A biological research paper including information on climate, animal populations, construction and deconstruction of the reef, and the location. Provides an accurate picture of the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.
2,115 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 6 sources, 2001, $ 66.95
Abstract This paper is a biological research paper on the Great Barrier Reef. The paper explains about the ecosystem, the biological factors, and dangers to the Reef. It includes information on climate, location, animal population, formation and destruction.
From the Paper "Over time many people have been drawn to the unparalleled beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex and brilliant habitats on earth. Few people fully comprehend the complexity of its fragile ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the northeast coast of Australia, adjacent to the province of Queensland. It forms a 100,000 square mile fringe, which rests on a continental shelf. It runs for 1260 miles from the Murray islands to the Capricor group of coral cays (McGregor 1975, p. 19)."
Abstract This is a deep paper on genetics. The author delves into the scientific language of cell migration and organism development. Although apoptosis is an important mechanism in the development and homeostasis of many organisms, little is known about the mechanisms underlying apoptosis. Investigation into apoptotic genetics has yielded promising results, yet more research needs to be undertaken. This research may eventually yield insights into treatment of diseases linked to apoptosis, such as cancer and AIDS.
From the Paper "A developing organism undergoes many dramatic changes, including cell migration, proliferation and cell death. Apoptosis, a form of cell death, is characterised by nuclear condensation, plasma membrane alterations and the lack of an inflammatory response. Apoptosis is the fate of many cells in development and is necessary for normal development in a large number of organisms. The genes ced-3 and ced-4 regulate initiation of apoptosis in C. elegans. The mammalian homolog of ced-3, once thought to be Interleukin-1-Beta converting enzyme (ICE), is still under investigation. In C. elegans, ced-9 regulates genetic inhibition, while bcl-2 does the same in mammals."
Abstract This paper discusses transcendental meditation and its ability to relieve symptoms of stress. The author explains in scientific (chemical) terms what causes the human body to feel stress. Also detailed in terms of medicine and science are the effects of meditation on a body suffering from stress.
From the Paper "For the majority of people, stress is defined in terms of factors: child-rearing, pressure on the job, marital discord, etc. It's easy to confuse "stressors" with actual stress. So what, exactly, is stress? In short, stress is any physical or emotional condition that disrupts the body's homeostasis. The human body has many ways of regulating homeostasis in response to specific stressors. For instance, alterations in body temperatures trigger responses designed to either raise or lower the temperature back to normal. When it comes to the everyday stress of simply living, however, the body develops a general response known as general adaptation syndrome (GAS), also referred to simply as stress response. This syndrome was first described by Hans Selye and is divided into three distinct phases: the alarm phase, the resistance phase, and the exhaustion phase."
Tags: catecholamines, disease, endocrine, heart, relaxation, system
Abstract This paper deals with the disease anthrax and the bacterium that causes it. Included is information on history, tests, where it is found, how and who contracts it, symptoms, treatments, and uses as a biological weapon.
From the Paper "Since the events of September 11 shocked our nation we have become increasingly concerned with the possibility of further terrorist attacks. President Bush has already added a new member to his cabinet; Tom Ridge now serves as the Homeland Defense Secretary. Words such as anthrax and biological warfare, which are not usually seen unless you look for them, can now be found almost every time you turn on the television, pick up the newspaper or log-on to the internet. If you had taken a survey of Americans three months ago asking them "What is anthrax"? the most common response next to "I don"t know? would probably have been "Hey, isn"t that a rock band?? Now it can almost be considered a household word. Since September 25th several people in the United States have become infected with a disease called anthrax, some have even died, because of exposure to letters containing a white powder from an, as of yet, unknown mailer. When used as a biological weapon, anthrax posses a serious threat to people and the environment and therefore should not be used as such."
Abstract This paper goes into a description on the subject of geneticists. The author breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Dorthy Nelkin's argument, a sociology professor who questions the legitemacy of genetics. Includes quotes and in-texts citations, as well as opinions and beliefs.
From the Paper "Dorthy Nelkin, a sociology professor, has begun to question the legitimacy of genetics, the human genome, and the accuracy of geneticists? beliefs and statements. In her passage ?The Grandiose Claims of Geneticists,? Nelkin states that ?Until recently, scientists have paid little attention to communicating with the public.? Nelkin's statement may very well be true, but to the vast majority of Americans- the housewives, the food service workers, the construction workers, the grocery store clerks, and the unemployed- how much does this really affect their everyday lives? The medical breakthroughs that geneticists find may very well be the extent of the concern surrounding this futuristic science. Genetics is a science that has emerged before our eyes as being some great discovery, but everything cannot possibly be ?all in the genes.?
Abstract This essay contains the history of the pesticide DDT and it's uses within the environment. DTT is a harmful pesticide which has been detrimental to the environment, and has caused a decline in a variety of species. The author focuses specifically on the effects of the pesticide on the environment.
From the Paper " As earth's population grows so does the demand for food, and the use of pesticides has become essential in meeting this demand. The first important synthetic organic pesticide was a chlorinated hydrocarbon, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or DDT. DDT was discovered in 1939 by Swiss chemist Paul M?eller. In its early days, DDT was a popular pesticide because it was toxic to a wide range of insect pests, yet it appeared to have low toxicity to mammals. DDT was also persistent, which meant the pesticide didn't break down rapidly in the environment and therefore did not need to be reapplied often and since DDT was insoluble it did not wash off by rain or other weather conditions. Although gradually throughout time it was discovered that many insects had developed resistance to DDT, and it was discovered that DDT did in fact pose to be harmful to the ecosystem. This discovery created wide public interest and made people aware that chemicals were polluting the environment. As a result DDT was banned for use in North America and other countries in the early 1970?s. Though pesticides, such as DDT, may decrease the number of insects, throughout history it has been proven that there is a detrimental effect upon the environment, animals and humans as a result."
Abstract This paper discusses the new emerging technology of cloning. The author looks at the scientific advantages and moral implications of this new phenomenon.
From the Paper "Only four years after scientists cloned a sheep in Scotland, the ability to clone human beings is about to make the transition from science fiction to science fact. In recent news, announcements have been made regarding both the advancement of technology to clone and the interests expressed by some to utilize this technology. One such case is of an American couple who lost their 10-month old child to complications during a minor operation. Instead of having another child, they wanted this child. The couple felt that "their little son's genotype deserved another chance" (Talbot 40). The couple, well financed with money from a malpractice settlement, enlisted a "science-loving religious sect" called the Raelians to take frozen cells from their deceased child and make every attempt to clone him (Talbot 40). The issue of cloning humans is possibly the greatest controversy ever, as it will have the farthest-reaching effects on the world well into the future and there is a clear divide in society when the issue of cloning arises. Many support its use, while others cringe at the thought. Cloning technology is a fascinating prospect with firm roots in medical science and a strong footing in controversy as well, and responsible use will further advance higher knowledge and health."
Abstract This paper examines the effects of environmental pollution on pollinators, specifically the honeybee, and how this organism can be used as an indicator of environmental health. Emphasis is placed on examining the toxicity and effect of various pesticides including DDT, malathion and various fungicides. In addition, the influence on the health of pollinators from atmospheric heavy metal pollution is addressed. The importance of the honeybee to the future of agriculture is the theme throughout this essay.
From the Paper ?Bees are one of the most important elements of agriculture. They are one of the most widespread and efficient pollinators. For this reason, the effects of pollution on bees is an ever growing area of interest for many scientists who fear that bee populations may be at risk from human activity. Air pollution from vehicles and industry can have adverse effects on bee populations. However, one of the greatest areas of concern is the effect of pesticides due to the direct and sometimes high exposure of foraging bees to these toxic chemicals."
Abstract This is a detailed descriptive, persuasive paper about the effects of genetically modified crops. The author discusses genetic engineering and clearly defines many difficult biological terms, and how the Food and Drug Administration plays a major role in the legalization of genetically modified crops.
From the Paper "Genetically engineered crops have killed dozens of people throughout the United States of America and Europe , and have harmed thousands of others. Governments of the world should outlaw genetically modified agricultural products to ensure that no other lives will be susceptible to the same type of danger. Scientists first designed genetically altered crops to resist herbicides. Genetically modified crops were also not intended for human consumption. In fact, they were intended for better yields, resistance to herbicides, and cheaper feed for livestock, such as cattle, sheep, poultry, etc. The FDA is now investigating genetically modified crops to see if they should ban them in the United States of America ."
Tags: corn, engineered, genetic, modified, plants, fda, dna, bio
Abstract This paper gives scientific and moral reasons why animal testing is wrong and unjustifiable. It details the effects on animals after experiments that are conducted in torture-like situations and how these tests are often unnecessary and/or avoidable. It shows how the law does not protect animals against being used for experiments, and that through the use of advances in technology animal testing has become obsolete. This paper uses statistics and scientific research to support its position.
From the paper:
"More than 25 million animals suffer and die each year in American laboratories alone. (ADL) This continues despite the fact that humans have long known that most animals have an ability to feel pain as advanced, if not more advanced, than their own. Human pain is easily recognizable and universally accepted as fact. Most vertebrate animals exhibit pain in a nearly identical fashion. They writhe about, contort the muscles of their bodies and face, make sounds of distress and even calls for help. They will try to avoid the source of that pain, demonstrate fear when threatened with its re occurrence, and can even be conditioned to watch for warning signs."
A discussion of the sign and symbol-based language experiments conducted with great apes over the last forty years, including criticisms, findings, and implications. Addresses projects with gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos.
6,395 words (approx. 25.6 pages), 15 sources, 2002, $ 148.95
Abstract This paper addresses a number of different language experiments that have been performed with all four species of great apes - gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and bonobos, and the advantages, disadvantages, and relative success of each, including conducted experiments. The author discusses the physical limitations of the apes, the advantages of using sign language as opposed to keyboard and symbol-based language, and criticisms brought up by various skeptics. The paper also mentions other types of cognitive activities in which the apes have participated, including painting and learning a system of economic exchange.
From the paper:
"The Koko Project is currently the longest running and most successful of all the ape language projects. Patterson's goal was for Koko [the gorilla] to learn 200 signs ? she now knows over a thousand, and understands at least 2,000 words of spoken English. She asks questions, she lies, she tells stories, she uses the negative, she uses and understands abstract words like love, hate, and death, and she even tells jokes. One of the most famous incidents involves a conversation between Koko and one of her teachers regarding the color of her blanket. As she was getting ready to go to bed, the teacher asked Koko what color the blanket was. Koko responded "red," even though the blanket was white. The teacher admonished her and asked her again, refusing to believe that Koko would make such a simple mistake. Still, Koko responded "red," and repeated it several times. The teacher was perplexed. Then Koko pulled a tiny piece of red lint off the blanket, pointed to it, and signed "red," and started laughing her deep, breathy, gorilla laugh. Humor, then, is another quality we humans can no longer claim for ourselves alone."
Abstract The following essay discusses the ethical and moral issues connected with the mapping of human genome and unethical practices during fetal tissue study. The genetic research and fetal tissue research aim at minimizing the risk of genetic disorders in children and adults but many argue that this kind of research does not take into account the issue of human dignity.
From the Paper "The genetic research or genetic engineering, as it is commonly known as, refers to the study of human genetic makeup, which is required for better and deeper understanding of the genetic problems. This subject has been heatedly debated all over the world but most prominently in the West where the research is currently gaining momentum. The government plays a key role in the research because it is only when the government allows a particulate controversial research that further studies can be conducted in that field."
Abstract This paper shows how the human-animal bond and its history provide the foundation when defining why pets are pivotal to western culture. It also discusses why it is important to identify the affects they have on our emotional and physical well-being. The writer claims that understanding the positive and negative impact of pet ownership can be a useful tool when helping those with mental and physical problems.
From the Paper "I. Introduction
"The interaction between humans and animals has always played a significant role as an element in human culture. More importantly, the domestication of animals for human use has facilitated the emergence of a more intimate relationship between man and non-human beings: the "pet" connection. The benefits of this connection are numerous as they encompass everything from simple companionship to deep enhancements in mental and physical health. Just as the interrelationships between man are always changing, the bond between animal and man is just as dynamic. Pet ownership in the U.S. involves a special tie where the pet is increasingly considered to be a member of the family. The relative wealth of the U.S. as compared to most other nations allows us to view animals more as individuals rather than strictly as a commodity as originally intended when man first domesticated any animal."
Abstract The following paper discusses the benefits of human cloning. The writer claims that the cloning of human cells is less complex and not as risky as the reproduction of sheep or cows.
From the Paper ?Biotechnology company Advanced Cell Technology Inc. (ACT), based in Worcester, Massachusetts, said the human cloning breakthrough was aimed not at creating a human being but at mining the embryo for stem cells to treat diseases ranging from Parkinson's to juvenile diabetes. Michael West, chief executive officer of ACT hopes to further treatment of ailments such as diabetes, cancer, AIDS, Parkinson' s and Alzheimer's disease (Gallagher, 2001). Sounds more like an attempt to improve life than destroy it. ACT's cloning of a human embryo is the next great step in science.?
Abstract The paper looks at what forces play a role in human evolution. It examines, for example, migration, parasites, recombination and relates it to relevant examples, including the spread of an epidemic.
From the Paper "The human genome has been shaped by a number of evolutionary processes whose heterogeneity and interactions also account for the genetic diversity within the human population. Throughout the evolutionary history of our species, one of the most important determinants of genetic diversity has been the force of natural selection. Natural selection tends to eliminate phenotypic traits that decrease fitness (reproductive success). Since a phenotype is largely a reflection of a genotype and reproduction serves as the only means of transmission of genes, natural selection helps to shape evolution by decreasing the frequency of detrimental alleles (versions) of genes in population over time. Some genes, however, seem to be under little or no selection pressure and hence can have multiple alleles without a negative impact upon survival and reproduction. Different alleles, moreover, confer differential fitness depending on environmental factors. Thus, the presence of the sickle cell allele of the hemoglobin gene in a population is disadvantageous in the US, but confers a reproductive advantage to heterozygous individuals who reside in an area that has a high prevalency of malaria."
