Tarek Edelbi
Interview
I chose Dr. Raymond Otto as the subject for my interview. He is the new assistant professor of genetics in the Department of Molecular and Microbiology at George Mason University. Professor Otto is currently my Genetics 311 teacher as well. Throughout the course of the interview I was able to learn a lot about Dr. Otto’s career from his time as an undergraduate student up until now. For both his undergraduate and graduate years he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In his undergraduate years he double majored in zoology and chemistry and as for his graduate years he majored in doctorial genetics.
Although he has dedicated about twenty years of his life to research under the subtopic of gene therapy, he has spent the last three years teaching. He spends approximately 90% of his time to teaching and 10% of his time conducting committee work. Dr. Otto interacts with hundreds of students daily and they change from semester to semester. He has the opportunity to familiarize himself with a multitude of personalities. One aspect of the student’s attitudes that surprised professor Otto was a significant sense of complacency. The Professor had expected students to rise to the challenge of more rigorous coursework. I then geared the interview questions towards my research topic, how chemicals in plastics may alter DNA or cell structure.
I raised the question to see if he may have had any prior experience or knowledge on the topic. He was aware of many of the general mutagens and stated that he has worked with viral safety and not so much with the chemical safety aspect. I proceeded to ask him if he has done any general research related to the topic. Although he has been involved in numerous significant research projects and initiatives, he hasn’t really touched this particular topic. I asked where he would start researching the topic, should he want to. He went on to say that he would need to do a lot of preliminary research on the subject, to familiarize himself with the topic and be able to assess what aspects of the problem to investigate first. While not being familiar with chemicals contained in plastics that cause mutations he stated that he is very knowledgeable on the various methods he would use to conduct his research, since he has done chemical testing on drugs and small molecule drugs.
When I asked him if this topic is a growing concern in genetics, he responded saying that although research is being conducted on the subject it is more of a growing concern to for the consumers than it is to geneticists. I went on to question him about further research he has been involved in. Dr. Otto is more attracted toward gene structure and regulation and how fluid it is. He discussed briefly in his previous work how he had cloned not only drosophila but also human genes. He has also worked in the field of cancer research and mutations in the genome. He has also been involved in FDA work for UNC in regulatory aspects of emerging technology. Dr. Otto has worked on everything from specialized research to the public safety policy on emerging technology.
When asked if there is anything else he would like to add to the interview he acknowledged the fact that most of the students he teaches are in the pre-medical or pre-dental field and haven’t even considered entering the emerging field of biotechnologies. He explained that a few students seek positions in this field as undergraduates. It’s a great opportunity since we are located in one of the countries four biotechnology hub. This interview went very well over all and I was a great experience.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
interview
Tarek Edelbi
Interview
I chose Dr. Raymond Otto as the subject for my interview. He is the new assistant professor of genetics in the Department of Molecular and Microbiology at George Mason University. Professor Otto is currently my Genetics 311 teacher as well. Throughout the course of the interview I was able to learn a lot about Dr. Otto’s career from his time as an undergraduate student up until now. For both his undergraduate and graduate years he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In his undergraduate years he double majored in zoology and chemistry and as for his graduate years he majored in doctorial genetics.
Although he has dedicated about twenty years of his life to research under the subtopic of gene therapy, he has spent the last three years teaching. He spends approximately 90% of his time to teaching and 10% of his time conducting committee work. Dr. Otto interacts with hundreds of students daily and they change from semester to semester. He has the opportunity to familiarize himself with a multitude of personalities. One aspect of the student’s attitudes that surprised professor Otto was a significant sense of complacency. The Professor had expected students to rise to the challenge of more rigorous coursework. I then geared the interview questions towards my research topic, how chemicals in plastics may alter DNA or cell structure.
I raised the question to see if he may have had any prior experience or knowledge on the topic. He was aware of many of the general mutagens and stated that he has worked with viral safety and not so much with the chemical safety aspect. I proceeded to ask him if he has done any general research related to the topic. Although he has been involved in numerous significant research projects and initiatives, he hasn’t really touched this particular topic. I asked where he would start researching the topic, should he want to. He went on to say that he would need to do a lot of preliminary research on the subject, to familiarize himself with the topic and be able to assess what aspects of the problem to investigate first. While not being familiar with chemicals contained in plastics that cause mutations he stated that he is very knowledgeable on the various methods he would use to conduct his research, since he has done chemical testing on drugs and small molecule drugs.
When I asked him if this topic is a growing concern in genetics, he responded saying that although research is being conducted on the subject it is more of a growing concern to for the consumers than it is to geneticists. I went on to question him about further research he has been involved in. Dr. Otto is more attracted toward gene structure and regulation and how fluid it is. He discussed briefly in his previous work how he had cloned not only drosophila but also human genes. He has also worked in the field of cancer research and mutations in the genome. He has also been involved in FDA work for UNC in regulatory aspects of emerging technology. Dr. Otto has worked on everything from specialized research to the public safety policy on emerging technology.
When asked if there is anything else he would like to add to the interview he acknowledged the fact that most of the students he teaches are in the pre-medical or pre-dental field and haven’t even considered entering the emerging field of biotechnologies. He explained that a few students seek positions in this field as undergraduates. It’s a great opportunity since we are located in one of the countries four biotechnology hub. This interview went very well over all and I was a great experience.
Interview
I chose Dr. Raymond Otto as the subject for my interview. He is the new assistant professor of genetics in the Department of Molecular and Microbiology at George Mason University. Professor Otto is currently my Genetics 311 teacher as well. Throughout the course of the interview I was able to learn a lot about Dr. Otto’s career from his time as an undergraduate student up until now. For both his undergraduate and graduate years he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In his undergraduate years he double majored in zoology and chemistry and as for his graduate years he majored in doctorial genetics.
Although he has dedicated about twenty years of his life to research under the subtopic of gene therapy, he has spent the last three years teaching. He spends approximately 90% of his time to teaching and 10% of his time conducting committee work. Dr. Otto interacts with hundreds of students daily and they change from semester to semester. He has the opportunity to familiarize himself with a multitude of personalities. One aspect of the student’s attitudes that surprised professor Otto was a significant sense of complacency. The Professor had expected students to rise to the challenge of more rigorous coursework. I then geared the interview questions towards my research topic, how chemicals in plastics may alter DNA or cell structure.
I raised the question to see if he may have had any prior experience or knowledge on the topic. He was aware of many of the general mutagens and stated that he has worked with viral safety and not so much with the chemical safety aspect. I proceeded to ask him if he has done any general research related to the topic. Although he has been involved in numerous significant research projects and initiatives, he hasn’t really touched this particular topic. I asked where he would start researching the topic, should he want to. He went on to say that he would need to do a lot of preliminary research on the subject, to familiarize himself with the topic and be able to assess what aspects of the problem to investigate first. While not being familiar with chemicals contained in plastics that cause mutations he stated that he is very knowledgeable on the various methods he would use to conduct his research, since he has done chemical testing on drugs and small molecule drugs.
When I asked him if this topic is a growing concern in genetics, he responded saying that although research is being conducted on the subject it is more of a growing concern to for the consumers than it is to geneticists. I went on to question him about further research he has been involved in. Dr. Otto is more attracted toward gene structure and regulation and how fluid it is. He discussed briefly in his previous work how he had cloned not only drosophila but also human genes. He has also worked in the field of cancer research and mutations in the genome. He has also been involved in FDA work for UNC in regulatory aspects of emerging technology. Dr. Otto has worked on everything from specialized research to the public safety policy on emerging technology.
When asked if there is anything else he would like to add to the interview he acknowledged the fact that most of the students he teaches are in the pre-medical or pre-dental field and haven’t even considered entering the emerging field of biotechnologies. He explained that a few students seek positions in this field as undergraduates. It’s a great opportunity since we are located in one of the countries four biotechnology hub. This interview went very well over all and I was a great experience.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
scientists in the schools
Scientists in the Schools
Learning objectives:
The learning objective of the program is to help the students have a better understanding of how chemicals and toxins leach into plastics and alter genetic compositions of cells. The main goal of the program is for the students to gain enough of an understanding of the subject to maintain discussions on recycling and the importance of finding alternatives to plastics.
Lesson Plan:
The target age range for the students is 16-17 year old high school students. This age range was chosen because the students have basic knowledge of science but are still unaware of any of the specifics of this particular field of research. This makes them perfect candidates for a learning based environment because they are able to comprehend the basic subject matter of the work and are interested because of their relative lack of knowledge.
The program will take place in a university setting as it will be an appropriate environment for college level work. The atmosphere is meant to encourage the students to do better and take the work more seriously. The class will be held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a length of one and half hours per session. The schedule will also accommodate these up and coming students to a college setting. The program will run for a length of two weeks, making the course less intimidating and keeping the students from becoming too discouraged or overwhelmed.
The actual course will have three major parts. In class lectures, labs and online coursework. The first of these components, lectures, is meant to give the students a base understanding of the background on the research topic. The students will learn about how cells and their genetic materials can be altered. This topic has a few different branches and subtopics so it will be taught over the two week period. The lectures are absolutely essential in giving students an understanding of the material.
The latter two parts of the course are meant to be supplemental and finalize the students understanding. The in class labs will visually illustrate how plastics are made and how they can be recycled. Giving students this type of tangible hands on knowledge about plastics will be quite effective and ensure that the lessons taught in the lecture are reinforced and enhanced with new information.
The last part of the course will be student’s online coursework. This assignment will allow the students the flexibility to complete these assignments at their own leisure. The nature of the assignments will be closely tied to the lecture and lab coursework. For example, one of the later assignments is to write a short report suggesting a possible solution to the problems plastics present in the environment. The responses will be highly variable and the purpose of the assignment is to tap into the students’ creativity and generate interest in the subject.
Assesement:
The effectiveness of the course will be assessed by beginning examinations of students’ knowledge of the subject matter and an ending evaluation of their knowledge plus a student evaluation response to the program itself. The main purpose of the last student evaluation of the course is to provide the program with information they need to enhance the program or alter certain aspects to make it more effective and efficient.
Learning objectives:
The learning objective of the program is to help the students have a better understanding of how chemicals and toxins leach into plastics and alter genetic compositions of cells. The main goal of the program is for the students to gain enough of an understanding of the subject to maintain discussions on recycling and the importance of finding alternatives to plastics.
Lesson Plan:
The target age range for the students is 16-17 year old high school students. This age range was chosen because the students have basic knowledge of science but are still unaware of any of the specifics of this particular field of research. This makes them perfect candidates for a learning based environment because they are able to comprehend the basic subject matter of the work and are interested because of their relative lack of knowledge.
The program will take place in a university setting as it will be an appropriate environment for college level work. The atmosphere is meant to encourage the students to do better and take the work more seriously. The class will be held three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a length of one and half hours per session. The schedule will also accommodate these up and coming students to a college setting. The program will run for a length of two weeks, making the course less intimidating and keeping the students from becoming too discouraged or overwhelmed.
The actual course will have three major parts. In class lectures, labs and online coursework. The first of these components, lectures, is meant to give the students a base understanding of the background on the research topic. The students will learn about how cells and their genetic materials can be altered. This topic has a few different branches and subtopics so it will be taught over the two week period. The lectures are absolutely essential in giving students an understanding of the material.
The latter two parts of the course are meant to be supplemental and finalize the students understanding. The in class labs will visually illustrate how plastics are made and how they can be recycled. Giving students this type of tangible hands on knowledge about plastics will be quite effective and ensure that the lessons taught in the lecture are reinforced and enhanced with new information.
The last part of the course will be student’s online coursework. This assignment will allow the students the flexibility to complete these assignments at their own leisure. The nature of the assignments will be closely tied to the lecture and lab coursework. For example, one of the later assignments is to write a short report suggesting a possible solution to the problems plastics present in the environment. The responses will be highly variable and the purpose of the assignment is to tap into the students’ creativity and generate interest in the subject.
Assesement:
The effectiveness of the course will be assessed by beginning examinations of students’ knowledge of the subject matter and an ending evaluation of their knowledge plus a student evaluation response to the program itself. The main purpose of the last student evaluation of the course is to provide the program with information they need to enhance the program or alter certain aspects to make it more effective and efficient.
Monday, March 23, 2009
summary II for 3/24/09
The second article I read was about a reemerging research about cold fusion, which is stirring up more interest. After 20 years of debating cold fusion is receiving a new impetus at the American Chemical Society's national meeting in the US this week. Cold fusion was basiclly claimed to be a boundless source of clean energy by Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons. There have been a numerous failed attempts to replicate thier experiments but none succesful although researchers insist that cold fusion is possible. With the world facing an energy crisis, it is well worth exploring all possibilities. The principle of cold fusion runs counter to that of other fusion production mechanisms that employ enormous lasers or magnetic chambers to contain searingly hot gas. Pons and Fleischmann experiment was conducted by running a current through a room-temperature device called an electrolytic cell. As the heat rised in the cell which suggested that power was being produced within it from nuclear fusion. However Pons and Fleischmann couldnt establish that cold fusion is a reality.
summary for 3/24/09
The article i read was titled New DNA test gives cold case hope. I found it on the BBC news website. it describes how a new technique which can decipher previously unintelligible DNA samples, that where destroyed on scene, has been made available to all police forces in England and Wales. This is a huge break through for the Forensic Science Service in england and wales because these new methods can now lead to thousands of unsolved cases. Scientists can now obtain individual DNA from crime scenes which contain a mix of genetic material from several different people. The Forensic Science Service said it helped police identify suspects and build evidence for cases. Previously, it was impossible for scientists to accurately separate out DNA from different individuals at one crime scene, an example given in the article was where two or three suspects handled the same weapon. Now with the new DNAboost computer technology can do just that and provide identifiable DNA profiles for each suspect, which can be checked against the national DNA database to try to find the culprit. Experts say it could increase the number of provable cases by as much as 30%.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
literature review blog
1) Is it giving information and comparing different research or is it more persuasive?
2) Does the paper seem repetitive?
3) Is more research needed?
4) Does the paper flow well?
5) is the paper to "wordy"?
2) Does the paper seem repetitive?
3) Is more research needed?
4) Does the paper flow well?
5) is the paper to "wordy"?
literature review
Tarek Edelbi
Literature Review
Plastic is one of the most heavily used materials in present day society. It’s present in the food we eat, the water we drink, and many of our material possessions. As a result of our constant interaction with the material it is also present in the air we breathe, and will soon start to take a negative toll on organic life forms. Plastics are made of non-biodegradable materials although through various obstacles such as the passage of time, photodegradation, and ultraviolet rays from the sun, plastic can break down and create chemical byproducts over a period of time. Over 400 billion pounds of plastic is being produced every year exceeding the previous year’s production. These byproducts can adversely affect the living conditions on earth. Plastic in a sense never ceases to exist because it can change form. Numerous chemical by-products and toxins are released, not only through the break down but from various plastic products such as hair combs, water bottles, toys etc.
For the basics plastic is made by combining many toxic synthetic man-made chemicals by a process called polymerization. This process technicilly binds the toxic chemicals together so tightly that they are no longer toxic to organisims. Although the polymerization process will most likely never be flauless, it always leaves various toxic chemicals sustainable to transfer out of the plastic material and into its contacts. Toxins and chemicals released from these plastics can be extremely detrimental to all living life forms. Some toxins and chemicals in plastics known to be detrimental are bisophenol A, antimony, and Phthalates.
These toxins are known to cause different forms of cancer-causing cells and also are hormone altering and imitating. On a much larger scale they have the potential to affect DNA as well as the genetic make-up. Since cancer is more prevalently studied, it attracts more researchers, and therefore more recent studies are conducted on the cancer causing aspects of plastics. A recent study conducted by the American Association for Cancer Research showed that chemicals such as bisophenol A in plastics will stimulate the growth of various cancer-causing cells which may lead to mammary and prostate cancer.
Bisophenol A or BPA is generally found in heavier plastic packaging, such as those used for milk storage, container linings and water supply pipes. A recents study done by a coalition of environmental health NGOs stated that BPA which is also a synthetic sex hormone which can mimics estrogen is used to make hard polycarbonate plastic. On average these plastics release between 4.7 – 8.3 parts per billion of bisphenol A. A recent research on animals showed that bisphenol A can be harmful by disrupting development at doses even below these levels. Other research state that although chemical is prone to affect an organism at any stage of its life, the toxins are more effective at key stages of development and may be life-altering even in minus increments.
Another toxin such as antimony is also known to be carcinogenic. One study done in long term exposure with only minimal amounts of antimony yielded with organisms such as animals in this case developed eye irritation, hair loss, lung damage, and heart problems. Another study composed, only now the organisms were exposed to higher levels of antimony, the animal developed fertility problems as well as lung cancer. Chemicals such as Phthalates are also an additive in plastic which helps the flow of molecules in the material to give texture and flexibility. A research, done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on humans, shows metabolites of multiple phthalates in urine, which is believed to be due to plastics. Baby care products are a growing concern due to the fact that most of them contain phthalates. The study also stated that young infants are more vulnerable to the potential effects of phthalates due to their increased dosage per unit body surface area, metabolic capabilities, and developing endocrine and reproductive systems.
A study was also done on rodents which were exposed to certain phthalates levels. In the case of high doses a change in hormone levels was evident and birth defects were observed. One explained that human phthalate exposure during pregnancy resulted in decreased anogenital distance among baby boys. In this study, phthalate metabolites were measured in urine samples collected from the pregnant women who gave birth to the infants. After birth, the genital features and anogenital distance of these women's babies were measured and correlated with the residue levels in the mother's urine. Boys born to mothers with the highest levels of phthalates were seven times more likely to have a shortened anogenital distance.
A research conducted by the American government journal Environment Health Perspectives stated that BPA and phthalates were gaining a reputation for being endocrine disrupters. Chemicals from plastic even have the frightening potential to change DNA or genetic make-up.
Work Cited
Ahmad, Maqbool, and Ahmad S. Bajahlan. "Leaching of styrene and other aromatic compounds in drinking water from PS bottles." 16 May 2007. Science Direct. Journal of environmental sciences. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Alderson, Norris. "Testimony." 14 Mar. 2008. ASL. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Ball, Douglas. "Development of Safety Qualification Thresholds and Their Use in Orally Inhaled and Nasal Drug Product Evaluation." 23 Feb. 2007. Toxicological Sciences. ToxSci Advance Access. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
"Screening Assessment for The Challenge Phenol, 4,4' -(1-methylethylidene)bis- (Bisphenol A) Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 80-05-7." Oct. 2008. Environment Canada. Health Canada. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
C.J. Moore et al., (2001) “A Comparison of Plastic and Plankton in the Pacific Central Gyre,” Marine Pollution Bulletin 42: 297-1300. The North Pacific Gyre and the ORV Alguita Somorovská, M., J. Tulinská, M. BaranÄoková, M. ZámeÄnÃková, A. Collins, A. LÃÅ¡ková, B. Vallová, H. Petrovská, E. Jáhnová, P. VodiÄka, L. Fuortes, and M. DuÅ¡inská. "THE COMET ASSAY IN BIOMONITORING OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE IN RUBBER FACTORY AND PLASTIC LAMINATION PLANT. COMPARISON WITH CYTOGENETIC AND IMMUNE BIOMARKERS." 2006. ELIS. MASON, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Totten, Bill. "[A-List] Get Plastic Out of Your Diet." 16 Nov. 2006. Mindfully. Livivng nutrition magazine. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Tyl, R. "Polycarbonate Plastics and Bisphenol A Release." 2006. Bisphenol A. Human health and saftey. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Vom Saal, F. S., W.V. Welshons, & S. Parmigiani “Leaching of Bisphenol A From Polycarbonate Plastic Disrupts Development via Epigenetic Mechanisms.” Prepared for the Erice International Seminars on Planetary Emergencies, Erice, Italy. 19-26 August 2006.
Literature Review
Plastic is one of the most heavily used materials in present day society. It’s present in the food we eat, the water we drink, and many of our material possessions. As a result of our constant interaction with the material it is also present in the air we breathe, and will soon start to take a negative toll on organic life forms. Plastics are made of non-biodegradable materials although through various obstacles such as the passage of time, photodegradation, and ultraviolet rays from the sun, plastic can break down and create chemical byproducts over a period of time. Over 400 billion pounds of plastic is being produced every year exceeding the previous year’s production. These byproducts can adversely affect the living conditions on earth. Plastic in a sense never ceases to exist because it can change form. Numerous chemical by-products and toxins are released, not only through the break down but from various plastic products such as hair combs, water bottles, toys etc.
For the basics plastic is made by combining many toxic synthetic man-made chemicals by a process called polymerization. This process technicilly binds the toxic chemicals together so tightly that they are no longer toxic to organisims. Although the polymerization process will most likely never be flauless, it always leaves various toxic chemicals sustainable to transfer out of the plastic material and into its contacts. Toxins and chemicals released from these plastics can be extremely detrimental to all living life forms. Some toxins and chemicals in plastics known to be detrimental are bisophenol A, antimony, and Phthalates.
These toxins are known to cause different forms of cancer-causing cells and also are hormone altering and imitating. On a much larger scale they have the potential to affect DNA as well as the genetic make-up. Since cancer is more prevalently studied, it attracts more researchers, and therefore more recent studies are conducted on the cancer causing aspects of plastics. A recent study conducted by the American Association for Cancer Research showed that chemicals such as bisophenol A in plastics will stimulate the growth of various cancer-causing cells which may lead to mammary and prostate cancer.
Bisophenol A or BPA is generally found in heavier plastic packaging, such as those used for milk storage, container linings and water supply pipes. A recents study done by a coalition of environmental health NGOs stated that BPA which is also a synthetic sex hormone which can mimics estrogen is used to make hard polycarbonate plastic. On average these plastics release between 4.7 – 8.3 parts per billion of bisphenol A. A recent research on animals showed that bisphenol A can be harmful by disrupting development at doses even below these levels. Other research state that although chemical is prone to affect an organism at any stage of its life, the toxins are more effective at key stages of development and may be life-altering even in minus increments.
Another toxin such as antimony is also known to be carcinogenic. One study done in long term exposure with only minimal amounts of antimony yielded with organisms such as animals in this case developed eye irritation, hair loss, lung damage, and heart problems. Another study composed, only now the organisms were exposed to higher levels of antimony, the animal developed fertility problems as well as lung cancer. Chemicals such as Phthalates are also an additive in plastic which helps the flow of molecules in the material to give texture and flexibility. A research, done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on humans, shows metabolites of multiple phthalates in urine, which is believed to be due to plastics. Baby care products are a growing concern due to the fact that most of them contain phthalates. The study also stated that young infants are more vulnerable to the potential effects of phthalates due to their increased dosage per unit body surface area, metabolic capabilities, and developing endocrine and reproductive systems.
A study was also done on rodents which were exposed to certain phthalates levels. In the case of high doses a change in hormone levels was evident and birth defects were observed. One explained that human phthalate exposure during pregnancy resulted in decreased anogenital distance among baby boys. In this study, phthalate metabolites were measured in urine samples collected from the pregnant women who gave birth to the infants. After birth, the genital features and anogenital distance of these women's babies were measured and correlated with the residue levels in the mother's urine. Boys born to mothers with the highest levels of phthalates were seven times more likely to have a shortened anogenital distance.
A research conducted by the American government journal Environment Health Perspectives stated that BPA and phthalates were gaining a reputation for being endocrine disrupters. Chemicals from plastic even have the frightening potential to change DNA or genetic make-up.
Work Cited
Ahmad, Maqbool, and Ahmad S. Bajahlan. "Leaching of styrene and other aromatic compounds in drinking water from PS bottles." 16 May 2007. Science Direct. Journal of environmental sciences. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Alderson, Norris. "Testimony." 14 Mar. 2008. ASL. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Ball, Douglas. "Development of Safety Qualification Thresholds and Their Use in Orally Inhaled and Nasal Drug Product Evaluation." 23 Feb. 2007. Toxicological Sciences. ToxSci Advance Access. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
"Screening Assessment for The Challenge Phenol, 4,4' -(1-methylethylidene)bis- (Bisphenol A) Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 80-05-7." Oct. 2008. Environment Canada. Health Canada. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
C.J. Moore et al., (2001) “A Comparison of Plastic and Plankton in the Pacific Central Gyre,” Marine Pollution Bulletin 42: 297-1300. The North Pacific Gyre and the ORV Alguita Somorovská, M., J. Tulinská, M. BaranÄoková, M. ZámeÄnÃková, A. Collins, A. LÃÅ¡ková, B. Vallová, H. Petrovská, E. Jáhnová, P. VodiÄka, L. Fuortes, and M. DuÅ¡inská. "THE COMET ASSAY IN BIOMONITORING OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE IN RUBBER FACTORY AND PLASTIC LAMINATION PLANT. COMPARISON WITH CYTOGENETIC AND IMMUNE BIOMARKERS." 2006. ELIS. MASON, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Totten, Bill. "[A-List] Get Plastic Out of Your Diet." 16 Nov. 2006. Mindfully. Livivng nutrition magazine. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009 .
Tyl, R. "Polycarbonate Plastics and Bisphenol A Release." 2006. Bisphenol A. Human health and saftey. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Vom Saal, F. S., W.V. Welshons, & S. Parmigiani “Leaching of Bisphenol A From Polycarbonate Plastic Disrupts Development via Epigenetic Mechanisms.” Prepared for the Erice International Seminars on Planetary Emergencies, Erice, Italy. 19-26 August 2006.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
summary 3/16/09
This article is about how there is a rise in sexually transmitted diseases. The article explains how data showing a prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are a growing public health problem. They say that it effects women, young people and members of minorities. Although all three diseases are preventable and treatable with antibiotics in the early stages for the most part. The only reason these virusis still persist is mostly due to people spreading them without even knowing they are infected. These three dieseases can all be transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex. If these dieseases go untreated in women, it can lead to a painful and long-lasting pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and fatal ectopic pregnancy. These dieseases can both can be transmitted to babies at birth. Syphilis has an array of other severe symptoms depending on the stage of the disease. Condoms are a very good way to reduce the risk of getting infections.
summary 3/17/09
This article is about the decline of inbreeding, written in our genes. this article explains how a study was done which indicates an increases in mobility, urbanisation, and cross-population mating over the last century have substantially reduced inbreeding, which then causes a more distinctive trace in the genome of modern Americans. this can also be applied to regions in the world with mass movements of immigrants. This is a major topis since inbreeding leaves a characteristic signature in the genome such as long tracts of autozygosity which represents regions in which an individual has inherited the same sets of genetic variants from both parents. In the same region the more closely-related an individual's parents are the more of these regions they will carry and the longer such regions will be. This article was interesting to me because it has to do with my research paper.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Project status
I have changed my topic slightly to be able to find more research on it. i have also narrowed down my topic to a specific studies, which will make it more organized when i write my paper. the biggest problem is finding scholarly research done related specifically to my research question. i am still looking in further research to be able to come up with solid research question. finding the right person for my topic is also difficult, i have a lot of professors to choose from but not many of them may have done any research on my topic. i will start constructing my final research paper during spring break.
outline
Purpose of this essay-
The main purpose of the essay is to inform readers about the adverse effects plastics can have on cells and DNA in organisms
Changed from genetic defects that are caused by plastic due to lack of reasearch done on the topic.
Audience for this essay-
The audience for this research paper are college educated students or equivalent to researchers in this field.
Essay's thesis statement-
The chemicals and toxins that are released by plastics will cause effects on cells and DNA.
Full Sentence Outlines-
There are a multitude of adverse effect brought about by plastic utensils and food and beverage containmers made with platic.
1. These effects include reduced embryo survival
2. Test subjects were selected for their shorter life spans and lower immune systems to facilitate an accelerated study.
3. Toxins released from plastics affect the endocrine system.
Decimal Outlines
• Introduction
• Reseach problem
• Thesis statement
• Research investigation and support
• Interview Q/A
• Conclusion
The main purpose of the essay is to inform readers about the adverse effects plastics can have on cells and DNA in organisms
Changed from genetic defects that are caused by plastic due to lack of reasearch done on the topic.
Audience for this essay-
The audience for this research paper are college educated students or equivalent to researchers in this field.
Essay's thesis statement-
The chemicals and toxins that are released by plastics will cause effects on cells and DNA.
Full Sentence Outlines-
There are a multitude of adverse effect brought about by plastic utensils and food and beverage containmers made with platic.
1. These effects include reduced embryo survival
2. Test subjects were selected for their shorter life spans and lower immune systems to facilitate an accelerated study.
3. Toxins released from plastics affect the endocrine system.
Decimal Outlines
• Introduction
• Reseach problem
• Thesis statement
• Research investigation and support
• Interview Q/A
• Conclusion
outline
Purpose of this essay-
The main purpose of the essay is to inform readers about the adverse effects plastics can have on cells and DNA in organisms
Changed from genetic defects that are caused by plastic due to lack of reasearch done on the topic.
Audience for this essay-
The audience for this research paper are college educated students or equivalent to researchers in this field.
Essay's thesis statement-
The chemicals and toxins that are released by plastics will cause effects on cells and DNA.
Full Sentence Outlines-
There are a multitude of adverse effect brought about by plastic utensils and food and beverage containmers made with platic.
1. These effects include reduced embryo survival
2. Test subjects were selected for their shorter life spans and lower immune systems to facilitate an accelerated study.
3. Toxins released from plastics affect the endocrine system.
Decimal Outlines
• Introduction
• Reseach problem
• Thesis statement
• Research investigation and support
• Interview Q/A
• Conclusion
The main purpose of the essay is to inform readers about the adverse effects plastics can have on cells and DNA in organisms
Changed from genetic defects that are caused by plastic due to lack of reasearch done on the topic.
Audience for this essay-
The audience for this research paper are college educated students or equivalent to researchers in this field.
Essay's thesis statement-
The chemicals and toxins that are released by plastics will cause effects on cells and DNA.
Full Sentence Outlines-
There are a multitude of adverse effect brought about by plastic utensils and food and beverage containmers made with platic.
1. These effects include reduced embryo survival
2. Test subjects were selected for their shorter life spans and lower immune systems to facilitate an accelerated study.
3. Toxins released from plastics affect the endocrine system.
Decimal Outlines
• Introduction
• Reseach problem
• Thesis statement
• Research investigation and support
• Interview Q/A
• Conclusion
Interview questions
Interviewee: Ed Otto (genetics professor)
1. Where did you go to school and what did you study in school?
2. What kind of research do you conduct and what percentage of your time on the job is spent in the various job functions?
3. What surprised you about this career after began this path?
4. What knowledge do you have on effects of chemicals on cell function and DNA?
5. Have you ever done research on this topic?
6. Where would you start research on this topic?
7.Are you familiar with any defects to cells or DNA due to chemicals contained in plastics?
8. Is this a growing concern in genetics?
9. What other researches are related to this specific topic that can help with its research?
10. Is their anything extra you know on this topic that can help me with further research?
1. Where did you go to school and what did you study in school?
2. What kind of research do you conduct and what percentage of your time on the job is spent in the various job functions?
3. What surprised you about this career after began this path?
4. What knowledge do you have on effects of chemicals on cell function and DNA?
5. Have you ever done research on this topic?
6. Where would you start research on this topic?
7.Are you familiar with any defects to cells or DNA due to chemicals contained in plastics?
8. Is this a growing concern in genetics?
9. What other researches are related to this specific topic that can help with its research?
10. Is their anything extra you know on this topic that can help me with further research?
summary 2 3/3/09
Tarek Edelbi
3/3/09
Summary
I choose this article because it is related to my field. It’s about the shortages of dentists in the state of Maine. In many cases doctors in Maine now have to perform routine procedures such as pulling teeth and gum care on their patients. Maine has one dentist for every 2,300 people, compared with one doctor for every 640, and the gap is expected to widen as both dentists and doctors retire over the next decade, compared to the national ratio of one dentist to 1,600 patients. The reason Maine has trouble recruiting dentists is because many young graduates do not want to work in rural areas, also because Maine doesn’t have a dental school. The closest dental schools are in Boston, about 50 miles from the state’s southernmost town. Many residents of Maine rarely visit dentists which cause growing dental problems which often turn up in the ER. The plus side to this is doctors are expanding their knowledge.
3/3/09
Summary
I choose this article because it is related to my field. It’s about the shortages of dentists in the state of Maine. In many cases doctors in Maine now have to perform routine procedures such as pulling teeth and gum care on their patients. Maine has one dentist for every 2,300 people, compared with one doctor for every 640, and the gap is expected to widen as both dentists and doctors retire over the next decade, compared to the national ratio of one dentist to 1,600 patients. The reason Maine has trouble recruiting dentists is because many young graduates do not want to work in rural areas, also because Maine doesn’t have a dental school. The closest dental schools are in Boston, about 50 miles from the state’s southernmost town. Many residents of Maine rarely visit dentists which cause growing dental problems which often turn up in the ER. The plus side to this is doctors are expanding their knowledge.
summary 3/2/09
Tarek Edelbi
3/3/09
Summary
In this article they discussed the quality of medical scans. Over 95 million high tech scans are done every year including CT, M.R.I and PET scans, which can cost approximately $100 billion a year which $14 billion is paid for by Medicare. The doctors were explaining that you will be paying the same price for a scan that may come from a 10 year old machine that you will be paying for one that uses recent technologies. Scanners that are a decade old lack tremendous technological advances than the more recent scanners, and can shift the decision making when it comes to surgeries and treatments, making many of them unnecessary. The article also explains that some doctors will refer patients to scanning centers that they own to profit from them as well, while most of them are not even accredited, which will be earning them an additional profit of a half a million to a million dollars a year. This issue will be resolved by an aspect of a wide-ranging Medicare law passed last year which will go into effect in 2012; Medicare will pay only for scans done at accredited centers. The bottom line is know where you’re getting your scans from and make sure that they are done on updated scanners which are reviewed by credible doctors.
3/3/09
Summary
In this article they discussed the quality of medical scans. Over 95 million high tech scans are done every year including CT, M.R.I and PET scans, which can cost approximately $100 billion a year which $14 billion is paid for by Medicare. The doctors were explaining that you will be paying the same price for a scan that may come from a 10 year old machine that you will be paying for one that uses recent technologies. Scanners that are a decade old lack tremendous technological advances than the more recent scanners, and can shift the decision making when it comes to surgeries and treatments, making many of them unnecessary. The article also explains that some doctors will refer patients to scanning centers that they own to profit from them as well, while most of them are not even accredited, which will be earning them an additional profit of a half a million to a million dollars a year. This issue will be resolved by an aspect of a wide-ranging Medicare law passed last year which will go into effect in 2012; Medicare will pay only for scans done at accredited centers. The bottom line is know where you’re getting your scans from and make sure that they are done on updated scanners which are reviewed by credible doctors.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Narrative Interview
I received an object from sherry. upon receiving the scarf from sherry the first thing that came to my attention was the color. it was a forest green not to light not to dark. when i took a closer look at the scarf it appeared to be hand made. by the knots in the scarf i was almost positive it was hand knitted. the scarf didn't have any brand name on it or any tags attached. the scarf looked to have been well used from the strings hanging off it with its vintage appearance. My first assumption was that the scarf was a hand-made gift that she had received from and family member or a friend. it made me believe that, although it wasn't the prettiest scarf in world, she wore it because it possibly symbolized something more than just a piece to keep warm but rather a friendship or love. i assumed that sherry wore it to remember the person who gave it to her and that the scarf had a deeper meaning to her than just to keep warm. while interviewing sherry i asked her ten questions about the scarf she had given me to further understand the meaning of it. i came to understand that she had knitted the scarf herself and it was not a gift which shifted my perspective of the scarf. she had knitted it her freshmen year at mason about three years ago and she choose the color green because it was masons color. i then inferred that she was excited to come to mason and wanted to she her school spirit.
Revised Research Problem
Tarek Edelbi
English 302
Revised Research Problem
My revised research problem will be to further research the effect that toxins, contained in plastics used in every day materials, have on the genetic makeup and various mutations they cause. My area of interest will consist of different researches such as: how various plastic toxins can be transferred, plastics in the diet, ways the toxins affect an organism, and where and how they can affect an organism. Although it’s a wide range of interest they can both be similarly related to one another. Most toxins contained in plastic are well studied and documented, there are a number of toxins that are very harmful and are known to cause damage to DNA weather in embryo or to a fully developed organism.
The questions to be researched is what toxins are causing the damage, in what stage of development, how are they being caused, and what solution is there for prevention of damage. These questions are important because plastic production is increasing more and more every year, and recycling is only scratching the surface to a solution. Since plastic materials never fully decompose, these toxins will soon start having an impact on not only the environment but all the organisms living in it. Since living with only a limited number of plastic products seems almost impossible, the general public seems to be avoiding the topic of how detrimental these toxins can be, and since the effects haven’t taken their toll on the environment and many organisms just yet it isn’t a major concern.
Proposed methods for this study are still not definite, but further research in previous experiments will create a good start. By researching current studies on the topic, a better understanding of the situation can be established. Limitations on the study could be where and how the genome is affected, since the human map has only been put together for six years and many other organisms’ maps haven’t been started.
Works Cited
Ahmad, Maqbool, and Ahmad S. Bajahlan. "Leaching of styrene and other aromatic compounds in drinking water from PS bottles." 16 May 2007. Science Direct. Journal of environmental sciences. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009.
Alderson, Norris. "Testimony." 14 Mar. 2008. ASL. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009.
Ball, Douglas. "Development of Safety Qualification Thresholds and Their Use in Orally Inhaled and Nasal Drug Product Evaluation." 23 Feb. 2007. Toxicological Sciences. ToxSci Advance Access. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009.
"Screening Assessment for The Challenge Phenol, 4,4' -(1-methylethylidene)bis- (Bisphenol A) Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 80-05-7." Oct. 2008. Environment Canada. Health Canada. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009.
Somorovská, M., J. Tulinská, M. BaranÄoková, M. ZámeÄnÃková, A. Collins, A. LÃÅ¡ková, B. Vallová, H. Petrovská, E. Jáhnová, P. VodiÄka, L. Fuortes, and M. DuÅ¡inská. "THE COMET ASSAY IN BIOMONITORING OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE IN RUBBER FACTORY AND PLASTIC LAMINATION PLANT. COMPARISON WITH CYTOGENETIC AND IMMUNE BIOMARKERS." 2006. ELIS. MASON, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009.
Totten, Bill. "[A-List] Get Plastic Out of Your Diet." 16 Nov. 2006. Mindfully. Livivng nutrition magazine. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009.
Tyl, R. "Polycarbonate Plastics and Bisphenol A Release." 2006. Bisphenol A. Human health and saftey. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009.
English 302
Revised Research Problem
My revised research problem will be to further research the effect that toxins, contained in plastics used in every day materials, have on the genetic makeup and various mutations they cause. My area of interest will consist of different researches such as: how various plastic toxins can be transferred, plastics in the diet, ways the toxins affect an organism, and where and how they can affect an organism. Although it’s a wide range of interest they can both be similarly related to one another. Most toxins contained in plastic are well studied and documented, there are a number of toxins that are very harmful and are known to cause damage to DNA weather in embryo or to a fully developed organism.
The questions to be researched is what toxins are causing the damage, in what stage of development, how are they being caused, and what solution is there for prevention of damage. These questions are important because plastic production is increasing more and more every year, and recycling is only scratching the surface to a solution. Since plastic materials never fully decompose, these toxins will soon start having an impact on not only the environment but all the organisms living in it. Since living with only a limited number of plastic products seems almost impossible, the general public seems to be avoiding the topic of how detrimental these toxins can be, and since the effects haven’t taken their toll on the environment and many organisms just yet it isn’t a major concern.
Proposed methods for this study are still not definite, but further research in previous experiments will create a good start. By researching current studies on the topic, a better understanding of the situation can be established. Limitations on the study could be where and how the genome is affected, since the human map has only been put together for six years and many other organisms’ maps haven’t been started.
Works Cited
Ahmad, Maqbool, and Ahmad S. Bajahlan. "Leaching of styrene and other aromatic compounds in drinking water from PS bottles." 16 May 2007. Science Direct. Journal of environmental sciences. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Alderson, Norris. "Testimony." 14 Mar. 2008. ASL. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Ball, Douglas. "Development of Safety Qualification Thresholds and Their Use in Orally Inhaled and Nasal Drug Product Evaluation." 23 Feb. 2007. Toxicological Sciences. ToxSci Advance Access. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
"Screening Assessment for The Challenge Phenol, 4,4' -(1-methylethylidene)bis- (Bisphenol A) Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number 80-05-7." Oct. 2008. Environment Canada. Health Canada. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Somorovská, M., J. Tulinská, M. BaranÄoková, M. ZámeÄnÃková, A. Collins, A. LÃÅ¡ková, B. Vallová, H. Petrovská, E. Jáhnová, P. VodiÄka, L. Fuortes, and M. DuÅ¡inská. "THE COMET ASSAY IN BIOMONITORING OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE IN RUBBER FACTORY AND PLASTIC LAMINATION PLANT. COMPARISON WITH CYTOGENETIC AND IMMUNE BIOMARKERS." 2006. ELIS. MASON, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Totten, Bill. "[A-List] Get Plastic Out of Your Diet." 16 Nov. 2006. Mindfully. Livivng nutrition magazine. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Tyl, R. "Polycarbonate Plastics and Bisphenol A Release." 2006. Bisphenol A. Human health and saftey. Mason, Fairfax. 25 Feb. 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Exchanged object
I received a green scarf from sherry. the color is not a bright green but more of a forest green. it looks like it was hand knitted, and looks to be very warm. it looks like she might of had it for a while. seems that she would only use it in cold weather and maybe to match her green mason shirt. the scarf's material feels like a thick cotton or possibly wool.
it might be a gift that she received because it looks hand knitted, and it might have some sentimental value because it looks a little worn out. the scarf doesn't have any tag or brand on it so i'm assuming it is a hand made gift. sherry might wear it because the person that gave it to her was someone special in her life, and when she wears it she remembers him or her. from receiving the scarf i could tell it had more of a meaning to her than to just keep her warm or because it matches her shirt but because the scarf might represent someone close to her.
1. who made the scarf?
2. who gave you the scarf?
3. why do you wear the scarf?
4. What does this scarf mean to you?
5. How long have you had this scarf?
6. Would you buy this scarf if you saw it in the store now?
7. What would it mean to you if you lost this scarf?
8. Do you like the color green?
9. Have you ever washed this scarf?
10. Is there anything you want to tell me about this scarf?
sherry made the scarf so it wasn't a gift. she knits and made it when she was a freshmen at mason because masons color is green. she has many other knitted scarfs but this is the only one she has here with her at mason. she wears it to protect herself from the cold. she has washed the scarf only once before but usually doesn't because it ruins the stiching.
it might be a gift that she received because it looks hand knitted, and it might have some sentimental value because it looks a little worn out. the scarf doesn't have any tag or brand on it so i'm assuming it is a hand made gift. sherry might wear it because the person that gave it to her was someone special in her life, and when she wears it she remembers him or her. from receiving the scarf i could tell it had more of a meaning to her than to just keep her warm or because it matches her shirt but because the scarf might represent someone close to her.
1. who made the scarf?
2. who gave you the scarf?
3. why do you wear the scarf?
4. What does this scarf mean to you?
5. How long have you had this scarf?
6. Would you buy this scarf if you saw it in the store now?
7. What would it mean to you if you lost this scarf?
8. Do you like the color green?
9. Have you ever washed this scarf?
10. Is there anything you want to tell me about this scarf?
sherry made the scarf so it wasn't a gift. she knits and made it when she was a freshmen at mason because masons color is green. she has many other knitted scarfs but this is the only one she has here with her at mason. she wears it to protect herself from the cold. she has washed the scarf only once before but usually doesn't because it ruins the stiching.
Article Analysis
Citation Information
Article Title: Individual and joint toxic effects of pentachlorophenol and bisphenol A on the development of zebrafish (danio rerio) embryo
Author(s):Zhenghua Duana, Lin Zhua, Lingyan Zhua, Yao Kuna and Xiaoshan Zhua
Journal Title:Individual and joint toxic effects of pentachlorophenol and bisphenol A on the development of zebrafish (danio rerio) embryo
Publication Information (date, volume, etc.):Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume 71, Issue 3, November 2008, Pages 774-780
Database Accessed:2/24/2009
Analysis Information
Purpose: To prove that toxins such as PCP and BPA found in everyday material can have detrimental defects on live embryos.
Audience: Wide range of audience from scientist studying zebra fish to geneticists.
Sources: various sources
Primary Details
Research Concern: Effects of PCP and BPA on development of zebrafish
Thesis: That the presence of PCP and BPA will have an effect on the development of the zebrafish.
Procedures/Methods: Placed healthy control fish's embryos into toxic conditions.
Supporting Evidence: embryos decreased significantly with defects as well.
Key Findings:PCP and BPA were both toxic to the development of zebrafish embryos, and the toxicity level of PCP was about two orders of magnitude higher than that of BPA.
Limits:PCP BPA water
Problems:chemical consistency
Point of View:
Presentation and Argumentation
Concepts/Key Vocabulary Words:
Use of Evidence: experimental methods
Conclusion:PCP and BPA were both toxic to the development of zebrafish embryos, and the toxicity level of PCP was about two orders of magnitude higher than that of BPA.
Implications:
Evaluation
Strength of Argument: the argument had sufficient and reasonable research.
Strength of Research Approach: research was concise and accurate to theory
Strength of Supporting Evidence: due to experiments the supporting evidence is strong
Importance of Article's Inquiry: Had some main points related to my research topic
Overall Evaluation: great article
Other:
Article Title: Individual and joint toxic effects of pentachlorophenol and bisphenol A on the development of zebrafish (danio rerio) embryo
Author(s):Zhenghua Duana, Lin Zhua, Lingyan Zhua, Yao Kuna and Xiaoshan Zhua
Journal Title:Individual and joint toxic effects of pentachlorophenol and bisphenol A on the development of zebrafish (danio rerio) embryo
Publication Information (date, volume, etc.):Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume 71, Issue 3, November 2008, Pages 774-780
Database Accessed:2/24/2009
Analysis Information
Purpose: To prove that toxins such as PCP and BPA found in everyday material can have detrimental defects on live embryos.
Audience: Wide range of audience from scientist studying zebra fish to geneticists.
Sources: various sources
Primary Details
Research Concern: Effects of PCP and BPA on development of zebrafish
Thesis: That the presence of PCP and BPA will have an effect on the development of the zebrafish.
Procedures/Methods: Placed healthy control fish's embryos into toxic conditions.
Supporting Evidence: embryos decreased significantly with defects as well.
Key Findings:PCP and BPA were both toxic to the development of zebrafish embryos, and the toxicity level of PCP was about two orders of magnitude higher than that of BPA.
Limits:PCP BPA water
Problems:chemical consistency
Point of View:
Presentation and Argumentation
Concepts/Key Vocabulary Words:
Use of Evidence: experimental methods
Conclusion:PCP and BPA were both toxic to the development of zebrafish embryos, and the toxicity level of PCP was about two orders of magnitude higher than that of BPA.
Implications:
Evaluation
Strength of Argument: the argument had sufficient and reasonable research.
Strength of Research Approach: research was concise and accurate to theory
Strength of Supporting Evidence: due to experiments the supporting evidence is strong
Importance of Article's Inquiry: Had some main points related to my research topic
Overall Evaluation: great article
Other:
Summary #2 2/24/09
Tarek Edelbi
Summary
In this article researchers discuss the claim that a diet with sugar can lead to increased amounts of acne. Although the connection between sugar and acne has long been dismissed, scientists are now doing further research. Recent studies have shown that sugar may not be the reason but the food’s glycemic index, or the speed and extent to which it raises blood glucose levels, which causes inflammation. In order to test the sugar theory scientist recruited 50 males between the ages of 15-25 all with acne. They followed their diets and progress for 12 weeks. Some of the subjects followed a typical diet which included high-glycemic foods such as white bread, sweetened cereals and pasta, while the other subjects were given foods higher in protein and lower on the glycemic scale, like fish, whole-grain breads and fruit. At the end of the 12 weeks the study showed that the subjects with the low-glycemic diet had a greater reduction in skin lesions and other various acne symptoms then the control subjects. Scientists also tested the levels of free circulating androgens, male hormones, which are also known to cause acne, which also turned up at a lower amount. Still more research is needed to prove this theory.
O'Connor, Anahad. "The Claim: Sugar in the Diet Can Lead to Acne". The New York Times. 2/24/09.
Summary
In this article researchers discuss the claim that a diet with sugar can lead to increased amounts of acne. Although the connection between sugar and acne has long been dismissed, scientists are now doing further research. Recent studies have shown that sugar may not be the reason but the food’s glycemic index, or the speed and extent to which it raises blood glucose levels, which causes inflammation. In order to test the sugar theory scientist recruited 50 males between the ages of 15-25 all with acne. They followed their diets and progress for 12 weeks. Some of the subjects followed a typical diet which included high-glycemic foods such as white bread, sweetened cereals and pasta, while the other subjects were given foods higher in protein and lower on the glycemic scale, like fish, whole-grain breads and fruit. At the end of the 12 weeks the study showed that the subjects with the low-glycemic diet had a greater reduction in skin lesions and other various acne symptoms then the control subjects. Scientists also tested the levels of free circulating androgens, male hormones, which are also known to cause acne, which also turned up at a lower amount. Still more research is needed to prove this theory.
O'Connor, Anahad. "The Claim: Sugar in the Diet Can Lead to Acne". The New York Times. 2/24/09
Summary 2/24/09
Tarek Edelbi
Summary 2/24/09
This article was on the topic of a genome. It explores the mystery of the human body and how it’s able to collaborate the trillion of cells that encompass the same genome. In the article they compare the bodies cells to “something like a play in which all the actors have the same script but are assigned different parts and blocked from even seeing anyone else’s lines”. The cells assign themselves to the different roles they will play throughout an individual’s lifetime. As researchers dig deeper to find how this process works they are finding a “second layer” of in formation called an epigenome. The epigenomes’ roll is to control the access to genes that are packed into the DNA allowing each cell type to activate its own special genes but blocking off most of the rest. A human contains one genome but many epigenomes which will also control when the accessible genes may be activated. Researchers have found evidence that changes in the epigenome can cause cancer and other diseases. The epigenome has the ability to alter with age, for example identical twins often look a little different as they grow older because of accumulated changes to their epigenomes. Although this research will continue it is very expensive and some researchers think that discoveries in this field is still way to over our heads and the technology for the research is not up to par. The National Institute of Health has a small $190 million initiative called the epigenome roadmap in which individual researchers receive the funding.
Wade, Nicholas. "From One Genome, Many Types of Cells. But How?". The New York Times. 2/24/09.
Summary 2/24/09
This article was on the topic of a genome. It explores the mystery of the human body and how it’s able to collaborate the trillion of cells that encompass the same genome. In the article they compare the bodies cells to “something like a play in which all the actors have the same script but are assigned different parts and blocked from even seeing anyone else’s lines”. The cells assign themselves to the different roles they will play throughout an individual’s lifetime. As researchers dig deeper to find how this process works they are finding a “second layer” of in formation called an epigenome. The epigenomes’ roll is to control the access to genes that are packed into the DNA allowing each cell type to activate its own special genes but blocking off most of the rest. A human contains one genome but many epigenomes which will also control when the accessible genes may be activated. Researchers have found evidence that changes in the epigenome can cause cancer and other diseases. The epigenome has the ability to alter with age, for example identical twins often look a little different as they grow older because of accumulated changes to their epigenomes. Although this research will continue it is very expensive and some researchers think that discoveries in this field is still way to over our heads and the technology for the research is not up to par. The National Institute of Health has a small $190 million initiative called the epigenome roadmap in which individual researchers receive the funding.
Wade, Nicholas. "From One Genome, Many Types of Cells. But How?". The New York Times. 2/24/09
Thursday, February 19, 2009
project update
1. currently i have been following up on the research from last class. i have been looking into more specific child birth defects and how they are being caused. although many defects have no known reason for occurrence, geneticists have strong evidence but nothing solid to prove the cause of certain birth defects. for the state of my project, i have found a well researched topic that can be narrowed down to many precise topics, and can have a reasonable amount of research done.
2. for my task list i might want to go into more research and pick out certain birth defects that i want to focus on.
2. for my task list i might want to go into more research and pick out certain birth defects that i want to focus on.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Preliminary research overview
the topic field i choose to research is focused around genetic defects in child birth. approximately 30% of the genetic defects have an unknown cause. scientist have a general idea of why these genetic defects do occur but there is no solid statement they can state in order to prove it. these abnormalities can be due to various factors such as the environment and molecular genetics. a wide range of professionals can be engaged in a research of this nature, from geneticists to pediatricians. growing technologies and methods are most likely the greatest changes in this study. TBC
preliminary research paragraph
I am interested in writing a research paper in the field of genetics. Maybe in the area of how genetic defects arise and possibilites of why they arise unexpectedly. why some genetic defects arise are still not known to scientist and maybe digging a little deeper a reason for that can be concluded. the use of pedigrees would be a helpful tool.
Summary 4 2/17
Tarek Edelbi
Summary 3
In this article the author tries to convey that there might be slight genetic defects with children born through sperm or eggs artificially. In the article they say that while the embryo sits in the Petri dish for five days to a week it can become vulnerable to go threw slight genetic variation. A research was done on babies born threw IVF and found a slight increase in genetic defects upon birth. Genetic defects such as a hole between the two chambers of the heart, a cleft lip or palate, an improperly developed esophagus and a malformed rectum. Although many patients that undergo IVF have never questioned any aspect of this study, there have been previous studies on defects due to IVF. They are now looking into other syndromes and disorders among those children who have preceded IVF to see if there is any correlation between the studies and the procedure.
Kolata, Gina. "Picture Emerging on Genetics risks of IVF". The New York Times. 2/17/2009.
Summary 3
In this article the author tries to convey that there might be slight genetic defects with children born through sperm or eggs artificially. In the article they say that while the embryo sits in the Petri dish for five days to a week it can become vulnerable to go threw slight genetic variation. A research was done on babies born threw IVF and found a slight increase in genetic defects upon birth. Genetic defects such as a hole between the two chambers of the heart, a cleft lip or palate, an improperly developed esophagus and a malformed rectum. Although many patients that undergo IVF have never questioned any aspect of this study, there have been previous studies on defects due to IVF. They are now looking into other syndromes and disorders among those children who have preceded IVF to see if there is any correlation between the studies and the procedure.
Kolata, Gina. "Picture Emerging on Genetics risks of IVF". The New York Times. 2/17/2009
Summery 2/17
Tarek Edelbi
Summary 3
I found this article to be very interesting; they explain in some detail a new study of treatment in which the patients own blood is injected back into the damaged area to help heal various symptoms. The new treatment is called PRP. The new treatment is being improved to eventually help tennis elbow and tendonitis. The method in which the patients are being treated is straightforward and easy to perform. Doctors center on injecting portions of a patient’s blood directly into the injured area, which catalyzes the body’s instincts to repair muscle, bone and other tissue. Many doctors say this can help to regenerate ligament and tendon fibers, which could shorten rehabilitation time and possibly avoid any type of surgery. This is also appealing to the insurance companies due to the fact that most surgeries for treatment can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 whereas this treatment only costs $2,000. although this treatment is still being tested it has helped numerous big named athletes all over the world, and seems to be heading on a promising path.
Swhwarz, Alan. "A Promising Treatment for Athletes, in Blood". The New York Times. 2/17/2009.
Summary 3
I found this article to be very interesting; they explain in some detail a new study of treatment in which the patients own blood is injected back into the damaged area to help heal various symptoms. The new treatment is called PRP. The new treatment is being improved to eventually help tennis elbow and tendonitis. The method in which the patients are being treated is straightforward and easy to perform. Doctors center on injecting portions of a patient’s blood directly into the injured area, which catalyzes the body’s instincts to repair muscle, bone and other tissue. Many doctors say this can help to regenerate ligament and tendon fibers, which could shorten rehabilitation time and possibly avoid any type of surgery. This is also appealing to the insurance companies due to the fact that most surgeries for treatment can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 whereas this treatment only costs $2,000. although this treatment is still being tested it has helped numerous big named athletes all over the world, and seems to be heading on a promising path.
Swhwarz, Alan. "A Promising Treatment for Athletes, in Blood". The New York Times. 2/17/2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
free write questions/ interest in my major
being a biology major at mason im automatically associated with a medical field. although a controversial topic came up in on of my classes. one of the students proposed a situation in which the patient was lying in their death bed and it was a matter of time before they would die. the patient themselves in this situation might want to end their lives and those that were unable to communicate, their families spoke the same for them. so we discussed the practice of euthanasia, which basically ending the life in a painless manner. there were of course diverse views to this subject. although euthanasia is only practiced in a limited number of countries which it is also legal in the US should it still be practiced. t could be viewed as a form of assisted suicide. in some cases the patient may be in a state in which they cant speak for them selves and this would be called involuntary euthanasia and it is merely based on "what that person would of wanted"
Summary 2 2/12 tarek edelbi
Tarek Edelbi
Summary 2
In this article doctors discuss the claim of how beneficial and detrimental it can be to blow your nose while you have a cold. Some doctors argue that blowing your nose can reverse the flow of mucus into the sinuses and slowing the drainage process. A doctor at the University of Virginia conducted research which consisted of CT scans and various other measurements such as dye dripped into their nasal cavities while the subjects coughed, sneezed and blew their noses. They found that both coughing and sneezing both generated little amounts of pressure in the nasal cavities but blowing your nose created a high amount of pressure equivalent to that of diastolic blood pressure. They speculate that blowing your nose could repeatedly shoot the viruses or bacteria back into the sinuses which could ultimately cause further infection.
A doctor from New York University suggested a proper method for blowing your nose can be demonstrated by blowing one nostril at a time, and taking decongestants can be helpful in preventing a buildup of pressure. Although they didn’t come up with concrete evidence they proved that blowing your nose can create a buildup of excess pressure in sinus cavities.
Citation
O'Connor, Anahad. "The Claim: Never Blow Your Nose When You Have a Cold ". The New York Times. 2/12/2009.
Summary 2
In this article doctors discuss the claim of how beneficial and detrimental it can be to blow your nose while you have a cold. Some doctors argue that blowing your nose can reverse the flow of mucus into the sinuses and slowing the drainage process. A doctor at the University of Virginia conducted research which consisted of CT scans and various other measurements such as dye dripped into their nasal cavities while the subjects coughed, sneezed and blew their noses. They found that both coughing and sneezing both generated little amounts of pressure in the nasal cavities but blowing your nose created a high amount of pressure equivalent to that of diastolic blood pressure. They speculate that blowing your nose could repeatedly shoot the viruses or bacteria back into the sinuses which could ultimately cause further infection.
A doctor from New York University suggested a proper method for blowing your nose can be demonstrated by blowing one nostril at a time, and taking decongestants can be helpful in preventing a buildup of pressure. Although they didn’t come up with concrete evidence they proved that blowing your nose can create a buildup of excess pressure in sinus cavities.
Citation
O'Connor, Anahad. "The Claim: Never Blow Your Nose When You Have a Cold ". The New York Times. 2/12/2009
Summary 1 2/12 tarek edelbi
Summary
The article I read was related towards neuroscience, it was about studies done on fingerprints. The article talk about new studies done that went into detail of the actual structure of the ridges on a finger tip can enhance the sense of touch. To this day scientist aren’t entirely sure for the purpose o all the ridges on our fingertips, but others speculate that they are for grip, and some speculate that they are evolved in such a way to identify a person. A group of French scientist in Paris conducted a series of experiments with a highly developed sensor which was designed to mimic a finger print. They found that particular ridges in the fingerprints help amplify vibrations in different frequency ranges which help stimulate receptor in the skin that are important for texture perception, leading them to believe that texture information plays a huge role in our ability to identify objects just by the touch.
The scientist used two artificial finger tips, one was smooth and rubber the other artificial fingertip used in the experiment was made of a rubber like material close to the skins texture and had a dome shape. The finger print on the sensor contained parallel lines similar to that of a humans fingerprint. Both fingertips were slid across a glass surface, the one with parallel ridges picked up vibrations about a hundred times stronger opposed to the smooth fingertip. They later on discover in the study that parallel ridges have the highest frequency and leave the question of why do humans have slightly open swirls on their fingertips and some monkeys have parallel ridges. It could be an evolutionary upgrade in humans or maybe monkeys search for different feelings when exploring surfaces. This new study can one day lead to improved prosthetic hands.
Citation
Miller, Greg. "Fingerprints Enhance the Sense of Touch". AAAS. 2/12/2009.
The article I read was related towards neuroscience, it was about studies done on fingerprints. The article talk about new studies done that went into detail of the actual structure of the ridges on a finger tip can enhance the sense of touch. To this day scientist aren’t entirely sure for the purpose o all the ridges on our fingertips, but others speculate that they are for grip, and some speculate that they are evolved in such a way to identify a person. A group of French scientist in Paris conducted a series of experiments with a highly developed sensor which was designed to mimic a finger print. They found that particular ridges in the fingerprints help amplify vibrations in different frequency ranges which help stimulate receptor in the skin that are important for texture perception, leading them to believe that texture information plays a huge role in our ability to identify objects just by the touch.
The scientist used two artificial finger tips, one was smooth and rubber the other artificial fingertip used in the experiment was made of a rubber like material close to the skins texture and had a dome shape. The finger print on the sensor contained parallel lines similar to that of a humans fingerprint. Both fingertips were slid across a glass surface, the one with parallel ridges picked up vibrations about a hundred times stronger opposed to the smooth fingertip. They later on discover in the study that parallel ridges have the highest frequency and leave the question of why do humans have slightly open swirls on their fingertips and some monkeys have parallel ridges. It could be an evolutionary upgrade in humans or maybe monkeys search for different feelings when exploring surfaces. This new study can one day lead to improved prosthetic hands.
Citation
Miller, Greg. "Fingerprints Enhance the Sense of Touch". AAAS. 2/12/2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
memoir status update
my memoir to date is alright. it follows the assignment but it could use more touch ups to help the reading flow more. it could fit the grading rubric a little more in terms of being more descriptive. the introduction and the conclusion are the weakest part of the paper, the paper starts off with limited description and ends abruptly.
1. what did you think about the ending and how can I improve it?
2. did i over use adjectives in my paper?
3. in what way can i change the paper if necessary to give the paper a better flow?
4. was a concise point apparent in the paper?
5. as a reader were you drawn into the reading?
1. what did you think about the ending and how can I improve it?
2. did i over use adjectives in my paper?
3. in what way can i change the paper if necessary to give the paper a better flow?
4. was a concise point apparent in the paper?
5. as a reader were you drawn into the reading?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
curiousity
i have always been curious about space. i know that earth metaphorically speaking is just a grain of sand in the ocean. I've always wanted to know what else is out there. even with our advanced technology we still make new discoveries everyday and weather its planets, or more recently a black hole. there has to be other forms of life existing in other layers of space. I've always wanted to do research a find out where science stands to this day but never really had the time to. if i wanted to start looking i would probably use some online scholarly sources or some magazines. knowing that even with the worlds strongest telescope we can still not see an end to space and other life forms. other life forms may exist or may not but evidence shows that there may be life on other planets. I'm sure with more money funded towards exploration in space may new discoveries would be found.
close listening
I choose to sit in a quite area where I have been a couple times before. It is in the Johnson Center on the third floor at 10:49 A.M. The area was in the northwest sitting area which is surrounded by windows and opens to the second floor sitting area as well. As I walked into the area I choose to sit on a blue colored couch I knew I would be sitting for an hour so I pulled up a chair to prompt my legs up on. I plugged in my laptop and opened my laptop and put it to the side to jot down some notes. The first thing I noticed was there was a man giving a speech on the second floor at first I noticed he was starting all of his achievements then he went on to explaining how to chose and declare a major. There was also a girls sleeping on a couch facing the wall. I heard various people asking questions and the man answered and then with a ruffle of papers and foot steps the second floor was cleared. I looked out the window and noticed a small plane flying across the distance which I followed with my eyes until it fell behind the leafless trees and then the wall. Suddenly the sound from the Johnson Center cafeteria is more noticeable.
As I started looking out the window I noticed a red crane moving ever so slightly. A large ever green tree stood out with all the leafless maples and oaks. A man on the second floor who I couldn’t see was on the phone wanting to follow up with a job interview. I looked at the walls and noted that they were painted a striped pattern of yellow and grey. The girl wakes up and receives a phone call as she picks up and speaks in a different language which seems to be Urdu. She then pulls out her laptop. We were the only two people in the room. There were various sounds in the distance; the room never fell to a complete silence. I notice that sky is a dull blue with scattered clouds. I reclined in my seat to see all the gum stuck to the bottom of the only table in the room. I watched people walk by and not even notice the part of the Johnson Center. The girl started to hum as she worked in what seemed to be her lab book. The man’s voice came up again various times appearing to check up on jobs he had applied for. The sun reflecting on the buildings gets a little brighter. In the silence a small buzz can be heard, I didn’t know the source it could be from but most likely the heat or the lights. A big brown bird probably a hawk caught my attention gliding outside coming in and out of view flying above campus.
I noticed a hugh light fixture which almost looks like a camera mounted to the top of the building outside. The girl in the room prompts up her legs against the ledge while she reads and flips through her lab manual. She is wearing a purple shall and a purple long sleeve sweater with dark blue jeans and white Nike track shoes with a baby blue check mark. I Looked at the side of the Johnson Center and noticed the arrangement of bricks and how they where laid probably one by one. I checked the clock on my laptop every while. I started to relax and my eyes felt heavy I sneezed and the sound echoed. I laid my head back and look up at the ceiling I smelled the shampoo on my hair I used this morning. The sound of someone from the second floor blowing their nose broke the silence. The girl got up and walked towards the outlet and moved a sofa couch in order to plug her laptop charger. I picked at the dried skin on my hands which were dried out from the cold dry air. The man on the phone seems frustrated explaining that he applied to 20 jobs and everyone he has called have told him that is application was not found. I start getting the feeling that I am a stalker for paying to much attention to this girl and man’s voice. When time was up I gathered my things and casually walked away.
As I started looking out the window I noticed a red crane moving ever so slightly. A large ever green tree stood out with all the leafless maples and oaks. A man on the second floor who I couldn’t see was on the phone wanting to follow up with a job interview. I looked at the walls and noted that they were painted a striped pattern of yellow and grey. The girl wakes up and receives a phone call as she picks up and speaks in a different language which seems to be Urdu. She then pulls out her laptop. We were the only two people in the room. There were various sounds in the distance; the room never fell to a complete silence. I notice that sky is a dull blue with scattered clouds. I reclined in my seat to see all the gum stuck to the bottom of the only table in the room. I watched people walk by and not even notice the part of the Johnson Center. The girl started to hum as she worked in what seemed to be her lab book. The man’s voice came up again various times appearing to check up on jobs he had applied for. The sun reflecting on the buildings gets a little brighter. In the silence a small buzz can be heard, I didn’t know the source it could be from but most likely the heat or the lights. A big brown bird probably a hawk caught my attention gliding outside coming in and out of view flying above campus.
I noticed a hugh light fixture which almost looks like a camera mounted to the top of the building outside. The girl in the room prompts up her legs against the ledge while she reads and flips through her lab manual. She is wearing a purple shall and a purple long sleeve sweater with dark blue jeans and white Nike track shoes with a baby blue check mark. I Looked at the side of the Johnson Center and noticed the arrangement of bricks and how they where laid probably one by one. I checked the clock on my laptop every while. I started to relax and my eyes felt heavy I sneezed and the sound echoed. I laid my head back and look up at the ceiling I smelled the shampoo on my hair I used this morning. The sound of someone from the second floor blowing their nose broke the silence. The girl got up and walked towards the outlet and moved a sofa couch in order to plug her laptop charger. I picked at the dried skin on my hands which were dried out from the cold dry air. The man on the phone seems frustrated explaining that he applied to 20 jobs and everyone he has called have told him that is application was not found. I start getting the feeling that I am a stalker for paying to much attention to this girl and man’s voice. When time was up I gathered my things and casually walked away.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
descriptive free write
walking out of my garage i noticed it was sunny, unlike it has been this whole week. my driveway was covered in ice despite the fact that i shoveled it three times. the sun never reaches my driveway because of the shade of my house. i was careful to position my feet so not to slip and fall although my driveway was cover in a sheet of clear ice with patches that had been crushed by my tires. i got into my car and started it and put it into reverse as i backed out of my space and started to drive on the sandy street. the streets where covered in brown sand some areas were dry and some where the sun has not hit still a little dry. my windshield was covered with dried salt water so i dispensed some windshield washer fluid and wiped my windshield. streaks were left on my windshield i noticed that they have been damaged by the snow. there was ice still all along the side of the roads, sidewalks and grass. the roads where in very good condition. it was a five minute drive to school and since i take this road everyday i don't really pay much attention to it opposed to to a road that i rarely drive on. there was excess sand on some parts of the road. when i turned into school i fished around for a parking spot noticing that the parking lot wasn't as clean as the roads were. the reflection of the sun reflected back off the road and made them look very shinny. once i found a parking spot which surprisingly didn't take much time i walked down a snowy hill.
30 words
1. Aroma
2. Scrunch
3. Luminosity
4. Stumble
5. Contiguous
6. Happy
7. Depart
8. Await
9. Hope
10. Screech
11. Kling
12. Ruffle
13. Run
14. Dry
15. Joyful
16. Hologram
17. Notice
18. Wanting
19. Aligned
20. Full
21. Bare
22. Empty
23. Plastered
24. Scraped
25. Trickle
26. Mount
27. Flinch
28. Hop
29. Glossy
30. Smooth
2. Scrunch
3. Luminosity
4. Stumble
5. Contiguous
6. Happy
7. Depart
8. Await
9. Hope
10. Screech
11. Kling
12. Ruffle
13. Run
14. Dry
15. Joyful
16. Hologram
17. Notice
18. Wanting
19. Aligned
20. Full
21. Bare
22. Empty
23. Plastered
24. Scraped
25. Trickle
26. Mount
27. Flinch
28. Hop
29. Glossy
30. Smooth
Assignment 1/29/09
1. Grabbed handle, felt rusty while sliding hand up while walking. Stairwell echoed with every movement. Hands smelt of iron, twisted door knob. Felt warmth Seep in through the stairwell. Echoes calmed. Still sound throughout the hallway.
2. Door screeched while opening, along with a chime that continued to play after door closed. Low sounds of talk and movement came from a distance. Silence was disturbed by the receptionist. Eyes focused on game console and colorful game cover. Irresistible urge to play. Inching towards console.
3. Stumbled down a small hall into a mismatched dull colored room with two chairs a reclining bed and an array of shinny tools. Curiosity to touch the tools and play with them, but feeling shy knowing someone would enter the room at any moment. Focused on the tools and wires and imagining the purpose of each.
4. Small fragile compressed women entered room with a wide smile, and greeted me with a foreign ascent. Her teeth were coffee stained and her lipstick was a bright pink. Anxious to see what she would do after stretching her small hands into a wrinkled latex powdered glove. She asked me my name and I replied under my breath. She slid into her rolling chair and placed napkin around my neck attach by a clinging chain. She turned around as if she was looking for something and she got up and left the room.
5. I was left to sit and anticipate what was going to happen next. She returned with folder in hand as she adjusted my seat, which I enjoyed, and imagined I was in some amusement ride. My eyes focused on a picture frame hanging on the wall of a clear glass rounded vase filled half way with black pebble stones and yellow flowers. She clicked a rounded white light on and adjusted it to focus the light in my mouth. She placed down her folder and sat down.
6. I tried to angle my eyes in order to not twist my neck to see what tools she was reaching for. She said I will be getting a cleaning today. She told me to open my mouth wide like a lion. She continued to complement me as she picked up a tool which was pointy and very sharp in appearance. She gently rested her hands against my face as she prickled and scraped at my teeth. She then picked up a bulkier tool and turned it on she explain that it will be sucking up the water she will be spraying and gently demonstrated on my hand. I figured she thought I would be scared.
7. Cool water flowed between my gums and lips as she shot it at my teeth. Slight humming sound from tools was ringing in my ears as she passed a rotating tool over every single tooth with the flavor of strawberry tooth paste. She readjusted the sucking mechanism under my tongue which tickled me and I couldn’t help to smile. After the cleaning I ran the front of my tongue over my top set of teeth. It felt smooth and glossy a felling I’ve never felt before.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Earliest Memory
My earliest memory as a child was when I was living in my old house in Annandale, I don’t remember my exact age but it was probably four. I went to a daycare down the street from my house. The day care was called ACCA I remember running outside in the play ground and stepping on the bubble bees when they land on flowers and hiding behind the logs every time they would call us in for a nap. I remember my best friend in preschool who I’m still friends with today used to play candy land and chase kids with. I remember having a tall skinny teacher and a fat short one. I remember we used to go on field trips to chucky cheese and the pool. The thing I remember most would be playing out in the play ground and running around with other kids, digging in the dirt looking for worms, and riding the tricycles they had out for us. I remember after playing outside we would have nap time in which we would pull out mini beds and sleep on then fix them when we were done. I remember after nap time we would eat lunch then all be transferred to a larger room full of toys and small trampolines and all the walls we painted with sesame street characters. We would play in there until out parents would come and pick us up. I remember always playing Simon says and eating green beans for lunch was my favorite. http://www.youtube.com/
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