A sticky-sweet situation

Glucose is something that effects everyone’s daily lives. The molecule is a carbohydrate that stands as the most important simple sugar in human metabolism. Glucose is extremely important because it serves as an energy source for plants and animals. It is found in the human blood stream and the sap of plants.

The structure of glucose seems a bit complex, but really it is made up of C₆H₁₂O₆. Glucose is a simple sugar/monosaccharide because it is one of the smallest units, and also has characteristics of carbohydrates.

A German pharmacist, Andreas Marggraf, first discovered glucose in 1747. Marggraf was isolating sucrose from sugar beets, and then isolated glucose for the first time in raisins. Then in 1838 a French chemist named Marggraf’s isolated substance as “glucose” meaning sweet in Greek. It wasn’t until 1902 when glucose was finally further researched because of its benefits for the human body.

But why is glucose so significant? Glucose helps the body metabolize. When oxidized glucose produces carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen compounds. The result of the oxidation provides energy that the body’s cells can then use for digestion and cellular respiration, and even to keep the body warm.

Besides the fact that glucose influences the body physically, glucose and sugar consumption also plays a prominent roll in today’s. Especially during the holidays, houses are filled with sugary treats, and hot cider. Celebrating with friends and family is an affair now—fully equipped with decked out meals and handmade deserts for all to over indulge in. But when does our sugar intake become too much? For every person sugar intake should be monitored differently, depending on weight, height, metabolism, and age. The most important thing to remember is—over consumption of sugar/glucose is reflected in more significant health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and dental caries. So during the holiday season and into the new year, remember that while glucose “sugar” helps the body function, we all still need to watch what we eat and how much we consume.  

The Trimming Tree Population

Trees are falling, just as their leaves do in the fall. Most commonly people look to the trees for shade, but despite their ability to provide shade, they hold the potential to answer pressing environmental issues.

Trees are beneficial for many different reasons. Most commonly people recognize that trees and plants in general work through photosynthesis to convert sunlight into food for insect, wildlife, and people. Trees also create natural shade, wood for fuel, furniture, and even homes.

Unfortunately, humans are cutting down one of the most natural and beautiful species on earth. Not only are humans getting rid of trees—they are eliminating the biggest and strongest trees of all. But why? Humans are uneducated and unaware of the harmful effects that come with cutting down trees.

Marine chemist, Katsuhiko Matsunaga says that, “What trees do is essential though often not obvious.” He seeks to explain the many benefits of trees, which I think should also be reiterated. First off, the leaves that fall from trees and decompose put acids in the ocean that help to fertilize plankton. When plankton thrives, so does the entire food chain. Second, trees are natural water filters. Trees are filters because a dense community of microbes surrounds tree roots that clean water in exchange for the nutrients. Not only do trees clean the water, but they also clean the air. For people with bad asthma it is recommended to live in suburbs with more trees because they filter air pollution. Trees also provide support to humans in an emotional and physical way. It is hard to imagine this, but Japanese researchers now claim that it is beneficial for people to go “forest bathing.” Forest bathing is when people walk in the woods; on this journey peoples levels of stress chemicals are reduced, their killer cells in the immune system increase and help fight off infections, and it reduces anxiety and depression for humans.

After seeing the positive effects trees have on humans it is also important to recognize that chemically trees also reduce beneficial chemicals that in turn regulate the climate. With out trees the climate would have no chemicals to change the climate. One of the most known ways trees help the environment chemically is that they emit carbon dioxide to make the planet warmer.

Without trees the world would be doomed. They food chain would collapse, water would need another way to be filtered, air pollution would increase and cause health issues, and chemical alterations would dissipate and the earth would potentially become a much cooler place when the carbon dioxide is less plentiful.

So what can you do now that you know more about how trees benefit the climate and daily life? How about trying to plant a tree, sit in a tree, and SAVE a tree. No forest is too wide for people to bind together and save. Remember saving the trees now only creates a better future for all.

To find out more information visit Why Trees Matter by the NYTimes. 

A breezy energy solution

Energy means different things to different people. However, there seems to be a common goal on how to reduce the cost of energy, while still maintaining its efficiency. Wind powered turbines seem to accomplish this goal.

While many people believe that creating wind turbines will just cost a lot of money—they are wrong. It is actually cheaper to replace already existing coal-fired plants with these efficient wind turbines.

With the wave and interest in increasing climate change, wind turbines came to the market. These turbines seek to offer a less costly, and healthier source of energy. By implementing wind turbines the nation can cut down on their carbon pollution. Currently, power plants make up for 40% of the nations carbon footprints. There are also no federal limits on the amount of carbon pollution a plant can generate. Dr. Laurie Johnson, chief economist in the Climate and Clean Air Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, states that, “[the lack of pollution regulation] is wrong. It doesn’t make sense. It is putting our future at risk. We limit the amount of mercury, arsenic, soot, and other harmful pollution from these plants. It’s time to cut this carbon pollution.” So, what better way to cut carbon pollution than implementing the highly acclaimed wind turbines?

I may not know the logistics of how the turbines function, but I am aware that the pollution from power plants is heading down a slippery slope. I want to live in a world of clean air and if that is achievable by changing energy sources from coal-fired power plants to wind turbines, I do not see why people would not fully support this revelation; especially if it remains as cost effective as it is now.

For more information and to read more on what Dr. Johnson has to say...visit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130917124817.htm

Rock-a-bye Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is a fascinating topic. Some people can function with no sleep, while some cannot function without sleep. However, there is now scientific evidence that proves that the amount of sleep and irregularity of bedtimes can actually disrupt a persons body rhythms and cause sleep deprivation.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who go to bed at irregular times will disrupt their body rhythms and slow the brains natural maturation and ability to regulate behaviors. Professor Yvonne Kelly (UCL Epidemiology & Public Health) noted that, "Not having fixed bedtimes, accompanied by a constant sense of flux, induces a state of body and mind akin to jet lag and this matters for healthy development and daily functioning." In the study conducted, 10,000 children, ages 3, 5, and 7, were analyzed by collecting data on their bedtimes and reports of any behavioral problems from both students and teachers. In the end the clear statistical link claimed that behavior is ultimately affected by irregular bedtimes. The lack of sleep and regular sleeping patterns can cause a child to act out and disrupt, and have increased levels of irritability.

However, people should not be overly concerned if their child starts to act up because of irregular sleep patterns. In the study it was also found that changing ones sleeping habits will help reduce any behavioral problems. Unfortunately, if irregular bedtime patterns continue—the matter will only get worse. The longer irregular sleeping patterns occur, the worse off people can become.

Perhaps knowing that not changing sleeping patterns can have a negative effect is a pressing issue people should take notice of. While the people I am surrounded by are mostly of college age, or older, I think it is still important that they pay attention to this finding. Whether learning that changing their own sleeping pattern will help their personality and behavioral development, or whether acknowledging that their future children should have regular bedtimes to help them adjust and behave in a less disruptive manner—everyone can take away something from this study.

Irregular bedtimes are easy to come by. Society pushes kids to the limits. More and more kids are involved in after school activities and sports than ever before. With kids hectic schedules they may not be home and ready for bed at the same time every night. However, it is important to maintain some kind of stable bedtime for the majority of a child’s week.  Without the proper bedtime kids circadian rhythms (natural body rhythms) will be disrupted and lead to a slower brain maturation and the ability to regulate their own behavior. So, why not help benefit the future, and yourself by just taking the time to sleep properly? It will help you be a better, happier person the next day.  

To read more about this study you can visit: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131014093859.htm

a method for your thoughts

We conduct experiments everyday whether we are scientists or not. When we all conduct experiments we always have a purpose in mind. Whether we have a thought out plan or not does it really change the outcome of an experiment?

In typical science experiments there is a general rule that states the proper way to conduct an experiment—the Scientific Method. The scientific method consists of a few simple steps. The steps go in chronological order and start with asking a question, then doing background research, then constructing a hypothesis, testing a hypothesis, analyzing results and drawing conclusions, and finally communicating the results with others. But how often do scientists really follow this method? How beneficial is it really? In order to find out how scientists really think and conduct experiments I spoke with both a scientist and a science teacher who leads his class in conducting experiments.

Scientist and professor at Bellarmine, Bob Bernauer, told me that he always tries to use the scientific method. He told me that his first step in any experiment is deciding exactly what variables he wants to examine. He also aims to perfect or improve experiments to share with his students, and revisit previous experiments to gather further knowledge.  So I was wondering though, why does the scientific method help? I see that it can keep you organized, and reminds you to not forget any important step, but as a student I wanted to know more than the basic rules. Professor Bernauer explained to me that using the scientific method helps the scientist go “beyond personal bias in interpreting results.” I never really thought of it that way because in the past anytime I have conducted an experiment I have been told exactly what to look for and what to record. Having to create an experiment and collect data of your own you would need to use the scientific method to stay on track. That is easily supported by everything Professor Bernauer said.

After speaking to a scientist and professor at Bellarmine I was intrigued to hear a different point of view. In this case I reached out to my former Chemistry and Physics teacher Mr. Robert Norton. Mr. Norton told me that he also uses the scientific method when teaching his students and when having his students conduct their own experiments. He said that by using the scientific method it gives students more organization to follow and it also helps them “focus on deriving meaning out of results that may not be evident by simply looking at raw data.” Discovering new meaning and evidence is the premise of all of the experiment’s he has his high school students do. He said that his initial plans always have an educational objective and that he seeks for his students to learn something from what they model.

I am not surprised that the scientists I spoke with use the scientific method. I grew up learning that organization is the key to discovering something. I think that scientists should have a premise that they base their experiments on and I think that the scientific method will suffice. I am sure, however, that each scientist varies their method so that it better suits them and what they are trying to accomplish. However, I think that using the scientific method is beneficial when designing and conducting experiments because just as Professor Bernauer and Mr. Norton said, it helps keep people organized, unbiased, and analytical.