Is compulsory vaccination the most effective public health policy in your view?
Compulsory vaccination is scary... yet if it pertains to public health, it should be permitted temporarily. The reason it is scary because, people should have a freedom to choose what they put in their bodies. It should not be up to the government what a person does or not do if they are not harming anyone. In a perfect world, there is no disease or sickness. But since there are disease that can spread and cause serious health issues and death , there needs to be prevention, precautions, and solutions in place. If vaccines can contribute to the health and well-being of the general public, then it should be given. The issues that I have is the safety of vaccines. Will it cause more harm or other side effects then the disease it is trying to prevent? Is vaccines for various diseases necessary, like the annual flu vaccine? Will vaccines be compulsory on everyone or only to those that are susceptible to sickness?
Post a brief paragraph describing why you choose your research topic?
I plan to write about the future about the relationship between humans and technology.. like in cyborgs or the integration of man and machine. Will human become fully machine or will machine become fully human? Interesting to find out how research will uncover.
Friday, August 4, 2017
ACCHS Biology - Week 11
How do you view the long term effects of the Fukushima disaster on our oceans?
I believe that there are going to be serious long term effects of the nuclear disaster at Fukushima. This event was similar to the Chernobyl disaster. Chernobyl was more inland. Chernobyl's incident occurred in 1986 and there are still radiation that linger in the area. It is still considered a no-go zone or enter at your own risk. Fukushima is next to an ocean and the ocean was in part to blame for the failure of the reactors. Reactor was built to withstand earthquakes but not tsunami.
According to CNBC report, Five years after an accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, some scientists continue to find found small amounts of radioactive material along the West Coast of North America. And some of them say we should expect to see this in the ocean for decades to come. Elevated levels found off the coast of Japan show that the situation is not yet under control, and that the facility is still leaking radiation.
I believe that there are going to be serious long term effects of the nuclear disaster at Fukushima. This event was similar to the Chernobyl disaster. Chernobyl was more inland. Chernobyl's incident occurred in 1986 and there are still radiation that linger in the area. It is still considered a no-go zone or enter at your own risk. Fukushima is next to an ocean and the ocean was in part to blame for the failure of the reactors. Reactor was built to withstand earthquakes but not tsunami.
According to CNBC report, Five years after an accident at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan, some scientists continue to find found small amounts of radioactive material along the West Coast of North America. And some of them say we should expect to see this in the ocean for decades to come. Elevated levels found off the coast of Japan show that the situation is not yet under control, and that the facility is still leaking radiation.
(https://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/10/us-watches-as-fukushima-continues-to-leak-radiation.html)
Scientist at this time did not detect high levels of radiation on the West Coast of US. But radiation can still have long term effects on the ocean life near and surrounding Fukushima.
Do you feel we understand the implications of nuclear power technology?
I believe that scientists and engineers researched and have studied the short and long term effects of nuclear power technology. I do believe that they know what the implications of this type of energy. Nuclear energy is cheap and cost-effective compared to other forms of energy. There has to be precaution and long term goals to make nuclear energy more efficient and more safe if we are to continue to use this energy. Nuclear is staying unless we discover or come up with better plan to create new energy.
Scientist at this time did not detect high levels of radiation on the West Coast of US. But radiation can still have long term effects on the ocean life near and surrounding Fukushima.
Do you feel we understand the implications of nuclear power technology?
I believe that scientists and engineers researched and have studied the short and long term effects of nuclear power technology. I do believe that they know what the implications of this type of energy. Nuclear energy is cheap and cost-effective compared to other forms of energy. There has to be precaution and long term goals to make nuclear energy more efficient and more safe if we are to continue to use this energy. Nuclear is staying unless we discover or come up with better plan to create new energy.
ACCHS Biology - Week 10
HIV and AIDS
How do you feel about western approaches to HIV/AIDS?
I believe that they are doing their best to treat this disease per the policy and system they have in place in agreement with the AMA, Government, and Big Pharma. I don't believe there will be a quick and safe way to treat this disease in the near future. There are too much at stack for any major changes. Imagine if HIV/AIDS can be cured overnight and at a cheap price. Somebody will be losing money or funds. I hope that we can treat this disease and eradicate it. But then, some other unknown disease will pop up and we will need to deal with it the best we can...
What are your thoughts on the PreP treatment?
This is a peculiar matter. I don't know what to say. On one hand, I'm for prevention. On the other hand, I don't believe in pre-martial sex or random sex with multiple partners. I do believe that the infant or new born should be treated with medication if the mother is affected by HIV.
Can TCM strengthen our immune systems?
Yes. Chinese herbs and acupuncture are shown to strengthen and boost a person's immune system. can also recommend dietary changes and qi gong exercises to help boost qi and therefore strengthen the immune system.
How do you feel about western approaches to HIV/AIDS?
I believe that they are doing their best to treat this disease per the policy and system they have in place in agreement with the AMA, Government, and Big Pharma. I don't believe there will be a quick and safe way to treat this disease in the near future. There are too much at stack for any major changes. Imagine if HIV/AIDS can be cured overnight and at a cheap price. Somebody will be losing money or funds. I hope that we can treat this disease and eradicate it. But then, some other unknown disease will pop up and we will need to deal with it the best we can...
What are your thoughts on the PreP treatment?
This is a peculiar matter. I don't know what to say. On one hand, I'm for prevention. On the other hand, I don't believe in pre-martial sex or random sex with multiple partners. I do believe that the infant or new born should be treated with medication if the mother is affected by HIV.
Can TCM strengthen our immune systems?
Yes. Chinese herbs and acupuncture are shown to strengthen and boost a person's immune system. can also recommend dietary changes and qi gong exercises to help boost qi and therefore strengthen the immune system.
ACCHS Biology - Week 9
Cell Biology and Cancer
In this reading packet, it was interesting to read about cancer and TCM, Acupuncture, herbs, and diet. TCM can offer so much to cancer patients. Chinese medicine views the cancer as a part of an imbalance of the whole person and not an isolated event. Cancer can not simply be taken out by cutting, burning, or poisoned out of the body and expect the body to be back functioning as healthy as a normal person will. There is a lot more going on in the person's relationship to the world.
TCM promotes strengthening a person's qi. If a person has cancer or any disease, they have weak qi. Emotional stress and diet can contribute to the development of cancers. Therefore, TCM offer qi gong and dietry changes to promote good health. Acupuncture is effective at reducing pain. Electro acupuncture have be shown that at freq 2hz has mild anti-tumour effects.
Chemotherapy can kill the body's immune cells. But studies show that acupuncture can help with immune function. Acupuncture can also treat nausea that is commonly induced by chemo. Chinese herbs can be use in junction with chemo to enhance its effectiveness and to maintain liver, kidney, and immune functions.
In this reading packet, it was interesting to read about cancer and TCM, Acupuncture, herbs, and diet. TCM can offer so much to cancer patients. Chinese medicine views the cancer as a part of an imbalance of the whole person and not an isolated event. Cancer can not simply be taken out by cutting, burning, or poisoned out of the body and expect the body to be back functioning as healthy as a normal person will. There is a lot more going on in the person's relationship to the world.
TCM promotes strengthening a person's qi. If a person has cancer or any disease, they have weak qi. Emotional stress and diet can contribute to the development of cancers. Therefore, TCM offer qi gong and dietry changes to promote good health. Acupuncture is effective at reducing pain. Electro acupuncture have be shown that at freq 2hz has mild anti-tumour effects.
Chemotherapy can kill the body's immune cells. But studies show that acupuncture can help with immune function. Acupuncture can also treat nausea that is commonly induced by chemo. Chinese herbs can be use in junction with chemo to enhance its effectiveness and to maintain liver, kidney, and immune functions.
ACCHS Biology - Week 8
How would you prioritize the reintroduction of the American Bison?
I would do what the Intertribal Bison Cooperative have done. It was a brilliant idea to have talks and discussion with the the other tribes to find common grounds and unify on how to reintroduce the American Bison. There is such as long history and cultural significance of American Bisons with the all Native Americans. I'm glad they can pull together to agree on this matter. This will influence politics in the local and statewide governments to back up this idea. It was good to read the articles where American Bisons have been breed and increased in numbers through these efforts.
Bison herd helping to heal a lost landscape in Illinois. Do you feel we are able to reset the natural balance here?
Yes. There is proof that it already has. It restore the Bisons in the local habitat, it has restored the lost landscapes.
I would do what the Intertribal Bison Cooperative have done. It was a brilliant idea to have talks and discussion with the the other tribes to find common grounds and unify on how to reintroduce the American Bison. There is such as long history and cultural significance of American Bisons with the all Native Americans. I'm glad they can pull together to agree on this matter. This will influence politics in the local and statewide governments to back up this idea. It was good to read the articles where American Bisons have been breed and increased in numbers through these efforts.
Bison herd helping to heal a lost landscape in Illinois. Do you feel we are able to reset the natural balance here?
Yes. There is proof that it already has. It restore the Bisons in the local habitat, it has restored the lost landscapes.
ACCHS Biology - Week 7
What do you think about the "Eight Point Deep Ecology Platform"?
This idea and concept was created in 1984 by Arne Naess and George Sessions. I believe the basic concept can be found in the 1st of 8th points.
"1. The well-being and flourishing of human and nonhuman life on Earth have value in themselves (synonyms: inherent worth, intrinsic value, inherent value). These values are independent of the usefulness of the nonhuman world for human purposes."
It believe that there are some pros and cons about the 8 points. I believe that there are some areas of the 8 points that are vague and needed to be defined. Like the 3rd point, "Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital needs".
Do I believe that nonhuman life on Earth have values? Yes. But do I agree with the 5th point? "The flourishing of human life and cultures is compatible with a substantial decrease of the human population. The flourishing of nonhuman life requires such a decrease." No, I don't agree with that. I believe that as the human population increases, the world could support this. The world can sustain a growing population and increase. It is the politics and greed of some human (governments and corporations) that are abusing its fellow citizens, humans, and non-humans.
Can you explain why "Ecosystems are both strong and fragile"?
It is strong because it has endured for such as long time, but it is fragile, because slight changes or disturbance from internal or external causes can disrupt the ecosystems and therefore, rendering it ineffective or useless.
How would you assess the "End Goals" of Social Ecology?
End goals include wellbeing and health, in the broadest sense, equity and social justice, and the fostering of mutualistic and caring relationships, personal meaning, organizational learning, co-evolutionary change and ecological sustainability. These relationships are illustrated below. (http://www.zulenet.com/see/newStuartHill.html).
This idea and concept was created in 1984 by Arne Naess and George Sessions. I believe the basic concept can be found in the 1st of 8th points.
"1. The well-being and flourishing of human and nonhuman life on Earth have value in themselves (synonyms: inherent worth, intrinsic value, inherent value). These values are independent of the usefulness of the nonhuman world for human purposes."
It believe that there are some pros and cons about the 8 points. I believe that there are some areas of the 8 points that are vague and needed to be defined. Like the 3rd point, "Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital needs".
Do I believe that nonhuman life on Earth have values? Yes. But do I agree with the 5th point? "The flourishing of human life and cultures is compatible with a substantial decrease of the human population. The flourishing of nonhuman life requires such a decrease." No, I don't agree with that. I believe that as the human population increases, the world could support this. The world can sustain a growing population and increase. It is the politics and greed of some human (governments and corporations) that are abusing its fellow citizens, humans, and non-humans.
Can you explain why "Ecosystems are both strong and fragile"?
It is strong because it has endured for such as long time, but it is fragile, because slight changes or disturbance from internal or external causes can disrupt the ecosystems and therefore, rendering it ineffective or useless.
How would you assess the "End Goals" of Social Ecology?
End goals include wellbeing and health, in the broadest sense, equity and social justice, and the fostering of mutualistic and caring relationships, personal meaning, organizational learning, co-evolutionary change and ecological sustainability. These relationships are illustrated below. (http://www.zulenet.com/see/newStuartHill.html).
It looks like a good idea and concept. Would like to see it implemented. Not sure how well it will be received by society or how it will be applied in our society.
ACCHS Biology - Week 6
How do you distinguish between living and non-living systems?
By definition: Living means to have life, thriving, or in actual existence. Non-living means not living or inanimate.
By definition: System means an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or
unitary whole.
I would therefore conclude that a living system is an assemblage or combination of living things that form a complex whole. I may add that they also thrive to interact with their environment. On the other hand, non-living systems is a combination of inanimate things or objects. I may add that they also do not interact with their environment. It is the opposite of life. There is not contribution or interaction with the living systems.
Incredible Discovery Pushes Back Origin of Homo Sapiens by 100,000 Years - What are your own thoughts?
Science is debatable and can change with more research or studies. I don't believe that science especially in the field of archaeology can be precise in terms of dates. New technology and discovery can change history. We didn't have much technology or systems in place in the past to document history accurately. It is interesting to keep pushing back the time clock in terms of the human origin.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
ACCHS Biology - Week 4
Our common ancestor with chimps may be from Europe, not Africa... What are your thoughts?
I do not believe in this. I believe that all things were created as it is.. animals of it kind were created separately, while humans of its kind were created separately... Chimps and Humans may share similar dna... about 98.8% the same according to scientists. But I do not subscribe to this theory that they both came from the same ancestry. I believe that there is more that needs to be proven and determined. Everything up to this point on this subject is theory and speculation based on the best assumptions humans can come up with. How did we evolve while the chimps or bonobos (which shared similar dna) have not? Could there be other explanation? Could there be other theories we have rejected or not explored? What if the bible was right?
In a Livescience article titled "Chimps vs. Humans: How Are We Different?", it noted some differences between the two.
"The chimpanzee genome was sequenced for the first time in 2005. It was found to differ from the human genome with which it was compared, nucleotide-for-nucleotide, by about 1.23 percent. This amounts to about 40 million differences in our DNA, half of which likely resulted from mutations in the human ancestral line and half in the chimp line since the two species diverged. From those mutations come the dramatic differences in the species that we see today — differences in intelligence, anatomy, lifestyle and, not least, success at colonizing the planet."
(https://www.livescience.com/15297-chimps-humans.html)
Gaia Theory?
(https://www.livescience.com/15297-chimps-humans.html)
Gaia Theory?
According to the website, Gaiatheory.org, it states the Gaia Theory "offers insights into climate change, energy, health, agriculture, and other issues of great importance. The Gaia Paradigm describes a productive confluence between scientific understandings of Earth as a living system with cultural understandings (ancient and new) of human society as a seamless continuum of that system.
(http://www.gaiatheory.org/)
In Wikipedia, it describes Gaia Theory proposes that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a synergistic self-regulating, complex system that helps to maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on the planet.
In Wikipedia, it describes Gaia Theory proposes that organisms interact with their inorganic surroundings on Earth to form a synergistic self-regulating, complex system that helps to maintain and perpetuate the conditions for life on the planet.
Monday, May 15, 2017
ACCHS Biology - Week 2
All organism undergo development from a single cell. It is fascinating to learn that all animal or mammal go through a similar development process from egg to birth. They even appear the same and are very difficult to differentiate.
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Sleep and health plays a big role in our overall general health.
I'm really aware of this. I usually go to sleep pass 12 midnight. Sometimes to 1-2 am. This is even when my family is asleep. The reason... Sifu Youtube.. I use Youtube for all my viewing pleasure. It is my way to learn new things, to listen to music, past-time and to relax.. I know that this a bad habit.. And it is difficult to break. The negative thing about this is, I do feel tired every morning and throughout the day. It is like an addiction with withdrawals.. Sad thing is, I know this is a problem, but it is tough and I feel bad afterwards.
Hope I can change my sleeping habits..
ACCHS Biology - Week 1
Hi ,
My name is Allen Duong.
I'm a 3rd year student at ACCHS. Somehow I missed this class during the 1 year as it was not offered. In the second year, it was offered on a day that I was not scheduled for class. In the 3rd year, I figured that I better take this class if I want to graduate. Look forward to meeting everyone and learn about Biology. Everyone appear to come from different background and seem friendly.
Todays discussion was interesting. We spoke about Darwinism. Darwinism is an interesting topic. It was elementary in its early concepts and theories, yet it was profound and shocking to the established theories of human origin and evolution.
I personally do not prescribe to Darwinism. I do believe in Microevolution but not Macroevolution. I believe that there is no strong evidence for Macroevolution but that there is strong evidence for Microevolution. In Microevolution, a short hair dog can have genes for long hair and the off springs can very much be born with long hair. In Macroevolution, I do not believe that all life is genetically related and has descended from a common ancestor. A human did not come from a single cell organism over billions of years. A lot of genetic information would have to be added to the dna to make big changes or Macroevolution.
My name is Allen Duong.
I'm a 3rd year student at ACCHS. Somehow I missed this class during the 1 year as it was not offered. In the second year, it was offered on a day that I was not scheduled for class. In the 3rd year, I figured that I better take this class if I want to graduate. Look forward to meeting everyone and learn about Biology. Everyone appear to come from different background and seem friendly.
Todays discussion was interesting. We spoke about Darwinism. Darwinism is an interesting topic. It was elementary in its early concepts and theories, yet it was profound and shocking to the established theories of human origin and evolution.
I personally do not prescribe to Darwinism. I do believe in Microevolution but not Macroevolution. I believe that there is no strong evidence for Macroevolution but that there is strong evidence for Microevolution. In Microevolution, a short hair dog can have genes for long hair and the off springs can very much be born with long hair. In Macroevolution, I do not believe that all life is genetically related and has descended from a common ancestor. A human did not come from a single cell organism over billions of years. A lot of genetic information would have to be added to the dna to make big changes or Macroevolution.
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