Last Bio Blog Unit 13/14

Unit 13/14 Bio Blog

In other parts of the world, biosolids (human waste) from sewage treatment plants are treated and used as sustainable agricultural fertilizer. Research the pros and cons of this method and take a stand as to whether this can be a realistic alternative to our current agricultural practices. Who are the potential stakeholders in this issue? Are we influenced by the western view of human waste as an unsanitary and disgusting nuisance?

What are Biosolids?

Biosolids are thoroughly treated sewage sludge that are nutrient rich and are suited to a range of beneficial uses in agriculture. When treated properly Biosolids provide essential nutrients in the development in plant growth. They provide mineral and organic nitrogen and phosphorus as well as micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium and copper.

How are they formed?


Biosolids are the end product of the wastewater treatment process. The purification of harmful contaminants starts well beyond the treatment plant to ensure that the process is a success. By the time it reaches the plant most of these harmful contaminants are already eliminated. These wastewater plants constantly monitor the incoming waste to make certain that it meets required standards before finally entering the last stage of decontamination. Finally, the sewage goes through physical, chemical and biological processes that remove the solids and separate the water. These solids are again sanitized to control any pathogens.

Pros and Cons

Biosolids provide a cheap yet useful fertilizer for many plants and crops. It helps replenish and maintain healthy soil by providing essential nutrients, increasing soil water holding capacity, and reducing top soil run off which essentially increases crop production. Biosolid contains nitrogen and phosphorus that are vital for the successful growth of crops. The large amounts of organic matter in biosoild supply soil with bacterial activity, loose clay, and an improved the stability of sandy soils. This improved texture allows plants to take in more nutrients efficiently and again increases crop production. These organic forms of nutrients are less water-soluble and are less likely to leach into groundwater or be carried away by streams. Biosolid rich soils are also less likely to pollute than animal manure or chemical fertilizers. Since vegetation growth is greatly enhanced, the overall well being of the forestland increases. All species will benefit from the high quality and quantity of crops. Finally, the use of sewage waste saves the cost of normal disposal into landfills and at the same time conserves land space.

Odour is the most obvious concern that comes with the use of manure as fertilizer. Many people especially those living in the city will more than likely not appreciate going outside to the smell of manure. Too much of anything always creates problems and although many essential metals are found in biosolids it can cause still cause major issues. Zinc and copper in large quantities create problems in the development of plant growth and animal health. Again, over application of nutrients is a real and possible risk factor. When too much phosphorus and nitrogen is added the plant will only take in what it needs. This excess in nutrients can move into the surface water and form pollution problems. Pathogens may be the most frightening concern with the use of biosolids because they are extremely dangerous and even deadly. They are an infectious agent or germ that causes disease.

Is the use of Biosolids in Ontario Appropriate?

Many parts of Ontario have been known to provide exceptional agriculture to Canada and even the world so I believe that it would be appropriate to use biosolids. Since Canada is a first world country they have the money and technology to create manageable wastewater plants. If they are able to provide a dependable well maintained plant with high standards the purification of these harmful pathogens will be a non issue. Biosolids are only dangerous if not treated properly but if all goes well the advantages will greatly outnumber the disadvantages. Both quality and quantity of our crops would sky rocket providing more money coming in. Since Ontario is one of the largest and most popularized provinces in Canada the amount of waste water produced would take up an abundant amount of land fill space. By transforming this waste to biosolids for fertilizer we would save not only money but land use as well. Farmers will definitely like to get their hands on such an innovated fertilizer which could very well increase their profit. As consumers we will benefit from cheaper and better products.

Western View of Human Waste

Human waste will always be known to have a bad name and many view it as an unsanitary nuisance to society. As people who live in the city we are not exposed to such unorthodox methods and turn to more suitable ways like standard man made fertilizers because it is a more simple and public friendly process. The strong odour alone can persuade many to turn away from the use of biosolids. However, many are naive and are unaware of the benefits that this innovation provides. By simply educating others of the benefits that come with such methods we can get many to change sides. We should get over the bad name that is given to the use of human waste for fertilizer because it provides many advantages that we are unaware of. In conclusion biosolids produces quality crops when treated properly. If we are able to get over the fact of the unsanitary use of human waste I could see this fertilizer being used across the world. We could always get use to the smell of manure!

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/nm/nasm/info/brochure.htm
http://www.cwwa.ca/faqbiosolids_e.asp http://www.biosolids.com/benefits.html http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/SB27/SB27.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuQLd34t87w

Unit 11 Bio Blog

Evaluate the importance of various technologies, including Canadian contributions, to our understanding of internal body systems (digestive, circulatory or respiratory)

Introduction

Technological advancement in the world of science has allowed doctors to better understand all internal body systems. One very important invention is the x-ray, which allows doctors to view the inside of your body without surgery. They are able to analyze major organs like the heart, brain, and lungs to every last detail. The x ray also enables physicians to spot a number of deadly diseases such as pneumonia, pleurisy, and tuberculosis. Another huge breakthrough comes from Canadian Fredrick Banting who discovered insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the body which is currently being used to treat diabetic patients. Finally, the defibrillator is a type of treatment that releases an electrical shock in order to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. This device is extremely useful if someone is undergoing a cardiac arrest. These technological advancements have further increased our knowledge of how our internal body systems function. Doctors are able to use this information to create solutions for many medical issues.

X Ray

The x ray was first discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. He learned that electromagnet waves are able to penetrate layers of the body exposing bone, fat, and muscle. The first x ray was used on the hand of Wilhelm’s spouse, revealing all the different bones. With the increased technology of the modern world, doctors are able to use the x ray to scan every single part of the human body. The chest x ray permits physicians to get a detail view of the heart and lungs. This is very useful because doctors are able to view possible problems in these major organs making sure the cardiovascular system is running smoothly. It is useful in diagnosing different pulmonary diseases, cancers, and cardiac diseases which are life threatening without care. The x ray is able to set a universal standard of the function and appearance of all body parts which allows doctors to keep learning. Having the ability to see these major organs at work helps doctors understand and learn each body system without having to resort to surgery. CT scans and MRIs are another form of x ray that produces a cross section of soft tissue organs like the brain and liver. They are very beneficial because it depicts an image that looks at the body part from the inside. This advancement helps spot abnormalities in soft tissue organs and shows us everything that is going on inside the actual organ.

Insulin


Fredrick Banting is credited with the discovery of insulin that is used to treat diabetics. He is a Canadian born man and won a noble peace prize for his findings. He learned that insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the body and stops fat from being used as energy. Those who have high levels of insulin use fat as a major source of energy. On top of that insulin causes cells in the liver to receive glucose in the blood stream. Those with type one diabetes take insulin shots because their body is unable to produce this hormone naturally. His accidental findings have opened the doors, teaching us why people suffer from high glucose. His discovery of insulin increases our knowledge of the whole digestive system.

Defibrillator

The defibrillator is another technological breakthrough that is currently benefiting the medical world. It is mainly used to return the heart to its regular rhythm following a cardiac arrest or arrhythmia. Cardiac arrhythmias prevent the heart from pumping blood through the body which can cause life lasting problems or fatal death if not treated quickly. This electric shock restores the heart, returning it to its normal pace. The body is only able to last without the heart working for only a couple minutes teaching us the importance of steady blood flow and a healthy heart.

Conclusion

Technology has greatly provided the medical world with essential information in all internal body systems. The breakthrough in the x ray, insulin, and defibrillator are just some of many examples. The defibrillator teaches us that an electrical charge can restore the heart, allowing it’s rhythm to return to normal. Insulin has brought forth information on the ability to break down glucose and reasons why people are diabetic. This led to the discovery of other deficiencies in the digestive system that cause serious disease. Finally, the x ray has enabled doctors and the world to view every body part. Doctors can easily spot out problems in major organs that affect our body systems. Without these technological findings doctors and scientists would not be able to understand our internal body systems the way they do now.

Sources http://inventors.about.com/od/xyzstartinventions/a/x-ray.htm http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Ce-Fi/Defibrillation.html http://www.brighthub.com/health/technology/articles/7398.aspx http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Ce-Fi/Chest-X-Ray.html http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ct_scan/article_em.htm

Bio Blog Entry Unit 8

Artificial selection has resulted in plants that are more disease-resistant, cows that produce more milk, and racehorses that run faster. One must wonder what will come next. In the blog entry answer the following question- under what circumstances should humans be artificially selecting plants or animals, if any?

Artificial selection is the ability to alter ones characteristics, mainly in plants and animals, by artificial means. If you were looking to breed a fast horse the most logical thing would be to mate a fast male with a fast female. This increases the chances that the offspring may be even faster than both parents. Great lengths have been accomplished through the wonders of science that allow humans to select desirable genes for domestic plants and animals. Artificial selection is so advanced that humans are able to create more disease-resistant plants, cows that produce more milk, and race horses that run faster. This breakthrough in science produces both pros and cons. One can speculate the idea of “playing god”, altering his very creations just to fit human’s personal desires. However, another may see artificial selection as an opportunity to enhance both quality and quantity of various domestic products for the good of society.


Benefits of Artificial Selection

Artificial selection was created for the main purpose of enhancing production speed, quantity of product, and immunity towards disease. Farmers can benefit the most from artificial selection. It has already been used successfully to create disease-resistant plants and cows that produce more milk. The worry for plants to contract a disease is nonexistent. This increase in healthy crops results in more production. They are also able to extract more milk from a cow than usual. Once again production increases. More production means more money. This increase benefits society as a whole. If farmers are able to ship out more commodities to the public, the price at which it is sold will decrease. Many parties benefit from artificial selection, more money is being made by farmers, and consumers are saving money.

Inbreeding Depression

Breeding two species that produce desired qualities in off spring can lead to some serious consequences in the long run. Continuous selective breeding increases the risk of other qualities being lost. This downside to artificial selection is known as inbreeding depression, which is irreversible. Genetic diversity will decrease greatly in the years to come if selective breeding continues. These organisms will all end up having similar genomes due to the constant mating between two similar offspring. Variation in species will be greatly reduced. Less variation, in effect, will increase exposure to disease and the severity of it will also increase substantially. If a new disease were to come along these species who all have similar traits will be hit hard. Inbreeding depression is a huge concern scientists must face when undergoing artificial selection. It is an issue that isn’t being taken lightly and its effects can very much effect the environment in a negative way.

Conclusion

Artificial Selection can greatly benefit society as a whole. We are currently able to provide immunity towards disease for many crops, allow cows to produce more milk and also enable us to produce a wide variety of crops. This in affect significantly benefits the farming industry. They are able to make more money and at the same time sell us a better quality, cheap, product. With resources quickly depleting artificial selection can allows us get more out of everything. We can get more meat from pigs and more milk from cows. The possibilities and benefits are endless, artificial selection is a more natural approach in enhancing the farming world.

Sources

http://www.biology-online.org/2/12_selective_breeding.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1569519/
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0118084/Gene/Genetic_variation/artificialselection.htm

Unit 5 Blog Entry Designer Babies

"Designer babies" is the term being used by the media to describe the future of modifying or selecting our children's genes for desirable characteristics (medical and cosmetic). Are things getting out of hand with our research into genetic processes? In this blog investigate social and ethical implications of this research and technologies that have been developed from it.

Genetic processing and the ability to alter ones embryo to fit a parent’s personal needs of an “ideal” child has always been a hot topic. Of course there are pros and cons of genetic processing which adds to the debate. One can argue against the moral values of human beings. We shouldn’t have the ability to change the beautiful, natural process of reproduction. By fixing the genes and DNA of a child, we as humans can be seen as playing god, changing and manipulating his very creations. As Catholics I know that God doesn’t appreciate such doings, since of course the creation of a baby is a process in which a man and a woman come together as one. Stephen Green from the National Director of Christian Voice says "The objection to the idea of designer babies is that it divorces procreation from the act of sexual congress, and there's a real sense in which it is playing God." http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-designer-babies.html

Many can argue and rant about all the moral wrong doings of genetic processing but they can’t go against one major pro that is very beneficial for child birth. This major advantage is the ability to alter genes to prevent serious diseases at birth like down syndrome. This is one of many diseases that are said to be prevented by genetic processing. Having a disease like down syndrome can be seen as a nightmare to any parent. Having a child that suffers from a disease may not sit to well with the average middle class family in terms of finances. Children that are not ill or suffer from a disability may have more opportunities in life. Although this break through in science can greatly change the whole process of birth, my moral values go against it. I see birth as an experience of anxiousness and joy. No matter how your child turns out it doesn’t change the fact that you must always be there for them whether they have a serious disease or not. I would much prefer to see what I have created rather than a genetically altered child.

In a process called pre-implantation they screen embryos for any genetic disease, if no disease is found they place it in the woman’s womb. This form of genetic processing is also being used for cosmetic features. They claim that with pre-implantation you have the ability to select gender, eye, skin, hair, and color of the child. They also say that they are able to enhance physical traits such as intelligence, beauty, height, athletic ability, and freedom from mental illness and obesity. Many argue that pre-implantation is inhuman and goes against human ethics. Those who oppose such methods argue that creating your child based on the alteration of genes is unjust. It isn’t ethical to enhance ones genes for the benefit of a better life. For instance, if you have the power to select how tall or how strong your child will be it wouldn’t be fair compared to a naturally born child. The genetically developed child will be far more superior in sports than the average one. Pre-implantation and selective genetics is basically a way to create a super human that strives in everything it does.

In a process known as vitro fertilization egg cells are fertilized by the sperm outside the womb. Vitro fertilization allows those who are unable to produce a baby naturally to resort to the physical transport of sperm to egg. This very process is now said that have been related to the creation of designer babies. Genetic engineers toy with the DNA of an embryo. From there they hope to highlight and enhance desirable traits while they also attempt to eliminate the negative ones. This process is far from perfect and they worry if it is safe enough to be tried on humans.

Are things getting out of hand with our research into genetic processing?

Genetic processing is completely altering the way in which we conceive children. The process is beginning to get so advanced that they are nearly able to fix the very physical and cosmetic features to fit ones personal preference. As human beings it just doesn't seem right that we are able to enhance our children's attributes with the advancement of technology. Good old fashion hard work and the drive to be a better person would almost be non-existent. The fact is that human beings are abusing technology to create their idea of perfect child in order to strive in life. If designer babies happen to be a success the process would be very costly and only the richest of people would be able to afford it. This would mean that the difference between the rich and the poor would only increase. The rich would get richer and the poor would get poorer. Those who have money will be able to genetically alter their child to be smarter and more athletic than the others.

A huge factor in designer babies is the risk factor in producing them. Due to the fixing of genes and DNA there is not a lot of room for error. One mistake can affect a specific gene crucial for survival therefore resulting in death. Experimenting with the life of an unborn child is risky in the sense that a life is at stake. The fact of the matter is research into designer babies just isn't worth it. The percentage of failure and death of an unborn child is significantly high. This breakthrough in science may help with the prevention of diseases which is a huge pro, but there is always a risk of failure. The way I see it is that even if you are born with a child suffering from a life threatening disease there is nothing you can do about it but live with it. That is what life is all about, dealing with bumps in the road, and science should not get in the way of over coming these obstacles. Getting over these obstacles in life and learning is something science can never do for you!


http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-designer-babies.html

http://www.bionetonline.org/English/content/db_cont1.htm

http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html

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