From the Paper "Since its original publication in 1971, Jane Goodall's pioneering field study of chimpanzees, "In the Shadow of Man", has become a classic of animal behavior study, and has made Goodall herself a household name and something of a celebrity. This is not simply because of the pioneering nature of her work. Equally important was the nature of the animals she studied: chimpanzees, creatures which are both fascinating and the closest evolutionary cousins to the human race--a view lately reaffirmed, as Stephen J. Gould notes in the Introduction to the revised edition--in the face of some earlier speculation that orangutans or even gorillas might be closer to us.
By implication, Goodall's study is not simply a behavioral study of another animal species, even one interesting and related ... "
Abstract This paper examines the questions and objections raised by those opposed to the cloning of human beings. It discusses the fact that science is "incomplete" and therefore unable to predict the outcome of cloned humans. It also examines the ethical questions surrounding the topic, including the fact that the souls of cloned humans cannot be copied, only their physical and genetic make-up. Finally, the paper argues that before science attempts to clone humans, it should come up with the answers to the many religious, ethical and moral dilemnas pertaining to the subject.
From the Paper "Another important question to ask is what kind of relationship would the clone have with the donor who is supposed to be acting like a parent? This is not a very good argument. Confidentiality would keep anyone but the parents and the doctors from knowing that the child is a clone. As stated earlier, the parent whom the child was cloned from and the child would not necessarily look alike, at least not any more alike than a child can normally look like a parent, and they would not necessarily act alike. The womb environment and the environment within the first couple of years after birth has such a huge affect on us, that the child may never know he/she was a clone, and, if cloning were perfected, no one would even ever suspect that the child was a clone."
Abstract This paper examines the question of genetics and homosexuality and how it has become increasingly important to discover its validity. It looks at how homosexuals are being refused leadership positions, custody and other benefits for something they allege is in born. The writer critiques literature relevant to the topic and presents the way each study was conducted and shows how studies have come down strongly on the side of genetics playing a part in the sexual orientation of each person. It evaluates how the maternal component of genetics has come to the forefront several times as the link to homosexuality and the importance of studying the maternal chromosomes more closely to try and locate the exact marker. It is a political and social need that it be determined one way or the other so that society can make its decisions based on fact not emotional reaction to homosexuality.
From the Paper "Because of the religious and moral arguments that have been presented regarding homosexuality over the years, the scientific world has been working to uncover the truth about the origin of sexual preference. Church leaders blast the homosexual community and condemn its members to eternity in hell, while advocates for the rights of homosexuals insist it is something they were born to be. Those who are against the practice of homosexuality believe it is a conscious choice made by a person and they have the power to change their mind and become heterosexual."
This paper discusses that the work of Jane Goodall and others are discovering that primates have a higher degree of intelligence than previously known.
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 42.95
Abstract This paper discusses recent primate studies that suggest there are more degrees of intelligence and more kinds of intelligence in the animal kingdom than was thought possible. The paper stresses that observing chimpanzees in the wild affords more opportunities to see intelligent behavior than observing them in zoos or other captive environments. The author points out that having learned that chimpanzees in the wild medicate themselves as needed, humans are learning about medications from these chimpanzees.
From the Paper "Jane Goodall has been a key figure in primate studies and helped initiate the ChimpanZoo project to compare behaviors in the wild with behaviors in captivity. Such interdisciplinary studies help researchers understand observed behaviors in both settings. Research in the wild serves to counter many of the stereotypical views of primates that people have developed form only seeing these animals in the zoo, an artificial environment which distorts some behavior."
Abstract Discusses functions of this group of glands. Main function to secrete hormones into the bloodstream. Control of various bodily functions such as growth, glucose control, blood pressure regulation, development of secondary sexual characteristics. Actions of the pituitary gland.;feedback mechanism. Effect of hormones on organs and glands. Examples of feedback control.
From the Paper "The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a group of glands whose function is to secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream (Berkow, Beers and Fletcher, 1997). Hormones are substances which serve as messengers which control the various functions of the body such as growth and development, glucose control, salt and water regulation, red cell production, bone formation, blood pressure regulation, development of secondary sexual characteristics, and support pregnancy. The major endocrine organs are the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroids, pancreas, adrenals, testes and ovaries. The hypothalamus secretes several hormones which stimulate the pituitary gland, which then releases certain of its hormones in response. It secretes others which suppress release of pituitary hormones."
Abstract This paper looks at the history of necrotizing fasciitis and identifies some
of the organisms known to cause it. It describes through a literature review the organisms most commonly associated with the disease and others which may also contribute to its pathogenesis. It examines the portals of entry by which these lethal bacteria gain access to the human body and look at steps which can be taken to prevent this invasion. It explores methods of prevention, particularly in reference to the hospital setting, where most of these infections occur. It also describes the management and treatment of necrotizing fasciitis and details a typical therapeutic protocol. Pictures and diagrams are included.
From the Paper "Hospitals and medical facilities have been major breeding grounds for many of these bacterial microbes. Fertile breeding grounds include operating rooms, surgical intensive care units, emergency rooms, burn units, newborn nurseries and patient wards. Major factors that effect their incubation include unsterile medical environments, inadequate hand washing, and overuse of antibiotics. There is no absolute way to prevent these infections from happening, but there are procedures which can be practiced to prevent their spread. Sterile techniques must be observed wherever possible, and proper disposal of infected materials undertaken to prevent the spread of infection. Isolation of patients with necrotizing fasciitis is mandatory and strict sterile procedures must be observed when dealing with such patients. All personnel involved in the care of such patients need to be thoroughly cognizant of the appropriate techniques for handling the patient, laboratory samples, etc. "
Abstract As we slouch towards the millennium, science fiction is rapidly becoming science reality. The creation of Dolly in Scotland marked not only an exciting moment in the history of genetics but a problematic one. As we move closer and closer to being able to genetically replicate not only sheep but humans, it is important to look at the big picture. This paper will look at what is involved in cloning, new techniques and their application to science, in addition to some of the potential ramifications of these experiments.
Abstract This essay deals with how air pollution will significantly affect the next generation. Air pollution is connected to all kinds of problems, including global warming, which poses a serious threat to the environment.
Abstract This paper discusses what cloning is and both pros and cons of cloning. Cloning can be used for different reasons from cloning kidneys to having a clone baby that will replace the lost of a child that might have been killed in an accident. The question arises about how safe this actually is and whether it is ethical.
Abstract This paper explores the mollusk species known as the Octopus. The different types of Octopus are explored along with their abilities and their habitats. Their different defense systems are looked at as well as their predators and their feeding process.
Abstract This paper examines the Venus Fly Trap, or the Dionaea muscipula, which was first found in the savannahs of the Carolinas and is classified in the division of Magnoliophyta, the class of Magnoliopsida, the order of Nepenthalesniales, and the family of Droseraceae. It describes its many interesting traits and characteristics, such as its physical makeup, its methods of capture and ingestion and the effect of fire on its growth. It also provides information on how to take care of a Venus Fly Trap in your own home.
From the Paper "The venus fly trap's most interesting feature is its process of feeding. The leaves of the plant are in fact traps for insects to fall into; the inside of the leaf is colored red and a scent is secreted, both of which attract insects to the plant. Also on the inside of the leaves are small hairs which sense the presence of something inside the trap. When the hairs are touched twice (two touches are necessary in order to avoid unnecessary closings from rain droplets and the like), the leaves close in on the insect inside. Once enclosed, the plant covers the insect in digestive fluid and breaks it down in order to absorb the nutrients contained in the insect."
Abstract This paper spells out the extreme importance of making every effort to save the world's rainforests. Many people do not realize the importance of plants and trees to the human and animal populations. Oxygen, our most important resource, comes from the rainforests. Also, the rainforests have provided many cures for diseases and are home to many exotic and beautiful animals. The paper argues that the depletion of the rainforests will eventually result in the demise of the world.
From the Paper "Global warming is causing a greenhouse effect on the earth. Since the 1930s the average temperature has risen at least ten degrees and even more in some places (Hartmann 53). Cutting down trees in the rainforest is making carbon dioxide in the atmosphere more abundant, because trees take in carbon dioxide. In The Last Hours of Sunlight: Waking Up to Personal and Global Transformation, Thom Hartmann address the problems of the greenhouse effect. "It is exactly what it says; the world is becoming a greenhouse. We are holding in carbon dioxide because there are fewer trees to absorb what humans produce" (9). "The way that humans are jumping on the opportunity the cut down tress it is like humans are trying to commit suicide by asphyxiation" (Bjorn 82). Oxygen is our most important resource and humans are not thinking of the consequences of their actions."
Abstract This paper examines how the concept of visual perception is complex in nature and how a number of different interpretations of the concept have been established throughout the field of psychology. Although the eyes view objects in a series of short, erratic movements, the brain processes these actions efficiently, so that actual visual experiences are smooth and steady. It looks at how, in order to evaluate perception effectively, two distinct schools of thought must be evaluated: modular and interactive; this paper assesses the circumstances surrounding these two experiences and the factors leading up to a conclusion of the most appropriate solution to the perception dilemma.
Outline
Introduction
Review of Related Literature
Movement and Action in the World
Visual Recognition in Relation to Object Processing
Cognitive Psychology and Visual Perception
Conclusion
From the Paper "Research conducted by Humphreys, Price, and Riddoch in 1999 in the article entitled "From objects to names: A cognitive neuroscience approach" indicates that the recognition of objects is largely based on a series of processing actions and that object naming is based on a combination of visual processing and recognition tasks. The research designates that "objects from categories with similar members produce a spread of activation across the structural descriptions of perceptual neighbors, and this slows the time for object decision" (Humphreys, Price, & Riddoch, 1999, p. 120). A number of neuroscientific studies are discussed in this essay, and the primary conclusion that the authors portray is that retrieving an object's name is dependent upon visual differentiation between categories, and may involve visual processing in earlier stages."
Abstract Recent years have seen intense debate on the ethicality of human cloning and therapeutic cloning. While the former involves reproduction of a new human, a clone to the adult from whom the DNA was taken, therapeutic cloning has a very different goal. Having said that, therapeutic cloning, too, has been under the spotlight. This paper focuses on therapeutic cloning alone and explores the possible pros and cons of the procedure. It defines therapeutic cloning to assure that the discussion is viewed in the correct contextual framework.
From the Paper "Therapeutic Cloning or Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer is a procedure, which involves removing the DNA from a cell taken from a human, inserting it into the DNA taken from a woman's ovum and giving the resultant ovum an electrical shock to begin the formation of an embryo. The procedure results in a pre-embryo being formed in a small percentage of cases (Robinson)."
Abstract This paper looks at the debate over producing and eating GM foods. In particular, the paper reviews the decision by the U.S. government to send GM grain, via the WFP of the UN, as part of their food aid to Africa. The paper concludes that the U.S. was not correct in their decision to send GM grain to Africa, as well as being incorrect in forcing African nations to accept the GM grain and, indeed, acted unethically through its decision to act as it did.
From the Paper "People against GM foods argue that the use of GM crops, manufactured (and more importantly, patented) by a small number of (US-owned) firms, will lead to small farmers becoming beholden to these large firms, which will mean the death of small business, in the developing world (which we are already seeing, on a huge scale), but also in the developed world, including the US. This would be globalization wrought on an epidemic scale, and would have devastating consequences for the world economy, as the large, monopolistic, firms could charge any amount they wanted for their seed, leaving competition a thing of the past."
