Monday, May 28, 2018
Biology Week 3 - Human Genetic Evolution
Although I was not able to get the link to www.cartage.org.1b/etc to work, I was able to find a lot of information on human genetic evolution. The Broad Institute in Cambridge, Mass seems to be the most recent source and leader in studying human genome. The fact that scientists have the ability to study the DNA across species and see back millions of years is incredible. Although I don't fully understand the details of the genetic science, I get the big picture. Africa appears to have been the ground zero for the dispersal and diversification (evolution?) of primates. Their studies also seem to confirm that speciation of humans and chimpanzees was a gradual process and more recent than previously thought. I can't wait to see what we learn as technology advances and further studies are conducted.
Biology Week 3 - Sleep
Thousands of studies conducted over the last decade have shown the negative effects of insufficient sleep such as:
- increased risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes
- increased risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- reduced immune function
The recommendation for adequate sleep is eight hours every night. Major functions in the body such as tissue repair, muscle growth, and protein synthesis occur almost exclusively during sleep. New studies regarding brain function and sleep suggests this time is when the brain clears toxins and waste. Previous studies have shown that sleep is when the brain is able to fix memories and learning.
From personal experience being around family or friends that haven't had enough sleep even for just one night, they tend to be distracted, have minor "accidents" (ie: spilling things, bumping into things), and are more easily agitated.
Over the last week I noticed that I was having some trouble falling asleep and was waking up one or two times during the night. So I broke out my sleep "hygiene" guides and removed all electronics from my room, went to bed at 10:00 pm, and turned out all the lights. I have slept through the night for the last three nights without waking until about 6:00 am. I don't think the full moon has affected my sleep but I certainly have!
Biology Week 3 - Human and Chimp Genes
Human DNA is, on average, 96% identical to the DNA of our most distant primate relatives, and nearly 99% identical to our closest relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos. I checked multiple sources regarding gene comparison between humans and chimps and all of them were within a few tenths of each other, with 99% at the middle.
What do most living primates have in common?
- Large brains (in relation to body size)
- Vision more important than sense of smell
- Hands adapted for grasping
- Long life spans and slow growth
- Few offspring, usually one at a time
- Complex social groups
The science behind these findings is logical to me. The separation of chimpanzee and human species being a long slow process does not create any internal angst for me. Honestly all living things on this earth share common DNA, I believe, because we are all originated from the cosmic "Big Bang". I just hope that humans can learn to live with respect and balance among all forms of life before we destroy it all.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Chemistry Week 3 - Green Chemistry
I think it is fantastic that the ACS has created the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry as a gold standard for manufacturing, industrial, and all chemical process companies to follow in the United States. I spent some time on their website and found that they have formed collaborative round tables with companies from around the world to focus on the science of sustainable and green chemistry and its implementation. I specifically looked at the round table created with some of the larger natural gas and oil producers with hydraulic fracturing operations in North America. They are gaining ground in getting some of the companies to declare the chemicals used in the process and stop hiding behind the "proprietary" claim for the likely most toxic chemicals they use. The round table members are working to find sustainable methods and green chemicals for the processes.
The problem I see is that all of this is voluntary and we are moving to slowly as a nation in requiring green chemistry practices.
The problem I see is that all of this is voluntary and we are moving to slowly as a nation in requiring green chemistry practices.
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Chemistry Week 3 - My Element - Iron
Iron - Fe - from the Latin word ferrus.
I chose iron as my element because it's Atomic number is 26 and I love the number 26! It is one of only three naturally occurring magnetic elements and is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth's crust. Most scientists believe the Earth's core consists mostly of iron. It is also found in the sun, asteroids, and the stars.
Iron is a versatile element as it is ductile (can be drawn into thin wires), malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) and has a high tensile strength. There is evidence that the ancient Egyptians learned how to use iron as early as 3500 BC. It is one of the most widely used and important metals today. The most common use is as steel to make everything from my favorite cast iron skillet to weapons of mass destruction. It can also be compounded for use in dyes, water treatment facilities, and dietary supplements.
Of great importance to humans, iron is used to carry oxygen in the body.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
Chemistry Week 2 - Periodic Tables and Atomic Structure
The subject in Chemistry this week on the Periodic Table of Elements and atomic structure put into perspective for me a theme throughout all of the Western Sciences classes I am taking this summer. The infinitesimally small world that we cannot see is massive and powerful. Our technology is advancing at a mind blowing rate due to these tiny particles and giving us better "sight" into the invisible world. Atomic structure is definitive information on over 100 basic elements that we can't even see and scientists are even able to combine and manipulate these tiny elements and then measure and extract additional information about them. Although I don't fully understand it, I am glad there are scientists that are passionate about the exploration.
I try to be mindful of my carbon footprint every day. I use public transportation as long as it is not too inconvenient; I don't let water run when doing the dishes, brushing teeth, I go around the house turning off lights that are not in use (not my family's favorite thing but they are coming around); I use reusable containers (glass, not plastic); I eat less meat; but I still have much room for improvement. However, I believe the issue of the human carbon footprint has to be addressed on a much bigger scale for real progress to be made, especially in the United States. Until the corporations are held to a higher standard of environmental responsibility, or lack there of, that affects the bottom line, they will not change their practices. We the consumers could have a voice in pushing that effort in the way we buy. But it will not be convenient and we have become an instant gratification society.
I try to be mindful of my carbon footprint every day. I use public transportation as long as it is not too inconvenient; I don't let water run when doing the dishes, brushing teeth, I go around the house turning off lights that are not in use (not my family's favorite thing but they are coming around); I use reusable containers (glass, not plastic); I eat less meat; but I still have much room for improvement. However, I believe the issue of the human carbon footprint has to be addressed on a much bigger scale for real progress to be made, especially in the United States. Until the corporations are held to a higher standard of environmental responsibility, or lack there of, that affects the bottom line, they will not change their practices. We the consumers could have a voice in pushing that effort in the way we buy. But it will not be convenient and we have become an instant gratification society.
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Biology Week 2 - Evo/Devo and Synesthesia
Evolution based on the process of natural selection has developed as a science since the 18th century. Charles Darwin spent decades collecting data from around the world because he thought there might be something to the ideas presented by his father that traits could be passed from one generation to another. From the data he was able to provide vast evident to support the fact that evolution had occurred and a plausible mechanism - natural selection. Natural selection has been proven to be a process and that all species originated from the same single celled organism, not an idea that there was a first human, first mouse, first beetle, etc.
Darwin did not have the modern day technology to support his studies but his studies have come to bear under the evaluation of modern technology such as gas chromatography and DNA testing. It is just human arrogance that ignores scientific data and is insulted or uncomfortable believing that the "neanderthal" is a homo sapien's cousin or that we are relatives to primates. How about worms?
Developmental biology today studies the development of an organism from the single cell stage to the fully developed embryo and the variations that can occur if this is not a correct and complete process. The early developmental biologist used this concept as an argument against Darwin's theory of evolution as published in "The Origin of Species".
I think both of these sciences are a balanced blend of how species have evolved over the millennia and what and how sometimes it goes wrong.
Synesthesia is a neurological condition where stimuli pathways get crossed (sensory cross-talk). It has to be involuntary and stable to be considered true synesthesia. About 5% of the population has this condition. It can be developmental(genetic) or acquired, but scientists do not know what happens in the brain to cause it. Basically, in one type the synesthete the person will hear a sound but the stimulus will show up in their visual cortex and they will see the sound in color. Since this condition can be hereditary OR developmental, does that mean humans have this ability hard wired in our core code and potentially could tap into it with practice?
The Bay Area has a synesthete that has created a VR 360 version of the colors she sees when she hears music. She is a Software Engineer, Neuroscientist, and Musician. Check it out....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=obrBAysVef0
Darwin did not have the modern day technology to support his studies but his studies have come to bear under the evaluation of modern technology such as gas chromatography and DNA testing. It is just human arrogance that ignores scientific data and is insulted or uncomfortable believing that the "neanderthal" is a homo sapien's cousin or that we are relatives to primates. How about worms?
Developmental biology today studies the development of an organism from the single cell stage to the fully developed embryo and the variations that can occur if this is not a correct and complete process. The early developmental biologist used this concept as an argument against Darwin's theory of evolution as published in "The Origin of Species".
I think both of these sciences are a balanced blend of how species have evolved over the millennia and what and how sometimes it goes wrong.
Synesthesia is a neurological condition where stimuli pathways get crossed (sensory cross-talk). It has to be involuntary and stable to be considered true synesthesia. About 5% of the population has this condition. It can be developmental(genetic) or acquired, but scientists do not know what happens in the brain to cause it. Basically, in one type the synesthete the person will hear a sound but the stimulus will show up in their visual cortex and they will see the sound in color. Since this condition can be hereditary OR developmental, does that mean humans have this ability hard wired in our core code and potentially could tap into it with practice?
The Bay Area has a synesthete that has created a VR 360 version of the colors she sees when she hears music. She is a Software Engineer, Neuroscientist, and Musician. Check it out....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=obrBAysVef0
Physics Week 2 - Quantum Mechanics
As I understand Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, both the position and momentum of a particle are random and defy measurement because they are independent phenomena. And, some consider that the act of observing the particle may have an effect on it. At best, a range of possible locations and momentum can be speculated. Scientists and mathematicians have developed enough data to know that there are characteristics of given particles within this invisible world, however, they are not 100% certain.
We don't see quantum concepts in our daily lives which makes quantum theory both difficult to explain and understand for those of us that are not Physicists or Mathematicians. The average human brain is not currently capable of comprehending the quantum world that does not have definitive, measurable, behaviors and characteristics. Just because we can't see it, doesn't mean that it is not there, and here, and way over there!
Now try to imagine imposing cause-effect statistics on these invisible quantum particles whose very nature is random and can not be measured with certainty. In classic Physics an effect can not occur from a cause that is not in the past of that event and a cause can not have an effect outside of the future of that event. Cause assumes there was a time before. As Lawrence Krauss explains, "in the quantum world cause does not mean purpose. There is no proof of purpose or design."
I believe the universe is wonderfully weird and that the human mind has centuries to go before it can comprehend the many secrets and marvels we don't currently understand or even know about. I can't explain why I have woken up with a "feeling" that something really incredible was going to happen and I find out that evening that my son has been accepted at UC Davis in their Mechanical Engineering program...but it did happen. I often observe the moon and the stars on clear nights and have a feeling of calm acceptance in the knowledge that I am not even a grain of sand in the cosmos. So I wonder at this weird universe in which I exist on the third rock from the sun in this tiny solar system and I am grateful.
We don't see quantum concepts in our daily lives which makes quantum theory both difficult to explain and understand for those of us that are not Physicists or Mathematicians. The average human brain is not currently capable of comprehending the quantum world that does not have definitive, measurable, behaviors and characteristics. Just because we can't see it, doesn't mean that it is not there, and here, and way over there!
Now try to imagine imposing cause-effect statistics on these invisible quantum particles whose very nature is random and can not be measured with certainty. In classic Physics an effect can not occur from a cause that is not in the past of that event and a cause can not have an effect outside of the future of that event. Cause assumes there was a time before. As Lawrence Krauss explains, "in the quantum world cause does not mean purpose. There is no proof of purpose or design."
I believe the universe is wonderfully weird and that the human mind has centuries to go before it can comprehend the many secrets and marvels we don't currently understand or even know about. I can't explain why I have woken up with a "feeling" that something really incredible was going to happen and I find out that evening that my son has been accepted at UC Davis in their Mechanical Engineering program...but it did happen. I often observe the moon and the stars on clear nights and have a feeling of calm acceptance in the knowledge that I am not even a grain of sand in the cosmos. So I wonder at this weird universe in which I exist on the third rock from the sun in this tiny solar system and I am grateful.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Chemistry Week One - Impressions
Chemistry is defined as the scientific study of the composition, structure, properties and interactions of matter. Having such a broad definition, I was unable to think of any process in this world that doesn't fall under the umbrella of chemistry. To that end, chemistry can be used to do good or very bad things.
In the realm of good uses of chemistry I think immediately of TCM and the power of individualized treatment plans that may include acupuncture, specifically blended herbs, and a Qi Gong practice that will support the chemical processes of the body moving toward homeostasis. I also watched a Netflix documentary, A Plastic Ocean, on the passionate scientists working on methods to remove the plastic from the world's oceans. As with most documentaries I have watched, is was both appalling and inspiring.
Unfortunately, I believe the bad uses of chemistry prevail. Consider:
* chemical weapons manufactured for the sole purpose of causing horrible death to human (and animal) populations,
* toxic substances used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, foods, body products, clothing and many more.
The western corporate culture puts such an important emphasis on maximizing profits that short and long term negative effects are often an after thought or only consider as a result of costly litigation.
I was saddened by the article on the Chinese pharmaceutical companies that are going forward to achieve FDA approval for a few of their TCM products. It seems that the American profit driven corporate structure has infiltrated China and I believe it could be a blow to efforts to gain credibility for TCM practices in the U.S.
In the realm of good uses of chemistry I think immediately of TCM and the power of individualized treatment plans that may include acupuncture, specifically blended herbs, and a Qi Gong practice that will support the chemical processes of the body moving toward homeostasis. I also watched a Netflix documentary, A Plastic Ocean, on the passionate scientists working on methods to remove the plastic from the world's oceans. As with most documentaries I have watched, is was both appalling and inspiring.
Unfortunately, I believe the bad uses of chemistry prevail. Consider:
* chemical weapons manufactured for the sole purpose of causing horrible death to human (and animal) populations,
* toxic substances used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, foods, body products, clothing and many more.
The western corporate culture puts such an important emphasis on maximizing profits that short and long term negative effects are often an after thought or only consider as a result of costly litigation.
I was saddened by the article on the Chinese pharmaceutical companies that are going forward to achieve FDA approval for a few of their TCM products. It seems that the American profit driven corporate structure has infiltrated China and I believe it could be a blow to efforts to gain credibility for TCM practices in the U.S.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Chemistry Week One - Quick Quiz Answers
1. Burning wood - chemical change
Crushing rock - physical change
Disolving sugar in water - physical change
The rusting of iron - chemical change
2. Milk is a mixture
Table salt is a mixture
Sugar is a pure substance
Steel is a mixture
3. A cup of black coffee is homogenous and impure
4. The boiling of water is a physical change and the temperature at which is boils is a physical property.
Crushing rock - physical change
Disolving sugar in water - physical change
The rusting of iron - chemical change
2. Milk is a mixture
Table salt is a mixture
Sugar is a pure substance
Steel is a mixture
3. A cup of black coffee is homogenous and impure
4. The boiling of water is a physical change and the temperature at which is boils is a physical property.
Physics Week One
The Meaning of Time....an expansive first subject! If you consider that time can be experienced individually, collectively, culturally, scientifically, philosophically, and many other ways, trying to provide a meaning seems an impossible task.
Just consider the Big Bang theory as understood from Neil deGrasse Tyson's explanation. All of the mass, energy, and space of the current universe was contained in a sub pinpoint size dot that heated and expanded to a bit less than what it is now in about 10 seconds! Now, I have oversimplified this explanation but a lot happened in a very short time.
Compare Western culture's "time management" principles that attempt to create rigid schedules where successful outcome does not seem to be as important as meeting the schedule. Or employers that incorporate "LEAN" processes that require fewer employees to do more work. And Eastern cultures that place a higher value on a successful outcome than meeting a scheduled deadline. How is the meaning of time perceived by these different cultures and how does it affect the individuals?
I see clients who explain how their life changed in the blink of an eye - the misstep of a foot. One day they are going about their lives by working, gardening, playing with their children/grand children. The next day they cannot brush their teeth, pick up their child, spend even half a day at work. Does time have more than one meaning for them?
Personally, no matter how long I live, there will not be enough time! I just try to balance the time I have each day to ensure thoughtfulness, wonder and enjoyment.
"The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you." Neil deGrasse Tyson
Just consider the Big Bang theory as understood from Neil deGrasse Tyson's explanation. All of the mass, energy, and space of the current universe was contained in a sub pinpoint size dot that heated and expanded to a bit less than what it is now in about 10 seconds! Now, I have oversimplified this explanation but a lot happened in a very short time.
Compare Western culture's "time management" principles that attempt to create rigid schedules where successful outcome does not seem to be as important as meeting the schedule. Or employers that incorporate "LEAN" processes that require fewer employees to do more work. And Eastern cultures that place a higher value on a successful outcome than meeting a scheduled deadline. How is the meaning of time perceived by these different cultures and how does it affect the individuals?
I see clients who explain how their life changed in the blink of an eye - the misstep of a foot. One day they are going about their lives by working, gardening, playing with their children/grand children. The next day they cannot brush their teeth, pick up their child, spend even half a day at work. Does time have more than one meaning for them?
Personally, no matter how long I live, there will not be enough time! I just try to balance the time I have each day to ensure thoughtfulness, wonder and enjoyment.
"The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you." Neil deGrasse Tyson
Biology Week One
I enjoyed the thought provoking subjects introduced in our first week of biology class. I felt there was a subtle theme showing how the human species perceives itself as the most intelligent and advanced of all on this planet. Does this perception exist because we make comparisons of other species with our human ways as the "gold" standard?
We saw that there is evidence that cetaceans are able to communicate in a very precise manner based the fact that their primary sense and primary means of communication are both auditory. They also have well developed auditory organs and nervous system support to allow them to convey and receive as much as 20 times the amount of information humans can. With the human species using texting and digital means of communication with increasing frequency are we conveying our messages thoughtfully and precisely? How many Facebook rants have escalated because of probable misunderstood intents? Are we really a more intelligent species or do we digress?
If you missed the link for the Nonhuman Rights Project in the whales and dolphins article, you should check it out. It looks like a good group of people advocating for animals rights.
We also saw that many birds, fish and amphibians have tetrachromatic vision while most humans have trichromatic vision. Since vision is the primary sense for humans, we may be missing a huge amount of information that exists in the color spectrum. Are we really the most advanced species or just more complex?
We saw that there is evidence that cetaceans are able to communicate in a very precise manner based the fact that their primary sense and primary means of communication are both auditory. They also have well developed auditory organs and nervous system support to allow them to convey and receive as much as 20 times the amount of information humans can. With the human species using texting and digital means of communication with increasing frequency are we conveying our messages thoughtfully and precisely? How many Facebook rants have escalated because of probable misunderstood intents? Are we really a more intelligent species or do we digress?
If you missed the link for the Nonhuman Rights Project in the whales and dolphins article, you should check it out. It looks like a good group of people advocating for animals rights.
We also saw that many birds, fish and amphibians have tetrachromatic vision while most humans have trichromatic vision. Since vision is the primary sense for humans, we may be missing a huge amount of information that exists in the color spectrum. Are we really the most advanced species or just more complex?
Short Bio
My name is Michelle Thompson and I moved from Pittsburgh, PA to NorCal in 2012. I began practicing as a Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist in San Francisco, specifically helping people overcome acute and chronic pain. In an attempt to improve outcomes for my clients I continued educating myself about whole person approaches and it sparked a desire to become a practitioner of Chinese medicine. I am very excited to be part of the ACCHS community for this adventure.
My two adult children joined me in the East Bay from the right coast and the journey has been fantastic for all of us. We have two dogs that are a source of great affection and entertainment. I enjoy reading science fiction and mystery books when I am not reading professional books and literature.
My two adult children joined me in the East Bay from the right coast and the journey has been fantastic for all of us. We have two dogs that are a source of great affection and entertainment. I enjoy reading science fiction and mystery books when I am not reading professional books and literature.
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