Naomi+Millier

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Homework #6: The Hot Zone Part 4

Part four of the Hot Zone the author (Richard Preston) his family, friends, and a professional hunter all take a trip to Kitum Cave in Mount Elgon. Richard brought along safety clothing, such as a biological space suit, boots, gloves, a shower cap, etc, to where when he enters the possibly once contaminated cave. Inside the mysterious cave, him and his team take notes of the ecosystem and the animals inhabiting it, they think one of which may be host to the disease. At the end of the novel, Richard Preston travels to the now abandoned monkey house in Reston. He ends the book with a scary thought, the Ebola virus will be back!

Homework #5: The Hot Zone Part 3

Part three of the Hot Zone takes place in the Reston, Virginia monkey house. All the monkeys are contaminated with what they assume is the Ebola virus. Jerry Jaxx and his team join the scene to try and exterminate the virus, all of the monkeys that were contaminated were put down. Before disposing the bodies, they took samples of their blood and spleen. They finally got rid of the Ebola Reston in the monkey house and nobody was harmed (Except the monkeys.) because it travelled through the air and it could only infect monkeys, for now. A while later, the same thing happened again, but this time they knew how to get rid of the virus quickly. My internal whoa moment was how this Ebola Reston doesn’t need to be passed through saliva like most viruses (kissing, sharing drinks) you can get it simply by breathing same air. Imagine a human virus being transmitted this way. It would spread like wild fire.

Personal Post #8: Angler Fish

You were probably thinking ‘Angler fish, what the heck is that?’ until you saw the picture. We’ve all seen Finding Nemo, right? Well as kid, the part where Dori and Marlin chase around the light was one of my favorites. The Deep Sea Angler, also known as the "common black devil”, is not exactly the prettiest fish in the sea; they have round bodies that look kind of like a basketball. It also has a large mouth with sharp, fang-like teeth, however we do not need to fear them because for one, they only grow to be about 5 inches long and for two, they live 3000 feet under water. The cool thing about this fish is that it has a light-producing organ that hangs in front of its face called a photophore. It moves its light around and flashes it on and off in order to attract its prey. Then once their prey is close enough to them, it snaps its jaws and bon appetite!

(2011). Angler fish. //Ugly Animals//, Retrieved from [|http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=angler fish&um=1&hl=en&client=safari] (2007). 10 horrible deep sea creatures. //Odee.com//, Retrieved from[| http://www.oddee.com/item_79915.aspx]

Homework Post #4 : Part 2 of The Hot Zone

Part 2 of the hot zone « Monkey House » is about a man named Dan Dalgard who’s a worker at a monkey facility in Reston, VA. In this monkey house they store and ship monkeys around the world to different laboratories. Dan later notices the monkeys were acting strange and many started dying, he didn’t know what was going on so he sent a sample of monkey meat to a military lab, to see if they could figure out what the problem is. At first they are not concerned for their own safety because they believe it may only be spread from monkey to monkey, however once they get back the test results they find out it is worse than they thought. This generates panic throughout the facility, thinking its Marburg, but because they can’t be sure they get a second opinion from another test. In the end they find out it is a fatal virus called Ebola Zaire and they have to work to get rid of the virus and prevent it from spreading.

I was surprised that the staff doing the research didn’t take much precaution when working with the dead monkeys, even though they believed the virus to be only able to spread within the species. In my opinion that was pretty dumb of them.

Personal Post #7: Conjoined Twins
== So, I was watching Grey’s Anatomy last night (greatest show ever), once the show is over they show a preview of the next episode and next weeks is going to be about a surgery on conjoined twins by the looks of it. Anyways, I thought it would be interesting to do a little research before the episode airs. Conjoined twins are one of the most interesting human malformaties. Conjoined twins occur once every 200,000 births. Only 5 to 25 percent of all conjoined twins survive longer than one day, whether they’re still born or die soon after they are born. The twins must be of the same sex, and an interesting fact is that male conjoined twins are more likely to be still born than females; 70% of conjoined twins alive are female. The first documented case of conjoined twins in 1100. There are a dozen different types of conjoined twins, the most common one being where the twins are conjoined at the upper torso area; this type is called thoracopagus twins. Other places of conjoinement include: waist, breastbone, sacrum and cranium. Most conjoined twins share an organ other than just their skin; some share a heart, liver, gastrointestinal functions…depending on what organs the twins share, surgeons may or may not be able to separate them. However, even if it’s possible there are still many risks and one or both may die. For example, there are zero successful surgeries on conjoined twins whom share a heart; but twins joined at the base of the spine have a 68% chance of successful separation. Also, if a twin survives surgery they will most likely need intensive rehabilitation due to malformation and position of their spines. ==

[[image:http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/mediafile/201006/22/P201006220823324195199011.jpg]]
== For the twins that survive without being separated have no easy life, everyday is a struggle to do normal things. The twins in the picture above are named Krista and Tatiana Hogan and are the only surviving conjoined twins in Canada. They were born on October 25, 2006; making them 5 years old. They were expected to only live for about 24 hours. == == The sisters have different sleeping habits, independent hearing, seeing and touch, but something unique about these twins is that they can see things through each other's eyes because of their conjoined head. ==

(2010). Conjoined twins can see through each other's eyes.//People's Daily Online//, Retrieved from []
= Personal Post #6: The Nine-Banded Armadillo =



Armadillos are cool. Of the 20 different types of armadillos, the nine-banded armadillo is the only one that can be found in the United States, the nineteen others live throughout Latin America. The scientific name for the nine banded armadillo is //Daypus novemcinctus,// this literally translates to “nine-banded rabbit” is said that armadillos without their shells resemble rabbits; however, they are not related to rabbits. Armadillos are closely related to anteaters and sloths.

The nine-banded armadillo can do many unusual and cool things. First of all they can curl into a ball. Its head and back feet curl together, contorting its shell into a hard ball that confuses its predators. Armadillos are the only living mammals that wear such shells. Secondly, when startled, they can jump three to four feet straight up in the air. On the plus side, this can help scare off predators, but on the down side, many armadillos jump onto road, roll under moving vehicles, and are killed. Finally, they can use two ways to cross bodies of water: One, they can sink down to the bottom of the water and use their sharp claws to walk along the floor (they are able to hold their breath for at least 6 minutes!). Two, float across the water by filling their intestines and stomachs with air. I want a pet armadillo...I mean, just look at that face.^

(2011). Armadillo. //National Geographic//, Retrieved from [] (2009). Armadillo. //Totally Cool Animals//, Retrieved from []

Homework Post #3: Part 1 of The Hot Zone

Part one follows many peoples’ time of infection and what led up to it, some die from the virus and others do not. The book starts out with a man named Charles Monet who while visiting Mount Elgon in Kenya contracts a virus we later discover is Ebola. Monet makes it to a hospital in Nairobi before he bleeds out and dies; however, before this, he managed to infect a doctor named Shem Musoke. Shem Musoke got most of the symptoms such as: red eyes, headache, and his face was expressionless, but he managed to recover and beat the virus. The story then follows General Nancy Jaax, a veterinarian for the military. Nancy almost gets infected with Ebola while working in a Bio Level 4 room experimenting with Ebola, her gloves barely save her from contracting the Ebola in her open wound. The author proceeds to recall the story of a boy infected with the virus after visiting the same cave as Charles Monet. The Ebola virus is explained as a filovirus and we find out that there are different strains: Ebola Zaire and Ebola Sudan.

The internal ‘whoa’ moment I had was when Charles Monet was on the airplane traveling to the Nairobi Hospital to seek help, because of the symptoms he was experiencing from the virus. I travel by airplanes about twice a year and it’s crazy to think that you could be sitting next to someone infected with a deadly virus and not be able to know or do anything about it.

Personal Post #5: Stomach Butterflies We’ve all had it, whether it happened when you walked into a room and spotted your crush, or if you were about to make a speech in front of your class. It’s the weirdest feeling; it really does feel like there are a million little butterflies fluttering around in your stomach. However, there are not really butterflies in your stomach; so, what is the weird feeling we get when we’re in a threatening situation? The butterfly sensation is what happens when your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. If you’re in a scary or nerve-wracking situation, adrenaline floods into your bloodstream. This adrenaline raises your metabolism, while your heart rate and blood pressure increases. It also increases the sensitivity and strength of the smooth muscles in your stomach. This sensitivity is what causes the fluttering sensation. To deal with this feeling you should just breathe and relax. You’re body is not in any physical danger; a speech never killed anyone, right?

(2011). Butterflies in your stomach. //A Moment of Science//, Retrieved from [] (2011). What actually is 'butterfies in my stomach'?.//Naked Science Forum//, Retrieved from [|http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=butterflies in stomach]

= Homework Post #2: Stem Cell Research = ==== Even though I was in the Catholic group for our class projects on Stem Cell Research, and they have a very strong opinion against it, I am mostly for it. I don’t see a problem with it; if it means we can help people who have incurable diseases and disabilities. I think existing stem cell lines, excess IVF embryos, creating embryos solely for research and therapeutic cloning should all be allowed, if done by professionals in controlled labs; however, I am against reproductive cloning. In my opinion, it is wrong. If someone were to clone a human the penalty should be 5 years in jail and a $10 000 fine. ====

Personal Post #4: Hiccups
Hiccup!...hiccup!...Hiccups can be so annoying, especially if they last long. Luckily, this is usually not the case. Almost all cases of hiccups only last a few minutes, some can last a day or more, however if this happens they are most likely indicating some sort of medical problem. Where do these funny noises come from?  The diaphragm is to blame. The diaphragm is a muscle responsible for respiration, separating the abdominal cavity and the chest cavity.  The diaphragm usually works perfectly. When you inhale, it pulls down to help pull air into the lungs. When you exhale, the diaphragm relaxes and air flows out of the lungs back out through the mouth and nose. But sometimes the diaphragm can become irritated. This is when hiccups come into play. Some things that can cause hiccups are irritation in the stomach or throat, feeling excited or nervous and eating too quickly or too much. When these things happen, the diaphragm can pull down in an uncontrolled way, making you suddenly suck air into your throat. When the air that is rushing in hits your voice box, you're left with, yes, a hiccup.  There are many things you can do to get get rid of your hiccups, holding your breath, drinking lots of water, hanging upside down and getting someone to scare you, just to mention a few.  BOO! (2011). What causes hiccups?.//KidsHealth//, Retrieved from [] How to get rid of hiccups.//Squidoo//, Retrieved from []

[[image:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/Child_with_Smallpox_Bangladesh.jpg/230px-Child_with_Smallpox_Bangladesh.jpg width="180" height="288" align="right"]]
I always hear people talk about Smallpox, but I never really knew what it was. There is no need to worry about this contagious infection now, even the vaccine is no longer given to the general public since the virus has been wiped out. However many people died from this virus back in the day so I thought I should do a post about it!

Smallpox was once found worldwide, mainly affecting children and youth in places such as Asia, Europe and Africa, causing illness and death wherever it spread. People usually contract this virus from family members. Smallpox is caused by infection with variola virus, it spreads easily from one person to another by say sharing a glass of water, kissing or even through the air. It could also be spread from bed sheets and clothing. It is most contagious during the first week of the infection. It may continue to be contagious until the scabs from the rash fall off.

There are two forms of smallpox: > > Symptoms usually occur about 12 - 14 days after you have been infected with the virus. They may include: >> There used to be a vaccine one could take to treat this infection, if it was given 1-4 days after a person has been exposed to the disease it may stop of lessen the illness. If you are already experiencing the symptoms when you take the vaccine it will most likely be useless. > If you contract this disease the death risk is about 30%. > If one survives this infection there are a number of complications they could possibly have, such as: > >>
 * Variola major is a serious illness that can be life threatening in people who have not been vaccinated
 * Variola minor is a milder infection that rarely causes death
 * Backache
 * Delirium
 * Diarrhea
 * Excessive bleeding
 * Fatigue
 * High fever
 * Malaise
 * Arthritis and bone infections
 * Brain swelling (encephalitis)
 * Death
 * Eye infections
 * Pneumonia
 * Scarring
 * Severe bleeding
 * Skin infections (from the sores)

In the late 18th century, each year the disease killed an estimated 400,000 Europeans and was responsible for a third of all blindness. 20–60% of everyone who was infected and over 80% of infected children died from the disease. During the 20th century, smallpox killed an estimated 300–500 million people.

Under the right conditions, researchers believe that the smallpox infection may be able to stay alive for as long as 24 hours. If in the wrong conditions, the virus may only be able to live for 6 hours.

"Smallpox." //PubMed Health//. Retrieved from: [] "Smallpox." //Wikipedia//. Retrieved from: [] "Smallpox History." //UCL//. (2006): Retrieved from: []

Personal Post #2: Camouflage
==== Ever notice how when you see a wild rabbit in the spring it has a brownish-grey coat of fur, but then in the winter they will be as white as the snow on the ground? This is because nature adapts very well to many things, including colours. The simplest form of camouflage is a coloration that matches an animal's surroundings. Of course, an animal's surroundings will change from time to time. This is why many animals have developed special adaptations that allow them to change their coloration as their habitats change. Animals surroundings are changing all the time, mostly with the seasons. In the spring and summer, the trees and ground are covered with beautiful greens and browns, whereas in the fall and winter the mammals surroundings could be covered with a blanket of white. While brown fur camouflage is perfect for a summer wooded environment, it makes for an easy target against a white background. Many mammals and birds deal with this by producing different colours of fur or feathers depending on the time of year. Most of the time, a hormonal reaction in the animal that causes it to produce different biochromes, natural pigment, is triggered with either changing amounts of shifts in temperature or daylight hours. An animals feathers and fur are like human hair and fingernails, they are made up of dead cells that are attached to the animal, but since they are not alive, the animal can do nothing to change what they look like. In order for an animals fur or feathers to change colour, all of it's present coat must fall off, so they can produce a whole new coat of fur or feathers. It's comparable to how people tend to change their clothing colour palette as the seasons change! ====

Harris, T. "How Animal Camouflage Works." //Retrieved from:// []

Personal Pos t #1: Tryptophan
==== Ever wonder why you feel especially tired after you eat a turkey dinner? Well, I will be having mine this evening and I don't want to be dozing off for dessert. Turkey has an amino acid called tryptophan in it, which is said to make you drowsy, turkey however, is not the only food that contains this essential amino acid, chicken, cheese and pork also do. Since the body can not make Tryptophan on it's own, it must get it from food. Tryptophan is used to produce the B-vitamin (niacin) in the body, this then helps the body make serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin and melatonin are amazing chemicals that have a calming effect and play a key role in sleep. In the 1980's people even began taking a tryptophan dietary supplement to help them fall asleep, but they were banned a decade later due to a syndrome that causes muscle pain and even death. Experts say that for tryptophan to make you tired, it needs to be taken on an empty stomach without any other amino acids. The body has to use the other amino acids living with tryptophan inside a thanksgiving turkey, so just some of the tryptophan gets to the brain in order to help serotonin production. So, what else adds to the tiredness you feel after a Thanksgiving dinner? It could simply be that you feel relaxed, with the school/work day off, good food, and good people surrounding you. Also, it takes a lot of energy to digest a turkey dinner, especially if it contains lots of fats and carbohydrates, making you feel the need to take a nap. In conclusion, it's a combination of the type of food, amount of food and holiday atmosphere that causes the body to feel sleepy after a big turkey dinner. Happy Thanksgiving! ==== Helmenstine, A. "Does Eating Turkey Make You Sleepy?." //About.com//. (2011): [] "Is there something in turkey that makes you sleepy?." //TLC Cooking//. (2011): [] "Foods that help you sleep." //Ask Dr. Sears//. (2011): []

**HWK Post #1: Dandruff**

=== Dandruff may be harmless, but who wants visible white flakes on their head or shoulders? Dandruff is a common problem for people of all ages, all around the world. It is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Everyone's skin does this. Most of the dead skin cells are not even visible to the naked eye, though some people have more severe dandruff than others. This shedding of skin cells usually occurs when people wash their hair. So, what causes these embarrassing lice look-a-likes? Some of the main causes include; not using proper shampoo, stress, an imbalanced diet, too much exposure to cold or heat or an oily scalp. An easy cure for dandruff symptoms such as ichy, red or scaly scalp is to use a specially formulated dandruff shampoo. ===



(2011). Dandruff. //Wikipedia//, Retrieved from[| http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandruff#Treatment] (2011). Healthy skin, dandruff. //CHealth//, Retrieved from [] Purbia, D. (2011). How to get rid of dandruff.//TechVark.com//, Retrieved from []