Abstract In this article, the writer notes that bioterrorism is potentially one of the deadlier forms of terrorism because it can be silently introduced amidst large populations to cause untold health problems or large numbers of fatalities as well as create a world-wide panic. The writer maintains that the key to effectively managing and coordinating a biological incident would be early detection and a timely response. The writer then reviews the various detection methods and devices used in biological agent detection and sensing and notes that much progress has been made in the development of these devices however, there is much progress to be made in the future. The writer concludes that enabling health care workers and emergency responders to test the biological agent exposure early in the process of a crisis holds great promise for early detection and eradication of biological agent exposure for the public-at-large in an event or crisis involving biological warfare agents.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Biological Detection Equipment
Bio-Detection Process: A Four-Step Process
Sampler/Collector Types
Two Types of Triggers in Bio-Sensing Technologies
Flow Cytometry
Crisis Management
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The devices are becoming increasingly less expensive and simple to use however, initiatives underway for development of newer devices that are less expensive hold promise in the near future for biological sensing and detection. While the Department of Defense has set out guidelines for Emergency Responders, it is likely that many of the smaller fire departments throughout the country have not yet prepared for this type of crisis. Enabling health care workers and Emergency Responders in testing the biological agent exposure early in the process of a crisis holds great promise for early detection and eradication of biological agent exposure for the public-at-large in an event or crisis involving biological warfare agents."
Abstract This paper takes a look at biology. According to the paper, biology covers the entirety of human history as well as the study of all life on the planet Earth. This paper focuses on what and how resources within biology are actually used. The paper assesses their validity based upon their credibility and support within the specific fields.
From the Paper "There are several types of journals about biology. The two most prominent types are peer-reviewed journals and main-stream journals. In the first case, peer reviewed journals are very scientific in nature and not suited for laymen. They are usually published by professional associations of scientists such as the American Biology Society, and the Public Library of Science. Such literature is usually published on an annual, bi-annual or monthly basis and contains articles that are written by professionals within the field that detail their research. All articles within such journals are peer-reviewed and thus have credibility because they are reviewed for accuracy. Peer reviewed journals take on two particular forms, the first are ones that discipline specific, these journals are usually published through professional associations that specialize in such arenas. For instance, the American Ecology Society publishes a monthly peer-reviewed journal on topics that have to do with ecology. Another type of peer-reviewed journals is national level journals that look at the compilation of research across a spectrum of biological disciplines. Such journals such as the one published by the Public Library of Science, tend to be a panoramic view of the biology discipline, with articles that have to do with the complete breath of research within biology in general. The PLOS Biology journal is published three times a year and is a collection of the most important research within the national trimester. "
Abstract This paper explains that Richard Lewontin in his book "Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA" presents a view of science that challenges the popular conception of science as a methodical quest for objective knowledge, which exists outside of the political and social structures of human society. The author points out that the book, which is based on Lewontin's lectures for the 1990 Massey Lectures, focuses on Lewontin's area of scientific specialty biology with a particular emphasis on genetics. The paper relates that the book's component chapters each address and subvert popular myths of science that, for many people, render its practices and practitioners beyond the realm of social and political thought.
From the Paper "Richard Lewontin, in his book Biology as Ideology: The Doctrine of DNA, presents a view of science that challenges the popular conception of science as an methodical quest for objective knowledge that exists outside of the political and social structures of human society. This book, based on Lewontin's lectures for the 1990 Massey Lectures, focuses on Lewontin's area of scientific specialty: biology, with a particular emphasis on genetics. The book's component chapters each address, and subvert, popular myths of science that - for many people - render its practices and practitioners beyond the realm of social and political thought."
Abstract This paper examines the question of what mathematical premises would be dependent on the biological and physical evolution of a given species, assuming of course that we knew other intelligent species had evolved. The writer discusses that some critics suppose that language and mathematics by extension are dependent upon the physical parameters set out by the body. The writer explains: ten fingers and hence a decimated numerical system. This essay probes that assumption.
From the Paper "There is almost certainly a connection between biology and the ability to conceptualize. The basic logical processes that we, as humans, often take for granted are in reality quite dependent upon our own physical evolution. How likely is it that we would have developed a base ten numerical system if we didn't just happen to have ten fingers? It would be perfectly plausible to have a base six system or base twelve, for example. But the question becomes how much of mathematics is a product of biological evolution and how much of it exists unto itself."
Abstract The paper examines the possibility that biology, evolution and the development of mathematics are linked more closely than mathematicians would necessarily have us believe. The paper challenges the basic Platonist assumption that abstract mathematical concepts possess concrete being and are consequently fundamental parts of the universe. Instead, the paper discusses the possibility that mathematics is a construction of the human mind and an evolutionary development.
From the Paper "Most often we take mathematical truth for granted. Rather than understand it as an historical construction - not so different from any other human production, such as language - most people fully believe that mathematics is natural and etched into the very fabric of the cosmos. This is a classic Platonist view of the universe in which even abstract concepts have physical reality. Twentieth century theorists, especially in linguistics, have repeatedly challenged the efficacy of abstract concepts. But mathematics is still, in some part, understood to be the realm of the gods with right-brains their unerring prophets."
Abstract This paper explains that nature acts as a pharmacy, offering us products, from the forest pharmacy and the pharmacy below water, with which we can heal ourselves: For example, aspirin, quinine, cyclosporins, and penicillin. This paper details the techniques that are available to researchers, to collect samples of natural products from the wild in a systematic manner, to extract compounds from these samples, to isolate the biologically-active compounds within these extracts, to characterize the biologically-active compounds chemically in terms of their structure, to evaluate the biologically-active compounds biologically, to determine potentially useful therapeutic effects and finally the methodology necessary to take these compounds to clinical trial. The author stresses the importance of finding new and more effective drugs to fight against bacterial infections and cancer. Outline.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Nature's Pharmacopeia.
The Isolation of Biologically-Active Compounds and their Extraction Identification: Techniques
Introduction
Chemical Extraction
Biological Evaluation
Chemical Analysis
Chromatography
Solid Phase Extraction
Paper Chromatography
Thin Layer Chromatography
Flash Chromatography
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Central Counter Current Chromatography
Determining the Chemical Structure of Compounds Isolated by Chromatography
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Mass Spectrometry
Drug Development
Examples of the Isolation and Identification
An Example of Extraction, Isolation and Chemical Characterization of Biologically-Active Compounds from Larch Wood
Biologically-active Compounds from Marine Organisms
What Compounds Have Been Isolated From Marine Organisms?
Biologically-Active Anti-Cancer Compounds ? Testing for Human Safety
Conclusion
From the Paper "Chromatography is the process whereby two or more compounds or ions are separated through the distribution of the compound or ion between two phases, one that is mobile and the other which is stationary. These two phases can be of any combination: liquid-liquid, solid-solid, solid-liquid or gas-liquid, gas-gas, or gas-solid. There are many specific techniques for chromatography, some of which will be described below, and all follow the same basic principles. All forms of chromatography involve a rapid and dynamic equilibrium of molecules between the two phases, either free ? mobile - or absorbed ? stationary. Molecules will constantly move back and forth between the free and absorbed states, with millions of molecules absorbing and desorbing every second. The equilibrium between these states depends on three factors: the polarity and size of the molecule, the polarity of the stationary phase, and the polarity of the solvent. Thus, three different variables can be changed in chromatography, which can change the equilibrium between the stationary and mobile phases: this allows one to choose mobile and stationary phases that will separate just about any combination of compounds."
Abstract This well-researched paper analyzes the role and rights of the biological father in adoption proceedings, while drawing upon an examination of relevant case laws. This paper details the history of the adoption process which was legally recognized in the U.S. in the 1850s, with the inception of the first adoption statute. The writer of this in-depth paper examines the Supreme Court's recognition and willingness to recognize and expand the rights of biological fathers in cases of adoption and / or custody matters. This paper provides a general overview regarding the current status of unwed fathers' adoption rights. This paper examines California law pertaining to the rights of the biological father. This paper discusses California's current stance on the issue, which is that the courts utilize the best interests of the child standard when considering whether the biological father presents a substantial risk of detriment to the child's well-being. While the other hand, other courts have argued that the best interests of the child standard should no longer be the primary consideration in the determination of whether the court should terminate an unwed biological father's rights. This paper cites numerous case studies containing relevant information to this particular topic. This paper details the case of Pena vs. Mattox, in which the biological father argued that his due process rights were violated when his parental rights were terminated by the adoption of his child. The writer contends and explains why are there are no clear guidelines establishing how courts should decide adoption cases involving fathers' rights, and as a result these rights have slowly evolved in favor of the father.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
General Adoption Information / History
A Father's Constitutional Rights
California Courts & Adoption Law
Role of the Supreme Court & The Present Status of Biological Father's Rights
Future of the Adoption Process
Bibliography
Cases Cited
From the Paper "Whatever method courts decide to use, it is of paramount importance that these disputes be resolved in a quick and efficient manner. Dragging custody disputes out over long periods of time only serves to cause emotional harm to everyone involved, especially to the child whose future hangs in limbo while the case slowly moves through the courts. By implementing a uniform system of deciding these cases, forum shopping will be avoided. Consequently, multiple courts will no longer be asked to hear the same case, as happened in the Baby Jessica case. This will surely lead to faster adjudication and resolution of these disputes and, consequently, to less psychological trauma to the children caught in the middle."
Tags: rights, law, parent, child, legal, biological, adoption, case
Abstract This paper traces the origins and history of biological weapons, especially in the United States. In knowing its history, this research also looks into the development of technology as one of the precursors that helped "develop" and proliferate the creation of microorganisms that can destroy not only the human body, but the Earth's physical environment as well. Furthermore, the use of biological weapons as an alternative for weapons in the act of terrorism and as a means to destroy another nation or society is also studied and analyzed, thereby putting the production of biological weapons in its socio-political context. Classifications of biological weapons presently produced are also identified. Lastly, measures and policies formulated to encourage and promote non-proliferation of biological weapons, a socio-political issue, is also tackled.
From the Paper "The origin and history of biological weapons can be traced as far back as the 14th century, where plague epidemics become biological weapons used by conquerors in order to easily overpower other nations/societies. In American history, biological weapons use is evident in the use of the smallpox disease as a way for the French and British forces to defeat the Native Americans, original inhabitants of the US territory, in the 18th century (Lederberg, 1999:18-9). Biological weaponry has become more developed in the 20th century, during the First World War, when Germany used "wind-blown chlorine" as a weapon to physically weaken the enemy's army forces. Germany's use of chlorine later developed to phosgene to mustard gas, attacking the skin and lungs of its victims, proving itself to be a pervasive form of biological weapon, since gas masks proved to be "ineffective" protection to this biological weapon (Falkenrath, 1998)."
Abstract This paper examines how training in biology provides biology majors with a wide variety of potential career options and how the choice of potential careers is wide, even within a specific area of biology. It looks at how the choice of potential employers is wide and includes federal and government agencies, as well as agriculture and pharmaceuticals and other private and public industries. It also discusses how the amount of education required depends largely upon a specific career choice. Choosing a career in biology is about matching a wide number of factors, including personal ethics, salary, and personal interests.
From the Paper "Biologists often face a number of ethical concerns that may drive their career choices (Winter and Belikoff). The use of animals in medical research is an ethical problem for many would-be scientists, as are ethically charged issues like human cloning and stem cell research. Biology careers focusing on wildlife conservation and related areas face many environmental issues. Careers in the pharmaceutical industry often bring up ethical issues surrounding drug cost and availability. For example, drug companies have been criticized for not making expensive AIDs treatments available to individuals in Africa for little or no cost."
Abstract The paper explores the vast array of resources available in the field of biology and examines how credible such sources are for the discussion of biological discoveries. The paper relates that the key factor with the credibility of biology research is an understanding of the motivation behind the research conducted. The paper looks at university professors, journals, books and websites. The paper shows how there is a litany of literary sources for biological resource; the chief concern is to frame the right questions to find the appropriate research.
From the Paper "The first step to beginning research within the field of biology is at the nation's premier universities. Educational institutions such as Harvard, Cornell, University of California, San Diego, University of Chicago, etc. are just a few that have made profound affects on biology. Once a professor or researcher have made significant discoveries within the field, they will naturally gravitate towards these esteemed universities to conduct further research. Biology research within the university are not completely unbiased however, there are several problems associated with the credibility of such research."
Tags: university, journal, book, professor, website, data, grants
Abstract This paper examines the biological reason for human infidelity in both men and women. It explores the sexual instincts of mating and the biological clock with makes humans prone to unfaithful sexual encounters. The paper describes Darwin's theory of the 'selfish gene', which describes the human biological force to compete for survival.
From the Paper "Why are men more prone to committing adultery and why do some seemingly happy and satisfied wives seek sexual alternatives? These questions that seek to explain infidelity have so far remained elusive. The concept of human emotions and the instinctual need to reproduce is something that remains undeniable. Sexual instincts or the 'mating' instinct is strong in most animals and humans are no exception. Evolutionalists are now claiming that the human's male and female's are prone to be unfaithful at a certain time during their biological body clock."
Abstract This paper surveys the relevant evidence suggesting that the United States helped Iraq acquire biological agents. The evidence pertains to major claims about the United States and Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War. One is that the United States ignored signs that Iraq was using biological weapons. Another is that the United States directly sent samples of biological agents to Iraq. The paper then surveys the events in question chronologically, by evaluating the evidence and ascertaining when the alleged events took place, within the context of the Iran-Iraq War.
From the Paper "Whether the US aided Iraq in obtaining or producing biological weapons is controversial. Over the years, many people have pointed out the irony that the United States helped arm Saddam Hussein in the Iraq-Iran War, and that this has come back to haunt the government. It is clear that the United States supplied military assistance in various forms during the Iran-Iraq War; that is not in question. However, whether the United States played a role in or facilitated Iraq's acquiring or producing biological weapons is more controversial. The evidence suggests that the United States played some sort of role in helping Iraq acquire biological agents and ignored their use of chemical weapons, but there is no evidence that the United States helped Iraq create or acquire actual biological weapons."
Tags: UN, Rumsfeld, Iran, Persian, Gulf, Kuwait, Hussein
This paper is a review of the book "Germs: Biological Weapons and America's Secret War" by Judith Miller, Stephen Engelberg and William Broad, investigative journalists.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 41.95
Abstract This paper discusses the book "Germs" that reviews recent history and threats of biological or germ weapons. The paper states that biological weapons are an increased threat in today's world where terrorists are the likely enemy rather than recognized foreign governments and the risks of biological attacks are greater since knowledge of these weapons is commonplace and germ technology is an affordable alternative to nuclear weapons. The author concludes, given that we now live in the world predicted by the authors, the book seems redundant even though it was published in 2001.
From the Paper "Recent times have seen the increase in the virility and willingness to use biological weapons. Chapter one outlines the first use in 1984 of a biological weapon against Americans on American soil. An imported religious cult, who called themselves Sannyasins, poisoned townspeople in Oregon by spreading salmonella over foods in local salad bars. The following chapters outline how weapons programs in post World War II Russia and the United States developed biological agents of increasing power and potency. Technological advances in the understanding of DNA and genetic engineering took germ weapons to new levels of sophistication, each superpower trying to outpace the other."
Abstract This paper begins by providing an in-depth definition of a "learning community", summarized as curricular/instructional structure that provides students with opportunities for deeper understanding and integration of the material they are learning, as well as more interaction with one another and with their teachers who are viewed as fellow participants in the learning enterprise. This paper reviews the existing literature on learning communities and applies this literature to high school biology instruction. The review is presented in two parts: An examination of the literature indicating those conditions needed to establish a classroom as a learning community; and a review of instructional strategies that have been successful in getting students to achieve in the biological sciences. The review ends with the formulation of conclusions about developing learning communities in the classroom in general and in the biology classroom in particular, and those instructional strategies that might be best used in the classroom learning community.
From the Paper "Kellog (1999) reports that the notion of a learning community was originally conceived by Alexander Meiklejohn who, at the University of Wisconsin, gathered both students and faculty together to study and discuss classic Greek literature during their first year of college and compare it to the contemporary American literature information which they studied in their second-year of college. Students were required to connect the ideas they learned in both literature classes. They wrote a paper during the summer between the first and second years and another paper at the end of the second year in which they compared what they had learned. This initial learning community established by Alexander Meiklejohn lasted for about six years. Today the concept of the learning community includes many different models; however, Kellog (1999) notes that, in general, regardless of the type of model used, learning communities produce several benefits to students, to staff and faculty and to the schools using the model. For students, these benefits include: increased academic achievement, improved retention, increased motivation, gains in intellectual development and greater involvement in learning itself."
Abstract This research paper, entitled "The History and Use of Biological Weapons," provides an overview and discussion of how biological weapons are used by terrorists and war-makers. The paper includes some examples of how they have been used in the past, how they could be used in future attacks and an assessment of the ramifications of their use. The paper explains the science of the biological weapons.
From the Paper "Even though the use of biological weapons has been a fairly recent phenomenon, the direct use of biological warfare against enemy personnel is very old. Today, however, the use of biological weapons such as anthrax in our country's mails has received enormous levels of attention because of its direct impact on the nation and on each of us as potential targets. That is what makes it such an effective terrorist tool, but overall, biological warfare is tricky stuff indeed -- just as likely to kill the bearer as the intended recipient."
