Ray of Hope for the Mantas

Kate M. Serrano

Would you kill a giant manta ray? You’re answer might be a big no yet unknown to some, manta rays are facing extinction. Manta rays are found in temperate, subtropical and tropical waters, single or in groups. Manta gills are highly valued in Chinese traditional medicine as they are used for trapping food particles when filter-feeding. What used to be known as limited scale fishery has become an expanding commercialized fishery in some countries thus dramatically increasing the number of mantas caught each year. And due to their slow growth and slow reproductive rate (one pup every 2 to 5 years), manta rays have a limited capacity to recover from overfishing; a decline in their population has been observed. Manta rays though are protected in some countries like the Philippines, Mexico, Ecuador, Hawaii, Western Australia, and New Zealand but they may migrate into unprotected waters of other countries.

Governments from the countries listed have laws in place that make harming or killing a manta ray illegal. This is not only for conservation but also for the amount of revenue that tourists pay to be in the waters with them. So what can we do to help?  We expose these manta rays to danger through the chemicals and toxins that enter the water. They have very thin mucus membranes that protect them, so it is important that we keep the waters clean. There are also cause-oriented groups all over the world that offer numerous information online we can reach out to. Learn more and inform others about the urgent need to protect manta rays. Or if you are brave enough, dive with a manta ray! Dive ecotourism is a more sustainable economic alternative to fishing. Time is ticking. We must act before it’s too late. 

New Prospect for Clean Up of Contaminated Soil

By: Jessica Robertson

It is no secret that the high level of pollution of our planet, from sources like car engines or even cigarettes, is harmful. One particularly common contaminant, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is a toxic tar substance that is believed to be a cause of cancer. These contaminants, and others, are often trapped in soil; PAHs, particularly, were thought to be mostly immobile in soil, binding to soil particles and being unable to dissolve in water. These qualities made clean up of contaminated soil quite a challenge.

A new study shows, however, a way to deal with these pesky contaminants. Some tiny microorganisms that do have the ability to move, like the unicellular slipper-shaped ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis, have the surprising ability to take up the substance into the lipid layer of their cell membrane and act as a shuttle to the PAHs. This method means a much faster transport of the PAHs than the method of simple diffusion; furthermore, the ciliates are still able to transport the PAHs when there is no fluid flow, a situation where diffusion would be impossible.

Increasing the mobility of the PAHs by ciliate transport can increase the exposure of the PAHs to bacteria that can degrade them or to plant roots that can absorb them. These being the two main methods of biological treatment of PAH-contaminated soil, introducing such micro-organisms to contaminated soil can speed up what used to be a lengthy bioremediation process. 

The Key to Longevity

By: Kate M. Serrano

It is well known that Japan has one of the better life expectancies worldwide. Scientists often explain this phenomenon by the quality and health content of food Japanese people eat: a lot of fish and vegetables and very little meat. But when two countries from Europe, namely Italy and Switzerland, are both as well ranked by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as Japan, the mystery of longevity once again becomes a blur.

The OECD is an organization of 34 countries that helps promote policies to improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. They work with governments to seek solutions to common problems and help drive social, economic and environmental change. Since 1970, countries from the OECD have extended their life expectancy by ten years. This progress can be explained by the improvement of the living conditions and the advances in medicine. While the Japanese eat rice and drink tea, Italians eat pasta and drink coffee. In this case, it seems that the quality of food is not as determinant in the longevity as we thought it was. Geographically close to Italy, Switzerland is standing at the highest place of the podium with a life expectancy of 82.8 years and is one of the richest countries in Europe. Ironically the United States – who is as rich as Switzerland – is 24 ranks down.

So what is the key to longevity? It’s not just on the quality of food intake and eating patterns, it’s just a quarter of the story. There are other factors to consider – a healthy lifestyle and time well spent for loads of happiness.

                      

Breastfeeding too Sexy?

By: Daniela Silva

Breastfeeding in public has become a very heated and highly debatable topic; should breastfeeding in public really be covered up? Or should this unnecessary hype be disregarded and breastfeeding be treated as what it is? A natural source of nutrition for our infants.

Lets not beat around the bush, breasts have been sexualized to the point where even as new mothers, with sore and engorged breasts, pained from latching feel uncomfortable with feeding our own children in front of people. We have a responsibility to nourish our children when they feel hungry; yet we are expected to retreat and hide in wash-rooms and bedrooms to do so. If a woman chooses to breast feed without a cover it is her choice. If she chooses to retreat and hide because of her own comfort level, let it be her choice. Breasts have become way too sexy, and its a real shame. 

They were made for one sole purpose, to feed and nourish our children. Don't let anyone tell you to cover up, hide away or neglect your child just because they see your breasts as sexual objects.Normalize breastfeeding, it is the most natural way of nourishing and bonding with your child one can have; embrace it.

How the Element Californium Could Change the World

By: Jessica Robertson

Californium (Cf) has not been thought to be one of the most glamorous elements of the periodic table, but that could soon be a different story thanks to a team of chemists at Florida State University. Their careful research has shown californium to have an uncanny ability to bond and separate other materials, all the while being highly resistant to any radiation damage. The lead researcher has called it “almost too good to be true,” and “wicked stuff,” after seeing the exciting qualities of the previously unimpressive element.

            The real-world application of such findings could entirely shift the scientific paradigm in the realm of nuclear chemistry. Storage containers built of californium could safely hold radioactive waste, while other californium based methods could be used to separate radioactive fuel, meaning the radioactive fuel could be recycled.

            Currently, the cost of californium is extremely high, but its promising ability to overcome the problem of nuclear waste in our world makes this research an entirely worthwhile pursuit. 

The Horror: Grinded Alive

By: Daniela Silva

Poultry industry kills millions of hatchings alive

The horror begins as young males are tossed, tumbled and thrown into a chute where they are ground and crushed alive, in one of the worlds largest egg-laying industries. In one sole industry, the one of the largest known in the world 150,000 hatchings a day face this unimaginably brutal and painful fate; equalling to over 22 million deaths a year.

The lives of the females begin with being whirled and tossed by their heads, followed by the snap of their sensitive beaks. The chicks are then shipped in packed tight boxes and shipped internationally.

This practice is not only limited one sole industry but it is practised worldwide as a standard in all egg industry businesses. Educated consumers can make a difference by protest and promotion to better provide the little yet significant lives humane treatment; becoming vegan should not be the only way one can make a difference.

The following video shows the whole process ** WARNING** this is graphic and may be very discomforting to many.

The Sweet Side of Dark Chocolate

By: Kate M. Serrano

For someone who is conscious about his or her weight, curves and diet, chocolate is something that’s ticked off the diet plan. But not all chocolates are created equal. If it is your weakness, indulging the right stuff is not only delicious; it also benefits your heart, skin and whole body. A recent research by the Louisiana State University revealed that certain bacteria in the stomach namely Bifidobacterium and lactic acid eat dark chocolate, ferment it and release anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit the heart.
 When these compounds are absorbed by the human body, they lessen the inflammation of cardiovascular tissue, decreases the chance of blood clot therefore reducing the long-term risk of stroke. People who have just the right amount of dark chocolate a day tend to have lower BMI than those who don’t. The researchers also found that eating solid fruits such as pomegranates and acai could gain even greater health benefits if they eat dark chocolate with it. Dark chocolate is also good for the skin. It contains antioxidants that can improve blood flow, promote a healthy glow, fight wrinkles and protect from sun damage. Aside from its awesome taste, it contains serotonin which acts as an anti-depressant, reduces stress hormones and boosts the release of dopamine, the “feel good” hormone. 
In effect, eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier. For all of its health benefits though, dark chocolate does contain a lot of calories and it does not replace prescribed medication so experts recommend sticking to no more than three ounces of the sweet stuff per day.

Towels, Social Pressure, and Responsibility

By: Jessica Robertson

Stay in any mainstream hotel and you will likely see a sign reminding guests to reuse towels. The signs usually add some information about the benefits of reducing towel usage, like lower hotel costs and conserved water and energy. But, do these signs really convey their message with any power resulting in a change?

A recent study in two hotels showed that signs having certain added information can impact the effectiveness of the message. In some rooms, the signs included the phrase, “75% of guests in this hotel reuse their towels” and another set of rooms added a phrase to the sign saying, “75% of guests in this room have reused towels.” The findings of the study showed that the guests who were told of the behavior of those who had stayed in their particular room before used 40% fewer towels than guests who were told about the behavior of all hotel guests as a whole.

People are social beings, and we like to be accepted. If people who we feel connected to have a certain conviction or act in a particular way, we are more likely to act in a way that makes us feel like we belong. The subtle pressure of relating one hotel guest to the previous guests of that certain room has a profound impact on behavior.

There is a lesson to be learned from this study; if we, as a society, uphold the good, like environmental responsibility, generosity, or compassion, others will be persuaded to act similarly. However, if we uphold selfishness, greed, or any other vice, we pressure others to follow the same. Be the change you want to see. 

Sleepy or sleepless

By: Kate M. Serrano
Do you have trouble staying alert when you are supposed to be awake and working? And do you have trouble sleeping when it’s time to rest? This is a common condition for those whose work schedule collides with their body's natural internal clock— you’re forced to try to sleep when you feel alert and work when you feel drowsy. It’s called shift work sleep disorder and people who work shifts are those most at risk. The symptoms include insomnia, fatigue, irritability, decreased alertness, and trouble concentrating and none of which will help win the Employee of the Month status.

Not all shift workers are affected though. Night owls adjust well to working at night and they get enough sleep during the day. And despite the toll that such shifts can take, somebody has to work them. Here are a few of the jobs that may put you at risk of shift work sleep disorder.

Factory Workers. To maximize productivity, the manufacturing industry relies on shift work for productivity and maximizing profit. Drowsy or tired workers can increase the risk of workplace injuries.

Nurses. In the goal of providing continuous care for patients, nurses work not only shifts but long hours too.

Senior Managers. Senior managers deal with stress all the time – overseeing the team, resolving financial issues, attending to clients. If you have a cranky boss, too little sleep could be the reason.

Airplane Pilots. They face irregular hours, long shifts and jet lags as they take on red eye flights and travel through multiple time zones. Because of this, there are strict guidelines to flight time and rest. Before completing a flight, pilots must have at least eight hours of uninterrupted rest.

Network Administrators. The Internet has created a new demand for shift workers. Network administrators are hired to ensure a 24/7 smooth operation on web-based services. The downside to this is that there are more sleep-deprived workers than in the past.

New Parents. Proven and tested as a sleep wrecker. When a newborn wakes up, it is rather difficult for parents to get sleep. A new mom may be sleeping seven hours at night but sleep is fragmented, irregular and not refreshing. Luckily, as the baby grows older, sleeping pattern improves too.

Experts recommend sticking to the same schedule even on days off or weekends when working shifts otherwise you’re more likely to feel fatigued, have lesser concentration or be more prone to accidents at work. There are strategies though to keep you alert – drink something with caffeine at the start of the shift, walk around during breaks. It also helps if you work with others instead of being alone. And when it’s time to go home and sleep, wear an eye mask or put the curtains down. You can also create a bedtime ritual like reading a book or taking a shower to signal your brain that it’s time to sleep.

Most people don’t have it so easy. Sleeping is a skill, rest is a necessity. Be savvy about the amount of sleep you get.

She Sells Seashells (and Energy?) by the Seashore

By: Jessica Robertson

The power of the ocean is undeniable. With new technology, that power could be harnessed in such a way that seashells and seafood won’t be our greatest export from the watery giant for much longer.

Renewable energy falls into the top-priority category among global sustainability issues; the more avenues we have for garnering clean, renewable energy, the better for our planet. The ocean is full of frighteningly powerful, high-energy water, and turning that power into electricity would be emission-free, and genius. Good thing the plans, though in their infancy, are underway!

Some of the biggest names in the energy industry are teaming up to turn these ideas into reality. Lockheed Martin, Scottish PowerRenewables, MeyGen, UC Berkeley, and the US Navy are just a few of the familiar names on these impressive projects. Five types of power-generating machines are under testing, either in the lab or in the open seas, currently.

Two of the projects, particularly, are standouts. The largest wave energy project, already in the water off the coasts of Australia, consists of special buoys anchored to the ocean floor; as waves roll, the buoy moves with the wave and the anchor stays intact, causing the tension to power a hydraulic pump. The energy moves through wires to the coast, where it is stored; one single buoy’s energy can power an astounding maximum of 10,000 homes. While that number is staggering, the most effective prototype, it seems, is known as the magic carpet. Intended to be placed off the coast of California, on the sea floor, the giant mats absorb the energy that is normally dissipated into the sand on the bottom of the ocean. Careful placement of the mats, avoiding coral reefs and other marine habitats, could also create “safe zones” to protect harbors during wild storms and prevent erosion due to their ability to absorb up to 90% of waves’ energy.  Just a one square-meter patch of the mat creates enough power for two homes. Open-ocean trials are scheduled to begin in April 2016.

One familiar approach, designed similarly to wind turbines, underwater turbines rely on the tidal pull of the water rather than waves, turning the arms of the machine and creating a steady source of energy. Water turbines, though, present a significant threat to marine life that may be hurt by the many moving mechanical parts; efforts are being made to prevent any collateral damage to the environment. Another proposal, called the Sea Serpent, is at work floating off the coasts of Scotland, where jointed segments flex along with the movement of the waves to power hydraulic pumps and store energy that is delivered to the shore by underwater cables.

All the models must be designed to survive the ferocious storms that the ocean can deliver, and the fifth model banks on its simplicity to survive. As the low profile machine floats atop the water, it funnels high-pressure water through a pump to shore, where the majority of the machinery remains to convert the water pressure into electricity. This design has already proven itself in its two-and-a-half-year lifetime working on the seas.

Each of the projects has its challenges, but the real vision of clean and renewable energy helps overcome the hurdles that arise with the advent of new technology.