This will be my last post, and it will be a reflection of this whole project in general.
To summarise, this project has certainly been a enjoyable one. Through the whole course of this project, I have learnt aplenty on the topics which i researched on, which is Ecology and Nutrient Cycles in the Ecosystem, and Issues on Sex.
Besides information and facts that I have learnt, like the types of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and the importance of an organism in the ecosystem, I have learnt valuable life lessons, and realised many things. One life lesson I have learnt is that we should be ready to accept the risks and consequences of our actions. An example is in the form of STDs. If we engage in casual sex, or visit sex workers, we should be ready to face the music, in the form of diseases such as Genital Warts, Genital Herpes etc. This also showed me the importance of practising safe sex, so as to protect ourselves from this diseases, which can be prevented from the start. Also, I realised that many of our planet's rich diversity of organisms are declining, due to a variety of problems. The biggest of these problems is Global Warming. Global Warming has caused the melting of the polar ice caps in Antarctica, which has affected the krill there. The species of animals that feed on the krill are declining because of the krill's decline. Once again, from here, we can see the importance of an organism to the ecosystem.
Throughout this learning experience, the most surprising information I have come across is about the reason behind the decreasing numbers of the many species of animals in the Antarctic. I did not know that the decline of krill had been the cause of the problem, as i had initially thought that the declining sea ice affected the species of animals as they could not find land to rest on and drown. Also, i did not expect the many species in the Antarctic to be this badly affected.
After the research, I still have many queries that are yet unsolved. One of them is about how the STDs actually start developing in someone's body. Although I have found out what type of micro-organisms cause these diseases, I have yet to find out how do we get these micro-organisms in our body in the first place. This is a most interesting piece of information that I would like to know about. This knowledge might help scientists prevent the spread of any diseases.
Of course, it is inevitable that challenges lie ahead for any project. For me, one of the difficulties is to actually find a source that gives reliable and sufficient information. To overcome this difficulty, one of course must have patience. Patience is the key to success, and eventually I found reliable sources in the end.
To summarise, this project has certainly been challenging, and has given me an opportunity to learn information beyond the textbooks.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Entry 17: 26/7/08
I will now start my reflection about this question.
I feel that researching about this topic educated me about the importance of practising safe sex in the future. In this modern world of ours, we should be more careful about our sexual activities, as many new and deadly viruses now run rife in this world of ours. The two Sexually Transmitted Diseases I have learnt about clearly showed this point. Who knows what deadly virus you may be infected with if you visit prostitutes or engage in casual sex. Even though there may be advances in medicine which help to treat these diseases, we still have to undergo a degree of pain, and suffer because of the disease. Everthing that we do, there will be a consequence. So, we need to think clearly and be aware of the consequences because of our actions. Next time, before you do something, you should be aware of the risks, and think before you act.
I feel that researching about this topic educated me about the importance of practising safe sex in the future. In this modern world of ours, we should be more careful about our sexual activities, as many new and deadly viruses now run rife in this world of ours. The two Sexually Transmitted Diseases I have learnt about clearly showed this point. Who knows what deadly virus you may be infected with if you visit prostitutes or engage in casual sex. Even though there may be advances in medicine which help to treat these diseases, we still have to undergo a degree of pain, and suffer because of the disease. Everthing that we do, there will be a consequence. So, we need to think clearly and be aware of the consequences because of our actions. Next time, before you do something, you should be aware of the risks, and think before you act.
Entry 16: 26/7/08
I will now continue on the tertiary stage of Syphilis.
At this stage, Syphilis usually is no longer contagious. Tertiary Syphilis is also a systemic stage of the disease and can cause a variety of problems throughout the body including:
-Abnormal bulging of the large vessel leaving the heart (the aorta), resulting in heart problems
-The development of large nodules, or gummas in various organs of the body
-Infection of the brain, causing a stroke, mental confusion, meningitis (type of brain infection), problems with sensation, or weakness (neurosyphilis)
-Involvement of the eyes, leading to sight deterioration
-Involvement of the ears resulting in deafness.
The damage sustained by the body during the tertiary stage of Syphilis is severe and can even be fatal.
Depending on the stage of disease and the clinical manifestations, the treatment options for Syphilis vary. Long-acting penicillin injections have been very effective in treating both early and late stage syphilis. The treatment of neurosyphilis, however, requires the intravenous administration of penicillin. Alternative treatments include oral doxycycline or tetracycline.
Women who are infected during pregnancy can pass on the infection to the foetus through the placenta. Penicillin must be used in pregnant patients with Syphilis since other antibiotics do not effectively cross the placenta to treat the infected foetus. Left untreated, Syphilis can lead to blindness or even death of the infant.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Penicillin: Penicillin (sometimes abbreviated PCN or pen) is a group of Beta-lactam antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually Gram-positive, organisms.
Gumma: A gumma is a soft, non-cancerous growth resulting from the tertiary stage of Syphilis.
Neurosyphilis: Neurosyphilis refers to a site of infection involving the central nervous system (CNS). Neurosyphilis may occur at any stage of syphilis.
At this stage, Syphilis usually is no longer contagious. Tertiary Syphilis is also a systemic stage of the disease and can cause a variety of problems throughout the body including:
-Abnormal bulging of the large vessel leaving the heart (the aorta), resulting in heart problems
-The development of large nodules, or gummas in various organs of the body
-Infection of the brain, causing a stroke, mental confusion, meningitis (type of brain infection), problems with sensation, or weakness (neurosyphilis)
-Involvement of the eyes, leading to sight deterioration
-Involvement of the ears resulting in deafness.
The damage sustained by the body during the tertiary stage of Syphilis is severe and can even be fatal.
Depending on the stage of disease and the clinical manifestations, the treatment options for Syphilis vary. Long-acting penicillin injections have been very effective in treating both early and late stage syphilis. The treatment of neurosyphilis, however, requires the intravenous administration of penicillin. Alternative treatments include oral doxycycline or tetracycline.
Women who are infected during pregnancy can pass on the infection to the foetus through the placenta. Penicillin must be used in pregnant patients with Syphilis since other antibiotics do not effectively cross the placenta to treat the infected foetus. Left untreated, Syphilis can lead to blindness or even death of the infant.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Penicillin: Penicillin (sometimes abbreviated PCN or pen) is a group of Beta-lactam antibiotics used in the treatment of bacterial infections caused by susceptible, usually Gram-positive, organisms.
Gumma: A gumma is a soft, non-cancerous growth resulting from the tertiary stage of Syphilis.
Neurosyphilis: Neurosyphilis refers to a site of infection involving the central nervous system (CNS). Neurosyphilis may occur at any stage of syphilis.
Entry 15: 26/7/08
I shall now continue.
In most women, an early infection resolves on its own, even without treatment. However, 25%, or a quarter of all cases, will proceed to the second stage of the infection called "secondary" Syphilis, which develops weeks to months after the primary stage, lasting from four to six weeks. Secondary Syphilis is a systemic stage of the disease, meaning that it can involve various organ systems of the body. In this stage, patients can initially experience many different symptoms, but most commonly they develop a skin rash, typically appearing on the palms of the hands or the bottoms of the feet, that does not itch. Sometimes the skin rash of secondary syphilis is very faint and hard to recognize; it may not even be noticed in all cases. This secondary stage can also include hair loss, sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina, fever, and headaches. There can be lesions on the genitals that look like genital warts,but are actually caused by spirochetes rather than the wart virus. These wart like lesions, as well as the skin rash, are highly contagious. The rash can occur on the palms of the hands, and the infection can be transmitted by casual contact.
Subsequent to secondary Syphilis, some patients will continue to carry the infection in their body without symptoms. This is the so-called latent stage of the infection. Then, with or without a latent stage, which can last as long as 20 or more years, the third, or tertiary stage of the disease can develop.
I will continue in my next post about the 3rd stage of Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Lesion: A lesion is any abnormal tissue found on or in an organism, usually damaged by disease or trauma. Lesion is derived from the Latin word laesio which means injury.
Tertiary: Of the third order, rank, stage, formation, etc.; third.
In most women, an early infection resolves on its own, even without treatment. However, 25%, or a quarter of all cases, will proceed to the second stage of the infection called "secondary" Syphilis, which develops weeks to months after the primary stage, lasting from four to six weeks. Secondary Syphilis is a systemic stage of the disease, meaning that it can involve various organ systems of the body. In this stage, patients can initially experience many different symptoms, but most commonly they develop a skin rash, typically appearing on the palms of the hands or the bottoms of the feet, that does not itch. Sometimes the skin rash of secondary syphilis is very faint and hard to recognize; it may not even be noticed in all cases. This secondary stage can also include hair loss, sore throat, white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina, fever, and headaches. There can be lesions on the genitals that look like genital warts,but are actually caused by spirochetes rather than the wart virus. These wart like lesions, as well as the skin rash, are highly contagious. The rash can occur on the palms of the hands, and the infection can be transmitted by casual contact.
Subsequent to secondary Syphilis, some patients will continue to carry the infection in their body without symptoms. This is the so-called latent stage of the infection. Then, with or without a latent stage, which can last as long as 20 or more years, the third, or tertiary stage of the disease can develop.
I will continue in my next post about the 3rd stage of Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Lesion: A lesion is any abnormal tissue found on or in an organism, usually damaged by disease or trauma. Lesion is derived from the Latin word laesio which means injury.
Tertiary: Of the third order, rank, stage, formation, etc.; third.
Entry 14: 26/7/08
I will now continue on my last post.
Another type of Sexually Transmitted Disease is Syphilis. Syphilis is an STD that has been around for centuries. It is caused by a microscopic bacterial organism called a spirochete. The scientific name for the organism is Treponema pallidum. The spirochete is a worm like, spiral-shaped organism that wiggles vigorously when viewed under a microscope. It infects the person by burrowing into the moist, mucous-covered lining of the mouth or genitals. The spirochete produces a classic, painless ulcer known as a chancre.
There are three stages of Syphilis, along with an inactive, or latent, stage. Formation of an ulcer, or chancre, is the first stage. The chancre develops any time from 10 to 90 days after infection, with an average time of 21 days following infection until the first symptoms develop. Syphilis is highly contagious when the ulcer is present.
The infection can be transmitted from contact with the ulcer, which teems with spirochetes. If the ulcer is found to be outside of the vagina or on the male's scrotum, condoms may not prevent transmission of the infection by contact. Similarly, if the ulcer is in the mouth, merely kissing the infected individual can spread the infection. The ulcer can resolve without treatment after three to six weeks, but the disease can recur months later as secondary syphilis if the primary stage is not treated.
I will continue in my next post for more information on Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Chancre: A chancre is a painless ulceration formed during the primary stage of syphilis.
Spirochete: A microscopic bacterial organism in the Spirochaeta family.
Another type of Sexually Transmitted Disease is Syphilis. Syphilis is an STD that has been around for centuries. It is caused by a microscopic bacterial organism called a spirochete. The scientific name for the organism is Treponema pallidum. The spirochete is a worm like, spiral-shaped organism that wiggles vigorously when viewed under a microscope. It infects the person by burrowing into the moist, mucous-covered lining of the mouth or genitals. The spirochete produces a classic, painless ulcer known as a chancre.
There are three stages of Syphilis, along with an inactive, or latent, stage. Formation of an ulcer, or chancre, is the first stage. The chancre develops any time from 10 to 90 days after infection, with an average time of 21 days following infection until the first symptoms develop. Syphilis is highly contagious when the ulcer is present.
The infection can be transmitted from contact with the ulcer, which teems with spirochetes. If the ulcer is found to be outside of the vagina or on the male's scrotum, condoms may not prevent transmission of the infection by contact. Similarly, if the ulcer is in the mouth, merely kissing the infected individual can spread the infection. The ulcer can resolve without treatment after three to six weeks, but the disease can recur months later as secondary syphilis if the primary stage is not treated.
I will continue in my next post for more information on Syphilis.
Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/sexually_transmitted_diseases_stds_in_women/page3.htm
Glossary:
Chancre: A chancre is a painless ulceration formed during the primary stage of syphilis.
Spirochete: A microscopic bacterial organism in the Spirochaeta family.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Entry 13: 24/7/08
I will now start on my second question on Issues on Sex, which is as follows: Name two examples of STDs(Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and elaborate on them.
One example of a Sexually Transmitted Disease is Genital Warts. Genital warts are caused by some types of HPV, which is the human papilloma virus. They can appear on the skin anywhere near the genitals as white or flesh-coloured, smooth, small bumps, or larger, fleshy, cauliflower-like lumps. There are more than 100 different subtypes of HPV, and around 30 of them specifically affect the genitals. Other HPV subtypes cause warts to grow on different parts of the body, such as the hands.
If symptoms do appear, then the infected person may notice pinkish or white small lumps, or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps on the genital area. Warts can appear on or around the penis, the scrotum, the thighs or the anus. In women, warts can develop around the vulva or inside the vagina and on the cervix. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual coloured vaginal discharge.
Warts may occur singly or in groups. The warts may itch, but they are usually painless. Sometimes, the warts can be difficult to spot. In severe cases, it is possible for warts to spread from the genitals to the area around the anus, even if anal intercourse has not occurred.
Genital HPV is transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact, or through the transfer of infected genital fluids. This is usually during vaginal or anal sex, but it is also possible to pass it on through non-penetrative sexual activity.
In rare circumstances, a woman can pass HPV on to her baby during vaginal child birth.
I will continue in my next post.
Sources:
http://www.avert.org/genital-warts.htm
Glossary:
Vulva: The external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.
Cervix: The narrow outer end of the uterus. A portion of the cervix extends into the vagina.
One example of a Sexually Transmitted Disease is Genital Warts. Genital warts are caused by some types of HPV, which is the human papilloma virus. They can appear on the skin anywhere near the genitals as white or flesh-coloured, smooth, small bumps, or larger, fleshy, cauliflower-like lumps. There are more than 100 different subtypes of HPV, and around 30 of them specifically affect the genitals. Other HPV subtypes cause warts to grow on different parts of the body, such as the hands.
If symptoms do appear, then the infected person may notice pinkish or white small lumps, or larger cauliflower-shaped lumps on the genital area. Warts can appear on or around the penis, the scrotum, the thighs or the anus. In women, warts can develop around the vulva or inside the vagina and on the cervix. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual coloured vaginal discharge.
Warts may occur singly or in groups. The warts may itch, but they are usually painless. Sometimes, the warts can be difficult to spot. In severe cases, it is possible for warts to spread from the genitals to the area around the anus, even if anal intercourse has not occurred.
Genital HPV is transmitted by genital skin-to-skin contact, or through the transfer of infected genital fluids. This is usually during vaginal or anal sex, but it is also possible to pass it on through non-penetrative sexual activity.
In rare circumstances, a woman can pass HPV on to her baby during vaginal child birth.
I will continue in my next post.
Sources:
http://www.avert.org/genital-warts.htm
Glossary:
Vulva: The external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibule of the vagina.
Cervix: The narrow outer end of the uterus. A portion of the cervix extends into the vagina.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Entry 12: 20/7/08
I will now conclude on this question.
The Birth Control Pills and Emergency Contraception Pills contribute to Man as important drugs which prevent pregnancies, which helps in cases such as unwanted pregnancies. It acts as an alternative to abortion, in the sense that it prevents pregnancies from even happening. This is less costly than abortions, and it does not harm human lives.
Although there are some side effects to pregnancy pills, birth control pills are still generally safe for consumption. Hence, they are beneficial to Man.
The Birth Control Pills and Emergency Contraception Pills contribute to Man as important drugs which prevent pregnancies, which helps in cases such as unwanted pregnancies. It acts as an alternative to abortion, in the sense that it prevents pregnancies from even happening. This is less costly than abortions, and it does not harm human lives.
Although there are some side effects to pregnancy pills, birth control pills are still generally safe for consumption. Hence, they are beneficial to Man.
Entry 11: 20/7/08
In this post, I will share on the side effects of Birth Control Pills.
As the body adjusts to hormonal changes created by The Pill, women often experience some minor side effects, including:
-Irregular bleeding or spotting
-Nausea
-Breast tenderness
-Weight gain and/or water retention
-Spotty darkening of the skin
-Mood changes
These side effects usually disappear after 2-3 menstrual cycles. If the side effects are bothersome after 2-3 cycles or if heavy bleeding occurs, women should continue taking their pills, but see the doctor to talk about their prescriptions.
Women who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill should see a doctor immediately. They are:
-Severe abdominal pains
-Chest pain or shortness of breath
-Severe headaches
-Eye problems, such as blurred vision
-Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
Every woman is different. Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions may not be able to use Emergency Contraception:
-Established pregnancy
-Past heart attack or stroke
-Blood clots in the legs or lungs
-Breast or genital cancers
-Liver cancer
EC may not be recommended for women who plan to have intercourse within 5 days, are breastfeeding or have given birth in the last 6 weeks, have epilepsy, cardiovascular or kidney disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, or hypertension.
EC does not harm an established pregnancy. It acts on the uterus and cannot prevent an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Sources:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/ecinfo.htm
Glossary:
Ectopic: Occurring in an abnormal position or place; displaced.
As the body adjusts to hormonal changes created by The Pill, women often experience some minor side effects, including:
-Irregular bleeding or spotting
-Nausea
-Breast tenderness
-Weight gain and/or water retention
-Spotty darkening of the skin
-Mood changes
These side effects usually disappear after 2-3 menstrual cycles. If the side effects are bothersome after 2-3 cycles or if heavy bleeding occurs, women should continue taking their pills, but see the doctor to talk about their prescriptions.
Women who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill should see a doctor immediately. They are:
-Severe abdominal pains
-Chest pain or shortness of breath
-Severe headaches
-Eye problems, such as blurred vision
-Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
Every woman is different. Due to the risk of serious health problems, women with the following conditions may not be able to use Emergency Contraception:
-Established pregnancy
-Past heart attack or stroke
-Blood clots in the legs or lungs
-Breast or genital cancers
-Liver cancer
EC may not be recommended for women who plan to have intercourse within 5 days, are breastfeeding or have given birth in the last 6 weeks, have epilepsy, cardiovascular or kidney disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, or hypertension.
EC does not harm an established pregnancy. It acts on the uterus and cannot prevent an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches and grows outside the uterus. This can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Sources:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/ecinfo.htm
Glossary:
Ectopic: Occurring in an abnormal position or place; displaced.
Entry 10: 20/7/08
I shall now continue on my last post.
The Birth Control Pills or Pregnancy Pills that was mentioned in the earlier post are known as daily contraceptive pills that are taken daily to prevent pregnancy. There is another type of pill that is used for emergency contraception.
These pills are commonly named as the "Morning After Pills". Pregnancy can be prevented after sexual intercourse by taking Emergency Contraceptive pills (EC). It works by giving the body a short, high, burst of synthetic hormones. This disrupts hormone patterns needed for pregnancy. EC affects the ovaries and the development of the uterine lining, making pregnancy less likely. Depending upon where the woman is in her menstrual cycle, the EC hormones prevent pregnancy in different ways. It prevents ovulation, which is the process of the egg leaving the ovary and moving into the fallopian tube. It blocks the hormones needed for the egg to be able to be fertilized. It affects the lining of the uterus and alters sperm transport which prevents sperm from meeting the egg and fertilizing it.
EC may be effective up to 120 hours, which is about 5 days after intercourse. But, it is most effective within the first 24 hours. Emergency Contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75%. However, EC does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.
The advantages of using Emergency Contraception Pills are:
- They can be used after intercourse.
-Easy to use.
-Does not affect future fertility.
However, the disadvantages are as follows:
-Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV/AIDS.
-Most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected vaginal intercourse.
-Side effects may include nausea.
-Must be readily available.
I shall continue on my next post.
Sources:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/ecinfo.htm
Glossary:
Synthetic: Noting or pertaining to compounds formed through a chemical process by human agency, as opposed to those of natural origin: synthetic vitamins; synthetic fiber.
Contraception: The deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices; birth control.
The Birth Control Pills or Pregnancy Pills that was mentioned in the earlier post are known as daily contraceptive pills that are taken daily to prevent pregnancy. There is another type of pill that is used for emergency contraception.
These pills are commonly named as the "Morning After Pills". Pregnancy can be prevented after sexual intercourse by taking Emergency Contraceptive pills (EC). It works by giving the body a short, high, burst of synthetic hormones. This disrupts hormone patterns needed for pregnancy. EC affects the ovaries and the development of the uterine lining, making pregnancy less likely. Depending upon where the woman is in her menstrual cycle, the EC hormones prevent pregnancy in different ways. It prevents ovulation, which is the process of the egg leaving the ovary and moving into the fallopian tube. It blocks the hormones needed for the egg to be able to be fertilized. It affects the lining of the uterus and alters sperm transport which prevents sperm from meeting the egg and fertilizing it.
EC may be effective up to 120 hours, which is about 5 days after intercourse. But, it is most effective within the first 24 hours. Emergency Contraception reduces the risk of pregnancy by 75%. However, EC does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.
The advantages of using Emergency Contraception Pills are:
- They can be used after intercourse.
-Easy to use.
-Does not affect future fertility.
However, the disadvantages are as follows:
-Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections, including HIV/AIDS.
-Most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected vaginal intercourse.
-Side effects may include nausea.
-Must be readily available.
I shall continue on my next post.
Sources:
http://www.fwhc.org/birth-control/ecinfo.htm
Glossary:
Synthetic: Noting or pertaining to compounds formed through a chemical process by human agency, as opposed to those of natural origin: synthetic vitamins; synthetic fiber.
Contraception: The deliberate prevention of conception or impregnation by any of various drugs, techniques, or devices; birth control.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Entry 9: 13/7/08
I will now start on my second topic, which is Issues on Sex. My first question is: How do pregnancy pills work, and does consuming pregnancy pills have any side effects?
Pregnancy pills, or Birth Control Pills(BCPs) are daily pills that contain hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs. In this case, the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and the uterus. Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilised. The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.
Another kind of pill change the number of monthly periods. It is the low-dose progesterone pill, sometimes called the mini-pill. This type of birth control pill differs from the other pills in that it only contains one type of hormone — progesterone — rather than a combination of estrogen and progesterone. It works by changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus, and sometimes by affecting ovulation as well. The mini-pill can be slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy.
I shall continue in my next post.
Sources:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception_birth.html
Glossary:
Progesterone: A steroid hormone, C21H30O2, secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary and by the placenta, that acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum, to maintain pregnancy, and to promote development of the mammary glands.
Estrogen: Any of several steroid hormones produced chiefly by the ovaries and responsible for promoting estrus and the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics.
Pregnancy pills, or Birth Control Pills(BCPs) are daily pills that contain hormones to change the way the body works and prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs. In this case, the hormones in the Pill control the ovaries and the uterus. Most birth control pills are "combination pills" containing a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which prevent ovulation (the release of an egg during the monthly cycle). A woman cannot get pregnant if she doesn't ovulate because there is no egg to be fertilised. The Pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterus and reach any eggs that may have been released. The hormones in the Pill can also sometimes affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.
Another kind of pill change the number of monthly periods. It is the low-dose progesterone pill, sometimes called the mini-pill. This type of birth control pill differs from the other pills in that it only contains one type of hormone — progesterone — rather than a combination of estrogen and progesterone. It works by changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus, and sometimes by affecting ovulation as well. The mini-pill can be slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy.
I shall continue in my next post.
Sources:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception_birth.html
Glossary:
Progesterone: A steroid hormone, C21H30O2, secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary and by the placenta, that acts to prepare the uterus for implantation of the fertilized ovum, to maintain pregnancy, and to promote development of the mammary glands.
Estrogen: Any of several steroid hormones produced chiefly by the ovaries and responsible for promoting estrus and the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics.
Entry 8: 13/7/08
To conclude, bees are very important to the ecosystem. They have a very big role in their habitat, not unlike many other organisms. Bees are major pollinators for many flowering plants. If they were no bees, many species of flowering plants may decrease in number or even go extinct. Also, bees provide food for many species of animals, including us. Honey that is made by the bees are food for us, bears, badgers and other mammals. Also, bees are preyed upon by other insects such as praying mantises or dragonflies. If the bees were extinct, these insects would decrease in population as bees are a source of food for them. Also, the bees are important to us, as farming of certain fruits depend on these insects for pollination. If the bees were extinct, we would have certainly have lesser food to eat, and millions of people would starve.
So we can see how the bees affects the ecosystem in many ways, in its roles as prey and pollinator. If bees would die out, it would cause a chain effect in its habitat, and many organisms would be soon extinct as well.
So we can see how the bees affects the ecosystem in many ways, in its roles as prey and pollinator. If bees would die out, it would cause a chain effect in its habitat, and many organisms would be soon extinct as well.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Entry 7: 9/7/08
I shall continue on my last post.
In the June 28 issue of the Straits Times, the Straits Times reported that bees in Europe and the United States of America. According to the article, bees are not just important for the production of honey. Three-quarters of flowering plants rely on the bees and other pollinators such as birds to help them reproduce. Bee pollination alone is responsible for US$15 billion annually in crop value in the United States alone. Bees are even more important to farmers who grow almonds, citrus fruits, apples, pears and cucumbers, because the plants do not self-pollinate.
However, bee numbers are declining fast in the US and Europe. In 2006, US beekeepers reported losing 30% to 90% of their hives. This phenomenon because known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Congressman Dennis Cardoza of California revealed that without bees, there is no way for US farmers to continue growing high-quality and nutritious food that the US relies on. This was a problem they cannot ignore.
The cause of the disorder remains unknown, although the collapse of hives has been linked with Pesticides, viruses, parasites and even cellphone interference with bee navigation.
Einstein once said that without bees, the world would starve in four years. Without bees, there would be no production of honey and no external pollination of crops and stock-feed. This would undoubtedly cripple the world's economy, and cause major food shortages. This is because the bees act as important pollinators which help flowering plants to reproduce. Many of these plants can be fruits, berries or nuts, which would not grow without the bees' help. With lesser food, more people would have to go hungry. Also, animals such as bears would decrease in their numbers, which can cause their prey to overpopulate and cause an imbalance in the ecosystem. Also, predators that hunt bees might also decrease in number.
Hence, we can conclude how important bees are, regardless towards man or animals.
Sources:
The Strait Times (World)
Issue 28/6/08
Article: Where have all the bees gone?
Glossary:
Stock-feed: Plant material that is fed to livestock.
In the June 28 issue of the Straits Times, the Straits Times reported that bees in Europe and the United States of America. According to the article, bees are not just important for the production of honey. Three-quarters of flowering plants rely on the bees and other pollinators such as birds to help them reproduce. Bee pollination alone is responsible for US$15 billion annually in crop value in the United States alone. Bees are even more important to farmers who grow almonds, citrus fruits, apples, pears and cucumbers, because the plants do not self-pollinate.
However, bee numbers are declining fast in the US and Europe. In 2006, US beekeepers reported losing 30% to 90% of their hives. This phenomenon because known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Congressman Dennis Cardoza of California revealed that without bees, there is no way for US farmers to continue growing high-quality and nutritious food that the US relies on. This was a problem they cannot ignore.
The cause of the disorder remains unknown, although the collapse of hives has been linked with Pesticides, viruses, parasites and even cellphone interference with bee navigation.
Einstein once said that without bees, the world would starve in four years. Without bees, there would be no production of honey and no external pollination of crops and stock-feed. This would undoubtedly cripple the world's economy, and cause major food shortages. This is because the bees act as important pollinators which help flowering plants to reproduce. Many of these plants can be fruits, berries or nuts, which would not grow without the bees' help. With lesser food, more people would have to go hungry. Also, animals such as bears would decrease in their numbers, which can cause their prey to overpopulate and cause an imbalance in the ecosystem. Also, predators that hunt bees might also decrease in number.
Hence, we can conclude how important bees are, regardless towards man or animals.
Sources:
The Strait Times (World)
Issue 28/6/08
Article: Where have all the bees gone?
Glossary:
Stock-feed: Plant material that is fed to livestock.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Entry 6: 6/7/08
I shall now continue on my last post.
The seeds of many vegetables depend on the honey bee. The value of crops that rely on the bee has been estimated to be as high as ten billion dollars annually in the United States. The queen (head bumble bee) hibernates during the winter season and begins a new colony in the spring. Bee scientists have developed a way for the queens to skip their hibernation and produce colonies all year. Colonies of bumble bees are used extensively in greenhouse pollination of crops such as strawberries and tomatoes.
Bees do have many predators even though it may not seem so. Animals such as bears and Argentine ants may destroy a hive in search of honey. By eating the wax in a honeycomb of a weak colony, the wax moth may also destroy the hive. Animals prey upon individual honey bees which sometimes may weaken colonies, reducing the number of bees in the hive. Honey bees often fall prey to parasites and diseases. Two widespread contagious bacterial diseases called American and European foulbrood attack the bee larvae, hence reducing the number of larvae that will grow to become worker bees. Nosema, a protozoan parasite and virus, can cause dysentery and paralysis in adult bees. Mites, also called honey bee mites, have destroyed thousands of hives in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Thousands of bees are killed each year by insecticides meant to kill other insects. Weed sprays destroy an important source of food for the bees by killing weeds and their flowers.
If the bees began to disappear, we would have to rely more on other insects and mammals to spread the pollen of flowers in order for pollination. The pollination process of the flowers would begin to slow down and eventually some species of wild flowers would begin to become extinct. The flowers would not be the only ones affected. Many animals would also suffer from a loss of food, as the fruits produced from the flowers would decrease or disappear. Herbivores that feed on these fruits could die out. Then, carnivores such as pumas or bears could also be affected as these herbivores begin to decrease in numbers.
I shall continue on my next post...
Sources:
http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/1998/bees.html
Glossary:
Dysentery: An inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract, usually caused by a bacterial, parasitic, or protozoan infection and resulting in pain, fever, and severe diarrhea, often accompanied by the passage of blood and mucus.
Protozoan: Any of a diverse group of eukaryotes, of the kingdom Protista, that are primarily unicellular, existing singly or aggregating into colonies, are usually nonphotosynthetic, and are often classified further into phyla according to their capacity for and means of motility, as by pseudopods, flagella, or cilia.
The seeds of many vegetables depend on the honey bee. The value of crops that rely on the bee has been estimated to be as high as ten billion dollars annually in the United States. The queen (head bumble bee) hibernates during the winter season and begins a new colony in the spring. Bee scientists have developed a way for the queens to skip their hibernation and produce colonies all year. Colonies of bumble bees are used extensively in greenhouse pollination of crops such as strawberries and tomatoes.
Bees do have many predators even though it may not seem so. Animals such as bears and Argentine ants may destroy a hive in search of honey. By eating the wax in a honeycomb of a weak colony, the wax moth may also destroy the hive. Animals prey upon individual honey bees which sometimes may weaken colonies, reducing the number of bees in the hive. Honey bees often fall prey to parasites and diseases. Two widespread contagious bacterial diseases called American and European foulbrood attack the bee larvae, hence reducing the number of larvae that will grow to become worker bees. Nosema, a protozoan parasite and virus, can cause dysentery and paralysis in adult bees. Mites, also called honey bee mites, have destroyed thousands of hives in Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Thousands of bees are killed each year by insecticides meant to kill other insects. Weed sprays destroy an important source of food for the bees by killing weeds and their flowers.
If the bees began to disappear, we would have to rely more on other insects and mammals to spread the pollen of flowers in order for pollination. The pollination process of the flowers would begin to slow down and eventually some species of wild flowers would begin to become extinct. The flowers would not be the only ones affected. Many animals would also suffer from a loss of food, as the fruits produced from the flowers would decrease or disappear. Herbivores that feed on these fruits could die out. Then, carnivores such as pumas or bears could also be affected as these herbivores begin to decrease in numbers.
I shall continue on my next post...
Sources:
http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/1998/bees.html
Glossary:
Dysentery: An inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract, usually caused by a bacterial, parasitic, or protozoan infection and resulting in pain, fever, and severe diarrhea, often accompanied by the passage of blood and mucus.
Protozoan: Any of a diverse group of eukaryotes, of the kingdom Protista, that are primarily unicellular, existing singly or aggregating into colonies, are usually nonphotosynthetic, and are often classified further into phyla according to their capacity for and means of motility, as by pseudopods, flagella, or cilia.
Entry 5: 6/7/08
I will now post my second question on the topic Ecology and Nutrient Cycles in the Ecosystem which is as follows: What would happen if bees were extinct?
Bees are an excellent example of symbiosis known as mutualism. Mutualism is the association between unlike organisms which both parties benefit from. Bees cannot survive without flowers and the flowers' existence depends on the bees. For the bees, the pollen and nectar from many flowers is an important source of fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The nectar is a source of energy. Bees gradually switched from eating other insects to flowers as their source of food. With the passage of time, bees have become completely dependent on flowers as a food source. The flowers also stand to gain from this unusual partnership. When the bees travel from one flower to another to collect nectar, pollen clings onto them. The pollen is then transferred to another flower of the same species as the bees visit more flowers. This fertilises or pollinates the flower. The plants can then produce their own fruit and reproduce using the bees.
Because of this partnership, flowers can bear fruit and bees can make honey. both honey and fruits are an important part of our diet, and are sources of food for many other specis of animals.
There are many kinds of fruit crops that rely on the honey bee for its role in pollination. This large group includes almonds, apples, apricots, avocados, blackberries, cantaloupes, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, pears, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelons.
I shall continue in my next post in a while...
Sources:
http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/1998/bees.html
Glossary:
Pollination: The process by which plant pollen is transferred from the male reproductive organs to the female reproductive organs to form seeds. In flowering plants, pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma, often by the wind or by insects. In cone-bearing plants, male cones release pollen that is usually borne by the wind to the ovules of female cones.
Bees are an excellent example of symbiosis known as mutualism. Mutualism is the association between unlike organisms which both parties benefit from. Bees cannot survive without flowers and the flowers' existence depends on the bees. For the bees, the pollen and nectar from many flowers is an important source of fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The nectar is a source of energy. Bees gradually switched from eating other insects to flowers as their source of food. With the passage of time, bees have become completely dependent on flowers as a food source. The flowers also stand to gain from this unusual partnership. When the bees travel from one flower to another to collect nectar, pollen clings onto them. The pollen is then transferred to another flower of the same species as the bees visit more flowers. This fertilises or pollinates the flower. The plants can then produce their own fruit and reproduce using the bees.
Because of this partnership, flowers can bear fruit and bees can make honey. both honey and fruits are an important part of our diet, and are sources of food for many other specis of animals.
There are many kinds of fruit crops that rely on the honey bee for its role in pollination. This large group includes almonds, apples, apricots, avocados, blackberries, cantaloupes, cherries, cranberries, cucumbers, pears, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelons.
I shall continue in my next post in a while...
Sources:
http://www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/youngnaturalistawards/1998/bees.html
Glossary:
Pollination: The process by which plant pollen is transferred from the male reproductive organs to the female reproductive organs to form seeds. In flowering plants, pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma, often by the wind or by insects. In cone-bearing plants, male cones release pollen that is usually borne by the wind to the ovules of female cones.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Entry 4: 3/7/08
I can conclude that global warming has a devastating impact on the North and South Poles, where its effect is greatest. Over the past three entries, I found out that the rising temperatures has caused many problems for the wildlife. The polar bears, penguin species and cetaceans are only a minority of the vast wildlife in these two environments. They are all affected by the decrease in sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic. The sea ice affects many animals directly or indirectly. In the case of the polar bears, the bears need the sea ice as a "base" to hunt seals and other prey. They also need the sea ice as a surface for them to rest, breed, raise their cubs and live in. The declining sea ice has caused the deaths of polar bears as some of them tire out from swimming vast distances to find sea ice to rest on and drown. Unlike dolphins or whales, they cannot stay in the water for long periods of time. In the case of the penguins, because of the decline of sea ice, krill, the source of food for some species of dolphins, has declined considerably. With the lesser numbers in krill, the population of some species of penguins has also decreased.
Also, the decline of sea ice has decreased the land which the penguins can breed and raise their young. Also, with warmer winter temperatures, sea ice breaks off often, and penguin chicks are often stranded and die.
Also, the decline of sea ice has led to the cetaceans, whales, dolphins and porpoises to decline as well. This is because krill numbers have decreased, and thus there is lesser food for some species of whale or dolphin, which mostly depend on the krill for food. Also, warmer temperatures might kill some species of whale, as some whale species cannot survive in warmer water.
This is the one result of the sea ice declining. Many species of animals are affected, causing a chain of events which end up in the whole ecosystem of the North and south Poles being affected as a result. I feel that we humans are responsible for much of the decline of sea ice. Over the centuries, because of our constant burning of fossil fuels and the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, we have led the world temperature to skyrocket until in the 21st century, which we start to take action and cut down on the emission of greenhouse gases. However, it is not to late to act now. However, if we do not continue to do nothing, the North and South Poles will melt into nothing, and many species of wildlfe would have been extinct. Do we want this to be the world which our children grow up in?
Also, the decline of sea ice has decreased the land which the penguins can breed and raise their young. Also, with warmer winter temperatures, sea ice breaks off often, and penguin chicks are often stranded and die.
Also, the decline of sea ice has led to the cetaceans, whales, dolphins and porpoises to decline as well. This is because krill numbers have decreased, and thus there is lesser food for some species of whale or dolphin, which mostly depend on the krill for food. Also, warmer temperatures might kill some species of whale, as some whale species cannot survive in warmer water.
This is the one result of the sea ice declining. Many species of animals are affected, causing a chain of events which end up in the whole ecosystem of the North and south Poles being affected as a result. I feel that we humans are responsible for much of the decline of sea ice. Over the centuries, because of our constant burning of fossil fuels and the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, we have led the world temperature to skyrocket until in the 21st century, which we start to take action and cut down on the emission of greenhouse gases. However, it is not to late to act now. However, if we do not continue to do nothing, the North and South Poles will melt into nothing, and many species of wildlfe would have been extinct. Do we want this to be the world which our children grow up in?
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