I think that we can all agree that we are the most intelligent and advanced species on the planet. Yet, we are considered to be animals. Just like many other organisms on Earth, we breathe, eat, sleep, and reproduce. With DNA that is nearly 99% identical to that of a chimpanzee, what really sets us apart from the uncivilized status of “wild animals”?

Differentiating humans from other mammals has posed an enigma to many scientists who have addressed this question. A specific struggle within the pursuit of the answer to this question was noted by Daniel Criswell, who notes, “Humans have been described as tool users, once thought to be a quality unique from all other animals. However, extensive studies over the years by many researchers has identified tool use by chimpanzees, and more recently gorillas, indicating that use of crude tools is not necessarily a unique human feature.” (Criswell) We have all seen the capability of the chimpanzee, which can make and use tools in  its environment. It was actually discovered by Dr. Jane Goodall that the chimpanzee was the first animal other than humans that is capable of changing an object to make a tool and use it for a certain purpose (in the chimps’ case it was stripping twigs of leaves and searching for termites to eat).

A significant difference which is evident between humans and apes is the skeletal shape. The human jawbone is smaller and V-shaped, while that of an ape is larger and also U-shaped. Additionally, the ape’s pelvis is not shaped like that of a human, which allows for the support of organs within the abdominal region. (ICR) Psychologist Thomas Suddendorf concluded that, “our open-ended ability to imagine and reflect on different situations, and our deep-seated drive to link our scenario-building minds together” was the key element to be considered when differentiating humans and other animals.

The most significant aspect of the true difference between ourselves and apes is intelligence level. Scientists have reported finding a significantly greater amount of intricate nerve connectivity in the human brain than that of an ape. It is also very easy to recognize a human’s ability to endure varying emotions. These emotions are made possible by what are called “spindle neurons“. The human brain contains more spindle neurons than apes, this suggests why humans appear to be more emotional.

Humans may be the most capable and detrimental species on the planet. Although our DNA is 99% similar to an ape’s, something in that 1% must make us exceptional.

Sources:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-makes-us-human/ (Daniel Criswell)

http://www.janegoodall.ca/about-chimp-behaviour-tool-use.php

http://theconversation.com/what-makes-us-human-24764 (Suddendorf)

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/evolution/man-chimp-ape1.htm

If I am ever having a rough day, my dogs will no-doubt lift my spirits. It has been established through research that there are tremendous mental and physical benefits to pet ownership.

I will start with the obvious: exercise. As an owner you owe it to your pets to give them the exercise they need. Dogs in particular require walks. Bauman, et al. (2008) conducted a study between adults who walked and those who walked their dogs. The results showed that 53% of those walking their dogs met the national requirement for minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, in comparison to the 33% of those who did not have dogs. Being that dog-owners walk more often than those who do not have dogs, it is said that this decreases the chance of high blood pressure.

Studies have shown that children that grow up with pets have better immunities than children that do not. These children are also less likely to develop common allergies, this study suggested that children who were exposed to two or more cats or dogs as babies are less than half as likely to get allergies and also at a lower risk of getting asthma. (Danielle Hark)

Pets also have been suggested to have mental benefits as well. Interacting with pets is shown to trigger neurotransmitters in the brain, stimulating serotonin and dopamine levels which are associated with happiness. Dog owners are reported to be less likely to suffer from depression. A study observing dog owners and others without pets came up with results that established higher self esteem levels, happier, and less stressed people were dog-owners.

Another dog-related benefit I have heard is that they have the ability to detect cancer. There have been numerous reports of dogs sniffing or licking lumps on their owners bodies which turned out to be cancerous. Some dogs have even been trained to detect cancer. It is commonly acknowledged that dogs have a very strong sense of smell. These cancer-detecting dogs can smell much like those trained dogs that can detect bombs and narcotics. The dogs trained in cancer detection can pick up signs of cancer as early as stages 0-2, which are the initial stages of the disease.

Companionship is all I need, but it certainly doesn’t hurt knowing that furry friends provide a benefit to my health.

(my best friend Woodrow)

Sources:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-teenage-mind/201311/dogs-are-good-your-health

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/danielle-hark/pet-ownership-health_b_3187960.html

http://fyiliving.com/mental-health/depression/depression-licked-away-dog-owners-are-happier/

http://mentalfloss.com/article/51153/10-benefits-being-dog-owner

A topic I have always been fascinated by is the possibility of other life forms outside of our planet. Given the size of our universe and what is even beyond it, it is most certainly more than possible.

I have often heard that Mars is the most livable planet other than Earth. Scientists in the UK and Greece collaborated on an investigation on Nakhla, the Martian meteorite. Research found that Mars did indeed once have water. And what is one element necessary to most forms of life? Water. The environment on Mars is said to be neither too cold nor too hot. Another pro for the capability of fostering life.

While on the subject of meteorites, Allan Hills 84001 was found in Allan Hills, Antarctica in 1984. The Allan Hills meteorite is among one of the oldest found. It is commonly accepted that the rock formed 4 billion years ago on Mars. It is also noted by Astrobio.com that Allan Hills 84001 had been on Earth for 13,000 years before its discovery.  What is specifically significant about this meteorite is the “presence of 300-micron-wide carbonate globules that make up 1% of the rock” (Astrobio.net) It was determined by the scientists examining the rock that the carbonate was likely developed in the presence of water. Another find within the rock were fossils that resembled the shape of worms.

It is reported by History.com that there is support of ancient aliens visiting earth years ago. Specifically the Moai of Easter Island, there are 887 human-like figures which are about 13 feet tall and weigh around 14 tons. Given that these are 500 years old, how could such colossal and intricate structures be crafted in a time of such limited technology? This one is definitely a stretch but it is still possible.

Europa, the moon of Jupiter shows evidence of once having a liquid ocean. Additionally, it has been suggested that Europa has or had a suitable climate for life. Nasa notes,”There also were tantalizing hints that perhaps Europa had a warm interior at some time in the past, and perhaps still does. Studies of how tidal heating should affect Europa suggested that a global subsurface ocean might exist within the icy moon today.” (NASA)

Skeptics may be skeptics, but there is no conclusive proof that life on other planets is impossible. There are approximately 100,000 stars in the Milky Way. Beyond that, there are millions of galaxies. If there is life in this one, why would life be improbable in others?

Sources:

http://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/article/?id=12797

http://www.astrobio.net/news-exclusive/the-continuing-controversy-of-the-mars-meteorite/

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28148553/ns/technology_and_science-space/t/six-frontiers-alien-life/#.VBuSLEtH1lI

https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/europa/evidence.cfm

I have just this week succumbed to the common cold, or what most of us are calling “the Penn State Plague”. This got me to thinking: in this day and age, how have we not achieved a cure to the common cold? The cold virus, also known as “rhinovirus C“, is the most common virus in the world. Why then, with such great medical and technological advances, is there yet to be a solution?

USA today notes that “Americans spend at least $4.2 billion annually on over-the-counter cough and cold medications — and even more on alternative therapies.” It’s strange because the symptoms of the common cold may be treated, but scientists have great difficulty in pursuit of a cure. What has been stumping researchers is the protein shell of the virus itself, which actually varies among strains of the virus. (Digital Journal)

So if a cure is not in the near future then what exactly are we supposed to do? What I have found and what most of us already know is that the only thing we can actually do in the battle with the common cold is take medicines which (hopefully) will make you feel better and also ward off the virus. It is said that lots of rest is key. This is a bit of an obstruction for us college students, but there is always the opportunity for a post-morning class nap.

Another surprising find is that coughing, although annoying, is sort of good for you. Coughing allows your body to get the germs out of your lungs and throat. So, cough syrup or suppressants may only be helpful when you have an extreme cough with your cold. Another obstacle for students is avoiding caffeine when sick. No coffee is nearly impossible, but caffeine fosters congestion and also prevents mucus flow.

And finally the obvious: drink water. Lots of it. Keeping hydrated is generally key when dealing with most illnesses. Vitamins are also a valuable option in maintaining a strong immune system. Vitamin A, which is essential for a strong immune system, keeps the skin and mucous membrane cells healthy. Vitamin B Complex is often associated with energy, which is key to recovery.  Finally, vitamin c protects against immunization deficiencies. With these tools in mind, I wish you all the best of luck this cold season.

Sources:

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/medical/health/medical/coldflu/story/2011/02/the-cure-for-the-common-cold-there-is-none/43774872/1

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/361712

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/understanding-common-cold-treatment

Among all of the disorders I can think of, depression is one of the first that comes to mind. I have often heard it classified as a “chemical imbalance”. This has always struck me as a very simple explanation for what seems to be a very complex illness. It turns out that this claim may very well be a myth. Many drugs claim to be the cure to depressive thoughts, yet chemicals are not necessarily the only participant with regard to the existence of depression in a person. According to Psychology Today, “Psychiatrists and researchers of depression have yet to isolate specifically the relationship between all the different neural connections and firings of our brains and depression. In fact, the notion of serotonin being the chief biological basis or the underlying root for the illness is, “a reductionistic oversimplification of a very complex biological state” (Greenberg, 2010, p. 197).” Some sources even claim that low serotonin levels do not cause depression.

Serotonin is defined as a chemical present in the brain which regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and memory. While medications which affect the level of serotonin in the brain are common in the treatment of depression, factors which include genetics, life events, and hormones. When someone has depression, they have a greater amount of stress hormones which include cortisol and non adrenaline hormones. Both hormones are essentially released as a result of stress. It is also easy to understand that traumatic life events may cause depression. For example, people that are grieving will have high levels of the hormone ACTH. ACTH plays a part in the production of cortisone. When one is excessively stressed, often one who is suffering from grief and/or depression, cortisone levels are abnormally high.

Depression may also be inherited from relatives. According to doctors at Stanford University, “in most cases of depression, around 50% of the cause is genetic, and around 50% is unrelated to genes (psychological or physical factors).” This suggests that genetics is a significant factor with regard to depression.

I think that simply referring to depression as a chemical imbalance is excessively vague. As every emotion we endure involves some sort of chemical release, it is also questionable that it is referred to as simply a chemical imbalance. I also think that the depiction of depression is skewed specifically through commercials. Depression has many forms and causes.

Sources:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-first-impression/201302/5-myths-about-depression

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/causes/con-20032977
http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/depression-faq/is-depression-caused-by-chemical-imbalance/

http://psychcentral.com/lib/your-health-and-grief/000621

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/09/13/low-serotonin-levels-dont-cause-depression/

http://depressiongenetics.stanford.edu/mddandgenes.html

Whats the big deal about pot smoking?? Out of all of the “drugs” out there, marijuana seems to be the most controversial. Marijuana use can be traced back to about 2727 B.C. in China. It may be used within the areas of textiles, medicines, fuel, and oil. What strikes my attention is the varying uses and its ban within the United States, or “illegality”.

I can recall reading countless articles which praise the benefits of marijuana, specifically for the easing of pain experienced by diseased patients or even drastically decreasing the occurrence of seizures a young girl was having (read article HERE). With this in mind, I am confused by the presence of marijuana on the DEA’s list of illegal substances.

I then looked into the “dangerous” effects of marijuana use. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana affects brain development, potentially leaving a long lasting detriment to the user’s memory. (NIDA) The National Institute on Drug Abuse further notes that marijuana causes respiratory problems. (NIDA) I personally associate addiction with drugs. The National Institution on Drug Abuse then mentions that “it is estimated that 9 percent of people who use marijuana will become dependent on it.” (NIDA). Ironically enough, marijuana was listed in the United States Pharmacopeia until 1942. So what realization did the United States achieve that pushed them to the decision that marijuana was no longer a suitable substance? The earliest outlawing of cannabis occurred in California in 1913.

Given the legality of nicotine, a drug that according to US News leaves about 10% of its users without a dependence, then it seems relatively illogical that cannabis, a drug which is reported to have 91% without dependence. Interesting. The most conclusive proof which we can look at with regard to the danger of nicotine is its direct link to lung cancer and several other forms of the disease. Nicotine stimulates neurotransmitters in the brain which affect your mood. Tobacco is also known to include over 60 carcinogens or cancer-causing agents. The “dangerous” chemical found in cannabis is THC. THC binds with receptors on nerve cells in the body, resulting in a change in activity (LiveScience, Jessie Scaly). Research has established that “THC is the main component responsible for marijuana’s mind-altering effect” (Mayo Clinic) Yet, this “mind-altering” chemical effectively treats the symptoms of those suffering, some of which include: nausea, pain, and migraines. So is cannabis really that bad? To this day, the DEA has yet to link a death directly with marijuana use.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nicotine-dependence/basics/complications/con-20014452

http://www.livescience.com/24553-what-is-thc.html

http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=636

http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

Hi everyone,

My name is Jackie Wilkinson and I’m from Allentown, Pennsylvania. I’m taking this class because a science-related class was required of me and I am not specifically the type that enjoyed physics/chem/etc. in high school. That leads me to my simple explanation of why I am not a science major. I cannot say that science does not interest me, but rather a few concepts are hard for me to grasp. I am the type that prefers to read and write, rather than calculate and hypothesize.