. The fish are also part of a food chain. If the fish die, other animals that prey on these fish die as well. The virus is deadly.

"Fish-killing Virus Spreads to Lake Superior - NatGeo News Watch." National Geographic Blogs on Travel, Environment, News, Books, Photography, More. 28 Jan. 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2010. .

Second Wave of CJD Begins: Most Recent Victim had Different Gene

• 166 people have died from variant CJD
• They all shared a certain gene
• known as vCJD
• somebody can incubate the disease for most of their life time

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_19861.cfm

I feel that this is a very good article. This is scary because of the fact that CJD can mutate like that. The variant CJD, "known as CJD," was obtained from consuming BSE-infected dairy products. This makes me aware of all dairy products that my family buys.

"Second Wave of CJD Begins: Most Recent Victim Had Different Gene." Organic Consumers Association. 18 Dec. 209. Web. 25 Apr. 2010. .

Adult Stem Cells help Spinal Cord Get the Signal

• an international team of scientists had used modified adult stem cells to repair the spinal cord in rats
• the protective insulating sheath around the spinal cord is destroyed in a spinal cord injury
• scientists isolated adult spinal cord stem cells, then modified them to produce the protein CNTF
• CNTF is a growth hormone that stimulates cell survival and nerve growth
• patients have already been treated with nasal adult stem cells

http://www.frcblog.com/2010/02/adult-stem-cells-help-spinal-cord-get-the-signal/

I found this article searching for stem cell research. This article caught my eye after a long search. I remember talking about multipotent stem cells and how they could only change into a select few cells. When I saw that an adult stem cells could help cure a specific injury, I chose this article. I find this article very interesting because of how difficult it would be to fix a spinal cord injury. This article is very informative and I feel it should be shared.

Prentice, David. "» Adult Stem Cells Help Spinal Cord Get The Signal." FRC Blog. 26 Feb. 2010. Web. 25 Apr. 2010. .

Genetic Engineering Cats and Dogs

Genetic Engineering Cats and Dogs

• the biggest allergen in cats is the glycoprotein
• this is found in the fur, saliva, urine and hair roots of a cat
• protein is produced by the Fel d1 gene
• a specific cat breed produces a different version of the Fel d1 gene
• this cat no longer triggered people's allergic reaction to cats

http://sweet-lucys.com/gedogs.html

Reflection:

I chose this because I think that it is very cool. My father is allergic to cats, but thinks that they are cute. If we were going to get a new pet, I would definitely recommend this to him. The fact that scientists can do this sort of stuff is scary though. Scientists could switch the wrong gene and we could have huge genetic mistake.

"Genetically Engineered Cats & Dogs - Truly Hypoallergenic?" Sweet Lucy's. Web. 25 Apr. 2010. .

Down Syndrome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycrPCTP2mFE&feature=related

• mistake in meiosis
• chromosomes don't split when they are supposed to
• 90% of all mistakes are in egg cells
• extra chromosome

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f01/web3/okeefe.html

I chose this website because I am interested in how down syndrome is caused in the body. It is a very serious disease and I know someone who has it. my next door neighbor's son has this disease and I feel sorry for him. The effects on his life have been great but he is very kind. So in conclusion, I think that this is a very serious and unfortunate disease that is created by a small mistake in meiosis.

O'Keefe, Caitlin. "Down Syndrome." Serendip's Exchange. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. .

Controversial PGD licence for genetic condition that impairs eye movement

• CFEOM is an extremely rare autosomal dominant congenital condition that causes inability to move the eyes
• individuals with this condition are unable to raise their eyes above a certain point
• may have droopy eyelids, appear cross-eyed and lack binocular vision
• surgery to the eyes may improve some aspects of the condition but results are limited and variable

http://www.phgfoundation.org/news/3319/

We were just discussing diseases in class, so I thought it would be cool to search an article like this one. I chose this because I thought that it was interesting. There are many rare diseases in this world so i picked a disease that I had no idea about. This disease would be terrible to have, I am waiting for more on this topic to come out.

Stewart, Alison. "Controversial PGD Licence for Genetic Condition That Impairs Eye Movement." PHG Foundation. 11 May 2007. Web. 18 Apr. 2010. .