Category Archives: Uncategorized

Werewolf Syndrome

Posted on March 24, 2014 by shamimhr | Leave a comment

There are three words in the world that when put together, can terrify almost every girl. “Excess body hair”! Well, embrace yourselves girls because here’s a more terrifying one, “Werewolf Syndrome”! Although the name might sound cool to team-Jacob twilight fans, it is another name for a condition called Hypertrichosis.

Hypertrichosis is referred to a condition in which, abnormal amount of hair growth covers all over the body, excluding androgen-induced hair growth. Men, women, adult and children have the same chance of showing this condition.

There are two major types of hypertrichosis: generalized hypertrichosis in which hair covers the entire body, and localized hypertrichosis, which create patches of hair on certain areas of body.

Hypertrichosis (werewolf syndrom). photo from: http://flic.kr/p/9nbmCN

Hypertrichosis (werewolf syndrome). photo from : https://flic.kr/p/jQ785x

Another method of classification, categorizes cases of hypertrichosis based on the cause of this condition into two classes of congenital and acquired hypertrichosis.

The congenital form of hypertrichosis, which is very rare, is caused by genetic mutation resulting in the addition or removal of millions of nucleotides. This form is always easily recognized based on the existence of excess hair at birth.

The acquired type of hypertrichosis happens after birth and is caused by different medical conditions such as hormone imbalances like hyperthyroidism, body reacting to certain medications or anabolic steroids, advanced-stage HIV or eating disorders such as anorexia. Also, medications such as Minoxidil that prevent hair loss are believed to be a trigger for the localized type of acquired hypertrichosis.

Limited Treatment options are available, and the results of therapy not always satisfactory. Different body locations or patients require different method of hair removal, and the method adopted will depend on the character, area, and amount of hair growth, as well as on the age of the patient, and their personal preference. The currently available treatment methods include cosmetic procedures (bleaching, trimming, shaving, plucking, waxing, and chemical depilatories), and hair removal using light sources and lasers.

Laser-assisted hair removal is the most efficient method of long-term hair removal currently available, but there are drawbacks involving this method, which is briefly explained in the following video.

-shamim

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Posted in Issues in science, Public engagement, Uncategorized

Tagged health and science, hypertrichosis, medicine, werrewolf syndrome

Marijuana and its Green Glory!

Posted on March 23, 2014 by rubeensangha | 1 comment

Do you ever get the urge to rebel against something your told not to? I’m sure most of you would say “YES”! Most of us do it for the ‘high’ and adrenaline rush that we experience. Ever since we have been children, curiosity grows in us to go against what we are told not too, this continues in to our adult lives as well. Especially, when it comes to ‘drugs’. Those are a big “NO NO” our parents, teachers and elderly would say. So the questions arises, is marijuana really as bad as it is said to be, or are there benefits that make this ‘gateway drug’ a positive addition to our health.

Source: Flickr Commons. Marijuana Plant

Surprisingly, there are 5 health benefits associated with Marijuana:

1) Suppresses Cancer

Source: Flickr Commons. Cancer Cells

A study that took place in 2012, found that marijuana had a compound within it that was able to suppress and kill aggressive cancers such as leukemia.

2) Reduces Blood Pressure

Source: Flickr Commons. Blood Pressure

A study from 2005-2010, showed that users of marijuana compared to non-users, had a 17% reduction in insulin resistance levels.

3) Treatment of Glaucoma

Source: Flickr Commons. Optometry Equipment

When marijuana is consumed orally or by inhalation, it helps to lower eye pressure that leads to blindness with people who suffer from glaucoma.

4) Alleviates Pain

Source: Flickr Commons. Pill

Marijuana has been successful in using its anti-inflammatory properties to treat illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and migraines.

5) Inhibition of HIV

Source: Flickr Commons. HIV

A study conducted with monkeys helped to show that a daily dose of the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, helps to stops the spread of the disease throughout the body.

Source: Flickr Commons. Marijuana Cigar

These are just a few of the benefits that marijuana possess. So if you are on the fence about trying this ‘green bud’, just remember its not as bad as we think it is!

By: Rubeen Sangha

1 Comment

Posted in Issues in science, Uncategorized

Tagged drugs, gateway-drug, green bud, high

The Dark Side of Electric Vehicles

Posted on March 21, 2014 by tonycaputo | 3 comments

When we think of electric vehicles we think of positives. We think about helping the environment, reducing emissions, better fuel economy, and making a difference. However, just like Newton quoted almost 400 years ago, “for every action there is also an equal and opposite reaction”.

Let us look at the darker side of electric vehicles, the side we often overlook.

Tesla’s electric car
Image courtesy: Wikipedia commons

Although it is true that electric vehicles have better fuel economy than conventional vehicles, as well as zero tailpipe emissions, there are also many downsides to electric vehicles, both environmentally and economically.

Environmental downsides

Use of electric cars may be environmentally friendly, however the production of electric car batteries is far from clean. With almost 110 pounds of graphite needed per electric car battery, graphite pollution has raised health concerns, as well as polluted both rain and local crops. In response to the pollution associated with graphite production, major processing plants have closed to reduce emissions. China, one of the largest exporters of graphite, has recently been under “unbearable smog” as a result of graphite processing. A push for reducing graphite production has seen the cost of graphite increase over 30% just this year.

Current smog over China
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia commons

Economic downsides

If the environmental disadvantages associated with electric vehicles were not enough, electric cars also pose a large economic risk. Although it may be hard to see at first, many states are already imagining a world run solely on electric vehicles, and have reacted accordingly. Recently New Jersey has banned Tesla’s electric vehicles state-wide, something other states have already begun to do as well.

But why?

Without an internal combustion system like conventional cars, electric vehicles are basically just large batteries. No spark plugs, fuel pumps, air filters, timing belts. No need to change the oil either (because it doesn’t have any). Essentially Tesla has created an “app on four wheels“, and this is something that both car dealers and repair shops fear. A future full of electric cars means a future without automotive repair. Despite the benefits of not needing to worry about servicing your vehicle, automotive repair plays a significant role in providing jobs, something that is currently in high demand.

So next time you or someone you know is looking at purchasing an electric vehicle, know that to everything good there is also a downside. If you want to hear more about the economic impacts of electric vehicles, Elon Musk describes just how it all works at the Tesla 2013 shareholder meeting.

Tony Caputo

3 Comments

Posted in Issues in science, Public engagement, Science communication, Science in the news, Uncategorized

Tagged combustion, electric batteries, electric cars, Green, motors, Tesla

Does frequently cut hair grow faster?

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Leticia | Leave a comment

Let’s say there were some light marks of facial hair on your chin. Would shaving this hair (or trimming any other hair) make it grow back quicker and thicker? Although this is a common belief, cutting your hair every week would not make hair grow back any quicker than cutting your hair every month. In the case of the hair on your head, while removing your split ends does promote healthier hair, it does not increase hair growth, which is predetermined genetically.

The myth might have originated from the observation of shaving facial hair during puberty. As many people start shaving at an early age, their hair is still lightly coloured or not growing at the rate it will eventually reach. Since hair is actually darker and rougher at its roots, removing the tips may give the look of coarser hair. As a result, this creates the illusion of faster growth and increased thickness.

Photo Courtesy of Flickr commons by Illusive Photography

If this myth were to be true, then getting regular trims, as suggested by your stylist, would be a sufficient method to ensure speedy hair growth. Paradi Mirmirani, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California contradicts this and says:

“Cutting the ends of your hair doesn’t affect the follicles in your scalp, which determine how fast and how much your hair grows. Hair grows an average of a quarter-inch every month—whether or not you cut it.

While choosing to shave or get that haircut more frequently might not affect hair growth rates, there are other factors that do have an effect. Elizabeth Cunnane Philips, a trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Clinic, supports this by saying,

“The rate of growth can be influenced by any number of variables, including general health, dietary habits, and endocrine function including thyroid, low iron or anemia. All of these have the capacity to influence hair growth and loss cycles.”

However, it does not mean one should not get a regular trim. On the contrary, such trims get rid of split ends, which reduces bre akage and prevents hair from becoming frayed. This is important because getting rid of breakage makes hair to appear thicker and longer.

In short, cutting hair on any part of your body only makes it shorter, does not affect the future growth rate or even change its texture. So for you guys out there, shaving your facial hair won’t help you grow out your beard. For the ladies, cutting your hair regularly won’t help your hair get any longer faster either.

For a short clip that has Philip Kingsley himself summarizing everything:

Leticia Munoz

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Posted in Issues in science, Public engagement, Science communication, Science in the news, Uncategorized

Tagged hair growth science myth Philip Kingsley Shaving, health

Marfan Syndrome: tissue disorder in tall people

Posted on March 16, 2014 by duhraj | Leave a comment

Are you tall, thin, have flexible joints, flat fleet and crowded teeth? You may be a victim of Marfan syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is a genetic tissue disorder that affects the connective tissues of the body, specifically long bones. People with this disorder are born with it but the features are usually present later on. This disorder affects 1 in 5000 people worldwide although not many people are familiar with it, such as myself. An article I came across on this subject caught my attention because I have physical features such as a tall, thin build with flat feet, similar to the symptoms. There is however, many tall people with the physical features of the disorder but are not diagnosed with it, which is most likely my case.

Source: Flickr Commons Author: Michael Dorausch
https://flic.kr/p/87KL9Q

The tissue disorder is caused by a mutation or defect in the gene that produces fibrillin-1, the protein involved in Marfan syndrome. This defect results in an increase in production of a protein known as transforming growth factor beta (TGF), which initiates defects in the connective tissue of the body. This disorder can affect many areas of the body since connective tissues are found throughout the whole body. Commons areas infected are bones, joints, the heart, blood vessels and the eyes. Because of this, it can be life threatening. Most deaths are cardiovascular related.

This videos goes over some physical signals of Marfan Syndrome:

An eight grader from Urbana, Illinois was diagnosed with the disorder at six-years-old. At the age of 13, she was just over 5 feet and 10 inches. Luckily for her, she began treatment at a young age to prevent any serious complications. Treatment of this syndrome involves daily intake of beta-blocker medication and an echocardiogram once year. Unfortunately, her father was diagnosed in his late 20’s and after years of strenuous activities such as playing basketball and football, his heart had experienced too much damage to be treated. When undiagnosed and untreated, there is up to 250 times the risk of a tear or rupture of the aorta. The effects of this syndrome are therefore serious and should be better communicated to people in order to be aware of the condition.

So if you know anyone that is young and has any of these features, it might be worthwhile to mention the tissue disorder as it could possibly prevent further damage and save a live.

Jessy Duhra

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Posted in Biological sciences, Science in the news, Uncategorized

Tagged anatomy, connective tissue, flexible joints, long bones, phalanges, tall people, tissue disorder, x-ray

20/20 Vision

Posted on March 10, 2014 by brendanguyen | 4 comments

Wearing prescription glasses can be an inconvenience. Remember that time when you were cooking and they fogged up? Or that time it was raining outside and you forgot an umbrella?

Wet Eyeglasses
Source: Gravity of the Situation WordPress

There are several reasons why people choose to look into other alternatives. Among the alternatives, contact lens and laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery are popular choices.

Inserting Contact Lens
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Corrective Lenses
Unlike eyeglasses, correctiv e lens don’t interfere with daily activities and give an unobstructed view. Although corrective lens provide temporary 20/20 vision, opthamologists advise against wearing them for extended periods of time. Corneal damage can result from long-term use as well as improper cleaning. In fact, researchers at the Oregan Health & Science University found that long-term contact lens users, who wore contacts daily for 15 years, suffered a higher rate of vision loss than those who opted for laser eye surgery.

LASIK Procedure
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Laser Eye Surgery
LASIK is a surgical procedure where the cornea is reshaped. A microkeratome is used to create a flap in the cornea so a laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea. The cornea is reshaped to allow light to be focused on the retina for better vision, thereby correcting the patient’s vision.

After undergoing the LASIK procedure, successfully, patients are thrilled with their 20/20 vision. Patients are able to see naturally, and not worry about eyeglasses obstructing their view or having to insert their contacts. Although this procedure seems miraculous, there are many risks. There is the possibility of regression, which is when the patient’s eyesight worsens, difficulty seeing clearly in the dark, dry eye symptoms, and loss of vision. In that regard, it is critical that prospective patients be cautious and do their research. They should see if they’re good candidates for the surgery and they should research the best ophthalmologist to carry out the procedure.

This video outlines the LASIK procedure.

As someone who has undergone the LASIK eye surgery procedure, I would definitely recommend it. I definitely had the procedure too young, so I am experiencing some regression. However, if I were to have the surgery again, knowing this, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Having to wake up to a blurry surrounding until I inserted my contacts or put on my glasses, I never realized how much of an inconvenience it was. The other positive thing I would like to note is that the procedure has since saved my parents a lot of money that we would have spent on eyeglasses and contacts.

Hopefully those considering this operation will consider the advantages and disadvantages and be cautious when deciding!

-Vy (Brenda) Nguyen

4 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Left or right preference in birds

Posted on March 10, 2014 by usagi | Leave a comment

Handedness is an individual’s preference for the use of a hand, and can also be described as being left-handed or right-handed. We all know that some people are right handed, and some are left handed, while others are blessed with ambidexterity, but did you know that individual birds also favor a particular side? Scientists at The University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institution (QBI) and the Australian Research Council Center of Excellence in Vision Science have worked together and discovered that budgerigars (also known as common pet parakeet or shell parakeet) display an individual bias to fly to the left or right.

Picture of a budgerigar. Source: Wikipedia

The researchers flew the budgerigars down a tunnel that has an obstacle in the middle of it. The budgerigars then had to pick between two paths to fly through. Sometimes, the paths are the same in size, other times one is bigger. Some birds showed no preference and flied through the larger path every time, while others had a bias towards one side and flied in that path even if it was narrower and more difficult to fly through. Scientist speculate that this allowed groups of birds travelling together to navigate past obstacles by splitting up in different directions and not slowing down to crowding.

What’s really remarkable though, is that birds can display a preference for one direction in one task, and another direction for a different task, such as which side they land on a perch or which feet they use to land. This showed that an animal’s thought could be more complex than we initially believed. However, researchers said more investigation must be done in order to observe the behavior of the birds in groups and examine if their different side preference when flying stayed the same.

-Jean

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Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged birds, budgerigars, flight pattern, handedness, left-hand, right-hand

Science Communication in the Spotlight

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Sydney Honsberger-Grant | 2 comments

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how you could use the information learned in Science 300, it might be a good idea to set your sights on the future of science communications – which happens to include some scientific stardom.

FameLab Logo. Courtesy of British Council.

Described as American Idol meets TEDx, FameLab is an energetic, informative competition with a clear purpose that students of SCIE 300 have heard before: to encourage effective communication of scientific knowledge for both public and academic benefit. This competition features early-career scientists who have signed up to give a short speech on their work, and must respond to a question session in front of an audience of scientists and non-scientists alike.

Fergus McAuliffe, Ireland, Winner FameLab 2013. Courtesy of FameLab UK on Flickr.

The topic of this year’s FameLab, sponsored by National Geographic and NASA, is “Exploring Earth and Beyond.” Several preliminary rounds have already taken place, and the American finals will be held in Washington, DC, in April. The scientist who most successfully communicates their work will move on to the international stage at the FameLab finals in the United Kingdom.

Aside from giving scientific celebrity status to the winners, the results of FameLab are widespread, and will hopefully impact the scientific community in the future. FameLab recognizes the significance of being able to purvey a fascinating scientific accomplishment, whether that’s a ground-breaking discovery or a cutting-edge piece of technology. These accomplishments have the potential to increase quality of life, so there is an underlying moral requirement for new science to be conveyed in a coherent way.

Audience at FameLab International Semi Finals. Courtesy of FameLab UK on Flickr.

The trickle-down effect of good scientific communication is also relevant. Because every aspect of society relies on science, it is imperative that policy makers and government leaders are well-informed about new science. In this way, scientific knowledge can be shared on national and international levels.

At the end of the competition day, though, it’s all about content, clarity, and charisma. The scientists who perform best are those who deliver their message in an understandable way, yet infuse their speech with their passion and inspire the audience to learn about science. The video below is one such example of a high-placing FameLab competitor.

With the international finals approaching, make sure to keep an eye on the progress of the competition. Hopefully, a glimpse of what’s beyond Science 300 will re-emphasize the importance of successful science communication – or better yet, maybe FameLab will one day recognize a fellow student as a leading communicator of science.

Sydney Honsberger-Grant

2 Comments

Posted in Public engagement, Science communication, Science communicators, Uncategorized

Tagged communication, outreach

Cerebral Palsy: damage to the developing brain

Posted on March 10, 2014 by nakisa kiai | 1 comment

17 million people around the world face the challenge of constant, uncontrollable movement of their muscles, difficulty in perceiving sensation and difficulties in speech and language.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability. One to three of every 1000 born are affected. CP is a condition that primarily affects motor movement and muscle coordination. It is not hereditary, contagious, nor can it be considered a disease or a form of retardation. The variability of of the condition ranges from minor to very severe.

A young boy with Cerebral Palsy Image: Wikipedia commons

How does it occur?

Our brain is the power house of our bodies- it controls our ability to percieve sensation as well as our ability to move and speak. Oxygen is vital for the brain to function. When the brain unable to recieve oxygen, the effects are irreversible.

CP is caused by an impairment in brain development, such as suffocation at birth, or a complication during pregnancy or during the early years of life. The term for this impairment is called hypoxia, which means a lack of oxygen. This is where the condition gets its name. “Cerebral” refers to the cerebrum and “palsy” comes from the word for paralysis. CP specifically targets the areas of the brain responsible for motor movement, and therefore the brain’s ability to take control of movements and posture is hindered.

The area of the brain responsible for motor movement
Image: Wikipedia Commons

Is there a cure?

Cerebral Palsy is not a worsening condition and though there are minor therapies that can be done, such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and massage therapy, the condition remains permanent and without cure.

Children in particular benefit greatly from therapy because they are also battling the growth of their bodies. It is important that children with CP undergo therapy so that they can live more independent lives in the future.

Though there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, there are ways to improve the quality of life of the patient. There are also preventative measures that can be taken during and prior to pregnancy. It is important to equip ourselves with the knowledge about this condition–it is more prevalent than we think.

Blog post by: Nakisa Kiai

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Posted in Issues in science, Public engagement, Science communication, Uncategorized

Tagged brain, cerebral palsy, cerebrum, children, health, muscle, therapy

Image

BITTER-SWEET

Source: Flickr Commons. Assortment of Dark, Milk, and White Chocolate.

Chocolate is a delicacy that most of us have been indulging ourselves with since we can remember. It’s something that we nibble on when are studying, watching television or just doing nothing at all. Most of us can say that eating chocolates can bring a smile to our face. Besides bringing a smile, chocolates have some pros and cons that should be considered.

Let’s start with the BITTER side of chocolate!

Even thought chocolate is really yummy, it can be bitter at times with its negative effects. First of all, consuming chocolate is not cheap. Eating the finest of chocolates can significantly increase ones shopping bill, as darker chocolates with more “cocoa” content are more expensive than milk or white chocolate. Besides the cost factor, chocolates do sadly pack a lot of calories with them. For example, 100g “dark chocolate” contains 510 kcals, “milk chocolate” 520 kcals and “white chocolate” 529 kcals. These can be a lot of unnecessary calories to intake. Furthermore, chocolate consumption can lead to glucose and mood swings. As most of us know, chocolates contain a lot of sugar. With large amounts of sugar present, it leads to increases in development of obesity and type-2 diabetes. Also mood swings occur because the sugar is able to alter levels of endorphins. Another downside of eating chocolate is acne. Hormonal fluctuations caused by chocolate, lead to those unpleasing bumps that appear on the surface of our skin.

Now the SWEET side of chocolate!

There are many benefits that also come with eating chocolate. Most of these benefits come from dark chocolate in particular. Dark chocolate is good for the heart as it helps to lower blood pressure, improves blood flow and prevents formation of blood clots. The brain is also benefited, as the chocolate helps cognitive function. Dark chocolates are full of antioxidants, which help free the body of radicals that cause oxidative damage to cells. Vitamins and minerals are as well present and help support the daily health requirements that the body needs. Specifically, the copper and potassium in the dark chocolate help prevention against stroke and cardiovascular ailments.

Source: Flickr Commons. Chocolate

Basically the next time you bite into a piece of chocolate, just remember that it can be BITTER-SWEET, as there are both positives and negatives.

By: Rubeen Sangha

4 Comments

Posted on March 3, 2014 by rubeensangha in Uncategorized

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Werewolf Syndrome

Marijuana and its Green Glory!

The Dark Side of Electric Vehicles

Does frequently cut hair grow faster?

Marfan Syndrome: tissue disorder in tall people

20/20 Vision

Left or right preference in birds

Science Communication in the Spotlight

Cerebral Palsy: damage to the developing brain

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