Podcast: Living on Earth Podcast, Prenatal Chemical Exposure Linked to Obesity, Start: 00:01 End: 05:39
Topic: Toxic Chemicals
Summary:
Pregnant women in the Cincinnati area, downstream from some Industrial dumping in the Ohio River, have high perfluorooctanoic acid, a toxic chemical, in their blood due to being exposed to contaminated water. It is still not definite how the women where exposed to the chemical, but studies are being conducted for possibility that it came from their diet. By having the perfluorooctanoic acid in their blood, it provides a higher risk for their born child to develop obesity or other types of diseases relating to obesity. This toxic plus other obesogens are effecting hormonal systems that involves with fetal growth. The levels of chemicals are decreasing because manufacturers are stoping the production of it; however, 90% of chemicals are still found in people. Concerns are that the chemicals will stay in our bodies for over three years due to how long chemicals can stay in the environment and in our body. Although there is uncertainty if the perfluorooctanoic acid or other obesogens cause the obesity epidemic in America, there are some chemical exposures that do increase body fat or the risk of obesity.
I chose this article because I wanted to learn more on how chemicals can affect our health. The most interesting thing to me is learning about how chemicals can stay in our bodies for many years. I also found interesting that there are chemicals out there that do have effects on increasing our fat that can cause major problems in the future.
This podcast is important to environmental science because it shows the connection between obesity, genetics, and the environment. It shows how toxic chemicals can contaminate our waters, and have a later effect on our health. Our next step is to conduct more studies on the cause of obesity and try to reduce it. Now we need to figure out alternatives instead of using chemicals in our lives.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
"Aquarium Reflection" Assignment
The new things that I have learned are biodiversities and adaptations. In the Amazon Rainforest, there are many different species, especially 2,000 species of fish living in the Amazon River. A couple of the different species are the Plumed basilisk lizard, Arapaima, and Capybara. The Plumed basilisk lizard is found in the streams and rivers in the rainforest of Central and South America. Their nickname is "Jesus Christ lizard" because they can walk on water due to great speed as they escape from danger. The Arapaimas an Amazon River fish that grows up to 10 feet long and weigh more then 250 pounds. An interesting fact about them is that they have to rise at the surface to breathe air. Finally, the Capybara is a guinea pig that is 4 foot long and weighs 150 pounds.
Another group of biodiversity is found in the Blue Planet, Earth. Because Earth is surrounded by water it has many biodiversity in the ocean. They are different species of fishes that live in the icy polar seas, mountain streams, hot volcanic streams, etc. Biodiversity is important to our planet because it helps to keep productivity within each ecosystem; everyone of these species has an important role in their environment. Biodiversity also helps scientists to examine the environmental health. I chose this because it was fun learning about the different types of species in an ecosystem. What I found interesting is the nickname that people give to the Plumed basilisk lizard.
The adaptations that I learned about are the penguins and Capybara. Penguins adapted to have sharp beaks with a hook at the end to trap wiggling fish. They also have heavy bones that helps them to dive underwater. Their steering feet allows them to swim, stand, waddle as they walk. Furthermore, they have adapted a keen eye sight with flattened corneas that helps them to see clearly above and below the water. The Capybara, in the Amazon Rainforest, adapted to their ecosystem by evolving webbed feet and nostrils allowing them to spend more in the water. This is important to our planet because in order to maintain biodiversity each species must adapt to their environment to survive; adaptations help many species to thrive in their ecosystems. What I thought was interesting was the different kind of adaptations.
Another group of biodiversity is found in the Blue Planet, Earth. Because Earth is surrounded by water it has many biodiversity in the ocean. They are different species of fishes that live in the icy polar seas, mountain streams, hot volcanic streams, etc. Biodiversity is important to our planet because it helps to keep productivity within each ecosystem; everyone of these species has an important role in their environment. Biodiversity also helps scientists to examine the environmental health. I chose this because it was fun learning about the different types of species in an ecosystem. What I found interesting is the nickname that people give to the Plumed basilisk lizard.
The adaptations that I learned about are the penguins and Capybara. Penguins adapted to have sharp beaks with a hook at the end to trap wiggling fish. They also have heavy bones that helps them to dive underwater. Their steering feet allows them to swim, stand, waddle as they walk. Furthermore, they have adapted a keen eye sight with flattened corneas that helps them to see clearly above and below the water. The Capybara, in the Amazon Rainforest, adapted to their ecosystem by evolving webbed feet and nostrils allowing them to spend more in the water. This is important to our planet because in order to maintain biodiversity each species must adapt to their environment to survive; adaptations help many species to thrive in their ecosystems. What I thought was interesting was the different kind of adaptations.
"Save an Animal" Assignment
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles are nested in the beaches in Veracruz, Mexico and Padre Island National Seashore, Texas. Female Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, ages 10-12, nest every one to three years. During nesting time, the Female Kemp's Ridley would travel onto the beaches to find a spot to lay their eggs, up to 100 eggs. After two months of the incubation period, hatched Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles venture off to the ocean for the first time.
The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles are endanger species because of major threats from predators and humans. For example, hatched Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles are endangered due to predators snatching baby sea turtles as they make their way into the ocean. The other threats that are putting the turtles in danger are people slaughtering the adult Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles for their meat to sell, and getting caught in fishing nets and gear is another threat. Right now the aquarium is taking action by rescuing turtles and putting them through a process of rehabilitation and releases up to 150 sea turtles. Each one that is saved will be able to lay eggs and boost population. We can take action by calling in the rescue team if we see a turtle in a need of rescue. We can also help by spreading the word that these turtles are endangered and need to be saved. We can try to put up a petition to stop the slaughtering of these turtles to safe more of them. We can also find another method to fishing.
What doesn't surprise me about this issue the turtles are facing is that I knew predators are one of the major threats to these turtles. However, what does surprise me is that humans are slaughtering the adults for meat. I did not know that was happening. I chose this animal because I do love turtles, and I wanted to learn more about them.
The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles are endanger species because of major threats from predators and humans. For example, hatched Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles are endangered due to predators snatching baby sea turtles as they make their way into the ocean. The other threats that are putting the turtles in danger are people slaughtering the adult Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles for their meat to sell, and getting caught in fishing nets and gear is another threat. Right now the aquarium is taking action by rescuing turtles and putting them through a process of rehabilitation and releases up to 150 sea turtles. Each one that is saved will be able to lay eggs and boost population. We can take action by calling in the rescue team if we see a turtle in a need of rescue. We can also help by spreading the word that these turtles are endangered and need to be saved. We can try to put up a petition to stop the slaughtering of these turtles to safe more of them. We can also find another method to fishing.
What doesn't surprise me about this issue the turtles are facing is that I knew predators are one of the major threats to these turtles. However, what does surprise me is that humans are slaughtering the adults for meat. I did not know that was happening. I chose this animal because I do love turtles, and I wanted to learn more about them.
Friday, November 20, 2015
"ScrAPES #12- Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for Consumption"
Article- Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for Consumption, Andrew Pollack, November 19, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/business/genetically-engineered-salmon-approved-for-consumption.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0
Topic: Genetically engineered fish
Summary:
The F.D.A. has finally approved the genetic engineered Salmon for customers to buy and eat. The genetically engineered Salmon is said to grow to market size faster then non genetic engineered Salmon. It helps to stop the overfishing of wild Salmon- claims to be a more sustainable way. This is the first time ever the F.D.A. approved a genetic engineered animal product. They claimed that the genetic engineered Salmon is safe for consumption and for the environment. The approval caused backlash from consumers and environmental groups; they claimed that the studies were inadequate, and it could corrupt the Salmon populations if the genetic engineered fish escaped into the ocean and rivers. Although this is true, it is said that the fish are kept in Panama contained in tanks so they are unable to escape. Some markets already turned down the offer to sell it in their stores. Surprisingly, genetically engineered Salmon will not be required to be labeled as being genetically engineered; however, companies can chose to either label it or not. It is going to take two years before the fish is placed in supermarkets due to the Panama capacity to produce about 100 tons of fish per year compared to Atlantic Salmon that produce 200,000 per year. The AquaBounty, the creators of the genetically engineered Salmon, is trying to expand the genetically engineered fish globally, plus many other genetic products and animals.
I chose this article because I remembered my mother telling me about the genetically engineered Salmon. I also wanted to learn the reason why a genetically engineered fish was created. The most interesting thing that I found unbelievable was that the F.D.A. approved the fish. I would of never thought that the F.D.A. would approve something that was artificial; learning that they have approved many other genetically engineered products.
This article is important to environmental science because Salmon populations could be in danger if one of the genetic fish escapes. This is altering the natural structure of a fish, and changing the natural cycle of life. The next step is to stop further genetically engineered products; to do further testing, and have it disapproved. Now as consumers, we must be careful of the food that we buy.
Topic: Genetically engineered fish
Summary:
The F.D.A. has finally approved the genetic engineered Salmon for customers to buy and eat. The genetically engineered Salmon is said to grow to market size faster then non genetic engineered Salmon. It helps to stop the overfishing of wild Salmon- claims to be a more sustainable way. This is the first time ever the F.D.A. approved a genetic engineered animal product. They claimed that the genetic engineered Salmon is safe for consumption and for the environment. The approval caused backlash from consumers and environmental groups; they claimed that the studies were inadequate, and it could corrupt the Salmon populations if the genetic engineered fish escaped into the ocean and rivers. Although this is true, it is said that the fish are kept in Panama contained in tanks so they are unable to escape. Some markets already turned down the offer to sell it in their stores. Surprisingly, genetically engineered Salmon will not be required to be labeled as being genetically engineered; however, companies can chose to either label it or not. It is going to take two years before the fish is placed in supermarkets due to the Panama capacity to produce about 100 tons of fish per year compared to Atlantic Salmon that produce 200,000 per year. The AquaBounty, the creators of the genetically engineered Salmon, is trying to expand the genetically engineered fish globally, plus many other genetic products and animals.
I chose this article because I remembered my mother telling me about the genetically engineered Salmon. I also wanted to learn the reason why a genetically engineered fish was created. The most interesting thing that I found unbelievable was that the F.D.A. approved the fish. I would of never thought that the F.D.A. would approve something that was artificial; learning that they have approved many other genetically engineered products.
This article is important to environmental science because Salmon populations could be in danger if one of the genetic fish escapes. This is altering the natural structure of a fish, and changing the natural cycle of life. The next step is to stop further genetically engineered products; to do further testing, and have it disapproved. Now as consumers, we must be careful of the food that we buy.
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