Coeliac disease

What is Coeliac disease? Relate your answer to the function of the villi and how they are adapted for their function.

Coeliac disease is a significant medical condition that can result in a number of serious consequences if not diagnosed and treated properly. 

It affects the small intestine - the part of the digestive system responsible for absorbing nutrients.

The villi in the small intestine are small finger like projections, which increase surface area for food. It is richly supplied with blood vessels, which get nutrients from here and transport it to rest of the body.

What happens to a person with Coeliac disease? 

In a person with coeliac disease, the lining of the small intestine is damaged by gluten. Gluten is a protein component of wheat, rye, barley and oats. 

With this disease, there will be diarrhea, weight loss, anaemia, calcium deficiency, joint pain and bloating.

Treatment - how do we deal with Coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease cannot be completely curable but it is usually treated by excluding foods that contain gluten. Which means, instead of eating things like pasta and cereal, they should eat potato or rice because eating food that contains gluten will cause your symptoms to return.

If you start a gluten-free diet, your symptoms should improve within a few weeks but it will take up to two years for your digestive system to completely heal. 

M E T A L S

What will happen to the world if there no more metals?

Metal plays an important role in our society because if we didn't have metal, we wouldn't be able to have the everyday living things we have today. For example, kettles to make tea and coffee, toasters to make toast, chairs so we can sit. 

Metal also plays a part in our body. Metals such as zinc and copper are needed by different tissues in our human body in order for it to function properly. 

Warm blooded animals such as mammals and birds need Iron. It plays an important component of haemoglobin in the blood of them. Cold blooded animals such as snakes and lizards has copper in their blood. 

Thus if there are no more metals, this world will be less developed.

Is it important to recycle metals?

It is extremely important to recycle metals. Something great about metals is that i can be used over and over again, it is very easy and cost effective! It requires much less time and energy to produce a useful item by recycling than to produce the metal from scratch. 

Thus what are the reasons to recycling metals? Isn't it easier to obtain metals through it's original from through extraction of metals?

The amount of metal present in the Earth's crust is not infinite. If we keep consuming, it will run out someday. It's good to save non-renewable things, it is far better to keep the recyclable things in one place than go around scavenging from them. 

In the recycling of metals, what are some of the effects it has on the environment?

Recycling metals helps the environment. Metals that are being recycled emit less energy than forging virgin metals. When producing virgin metals, it sends pollutant in to the air - example: dust and certain gases. Recycling metals gives of practically no pollutant when refined. 

In addition, the recycling of metals requires fewer materials for production, such as water.

Think of reactive ways that we can also play a part in recycling metals?

- Drink/use less (aluminum) drinking cans

- Put up more recycling bins

- Promote recycling (of metals)

sources: 

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110227070750AAxAChT

http://www.blurtit.com/q639495.html

http://ezinearticles.com/?Recycling-Metal&id=605499

http://www.ehow.com/list_5913942_reasons-metal-recycling.html

Technology "MTV" assignment

What is MTV?

MTV is a music channel which can be accessed on cable television. It is an American channel, and plays all kinds of music and also reality television shows. 

It is an American network based in New york city.

Influence of MTV on the youths of today

Do teenagers love their music? We most definitely do! Try taking music away from us and we'll respond as though you're asking us to give up pizza for life! 

Over the past twenty years, no media outlet has done more to further music's popularity and message than MTV - 24 hour a day music television. The influence of MTV is so powerful and pervasive in today's youth culture that there are those who ten years ago began labeling teens as the "MTV generation"

Effects of MTV on you - why do you like/dislike MTV?

I use to be a huge, hardcore fan of MTV. I watch it for the music, the VJs, the celebrities and just seeing my favorite stars is enough. To me, it was the perfect channel. Especially the reality shows such as My super sweet 16, pimp my ride, Run's house, Teen cribs and 16 and pregnant. 

But after a period of time, MTV became really vulgar and sexual. Especially when Jersey shore came out, i stopped watching MTV because it became boring. 

How does MTV change your life?

MTV did not change my life. It is just a channel I watch for entertainment when I am bored, but I am thankful that MTV exists because without it, the music in our society wouldn't be as powerful and impactful! 

sources:

http://www.blurtit.com/q964206.html

http://www.dadmag.com/hparticles/mtv.php

http://www.methodshop.com/2011/08/30-years-of-mtv-how-it-changed-our-lives-with-video.shtml

Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is among one of the common causes that send people to doctors. In fact this condition accounts to ten percent of all primary hospital visits.

While it may be among the common disorders, people tend not to talk about it. It is marked by symptoms such as gas, bloating and diarrhea - certainly not the casual thing that patients would want to open with other people. And add to the fact that Irritable Bowel Syndrome has for long been considered a psychosomatic diseases that appeals more to the mind rather than to the body.

Most patients experience mild symptoms. It is rare that they undergo severe symptoms. However, due to the stress and depression that accompany this disorder, many people find themselves subjected to more painful sensations rather than what they should actually experience. 


The good thing about Irritable Bowel Syndrome though is that it does not lead to more aggravated conditions unlike Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. IBS does not result to changes in bowel tissue nor does it cause inflammation. It does not also contribute to one's susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Thus, it does not require any comprehensive treatments. In fact, it can be helped with changes in general lifestyle, food intake and stress. 


Here are some ways that would help you deal with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 


Many people experience stress while having attacks of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Biofeedback has been a good help among patients for years. This stress-production technique helps in the reduction of muscle tension to facilitate a slower heart rate with the feedback registration of a machine. You will then be delivered to relaxed states that will help you cope with the stress of undergoing IBS. 


For supplemental support, you may also try practicing yoga and meditation. Regular massage would also prove productive.

Deep breathing helps in the relaxation of muscle. Most adults normally breathe from chests but this must not be the case. The lungs and the diaphragm are intended to be filled in with air and completely released from air. 


Your diaphragm is the muscle that sets the boundary between your abdomen and chest. Once your breathing becomes normal, it is likely that your abdominal muscles are relax, which then creates a more normal bowel movement.


In some cases, relative changes in the diet would help suppress the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While your body may not respond immediately to these, your goal is after a long term solution, not one that would help relive you for a while. 


Gradually increase your fiber intake over a few weeks. It is a blessing for most diarrhea sufferers as well as constipation patients. Since IBS is marked by symptoms of both conditions, it might as well provide some relief for you. 

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans will do. If your condition doesn't change or if it becomes worse, it is best to seek a dietician's help. 

It is highly suggested that you refrain from taking problem foods. These include chocolates, alcohol, dairy products, sodas, sugar-free sweeteners and caffeinated beverages. Some people have developed oversensitivity to specific foods. It is best that you observe what foods trigger your attacks. For most people though, the following foods certainly cause the increase of attack intensity: fat-based foods such as margarine and butter, nuts, mayonnaise, cream, red meat and ice cream. 

Be careful though that your diet is not much too restricted.


http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/
www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/ibs1.shtml 
www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/irritablecolon.htm
www.webmd.com/ibs/guide/ibs-triggers-prevention-strategies

Solving the mystery of Chemical formulae

1) History to naming chemical formula

Jons Jacob Berzelius

Born: 20 August 1779

Birthplace: Linkoping, Sweden

Died: 7 August 1848

He was an accomplished experimenter in the field of electrochemistry.

In preparing a chemistry text book for his medical students, Berzelius begin the series of experiments for which he became most famous - His interest in all sorts of compound led to his discovery of a number of new elements including 

- cerium 

- selenium 

- thorium

Students working in his laboratory also discovered 

- lithium

- vanadium 

and several rare earths.

Using his experimental results, he determined the atomic weights of nearly all the elements they known. Dealing with so many elements in so many compounds motivated his creation of a simple and logical system of symbols - H, O, C, Ca, Cl and so fourth - which is basically the same system we use today.

In order to aid his experiment, he developed a system of chemical notation in which the elements were given simple written labels such as:

- Fe for Iron

- O for Oxygen

the proportions is noted by number, as seen above. He proposed that compounds be described by chemical formulas based on their elemental composition, published in 1813.

The relative number on the periodic table determines the volume of different constitutes contained in each compound. It determines the weight, elementary volumes, these figures will enable us to express the numeric results, as well as it is easy to remember. 

In 1808 Berzelius was a member of the Swedish Academy of Sciences. He died in Stockholm on August 7, 1848.

2) What is the concept behind the naming?

There are over 19 million known chemical substances. 

The chemical symbol and the number of atoms of each element found in each discrete molecule of that compound identifies each constituent element. 

If molecules contain more than one atom, it's being indicated using a subscript after the chemical symbol -

For example the white stuff we know as sugar is sucrose, a molecule composed of 12 atoms of carbon, 22 atoms of hydrogen, and 11 atoms of oxygen C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ 

Chemical formulas may be used in Chemical equations to describe chemical reactions. 

3) Does ate represent 3 oxygen atoms?

No, the word "ate" does not mean 3 oxygen atoms. The word "ate" is used in Sulfate and Carbonate and it is to represent salts of acid for example -

- sodium bicarbonate

- sodium bisulfate 

Though the word "ate" does not mean 3 oxygen atoms, it contains oxygen. Just that -ite contain one less oxygen than -ate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_salt

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_formula

http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/candy/sugar.html

http://www.chemheritage.org/discover/chemistry-in-history/themes/electrochemistry/berzelius.aspx

http://www.elementsdatabase.com/

http://www.mii.org/Minerals/photoiron.html

http://jshep.edublogs.org/2009/10/03/vanadium-23/

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/01/lithium-shortage-electric-cars-batteries.php

http://www.chemheritage.org/discover/chemistry-in-history/themes/electrochemistry/berzelius.aspx

http://www.nndb.com/people/051/000094766/

http://schoolworkhelper.net/2011/06/oxygen-elements-uses-properties/

http://crescentok.com/staff/jaskew/ISR/chemistry/class8.htm

//www.chinaenvironmentallaw.com/2008/04/12/new-chemical-substance-regulations/

Chemistry - Global warming (Advertisement)

Online advertising

I feel that online advertising is a very potent tool of communication. It can reach a large number of audience and it is extremely attractive as it attracts users at a glance. Technology is powerful and influential because everybody's using it.

The picture above is a screenshot from Tumblr. Tumblr is a blogging platform that allows users to post text, images, video, links, quotes, and audio to their tumblelog, a short-form blog. Users are able to "follow" other users and see their posts together on their dashboard. Users can "like" or "reblog" posts from other blogs on the site.

Just by posting a small note like the above (screenshot image), we can remind the world to SAVE THE PLANET! 

Chemistry - Global warming

Global warming alarm!

Humans created it, the effects are dire and humans can correct it.

Global warming is the rise in temperature of the earth's temperature.

It is a natural phenomenon, and there is nothing realistic that mankind can do to significantly change the global temperature. 

What causes Global warming?

- Greenhouse Emissions

caused due to:

~ Rapid industrialization

~ Population explosion

~ Depletion of natural resources

~ Natural phenomena 

~ Modification of Ecosystem

What are the effects of Global warming?

~ Increase in sea levels

~Increase in the intensity of extreme weather events

~Significant changes to the amount and pattern on precipitation 

~ Modifications of trade routes

~ Glacier retreat

~ Mass species extinctions 

~ Increases in the ranges of disease vectors

How to reduce Global warming?


~ Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!
~ Use less heat and air conditioning
~ Drive less
~ Buy energy-efficient products
~ Use less hot water
~ Use the "off" switch
~ Plant a tree
~Encourage others to conserve

Air pollution


It comes from many sources. There are different kinds of pollution - some visible, that contribute to Global warming.


Generally any substance that people introduce in to the atmosphere that has damaging effects on living things and the environment is considered air pollution.

(Major) Air pollutants and sources -


Carbon monoxide:
produced by the incomplete burning of carbon containing fuels, such as petrol, coal and wood


Nitrogen oxides:
produced by petrol- or diesel-burning engines and coal/oil furnaces


Ozone:
produced by the reaction of oxygen gas with free atoms of oxygen which are formed  from the reactions between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in sunlight


Particulates:
produced by refuse incineration, factories, diesel vehicles, construction sites, and coal/charcoal burners. Particulates are solid or liquid particles which are so small that they remain suspended in the air for a long period of time


Hydrocarbons:
formed from the evaporation of materials such as petrol, diesel and solvents when exposed to air


Sulphur dioxide:
produced by burning of fossil fuels (e.g. - fuel oil and coil). A large proportion is produced by power stations and metal smelters which burn sulphur-containing coal, and also by the manufacturing industries which burn fuel oil

Effects of Air pollutants:


~Interferes with photosynthesis, carbohydrate production
~Cancer, asthma, birth defects, eye & respiratory system irritation, and genetic mutation
~Contribute to sick building syndrome indoors
~Acid rain: soil, buildings & materials, forest and aquatic life
~Prolonged exposure to high CO concentrations, unconsciousness, convulsions and death would occur; severe effects on the baby of pregnant woman

Methods of reducing/controlling Air pollution


~ Mechanical collectors (dust cyclone)
~ Electrostatic precipitators
~ Baghouses
~Scrubbers

In conclusion,


the Global warming is a serious problem that can lead to climate changing and desertification; However we can deal with it by doing little things such as planting trees and recycling. We should put serious effort to overcome the problems of our own doing. For the sake of our future generations, we must try our best to solve the problems and strive to reinstate balance on OUR earth.

sources:
http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/urbanair/
http://library.thinkquest.org/26026/Environmental_Problems/air_pollution.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/find_out/guides/world/global_warming/newsid_1575000/1575441.st
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-marketing-articles/good-reasons-to-use-online-advertising-597369.html
http://www.freeworldacademy.com/globalleader/ecology.htm
http://lrak.net/globalwarming.htm