Greenemeier, Larry “Crude Alternatives: Energy Industry Debates Fuels of Future.” Scientificamerican.com. 28 September 2010.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=fuels-of-the-future"
This article by Larry Greenemeier deals with the concerns of how society will shy away from using fossil fuels. In the article he describes the different alternatives that are “viable” replacements and how industry leaders such as ExxonMobil and Shell view them as alternatives. Mr. Greenemeier starts off the article by recalling the disaster that occurred in the Gulf Coast this past year, and from there he hints that we are looking for alternatives to these fossil fuels in natural gas, solar power, wind power, nuclear power, and biofuel. Greenemeier then shows the viewpoints of these two titan companies concerning these leading alternatives. Predictably, ExxonMobil favors a boost in the United States’ consumption of natural gas “in part, because it produces at least 50 percent less greenhouse gas per hour when burned compared with coal,” but also because “Exxon has a major investment in natural gas as one of its largest global producers.” Greenemeier also explains how Exxon is involved in developing ways to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale Formation in the Appalachian Basin. Nazeer Bhore, the senior technology advisor for ExxonMobil suggests that, “Shale gas will revolutionize energy in this country in the short term.” The argument against using natural gas is that the fracking process used to capture natural gas could threaten underground water basins that are used for human consumption. Both wind and solar power had their respective advantages but with wind being seemingly inefficient due to changes in wind patterns throughout the world and the price of changing to solar power both seem like poor alternatives to the crude oils we are using today. Nuclear power is also described as a dying breed as “After decades of steady growth, however, nuclear power generation has actually declined in recent years as plants have been shut down and construction has been delayed on new plants. It is also an expensive process to start up. Finally the other option that makes the most sense aside from natural gas is the use of Biofuel especially algae. Both ExxonMobil and Shell are interested in this technological alternatives, but the con for this replacement is that it seems, at best, to be a supplement to gasoline and diesel rather than something that could replace these fuels.
I chose this article because I thought it was a very interesting topic and having been in Environmental Science last year it was very near and dear to my heart. Another reason why I chose this was because it was extremely relevant, concerning what had happened in the Gulf Coast this past year, and as climate change and diminishing fossil fuels becomes a greater and greater issue we, as a society, are forced to find alternatives though none of the ones presented seem like a long term viable change. There will always be an issue with these alternatives. Natural gas, though it may be a short-term solution, is non-renewable as well as a possible threat to drinking water. Solar, Wind, and Nuclear power all seem like they could possibly be renewable alternatives. The only problem is that these alternatives are either inefficient or too costly. One alternative that seemed like it could be a solution is Biofuel. The experts, however, believe that at best this fuel would be a complementary fuel to gasoline or diesel.
I liked this article a lot because it presented the facts for the reader which is a good presentation, but I believe that it is pretty simple for a writer to take a stern viewpoint on this issue especially because it is hard to argue against finding energy alternatives. The other criticism that I have for this article comes from the fact that besides presenting the facts the average reader wouldn’t really understand what some processes were. The only exception to this in my mind was when Greenemeier lightly described the nuclear fission process. Although he did make it easier to understand, and I don’t expect him to fully explain the process, nuclear fission isn’t as simple as heating water that makes steam that turns a turbine. However, for the educated reader this article was very well done as are most from Scientific American.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Review of "A Finding on Malaria Comes From Humble Origins"
Claudia Nagy 9.29
Chem 2 H/ Block D Even Mr. Ippolito
Jr. McNeil, Donald "A Finding on Malaria Comes From Humble Origins" New York Times~. 28 Sept 2010. sec D: 5-6
This article by Donald McNeil Jr. explains how Dr. Beatrice H. Hahn has discovered that one of malaria's most deadly strains actually originated from gorillas, and not chimps as previously thought. As a virologist, Dr. Hahn has been collecting great ape skate for ten years, accumulating 2,700 samples. She specializes in malaria was well as S.I.V (Simian immunodeficiency virus), the antecedent of HIV in humans. The samples are put into a solution called RNAlater which preserves the cells's nucleic acids. This leaves reveals not only the diet of the ape, but the cells that are scraped from their gut lining, which include all of the substances that make them ill. Though this new knowledge of malaria's gorilla origin will not lead to a new pharmaceutical success, it is reassuring to know that the human strain of the disease probably crossed species about a thousand years ago, showing that if malaria is every completely irradiated it will never occur again at the cause of apes. It was previously thought that chimpanzees were the original catalysts for malaria's most deadly strain, the falciparum due to the fact that they are human's closest relative. It was never known that gorilla's were the true initiators because the few gorillas tested were those kept in human captivety, and they often had the same strains humans near by had. With new samples that come from wild gorilla's skat, it has been shown that the virus actually originated in chimps. Dr Hahn retrieves the samples by tracking groups of bonobos or gorillas until they nest for the evening. In the morning, she returns and collects the samples that are left in the often obsolete nests, maintaining as little contact with the animals as possible.
I chose this article because it is important to society and relates to chemistry. Malaria is a deadly disease that kills millions of innocent people a year, though there are plenty of drugs and immunization methods that could be implemented to prevent its spread and effects. Malaria is particularly common in parts of Africa because of its climate, which facilitates armies of hungry mosquitoes, who are inevitably carriers of the disease. It is so hard to treat malaria in parts of Africa for three main reasons. Immunization is expensive for many people in those parts of the world, thus more people are likely to become infected. Additionally, it is difficult to avoid mosquito bites, those of us who live state side have problems avoiding them even in our front yards. And though most mosquito bites could be easily avoided with mosquito nets or repellent, those luxuries are also scarce in parts of less developed countries. Finally, the sheer number of those infected with malaria is so high, that hospitals have trouble treating those who have already been admitted, let alone new patients who require care everyday. This article relates to chemistry in many ways. Chemistry was used to preserve skat samples and ascertain their composition, as well as their relation to malaria. Chemistry was also used to discovery malaria vaccines and treatments which have saved many lives to this day.
The article was formal and informative, which in scientific essays is both pleasant and obligatory, however the article was lacking in the most fundamental component of scientific essays, which was scientific evidence. There was little explanation of the science of malaria, its chemical composition, how it worked, or how it was spread from gorillas and not chimps as previously thought. It seemed somewhat loquacious, yet lacked any real substance with which to prove its important points. It also focused predominately on Dr. Hahns, who though is surely an interesting individual, is not the subject of the essay.
Chem 2 H/ Block D Even Mr. Ippolito
Jr. McNeil, Donald "A Finding on Malaria Comes From Humble Origins" New York Times~. 28 Sept 2010. sec D: 5-6
This article by Donald McNeil Jr. explains how Dr. Beatrice H. Hahn has discovered that one of malaria's most deadly strains actually originated from gorillas, and not chimps as previously thought. As a virologist, Dr. Hahn has been collecting great ape skate for ten years, accumulating 2,700 samples. She specializes in malaria was well as S.I.V (Simian immunodeficiency virus), the antecedent of HIV in humans. The samples are put into a solution called RNAlater which preserves the cells's nucleic acids. This leaves reveals not only the diet of the ape, but the cells that are scraped from their gut lining, which include all of the substances that make them ill. Though this new knowledge of malaria's gorilla origin will not lead to a new pharmaceutical success, it is reassuring to know that the human strain of the disease probably crossed species about a thousand years ago, showing that if malaria is every completely irradiated it will never occur again at the cause of apes. It was previously thought that chimpanzees were the original catalysts for malaria's most deadly strain, the falciparum due to the fact that they are human's closest relative. It was never known that gorilla's were the true initiators because the few gorillas tested were those kept in human captivety, and they often had the same strains humans near by had. With new samples that come from wild gorilla's skat, it has been shown that the virus actually originated in chimps. Dr Hahn retrieves the samples by tracking groups of bonobos or gorillas until they nest for the evening. In the morning, she returns and collects the samples that are left in the often obsolete nests, maintaining as little contact with the animals as possible.
I chose this article because it is important to society and relates to chemistry. Malaria is a deadly disease that kills millions of innocent people a year, though there are plenty of drugs and immunization methods that could be implemented to prevent its spread and effects. Malaria is particularly common in parts of Africa because of its climate, which facilitates armies of hungry mosquitoes, who are inevitably carriers of the disease. It is so hard to treat malaria in parts of Africa for three main reasons. Immunization is expensive for many people in those parts of the world, thus more people are likely to become infected. Additionally, it is difficult to avoid mosquito bites, those of us who live state side have problems avoiding them even in our front yards. And though most mosquito bites could be easily avoided with mosquito nets or repellent, those luxuries are also scarce in parts of less developed countries. Finally, the sheer number of those infected with malaria is so high, that hospitals have trouble treating those who have already been admitted, let alone new patients who require care everyday. This article relates to chemistry in many ways. Chemistry was used to preserve skat samples and ascertain their composition, as well as their relation to malaria. Chemistry was also used to discovery malaria vaccines and treatments which have saved many lives to this day.
The article was formal and informative, which in scientific essays is both pleasant and obligatory, however the article was lacking in the most fundamental component of scientific essays, which was scientific evidence. There was little explanation of the science of malaria, its chemical composition, how it worked, or how it was spread from gorillas and not chimps as previously thought. It seemed somewhat loquacious, yet lacked any real substance with which to prove its important points. It also focused predominately on Dr. Hahns, who though is surely an interesting individual, is not the subject of the essay.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Fuel Production Patent Awarded to Biotech Company
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/14/science/earth/14fuel.html?_r=1&ref=earth
It will be announced this Tuesday that a biotech company has won a patent on an important advancement in the production of fuels. This new genetically altered bacterium can convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into vital components of diesel fuel. This could possibly provide a new way to create ethanol or even a diesel replacement. This form of bacteria can irreversibly alter the way in which we produce energy today. The bacterium secretes a class of hydrocarbon molecules called alkanes that are chemically identical to those created in oil refineries. They can even grow practically anywhere, including bodies of water that are unfit to drink or un-farmable land. Making the production cleaner. The organism is a cyanobacterium, more commonly known as blue-green algae. Although it is not technically an alga, it still produces the fuel using photosynthesis.
This greatly affects humanity because it ultimately affects energy. Chemistry deals with the production of energy. These fuels are amongst some of the most commonly utilized products in the world used to produce it. They are necessities for a large spectrum of things from cars and heating, to war. If scientists were able to make a quicker and cleaner way to produce these substances, one could avoid the cumbersome process of refineries by eliminating various steps. It also leads humanity one step closer in creating hybrid forms of fuel.
I found this article very informative and important. Staying updating on important subjects such as these is crucial in becoming an informed citizen. It allows one to understand the upcoming technology and how it might affect them. Particularly a topic like this, which has such a large impact on daily life. It is imperative that people remain informed on such topics. Through science research such as this, we are arriving one step closer in winning the battle for cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient forms of energy that can revolutionize the way we live.
Review submitted by N. Malik
It will be announced this Tuesday that a biotech company has won a patent on an important advancement in the production of fuels. This new genetically altered bacterium can convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into vital components of diesel fuel. This could possibly provide a new way to create ethanol or even a diesel replacement. This form of bacteria can irreversibly alter the way in which we produce energy today. The bacterium secretes a class of hydrocarbon molecules called alkanes that are chemically identical to those created in oil refineries. They can even grow practically anywhere, including bodies of water that are unfit to drink or un-farmable land. Making the production cleaner. The organism is a cyanobacterium, more commonly known as blue-green algae. Although it is not technically an alga, it still produces the fuel using photosynthesis.
This greatly affects humanity because it ultimately affects energy. Chemistry deals with the production of energy. These fuels are amongst some of the most commonly utilized products in the world used to produce it. They are necessities for a large spectrum of things from cars and heating, to war. If scientists were able to make a quicker and cleaner way to produce these substances, one could avoid the cumbersome process of refineries by eliminating various steps. It also leads humanity one step closer in creating hybrid forms of fuel.
I found this article very informative and important. Staying updating on important subjects such as these is crucial in becoming an informed citizen. It allows one to understand the upcoming technology and how it might affect them. Particularly a topic like this, which has such a large impact on daily life. It is imperative that people remain informed on such topics. Through science research such as this, we are arriving one step closer in winning the battle for cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient forms of energy that can revolutionize the way we live.
Review submitted by N. Malik
“In Worries About Sweeteners, Think of All Sugars”
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/20/in-worries-about-sweeteners-think-of-all-sugars/?ref=science
“In Worries About Sweeteners, Think of All Sugars” By Tara Parker-Pope.
Today, about 55 percent of Americans say that corn sweetener in food scares them. As a result, food makers are eliminating the corn syrup used to sweeten foods like ketchup and crackers. It is then being replaced with beet or cane sugar. The Corn Refiners Association last week suggested changing the name of the ingredient to “corn sugar.” They hoped this would help the products image. But most nutrition scientists say that consumer anxiety about the sweetener is misdirected. Only about half of the added sugar in the American diet comes from corn sources. The percentage of calories taken in by humans from sugar has increased significantly which is a major cause of obesity. High-fructose corn syrup and sucrose are made up of about the same amount of glucose and fructose. The two sweeteners have the same nutritional value. The American Medical Association has said it’s “unlikely that HFCS contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose.” There are some differences. To make table sugar, the sugar from beets and cane essentially is squeezed out of the plants but corn syrup, is heavily processed using enzymes to turn cornstarch into glucose and then fructose. In high-fructose corn syrup, the glucose and fructose molecules are chemically separate. In table sugar, the molecules are chemically bonded, forming a disaccharide that is broken apart inside the body. Dr. Bray said that while high-fructose corn syrup isn’t any more harmful than regular sugar, the benefit of focusing on the ingredient is that it has drawn attention to too much sugar in the typical American diet resulting in the problem of obesity.
This article is really important for people to read because it explains a common worry. A bunch of people are stressing out over corn sweetener and it is nice to know the truth. Even though what people think may not be true, it is good that people are so concerned as to what they are putting in their bodies. After reading this article, people will realize that is important to pay attention to the types of things you are eating. The amount of sugar being consumed by Americans is way too high, it doesn’t matter what type of sugar it is. Corn syrup is just as bad as table sugar.
The author of this article did a very nice job explaining what was going on. It was nice how they first stated the problem and what people believed and why. Then, the science of it was explained which helped to understand the article because there was nice background information. There were so many quotes from professionals, which was great because if a professional doctor is saying it then it is very believable and convincing. The argument was presented very nicely.
Review submitted by E. Kimak
“In Worries About Sweeteners, Think of All Sugars” By Tara Parker-Pope.
Today, about 55 percent of Americans say that corn sweetener in food scares them. As a result, food makers are eliminating the corn syrup used to sweeten foods like ketchup and crackers. It is then being replaced with beet or cane sugar. The Corn Refiners Association last week suggested changing the name of the ingredient to “corn sugar.” They hoped this would help the products image. But most nutrition scientists say that consumer anxiety about the sweetener is misdirected. Only about half of the added sugar in the American diet comes from corn sources. The percentage of calories taken in by humans from sugar has increased significantly which is a major cause of obesity. High-fructose corn syrup and sucrose are made up of about the same amount of glucose and fructose. The two sweeteners have the same nutritional value. The American Medical Association has said it’s “unlikely that HFCS contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose.” There are some differences. To make table sugar, the sugar from beets and cane essentially is squeezed out of the plants but corn syrup, is heavily processed using enzymes to turn cornstarch into glucose and then fructose. In high-fructose corn syrup, the glucose and fructose molecules are chemically separate. In table sugar, the molecules are chemically bonded, forming a disaccharide that is broken apart inside the body. Dr. Bray said that while high-fructose corn syrup isn’t any more harmful than regular sugar, the benefit of focusing on the ingredient is that it has drawn attention to too much sugar in the typical American diet resulting in the problem of obesity.
This article is really important for people to read because it explains a common worry. A bunch of people are stressing out over corn sweetener and it is nice to know the truth. Even though what people think may not be true, it is good that people are so concerned as to what they are putting in their bodies. After reading this article, people will realize that is important to pay attention to the types of things you are eating. The amount of sugar being consumed by Americans is way too high, it doesn’t matter what type of sugar it is. Corn syrup is just as bad as table sugar.
The author of this article did a very nice job explaining what was going on. It was nice how they first stated the problem and what people believed and why. Then, the science of it was explained which helped to understand the article because there was nice background information. There were so many quotes from professionals, which was great because if a professional doctor is saying it then it is very believable and convincing. The argument was presented very nicely.
Review submitted by E. Kimak
Monday, September 13, 2010
Researchers in Asian Countries Raise Their Scientific Profiles Worldwide
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/13/world/asia/13iht-educSide13.html?ref=science
In the past twenty years the Asia-Pacific region has jumped from contributing 13 percent of the global share of published science articles to an astounding 30 percent. The United States have had a slight drop in their percentage from 40 percent, twenty years ago to merely 28 percent. The large increase in published articles from Asia, shows the huge increase in funding in recent years which has helped it gain scientific prominence in the world today. The reason for this funding isn’t as much for the knowledge gained from the research, but rather for its contribution or ‘usefulness’ to the economy. United States Universities have always dominated the Jiao Tong Rankings, but Chinese Universties are starting to make their way onto that list, having their number jump from 16 in 2004, to 34 this year appearing on the list. The world is starting to put more of an influence on scientific research because of the direct effects it can have on daily life.
review by Max Boyd
In the past twenty years the Asia-Pacific region has jumped from contributing 13 percent of the global share of published science articles to an astounding 30 percent. The United States have had a slight drop in their percentage from 40 percent, twenty years ago to merely 28 percent. The large increase in published articles from Asia, shows the huge increase in funding in recent years which has helped it gain scientific prominence in the world today. The reason for this funding isn’t as much for the knowledge gained from the research, but rather for its contribution or ‘usefulness’ to the economy. United States Universities have always dominated the Jiao Tong Rankings, but Chinese Universties are starting to make their way onto that list, having their number jump from 16 in 2004, to 34 this year appearing on the list. The world is starting to put more of an influence on scientific research because of the direct effects it can have on daily life.
review by Max Boyd
In Feast of Data on BPA Plastic, No Final Answer
review by Austin Engros
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