http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2017/01/12/in-search-of-a-universal-flu-vaccine/#.WIS6LMvEihA
Summary:
The flu is one virus that no one wants to catch. To prevent yourself from getting the flu your best bet is to get the seasonal flu shot. However making this yearly influenza vaccine relies on the best estimation that a team of scientists across the world come up with. They must predict what will be in the coming year's flu strand in order to create an effective vaccine. Once the prediction is made production of the vaccine is ramped up in hope to get as many people vaccinated before flu season. But what if there was a way to make a flu shot that would work for all influenza strands? This would save many people time, money and stress as well as solving the world's biggest epidemic threat. Some research has revealed that the HA stem of the influenza cell is more constant than the HA spike (cell parts) across the many different influenza strands. So if we could target these stems instead of tips there might be an easier way to make one vaccine for all strands of influenza.
Discussion:
This research is very useful for our world. The flu has actually been one of our biggest epidemics ever and in 1918 killed as many as 50 million people. That is equivalent to 200 million people today. We have developed a vaccine for this epidemic but it must be remade every year. If we could create a vaccine that would need to be remade more infrequently or not at all it would save millions if not billions of dollars and labour hours. This would also allow research into other viruses that we need to treat and therefore would save more people from becoming infected with a virus. Currently there is not much we can do to help except for getting the "flu shot" or influenza vaccine. This will help prevent the spread of influenza as well as preventing it from adapting new ways to fight off our immune system. It would be amazing if we could find a forever flu shot.
Monday 23 January 2017
Long Wind Farm
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/21/business/energy-environment/offshore-wind-energy-long-island.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=1&pgtype=sectionfront&_r=2
By DIANE CARDWELL JAN. 21, 2017
Summary:
After many years of wind energy in Europe, the United Sates of America might finally start building offshore wind turbine farms to help power their country and battle climate change. There are very few downsides to this idea. The only ones are minor such as being in a view. However most of these farms would be so far out it would be difficult to see the turbines. The benefits immensely outweigh the negatives. Just 15 turbines are enough to power 50 thousand average sized homes. This will stop many citizens from relying on coal and other crude substances to create electricity for them. The project will also help the ship manufacturing industry as many new ships are needed to set up and deliver these turbines to their site. If approved the new plan could be one of many farms with up to 200 wind turbines. That's enough to power a whopping (+\-) 666 000 homes. This plan is a good example of how countries around the world are trying to fight climate change.
Discussion:
This plan could have a huge affect on the lives of thousands of people across the eastern coast of the USA as they will be running off clean energy. It will also take away less clean ways of making energy and replace jobs lost with new ones the project will make when it is being developed. This project will be great in the long run for the American economy, which might not be great for us as the Canadian dollar will drop in value further. However it will be worth it as it is helping cut back on air pollution. I believe this project is a very good idea and will help improve the state of our planet. The United Sates of America is following the great example set by many European countries.
By DIANE CARDWELL JAN. 21, 2017
Summary:
After many years of wind energy in Europe, the United Sates of America might finally start building offshore wind turbine farms to help power their country and battle climate change. There are very few downsides to this idea. The only ones are minor such as being in a view. However most of these farms would be so far out it would be difficult to see the turbines. The benefits immensely outweigh the negatives. Just 15 turbines are enough to power 50 thousand average sized homes. This will stop many citizens from relying on coal and other crude substances to create electricity for them. The project will also help the ship manufacturing industry as many new ships are needed to set up and deliver these turbines to their site. If approved the new plan could be one of many farms with up to 200 wind turbines. That's enough to power a whopping (+\-) 666 000 homes. This plan is a good example of how countries around the world are trying to fight climate change.
Discussion:
This plan could have a huge affect on the lives of thousands of people across the eastern coast of the USA as they will be running off clean energy. It will also take away less clean ways of making energy and replace jobs lost with new ones the project will make when it is being developed. This project will be great in the long run for the American economy, which might not be great for us as the Canadian dollar will drop in value further. However it will be worth it as it is helping cut back on air pollution. I believe this project is a very good idea and will help improve the state of our planet. The United Sates of America is following the great example set by many European countries.
Mystery of Planet 9
How The Universe Works
Episode 1
Season 5
Mystery of Planet 9
http://www.hddocumentary.com/discovery-science-how-the-universe-works-series-5-mystery-of-planet-9-2016/
Summary:
Planet nine is the mysterious planet on the edge of our solar system that is ten times more massive than Earth. Where did this planet come from? Many simulations of how our solar system was formed have been created using super computers. This led to the discovery that the way our planets' mass is organized in a way that would not be possible without an other planet the size of Uranus. When this other planet was added to a computer simulation, it was discovered that it was ejected far away from our solar system becoming a rogue planet. This phenomenon is called planetary ejection. The ninth planet that scientists are attempting to study was not the one that was ejected as it was too small. However it is much too large to have formed on the edge of our solar system where there was so little mass to begin with. Could planet nine be a rogue planet itself? Scientists theorized that it was ejected from one solar system to ours. This is the current belief as to why we have a ninth planet. But is this really what happened?
Discussion:
This discovery will not affect us very much unless we somehow find a way to send humans or a probe that far. The only way it will change our lives is how we are taught the planets of our solar system. I do find this very interesting and it further inspires me to find a profession in this field. It inspires me because I like learning about what is around us and how our universe works. I like knowing how our planet was made, how it orbits the sun, why we have a moon and learning how my iPad that I am typing on came to be. I find space mysteries very interesting because they are fun to follow. I would like to learn more about this planet so I can know what is out there beyond our home. I hope one day I might solve the mystery of planet nine.
Episode 1
Season 5
Mystery of Planet 9
http://www.hddocumentary.com/discovery-science-how-the-universe-works-series-5-mystery-of-planet-9-2016/
Summary:
Planet nine is the mysterious planet on the edge of our solar system that is ten times more massive than Earth. Where did this planet come from? Many simulations of how our solar system was formed have been created using super computers. This led to the discovery that the way our planets' mass is organized in a way that would not be possible without an other planet the size of Uranus. When this other planet was added to a computer simulation, it was discovered that it was ejected far away from our solar system becoming a rogue planet. This phenomenon is called planetary ejection. The ninth planet that scientists are attempting to study was not the one that was ejected as it was too small. However it is much too large to have formed on the edge of our solar system where there was so little mass to begin with. Could planet nine be a rogue planet itself? Scientists theorized that it was ejected from one solar system to ours. This is the current belief as to why we have a ninth planet. But is this really what happened?
Discussion:
This discovery will not affect us very much unless we somehow find a way to send humans or a probe that far. The only way it will change our lives is how we are taught the planets of our solar system. I do find this very interesting and it further inspires me to find a profession in this field. It inspires me because I like learning about what is around us and how our universe works. I like knowing how our planet was made, how it orbits the sun, why we have a moon and learning how my iPad that I am typing on came to be. I find space mysteries very interesting because they are fun to follow. I would like to learn more about this planet so I can know what is out there beyond our home. I hope one day I might solve the mystery of planet nine.
How to Disable a Superpower
Show: Through the Wormhole
Season number: 5
Episode number: 5
Air date: June 11, 2014
Episode name: How to Disable a Superpower
https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/unsw-physics-leads-morgan-freeman’s-wormhole-eureka-prize
Summary:
Everything that governments use relies on technology and computer programs. If these programs could be attacked by just a few terrorists an entire country could fall to its knees. We can now take out one country's computer network to make them completely vulnerable. There are many ways to attack a computer network. One is to take out the Internet Time Service upon which they all rely. All electronic devices rely on exact time to function. This time is set and controlled by the Internet Time Service and if it was taken out all computers around the world would be "lost". Another way to use technology to attack is to create an ID card with a virus. If a card is required to open a door this card can be encrypted with a virus that when scanned can do whatever the attacker wants to the security system it has infected. These are just two of the many ways technology we have made can be used against us.
Discussion:
This issue is very interesting and can greatly affect today's world. Since humans now rely on computers, humans now can be destroyed by computers if those computers are altered, thrown off or even turned off. Nearly everything we do relies on computers from turning on a light to gassing up your car. All of these every day tasks are now at risk since they rely on computers to function. There is not much we can do to prevent this problem as there is no such thing as an unsolvable code and no way to stop cyber attacks. Therefore the only way to protect ourselves is to stop relying on technology but even this is difficult since our jobs, schooling and money are all controlled by technology. Basically we have reached a point of no return where all of our lives depend on technology and there is no way to change it without starting over.
Season number: 5
Episode number: 5
Air date: June 11, 2014
Episode name: How to Disable a Superpower
https://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/unsw-physics-leads-morgan-freeman’s-wormhole-eureka-prize
Summary:
Everything that governments use relies on technology and computer programs. If these programs could be attacked by just a few terrorists an entire country could fall to its knees. We can now take out one country's computer network to make them completely vulnerable. There are many ways to attack a computer network. One is to take out the Internet Time Service upon which they all rely. All electronic devices rely on exact time to function. This time is set and controlled by the Internet Time Service and if it was taken out all computers around the world would be "lost". Another way to use technology to attack is to create an ID card with a virus. If a card is required to open a door this card can be encrypted with a virus that when scanned can do whatever the attacker wants to the security system it has infected. These are just two of the many ways technology we have made can be used against us.
Discussion:
This issue is very interesting and can greatly affect today's world. Since humans now rely on computers, humans now can be destroyed by computers if those computers are altered, thrown off or even turned off. Nearly everything we do relies on computers from turning on a light to gassing up your car. All of these every day tasks are now at risk since they rely on computers to function. There is not much we can do to prevent this problem as there is no such thing as an unsolvable code and no way to stop cyber attacks. Therefore the only way to protect ourselves is to stop relying on technology but even this is difficult since our jobs, schooling and money are all controlled by technology. Basically we have reached a point of no return where all of our lives depend on technology and there is no way to change it without starting over.
If All Ice Melted
ASAP Science (YouTube Channel)
What If All The Ice Melted On Earth? ft. Bill Nye
http://youtu.be/b6CPsGanO_U
September 7, 2016
Summary: Climate change is warming the entire world and the Arctic twice as fast. This video shows what would happen if all the ice in the world melted. Currently there is enough ice to cover North America 10 meters high. The first ice to melt will be sea ice since it is in Warming water. Since this sea ice is melting oil companies are searching the northern oceans for untouched oil supplies and in turn disrupting the marine life by blasting air down to the sea floor. When it comes to sea levels the sea ice will not make the waters rise much since it already displaces most of the water around it. However 95% of earth's ice is land based and when this melts it could cause water levels to rise as much as 70 meters. This would flood the entire State of Florida, create an inland sea in Australia and displace billions of people. As more ice melts less ice reflects sunlight back into space which will cause the earth to warm even more. If we do not end global warming, global warming will end us.
Discussion: This theoretical situation would drastically change the lives of everyone and everything on the planet. We would lose most northern wildlife since the Arctic is mostly sea ice. Billions of people would have their homes flooded as the size of countries would diminish. It would cause conflicts between citizens who would be trying to find a new place to live. We would have less forests left and we would have a much denser population. To help this we can try to pollute less by car pooling, turn off lights and use green energy to name a few positive strategies. To help marine life being affected by oil exploration you can visit http://arctic-home.greenpeace.org/en-ca/ to sign a petition to show the government how many people care about our Arctic marine life. This video gives us a truly terrifying example of how deadly global warming can be.
What If All The Ice Melted On Earth? ft. Bill Nye
http://youtu.be/b6CPsGanO_U
September 7, 2016
Summary: Climate change is warming the entire world and the Arctic twice as fast. This video shows what would happen if all the ice in the world melted. Currently there is enough ice to cover North America 10 meters high. The first ice to melt will be sea ice since it is in Warming water. Since this sea ice is melting oil companies are searching the northern oceans for untouched oil supplies and in turn disrupting the marine life by blasting air down to the sea floor. When it comes to sea levels the sea ice will not make the waters rise much since it already displaces most of the water around it. However 95% of earth's ice is land based and when this melts it could cause water levels to rise as much as 70 meters. This would flood the entire State of Florida, create an inland sea in Australia and displace billions of people. As more ice melts less ice reflects sunlight back into space which will cause the earth to warm even more. If we do not end global warming, global warming will end us.
Discussion: This theoretical situation would drastically change the lives of everyone and everything on the planet. We would lose most northern wildlife since the Arctic is mostly sea ice. Billions of people would have their homes flooded as the size of countries would diminish. It would cause conflicts between citizens who would be trying to find a new place to live. We would have less forests left and we would have a much denser population. To help this we can try to pollute less by car pooling, turn off lights and use green energy to name a few positive strategies. To help marine life being affected by oil exploration you can visit http://arctic-home.greenpeace.org/en-ca/ to sign a petition to show the government how many people care about our Arctic marine life. This video gives us a truly terrifying example of how deadly global warming can be.
Side Stitch
SciShow (YouTube) Channe
December 29, 2015
http://youtu.be/9sfeM2oSPY0
What's Causing That Stitch In Your Side?
Summary:
It is not exactly known how or why you get a stitch, but there are many theories out there. Many people have gotten and get a stitch while exercising. In fact 69% of runners that took part in a survey reported that they have gotten a side stitch. One theory of why people get side cramps is related to the diaphragm and the stress emitted on it. When your foot hits the pavement your diaphragm is at its peak stress and the impact adds to this stress causing pain. Another theory is that internal movement from bouncing up and down strains your ligaments in your abdomen. The most recent theory is that the two layered wall between your abdomen and diaphragm rubs together due to a lack of fluids that are missing because you are dehydrated. It is not certain but these are some of the possible reasons why people get side stitches.
Discussion:
This video is very relevant to anyone who is physically active as I believe almost everyone has gotten a side cramp while running. If we do discover what causes a side stitch we can better understand how to prevent them. However since the theories as to why we get them say that it is related to your abdominal muscles, strengthening your core could possibly help reduce the chance of getting one. Also doing sit-ups before a run has worked for me in the past and above all tips stay hydrated. If you follow all these "anti-cramp" strategies, your workout, run or training could be so much more enjoyable without a side stitch. From now on I will make sure I am hydrated, do some sit-ups and strengthen my core before a run so I do not get a side stitch.
December 29, 2015
http://youtu.be/9sfeM2oSPY0
What's Causing That Stitch In Your Side?
Summary:
It is not exactly known how or why you get a stitch, but there are many theories out there. Many people have gotten and get a stitch while exercising. In fact 69% of runners that took part in a survey reported that they have gotten a side stitch. One theory of why people get side cramps is related to the diaphragm and the stress emitted on it. When your foot hits the pavement your diaphragm is at its peak stress and the impact adds to this stress causing pain. Another theory is that internal movement from bouncing up and down strains your ligaments in your abdomen. The most recent theory is that the two layered wall between your abdomen and diaphragm rubs together due to a lack of fluids that are missing because you are dehydrated. It is not certain but these are some of the possible reasons why people get side stitches.
Discussion:
This video is very relevant to anyone who is physically active as I believe almost everyone has gotten a side cramp while running. If we do discover what causes a side stitch we can better understand how to prevent them. However since the theories as to why we get them say that it is related to your abdominal muscles, strengthening your core could possibly help reduce the chance of getting one. Also doing sit-ups before a run has worked for me in the past and above all tips stay hydrated. If you follow all these "anti-cramp" strategies, your workout, run or training could be so much more enjoyable without a side stitch. From now on I will make sure I am hydrated, do some sit-ups and strengthen my core before a run so I do not get a side stitch.
MOKV
http://www.livescience.com/57053-military-missile-us-countermeasures-space-weapons.html
Irene Klotz, Seeker | December 1, 2016 01:02pm ET
Summary:
The United States of America has been concerned about being able to intercept and destroy enemy missiles for years. Now they have released a contract to build defence systems to do just that. Most nukes or other missiles have multiple decoys which make the actual threat difficult to target. However this new project has a plan to launch many kill vehicles at once that will target and destroy all of the threats. They will destroy their targets by collision with help of their individual sensors, propulsion units and steering units. The impact would be equivalent to a 10 ton truck traveling at 600 mph. These explosions will all happen above the earth and the debris will be destroyed in the atmosphere. This project is just one step the United States of America is taking in order to protect itself and its allies.
Discussion:
I think this project is a very good idea, but I do not think it is entirely reliable. These kill vehicles will be launched from earth upon notice of a threat. If that threat is not identified in time the vehicles will be unsuccessful and the enemy missile will most likely hit its target. However if the program finds a way to launch the vehicles in time it will be very comforting to millions of citizens and officials who are worried about a nuclear attack. Another con to this program is competition. Now that the Multi Object Kill Vehicles are publicly announced enemy countries will develop technologies to avoid the new defences. With all these advances in nuclear warfare preparations the world becomes an even more dangerous place with even more tension ready to snap.
Irene Klotz, Seeker | December 1, 2016 01:02pm ET
Summary:
The United States of America has been concerned about being able to intercept and destroy enemy missiles for years. Now they have released a contract to build defence systems to do just that. Most nukes or other missiles have multiple decoys which make the actual threat difficult to target. However this new project has a plan to launch many kill vehicles at once that will target and destroy all of the threats. They will destroy their targets by collision with help of their individual sensors, propulsion units and steering units. The impact would be equivalent to a 10 ton truck traveling at 600 mph. These explosions will all happen above the earth and the debris will be destroyed in the atmosphere. This project is just one step the United States of America is taking in order to protect itself and its allies.
Discussion:
I think this project is a very good idea, but I do not think it is entirely reliable. These kill vehicles will be launched from earth upon notice of a threat. If that threat is not identified in time the vehicles will be unsuccessful and the enemy missile will most likely hit its target. However if the program finds a way to launch the vehicles in time it will be very comforting to millions of citizens and officials who are worried about a nuclear attack. Another con to this program is competition. Now that the Multi Object Kill Vehicles are publicly announced enemy countries will develop technologies to avoid the new defences. With all these advances in nuclear warfare preparations the world becomes an even more dangerous place with even more tension ready to snap.
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