Abstract
This paper supplies significant research which proves that medicinal plants, commonly referred to as medicinal herbs, have been successfully used by man for more than 60 thousand years. The uses of medicinal plants have ranged through the entire spectrum of the physical and psychological maladies that can afflict the human race. The writer of this paper examines the various vaccines made from medicinal plant preparations which are designed for oral consumption as well as the numerous health benefits attained by properly ingesting these herbs. This paper also analyzes the business aspect of the medicine plant trade. Through relevant research, this paper estimates that world sales of medicines derived from plants, discovered and collected by indigenous tribes and cultures in 1990, amounted to some $43 billion.

Table of Contents:
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
Etiology, Applications and Common Medicinal Plants Today
Current and Future Trends
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper
"According to Zerner, the majority of the knowledge about medicinal plants today has been accumulated based on empirical observations over long periods of time. Likewise, Crellin and Philpott note that observations of the use of different plants by sick animals has always been a valuable source of information for early practitioners, and many continue to believe this is a valuable source of reliable information concerning the efficacy of medicinal plants today. Even the nonmedicinal uses of these various plant materials has helped the body of knowledge through increased familiarity to the point where, "Nowadays, many herbalists believe that they have an almost intuitive sense of whether or not a plant is medical. Ten of the most popular medicinal plants today are bilberry, cranberry, echinacea, feverfew, Ginkgo biloba, goldenseal, kava kava, milk thistle, saw palmetto, and St. John's wort."

Tags:health, plants, herbs, business, finance, medicine

Abstract
This paper states that cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases throughout the world. The paper then proceeds with an overview of the use of plants as an effective way to prevent and to cure cancer. In particular, the paper identifies the plants and compounds that are extracted from the plants that are being used in the treatment of cancer. In addition, the paper discusses the action of these plant-extracted compounds on the cancer cells. The paper concludes with a commentary on the future use of plants in the fight against cancer.

Outline:
Introduction
The Use of Plants for Medicinal Purposes
Anticancer Compounds in Plants
Treatment of Cancer by Plants
Prevention of Cancer by Plants
Summary

From the Paper
"Cancer is a dreaded disease, however cancer is not incurable. There are a number of positive responses to cancer treatment and more and more people have survived cancer as more and more cure and alternative treatments are being discovered. However, the rates of discovery of these alternative drugs that can be used to treat cancer are not fast enough to become at par with the increasing incidence of this dreaded disease. Several alternative drugs that are used for the treatment of cancer are still in experimental stages and some of the drugs that are being used today have high toxicity levels that could give hazardous side effects to the patients being treated."

Tags:medicinal, purposes, native, tribes, plant, alkaloids, chemotherapy

Abstract
This paper explains that narcotic plants, known for their effects on mind and body since the prehistoric period, were often associated with magic, religious rites, and medicine. Although there are over 60 species of hallucinogens known today that are consumed by people in one part of the world or other, the author focuses on the five major narcotics: tobacco, opium, hemp (marijuana), betel, and coca. The paper relates that the hallucinations that occur because the neuronal messages are changed in a greatly dramatic manner when narcotic plants are consumed.

Table of Contents
Introduction
History of the Use of Narcotic Plants and Hallucinogens
The Major Narcotic Plants
Ergot
Amanita
Marijuana
Opium
Coca
Tobacco
Other Hallucinogens
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Peyote: Botanically known by the name Lophophora williamsii, Peyote is a small grey-green variety of cactus found in northern Mexico and Texas. The Native Americans extensively used peyote particularly in their religious rites. The Aztecs ardently worshiped it and peyotism even grew as a religion among Americans. The compounds that are chemically active include mescaline and peyonine, of which mescaline induces hallucination essentially visual in nature, which enables the user to foresee and predict happenings as if in spiritual union with the divine power. Consumption of peyote causes intoxication accompanied by nausea, body shivers and perspiration for about two hours after which the user normally falls into hallucination."

Tags:ritual, medicine, tobacco, opium, marijuana

Abstract
This paper discusses how genetic engineering (GE) has made it possible to alleviate food shortages by inducing viral resistance in plants. Since the discovery and development of genetic engineering methods, many strategies for introducing viral resistance into crop plants have been researched and implemented, and several are described. The author explains how both pathogen-derived resistance (PDR) and non-PDR methods show great promise for the future; crop yields of many different plants throughout the world can potentially benefit from GE technology. Papaya and potato are only two of a large number of food-producing plants that have already been engineered successfully, and more successes will certainly follow in future years.

Outline:
Introduction
Background of Genetic Engineering in Plants
Pathogen-Derived Resistance
Non-Pathogen-Derived Resistance
Using Genetic Engineering to Confer Viral Resistance
Genetically Engineered Resistance Strategies
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Previous to the rise of genetic engineering, plant breeders had to rely on traditional methods of selecting for viral resistance in plants. This was a time-consuming and imprecise process; the development of transgene technology has allowed this to become a much more exact and effective science. While methods of introducing resistance into plants are advancing almost daily, there are a few solid methods that have been used consistently since their discovery, including coat-protein mediated resistance (CPMR), post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS), ribosomal inactivating proteins, and resistance (R) genes. These differing methods can confer different types of resistance (e.g. against broad or narrow ranges of viruses) and are often chosen depending on which type of virus is being targeted (Dasgupta et al. 2003)."

Tags:biosafety, gene pyramiding, heteroencapsidation transgenic insertion promoter avr genome

Abstract
This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-fired power plants. The paper focuses on the older power plants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-fired power plants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-fired power plants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.

From the Paper
"Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."

Tags:mercury, emissions, pollution

Abstract
This paper gives an overview of genetic engineering in plants that is geared toward inducing virus resistance. Several methods of achieving viral resistance in plants through genetic engineering are detailed, as well as considerations of using these methods. Methods covered include post-transcriptional gene silencing, coat-protein-mediated resistance, ribosomal inactivating proteins, resistance genes and plantibodies. The paper also discusses both risks and benefits of using genetic engineering in plants and provides case studies of successful implementation of genetically engineered virus resistance in crop plants such as papaya and potato.

From the Paper
"As the upward trend of the human population in the world today continues, the demand for sufficient food sources continues to grow as well. In undeveloped countries especially, the need for productive and healthy crops that can sustain a growing human population is not always met. In India, China and many African nations where hunger is a very real issue, the problem of food shortages can be greatly exacerbated by plant diseases and viruses, which can kill almost an entire field of crop of an unlucky or unprepared farmer. With the advent of genetic engineering, however, the possibility of creating plants with built-in genetic defenses against such devastating diseases has become very real, and in many cases has already been accomplished. A wide variety of strategies for engineering viral resistance in plants have been developed, and researchers have successfully utilized these strategies in creating plants resistant to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and potato virus Y (PVY), among others."

Tags:biology, crops, engineering, genetic, CPMR

Abstract
This paper examines the process of extracting essential oils from plants, in particular, Neroli. The author explains the key concerns in this process, the characteristics of the oil and the characteristics of the plant. Noting that citrus plants produce three different oils in different parts of the plant, the author cautions that different methods need to be used to produce the different oils. The paper explains the uses of Neroli and comments on the cost and economic factors governing the price of this essential oil extracted from the bitter orange tree.


Outline:
Characteristics of the Plant
Citrus Oil Production
Citrus Chemistry
References

From the Paper
"Labor is the most costly aspect of Neroli and Orange Blossom Water. However, the market for the products is high and continues to grow, especially as a gourmet food additive. As McMahon points out, there is justification for the argument that higher priced oils are superior in this case, due to shortcuts taken by producers in low priced years. Steam distillation is the preferred method and produces the highest quantity and quality of oils. The hydrosol and oil keep best under refrigeration, as the oils remain volatile in their distilled state."

Tags:essential oils, perfumery distillation

Abstract
The paper discusses how plants not only provide pleasing scenery but are essential sources of food and oxygen too. The paper describes how the seed develops from an ovule after a fertilization process has taken place. The paper discusses the plant's two organ system; the shoot and the root system. The paper relates that leaves contain the chlorophyll and are the most important part of the plant when it comes to photosynthesis. The paper points out that flowers are not part of every plant, but when they are present they have reproductive organs.

Outline:
Introduction
Structure
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The plant gets its beginnings from a seed. The seed develops from an ovule after a fertilization process has taken place. Plant life begins much in the same way that human life begins. Each seed includes an embryo, a food source and a protective outer coating. It can lay dormant for a period of time before germination occurs (Plant structure
http://www.sparknotes.com/biology/plants/plantstructures/summary.html). The structure of the plant system is very similar to the human system when it comes to the necessary elements for pollination and reproduction."

Tags:pollination, seed, stem, leaves, flower, root

Abstract
This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.

From the Paper
"This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "

Tags:photovoltaic, cell, energy

Abstract
This paper examines the spread of invasive plant species, specifically in the United States, and explains the nature of some of these invasive species. The writer discusses how these plants are introduced to the United States, their negative effects on the environment, and methods of control. The The writer also discusses the leading hypothesis for how nonnative plant species become invasive, known as the "escape-from-enemy" hypothesis. The paper concludes that more education and awareness is needed in order to fight these invasive species which have the potential to destroy native ecosystems.

From the Paper
"Invasive plants are a major, if not well understood, threat to ecological stability in the United States if not the world. Some nonnative species that are introduced into a new habitat are entirely innocuous and have no detrimental effects. Others are ill-suited to the new environment and quickly expire. Some, however, are exceptionally well-suited for their new place in the world and quickly overcome all of the native species. The kudzu vine and the zebra mussel are examples of such aggressive, invasive species. Unfortunately for those environmentalists and social agencies interested in preventing the spread of invasive species, the attributes of a successful invasion are not well understood (Wolfe 705). Understanding how nonnative species become invasive must be one of the first priorities in the fight against their spread and the subsequent destruction of ecosystem stability."

Tags:biology, environmnet, agriculturee, cosystem, water, flower, seeds