October Sky Blog

October Sky was a great educational movie based on a group of kids persevering to achieve their dream. It was based on a true story placed in west Virgina. The boys needed a scholarship to college and the winner of the science fair earns a free ride to college. They gradually learn more about rockets and the way they work leading to be the first place contestant of the fair. Though it was truly touching and inspiring movie it contained many examples of science, math, and character ed. First, the whole idea of making the rocket fly up high and come back down properly. The obstacle of the was Isaac Newton's invention - gravity clearly being apart of science and math. There were many other science related situations in the movie such as Homer finding the right ingredients to create a chemical reaction for the rocket. Homer also displayed character in many different ways. For example, he showed patience by cooperating with all the struggles he faced. also he showed perseverance by working hard and never giving up no matter how challenging it looked. Overall, Homer was a very talented young boy and October Sky was a fascinating film.

Sickle Cell Anemia 101 Responce

I've recently read a blog informing me what Sickle Cell Anemia 101 is and what causes it. According to the author, this disorder deforms the shape of your red blood cells into a crescent shape. James B. Herrick discovered symptoms such as making a patient feeble, tired, and lousy. Herrick noticed that it is usually found on African Americans and is spread by heredity of parents. Unfortunately there is no ultimate cure to fix the genetic disorder, but researchers have discovered several techniques to treat certain patients. These include exercise to move the body, receiving good nutrient, and eating healthy foods. People who suffer from this disease usually die younger than normal people survive. After reading the blog i felt sad for the innocent people who are diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia 101 and hope doctors find a cure for this dreadful disorder.

The students Blog who wrote this is http://madden07sf.blogspot.com/2009/05/sickle-cell-anemia-101.html

Angelman Syndrome

Angelman Syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that consists of many heartbreaking symptoms. The disorder was discovered in 1965 by an physician Harry Angelman who named it after himself. Patient of this genetic disorder suffer from hyperactivity, small head size, problems sleeping, balance and movement disorders, and seizures. There are many more complications of being a patient of this disease, but i listed the general. Currently, there are no cures for this disorder but there specific therapies for specific symptoms, such as therapy for seizures and communication therapy. Usually, patients who suffer diseases have a shorter life span. opposed to Angelman Syndrome patients, which have the same life according to age. This disorder was classified rare with a U.S. population of 200,000 in every person. There is no specific racial group who are more venerable to Angelman Synmdrome. All groups of people are found with this disorder in America. Finally, scientist are all putting extreme effort into find a more effective treatment and need to look into chromosome 15 which is the main cause of Angelman Syndrome.

DNA Conclusion

This week in science class, we did a DNA extraction lab with a partner. First we were given a plant cell and an animal cell. Since I chose to extract plant DNA, I was instructed to add 6 drops of detergent into the tube of plant cells. Second, I was ordered to include a smidgen of salt and enzymes and swirl it around the tube. Ms. A explained how the detergent breaks the cells as well as the enzyme acted. Then, we were to drop enough of isopropanol so that the liquid would rise 2 lines up the tube. Furthermost, my solution was a success because evidently the isopropanol expanded the DNA large enough to be visible through the naked eye. The DNA appeared like a cloudy white structure at the top where the isopropanol was poured. Luckily, I accomplished the lab's goal which was to see the plants DNA.

International News

Yesterday, Israeli air forces once again target Islamic Jihad militants due to the supposed attack on a southern Israel city. The destructive air strike severely injured 7 militants said Palestinian security. According to the Israeli army, Gaza shot over 100 missiles and rockets after Hamas indicated a stop to the war. Apparently, Israeli forces have left the Gaza strip for about 3 weeks but began the air strikes once again. On the other hand, Egypt has put in effort into some sort of negotiation or peace treaty for the two nations. Israel refused to cooperate until Hamas frees a soldier Gilad Shalit. Gaza also refuses to release Gilad showing no demonstration of cease-fire.

cnnwire.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/04/israeli-airstrike-targets-militants-in-gaza/

NASA's Satellite Goes Down

After NASA launches a satellite, minutes later it comes down with a boom. NASA's program manager said the launch was a failure because lack of force need to move it. If it was a success it would have indicated the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. the payload fairning wasn't active which cause a malfunction for it to work properly. Scientists are still unsure what the cause was, but investigations are active. Multimillionaire satellite was built for the purpose of a solution to the greenhouse effect which as carbon dioxide traps heat such as a greenhouse acts. The OCO would serve as many other machines. Since it took 8 years to develop, it was a great loss.


http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/02/24/nasa.launch/index.html

My Roller Coaster Website

The Nigerian Nightmare

State News Blog

Saturday night, two men from Elizabeth were arrested for possession of cocaine, marijuana, and a loaded handgun during a traffic stop, police announced. Officers became suspicious after realizing that the vehicle had tented windows. According to the investigation, police determined that the two young men were carrying more than 50 grams of cocaine and fewer marijuana. Josue David, who has a record of a felony, was found additionally with a 9mm loaded hand gun. The two man are both on holding at Union County jail with numerous charges such as possession of cocaine, marijuana, and a handgun, possession within thousand feet of a school zone, possession with unlawful purpose, and intent to distribute. David's bail calculated to $150,000, opposed to Jonathan Nunez-Nolberto with a bail of $75,000.



http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/two_arrested_in_elizabeth_on_d.html#more

Early Whales Gave Birth On Land

Based on a analysis on a fossil found in a Pakistani dessert, early whales have been discovered to have given birth on land. The fossil was categorized to ancient amphibious whales named Archaeoceti. Philip Gingerich was intrigued by the features and body structure of the fossil. The head-first position of the fetus generally gave away the fact that is was a land mammal. The fossil was said to be classified as family to another early whale species, Rodhocetus and Artiocetus. Fossils have indeed helped evaluate whale evolution, but there yet to learn. Paleontologists have proven that whale have evolved through 3 stages to arrive at the modern whale we see today. whales started with a backbone and hind legs but then they began consistently losing them. a recent adult whale fossil has proven that the fetus had fully grown teeth getting the baby ready to support it self after birth. Hopefully paleontologists willy finally discover the whale evolution.


http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/02/090203-pregnant-whale-fossil.html

Methane Discovery on Mars

Scientists have recently found methane in Mars' atmosphere, increasing the chance of life there.the origin of the methane might have come from past subsurface microorganisms, geological activity or comets attacking Mars as scientists assume. unfortunately, Scientists don't know exactly how long the substance has been there. Professors are getting ready to explore and examine deeper if life is available on Mars. Methane is the central ingredient for natural gas. It consists of four atoms of hydrogen bound to one carbon atom. A NASA team located 3 spectral features of methane named absorption lines with the help of spectrometers on telescopes. That discovery obviously proved the mars owned methane. NASA's latest Mars' assignment had received soil samples announcing that mars is capable of supporting human life. Other evidence including ice, also proved that life on mars is possible.


http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/space/01/15/mars.methane/index.html#cnnSTCText

Elcertomagnetic Spectrum

Last week, our science class worked on the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is the complete range of electromagnetic waves placed in order of increasing frequency. The spectrum is made up of radio waves, infrared rays, visible light ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays classified in the correct order. We have studied all of the types of rays in our lab tables. Radio waves have the longest wavelengths and the lowest frequencies. Infrared rays, which I studied deeper into, have wavelengths shorter than radio waves. Visible light, which we also did a whole lab of, are the only electromagnetic waves you can see with the naked eye. Ultraviolet rays, have wavelengths just shorter that visible light. X- rays, often used from medical vision of human bones, has wavelengths just shorter than Ultraviolet waves. Finally, Gamma rays are the ones that have the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequencies. All the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum are used for many common purposes. To sum up, the electromagnetic spectrum has many aspects included in it, but can be a very interesting topic to study.

Barack Obama Inauguration

This past Tuesday, the first African American president, Barack Obama, was inaugurated. As 1.5 million people crowded around the National Mall Obama swore to oath. "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama said in his inaugural address. "They are serious, and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met." He also mentioned economic problems and how we will overcome them, the Muslim world issues and how we will leave Iraq in peace. In addition he also threatened terrorists. As quoted "You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you." Leaders around the globe congratulated him in his victory such as French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Finally, change we can believe in. I believe, Barack Obama will truly change this nation and any issue we face now will be resolved. Yes we can.


http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/01/19/daily45.html

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.inauguration/index.html

New Planets

Photos of planets outside the solar system have finally been introduced. With astronomers using the most advanced techniques, NASA was able to take pictures of planets far outside from the solar system. Unfortunately, humans could not manage to live there. A group of astronomers using highly advanced telescopes analysed the four newly discovered planets. Researchers believe that the star Fomalhaut that was examined is about 1.5 times the sun and 130 light years in distance from the earth. The group of planets were approximately seven to 10 times the weight of Jupiter. Scientists say that the star is too far to be seen by the naked eye but could be located with the assistance of a pair of binoculars or telescopes. NASAs recently discovered planet Fomalhaut b is around 3 times the mass of Jupiter and 10.7 billion miles away from its host star. To tell the the difference from whether it was a planet or star, the scientists working on the planets compared the photos to research created in the past years. The pictures revealed that the planets were orbiting to prove that they were not stars. So far, 322 planets have been discovered out of our solar system and this recent discovery has added to 326. NASAs studies has proven that it can only benefit our goal in attempting to find a planet just like ours.



http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/space/11/13/new.planets/index.html

Nano Coating

Scientists have created a new high tech coating to upgrade the efficiency of solar panels. The researchers developed the coating with nanotechnology. A regular silicon solar cell absorbs two thirds of solar energy but the advanced coating boosts it to 96 percent of the energy being captured. Consisting of seven small layers and 50 to 100 nanometers in height it is created by silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods. The FCC team found that layering if the coatings one on top of another improved the anti-reflective properties of each layer. Having a series of layers also helps to "bend" the flow of sunlight which helps in absorbing light that would otherwise it would be reflected off the panel. Lin ,a professional, is now working on partnership and licensing arrangements and says the coating will be in the market in about 2 to 3 years. The drawbacks to this technology is the nonarods may be delicate. However, they will research more on protecting it. A scientist is attempting to nano engineer surfaces for solar cells by copying the top of moth eyes which contains good anti reflective surfaces. Researchers think that future is very strong in the solar industry.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/11/12/solar.coating/index.html

Supersonic Car

British engineers are working on a rocket-powered vehicle able to reach more than 1,000 mph, faster than a bullet.The vehicle will have the first fused power plant of a rocket motor and a jet engine. It is said that it will be ready in 2011.The vehicle will be more advanced than most spacecraft now, it's constructors say. The car has the ability to accelerate from 0 - 1,050 mph in an instant 40 seconds.NPL spent the previous year examining every part of the wheel design. Its materials suggests researched the choice of metals and composites that could be inputted in the design, providing news on titanium and aluminum alloys, and metal composites.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/oct/23/motoring-land-speed-record

Water Cycle

In class we studied and demonstrated the water cycle and how it effects us. The water cycle is a sequence of evaporation and condensation. We effect the water cycle and all the water reservoirs in many ways. We pollute the ocean and aquifers and we destroy the balance of water in the reservoirs. To show how we did that we were given jobs like being a cloud and receive water from a spoon and transfer water to other reservoirs. Then we added industries and showed how we overflowed water for our needs. I learned a lot from this lesson and now clearly understand how we manipulate the water of our planet.

Omega Flies Kites

During class we were assigned to design and create a kite of our own made of construction paper. My kite's name was Thunder Nightmare it and was blue and black. Also we had to write a brief explanation on why kites fly. The next class we had experimented to fly our kites outside. My kite was a failure because there was no wind at all to lift the kite off the ground. If our experiment had been at a local beach it would have turned out successful because wind is formed at the beach. To increase the chance of my kite flying I could have gave it more support and creating and better shape for the kite so it could glide better in the air.

Endeavour Space Shuttle

NASA's space shuttle Endeavour is getting prepared to blast off for space early Tuesday with seven astronauts on board. Led by commander Dominic Gorie, Endeavour's crew will install the first piece of Japan's three-part Kibo laboratory, assemble a monstrous, two-armed Canadian robot and deliver a suite of on-orbit experiments during their mission. The shuttle is counting down based on a plan to launch 2:28 a.m. on Tuesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Gorie plans to spend 16 days staying on board their mission, which is the longest space station-bound flight NASA has ever launched. Not only that, the astronauts consider their mission as one of the most intense and complex, too. Endeavour has a 90 percent possibility of positive weather conditions at launch time, with the capability for thick clouds causing the only main threat. Hopefully, this shuttle will result as a success and make great history for NASA

http://www.2news.tv/news/national/16488871.html

Meat Cloning

The Food and Drug Administration is sure to rule soon that milk from cloned animals and meat from their babies are safe to eat, increasing the question of whether Americans are ready to get comfortable to one of modern biology's most controversial issue to the dinner table. Hundreds of cloned pigs, cows and other animals are already living on farms around the country. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to rule soon that milk from cloned animals and meat from their offspring are safe to eat, increasing http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/postphotos/orb/asection/2005-10-06/2.htmthe question of whether Americans are ready to get comfortable for one of modern biology's most controversial achievements to the dinner table.Hundreds of cloned pigs, cows and other animals are already living on farms around the country, as companies and livestock scientists experiment and wait for a decision from the FDA. Many in agriculture think such genetic clones are the next logical step in improving the nation's livestock. Consumer groups come to think that many Americans are likely be against by the idea of serving clone milk to their kids or throwing meat from clones onto the grill. This "yuck factor," as it's often called, has come to show repeatedly in public opinion surveys. Overall, meat cloning is a positive accoplishment that is proven to be benefical.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/05/AR2005100502074.html

Whales evoled from tiny deer-like creatures?

The closest ancestors to the large whale are tiny raccoon sized, deer-looking mammals that walked on land about 480 million years ago in southern Asia. These animals are called indohyus part a group of mammals called artiodaotyls like hippo,pig, sheep, and giraffes. Recent studies from fossils say artiodaotyl's gave rise to whales. Hundreds of fossils were found in a mud stone in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Scientists think that a small herd was living there and dies somehow. Their skeletons then flowed into this river where it was buried. The fossils show similar properties that gives an idea to missing links in the evolution of whales. I think that it is an amazing thing to go from a land to water. Indohyus were herbivores and whales are carnivores that eat krill. I don't understand, but it is truly amazing transformation.



By: Mahdi Sarii


Information:http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/12/071219-whales-evolved.html