Giant Toads and Colossal Squid
In the Colossal Squid article, it was said that the "creature" is to be "preserved for scientific study", and that the catch "adds immeasureably to our uderstaning of the marine environment."
* * *
Now, after all these unnecessary creatures killings, hole drills, specimens raids, expeditions of virgin terrtitories, all in the name of science and wanting to "understand our environment", have we really understood anything?
What does it mean to have "understood something"?
Our knowledge base is more horizontal than vertical. Increase in breath of knowledge doesn't necessary make us a deeper nor wiser.
We have expanded our horizons so much and have known so much more factual knowledge about our environment than our ancestors could even imagine. Yet, we are living more out of sync of nature's rhythm than ever. What for?
Chimps Make Tools
It shouldn't come as a surprise that chimps can make tools. After all, we are pretty closely related. Once again, this proves that we human are not the only ones who had this kind of intelligence. We came from long chain of evolutionary trials & errors. If we can come this far, it is a possible for other species too.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Assignments for "Which Way Forward"
Global Crisis in Diet
Unsurprisingly, we can't trust corporations to take the lead to solve the global crisis in diets.
I think the best thing is to make schools and hospitals offer only healthy food in their cafeterias. Also, educate parents so that they set good examples for their children. These are resources that children turn to as trustable health guides.
However, I think that in addition to increasing health awareness and being educated about what one should or shouldn't eat, it is important that people become more aware of their mind/body in general.
Doing mindful exercises like yoga or qigong can help one to be more aware of his/her body. When you are more tuned-in with your body, you will naturally have less cravings for unhealthy food. Since the change starts from within, you would be less likely revert back to old eating habits.
Carbon Offsets
There certainly are good intentions behind this idea, and will make people conscious about what actions make a bigger carbon footprint. I am skeptical about how effective it will be in making our society carbon-neutral. There will definitely be people who'd rather pay for carbon offsets than changing their lifestyle. If anything, it may become a guilt-free way for people to indulge in high carbon-emission activities. As a guardian article put it, it's akin to "paying other people to clear up the mess we've made."
Laughter Really is the Best Medicine
Don't know if it's the best medicine, but it is certainly a good one. It not only reduces stress, it also breaks ice between people, it even dulls pain, gives one more energy...if it can improve one's quality of life on so many levels, it certainly can boost your health too.
Unsurprisingly, we can't trust corporations to take the lead to solve the global crisis in diets.
I think the best thing is to make schools and hospitals offer only healthy food in their cafeterias. Also, educate parents so that they set good examples for their children. These are resources that children turn to as trustable health guides.
However, I think that in addition to increasing health awareness and being educated about what one should or shouldn't eat, it is important that people become more aware of their mind/body in general.
Doing mindful exercises like yoga or qigong can help one to be more aware of his/her body. When you are more tuned-in with your body, you will naturally have less cravings for unhealthy food. Since the change starts from within, you would be less likely revert back to old eating habits.
Carbon Offsets
There certainly are good intentions behind this idea, and will make people conscious about what actions make a bigger carbon footprint. I am skeptical about how effective it will be in making our society carbon-neutral. There will definitely be people who'd rather pay for carbon offsets than changing their lifestyle. If anything, it may become a guilt-free way for people to indulge in high carbon-emission activities. As a guardian article put it, it's akin to "paying other people to clear up the mess we've made."
Laughter Really is the Best Medicine
Don't know if it's the best medicine, but it is certainly a good one. It not only reduces stress, it also breaks ice between people, it even dulls pain, gives one more energy...if it can improve one's quality of life on so many levels, it certainly can boost your health too.
Monday, March 26, 2007
New Pill Promises To Reduce Breast Cancer
As much as I don't really like menstruating (who does?), I don't think I would want to mess with my natural cycle. The pill is so new that, even though current studies show that it reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, it is hard to say what hidden side effects it has.
However, it gives women a choice over the traditional pill. If some women wants to take chances with it, at least it is an option.
However, it gives women a choice over the traditional pill. If some women wants to take chances with it, at least it is an option.
Reintroduction of the American Bison
I don't fully understand the question: "How would you prioritize the reintroduction of the American Bison?"
Prioritize in what context? What are we comparing to here?
I think it is geat to reintroduce the American Bison back to the wild so they won't extinct. I suspect though that the government only do this because buffalo meat has gotten popular and there is profit to be made.
Regardless of the intention, it is great that the American Bison is restored in the Great Plains. It is good for the native americans, and the ecosystem. I do wonder if the population of the American bison will ever get too much and upset the current balance. Or maybe it is a good thing since we can only call our current state is such an imbalanced one.
Prioritize in what context? What are we comparing to here?
I think it is geat to reintroduce the American Bison back to the wild so they won't extinct. I suspect though that the government only do this because buffalo meat has gotten popular and there is profit to be made.
Regardless of the intention, it is great that the American Bison is restored in the Great Plains. It is good for the native americans, and the ecosystem. I do wonder if the population of the American bison will ever get too much and upset the current balance. Or maybe it is a good thing since we can only call our current state is such an imbalanced one.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The End Goals of Social Ecology
Sounds good to me. I like the focus of social ecology on the transformative learning and the emphasis on "thinking about the big picture, while at the same time being willing to act in small meaningful ways"
When enough people are willing to start leading an ecological lifesyle by changing a little bit at a time, it will add up to be a lot.
When enough people are willing to start leading an ecological lifesyle by changing a little bit at a time, it will add up to be a lot.
Why ecosystems are both strong and fragile
When imbalances in an ecosystem occur, the ecosystem will find ways to correct it until a new balance is achieved. It is flexible and can adapt to different kinds of changes. The ecosystem is strong that way.
However, it is also fragile because any changes in one "component" may have a chain effect and cause changes in many other "components" in the ecosystem. The ecosystem will keep trying to adapt and re-balance until a tipping point is reached and ecosystem won't be able to sustain itself anymore.
It would be a point of no return. It is scary to think that we may be reaching that point.
****
It reminded me of a dialog in this French movie La Haine (Hate):
"Heard about the guy who fell off a skyscraper?" asks Hubert. "On his way down past each floor, he kept saying, to reassure himself, 'so far so good... so far so good... so far so good.' Then he hits the bottom. How you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land."
However, it is also fragile because any changes in one "component" may have a chain effect and cause changes in many other "components" in the ecosystem. The ecosystem will keep trying to adapt and re-balance until a tipping point is reached and ecosystem won't be able to sustain itself anymore.
It would be a point of no return. It is scary to think that we may be reaching that point.
****
It reminded me of a dialog in this French movie La Haine (Hate):
"Heard about the guy who fell off a skyscraper?" asks Hubert. "On his way down past each floor, he kept saying, to reassure himself, 'so far so good... so far so good... so far so good.' Then he hits the bottom. How you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land."
Eight-Point Deep Ecology Platform
I do agree with the principles.
I think Point 8 might the hardest for people: "Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an abligation directly or indirectly to participate in the attempt to implement the necessary changes."
I think a lot of people knows the importance of a balanced ecosystem but not aware what actions they can take to maintain it. (or how some of their actions may harm it).
It is especially hard if the community you live in doesn't subscribe to this belief. It is easier for people to start changing their lifestyle when they see that everyone around them make the changes too. Conversely, it is really hard to make changes when everything around seems to go against it.
I think Point 8 might the hardest for people: "Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an abligation directly or indirectly to participate in the attempt to implement the necessary changes."
I think a lot of people knows the importance of a balanced ecosystem but not aware what actions they can take to maintain it. (or how some of their actions may harm it).
It is especially hard if the community you live in doesn't subscribe to this belief. It is easier for people to start changing their lifestyle when they see that everyone around them make the changes too. Conversely, it is really hard to make changes when everything around seems to go against it.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
The Deal that Saved the Whale
I think it is a great idea. But we can't really tell how well this strategy works until at least 10-20 years later. Unfortunately, good systems with good intentions don't always last. Power struggle and greed always seem to get in the way.
Anyway, a sidenote on tourism-When I was in Venezuela, I talked to the owner of the hotel that I stayed in. He told me how when tourists joined all-inclusive packages (hotel, entertainment, food, transportation), it is always the travel agencies that make money. The local people don't make much money on those deals at all.
Anyway, a sidenote on tourism-When I was in Venezuela, I talked to the owner of the hotel that I stayed in. He told me how when tourists joined all-inclusive packages (hotel, entertainment, food, transportation), it is always the travel agencies that make money. The local people don't make much money on those deals at all.
Western Approaches to HIV/AIDS
Western medicine seems to understand the mechanism of how HIV is transmitted and how it works in our system.
While it is easy for me to say that we should have a more holistic approach to HIV/AIDS or cancer, because I am healthy. I honestly don't know if I had one of these diseases that I would opt for an all-out Chinese medicine treatment either. I just don't know.
While it is easy for me to say that we should have a more holistic approach to HIV/AIDS or cancer, because I am healthy. I honestly don't know if I had one of these diseases that I would opt for an all-out Chinese medicine treatment either. I just don't know.
Can TCM strengthen our immune systems?
If someone has a positive attitude towards life, lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle, that is the best way to strengthen immune system, and would have longer lasting results. Chinese medicine certainly embodies this way of thinking, with preventive modalities that enhance health, such as qigong and balanced diet, so I think TCM can help strengthen the immune system.
But studying TCM may not strengthen our immune system!...as TCM students are reported to be more pale and worn out after just one year of TCM studies.
But studying TCM may not strengthen our immune system!...as TCM students are reported to be more pale and worn out after just one year of TCM studies.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Are our genes still being shaped by natural selection?
Daoism and Chinese medicine believes that change is the only constant. If our ancestors had evolved to adapt to their environment so we are what we are now, why should we think that the change would stop now?
I don't even know how we could have gone through so much civilization and complicated our world and our lives to reach this point of humanity where people still like to fight each other and destroying our own planet and our souls.
How is it possible that we live in a society with all the technological advances and we are using up two-thirds of world resources and yet most of us can't even eat as well as the primitive humans?
And how about the intelligence of our bodies and the intuition that we've lost gradually over the thousands of years of civilization. That's signs of changing genes right there.
Yes our brains might have gotten bigger, but I don't think we can measure intelligence that way.
I don't even know how we could have gone through so much civilization and complicated our world and our lives to reach this point of humanity where people still like to fight each other and destroying our own planet and our souls.
How is it possible that we live in a society with all the technological advances and we are using up two-thirds of world resources and yet most of us can't even eat as well as the primitive humans?
And how about the intelligence of our bodies and the intuition that we've lost gradually over the thousands of years of civilization. That's signs of changing genes right there.
Yes our brains might have gotten bigger, but I don't think we can measure intelligence that way.
Chinese Medicine Approach to Cancer
Western approach to cancer treatment is based on destruction of cancer cells, while chinese medicine's approach is to restore the harmony of the body so that the body can be strong enough combat cancer cells. CM is about treating the whole organism.
I saw this book "Restored Harmony: An Evidence Based Approach for Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into Complementary Cancer Care"
...and it looks very interesting. However, right now, if I read one more TCM book, my brain's gonna fry. Maybe during the term break.
http://www.amazon.com/Restored-Harmony-Integrating-Traditional-Complementary/dp/0968948804/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/102-8260728-1207334
I saw this book "Restored Harmony: An Evidence Based Approach for Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine into Complementary Cancer Care"
...and it looks very interesting. However, right now, if I read one more TCM book, my brain's gonna fry. Maybe during the term break.
http://www.amazon.com/Restored-Harmony-Integrating-Traditional-Complementary/dp/0968948804/ref=si3_rdr_bb_product/102-8260728-1207334
Our understanding of cancer
It does seem like we understand cells better than ever. Based on western science approach, because we understand the most basic part of an organism, and how cancer happened at a cellular level, that means our understanding cancer gets more sophisticated.
I guess the real test is if we can cure cancer better because of this understanding.
But at least my understanding of cancer got a little better after last week's class. I kept picturing cancer cells as these anarchic guerilla soldiers trying to organize armies to overthrow the central government of the country they live in.
I guess the real test is if we can cure cancer better because of this understanding.
But at least my understanding of cancer got a little better after last week's class. I kept picturing cancer cells as these anarchic guerilla soldiers trying to organize armies to overthrow the central government of the country they live in.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Week 6 Assignments for the Nature of Life
First of all, sorry for blogging late. It was a hectic week last week and I figure rather than just rushing through the assignment, now I can really take the time to absorb the material and present my thoughts.
HOW DO I DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LIVING AND NONLIVING SYSTEMS
According to the Santiago Theory of Cognition, Cognition is the defining factor for distinguishing the living and non-living. Maturana and Varela states that cogition is "the activity involed in the self-generation and self-perpetuation of living systems."
That sounds the same as autopoiesis to me" Also, "any system that can actively sense conditions in its environment and independently react to those conditions is exercising cognition.
To Maurana and Varela, this is why a bacteria is a living being and a rock is not. I thought about the many things that are by this definition "non-living" that seems alive. For example, crystals, a mandala,some artworks, handmade things or food I eat, while they are not autopoiesis systems, they certainly can have a feeling of aliveness to them.
While these objects are not "living", they can absorb energies from living beings. If we are sensitive enough, we can certainly feel the energies absorbed and given out by these non-living objects. For me, that's one of the factors of deciding whether I like a work of art or not--if it has enough Qi and can can draw my mind into a "state of alignment" with the rhythm of the universe's pulse.
Conversely, there are people I know who are so numb to what's going on the world and go through life without reacting to the world with an independent mind. I can barely see them as living at all.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE USE OF LANGUAGE AND TOOLS IN CHIMPS
This reminds us that we are not the only species who can use tools or language.
Also, observing how chimps communities use languages and spread knowledge in how to use tools can give us insights in how early humans develop these skills.
CHINESE MEDICINE GAINING RESPECTABILITY IN THE WEST
We live in exciting times when CM is gaining respectability in the west...and the east! It may sound funny, but in places like Hong Kong, which used to be a British colony, CM has been considered an irrational, old-fashioned folk medicine for a long time, esp. by younger generations. It was only in recent years that Hong Kong has CM programs in universities and start to regulate chinese medicine. That's exciting news.
Talking to my family and my "westernized" friends about CM is usually a frustrating experience and I am always subjected to ridicule. However, when I look back at the path that led me to accepting acupuncture, I understand where they are coming from. I never used to give CM much thought. None of my Chinese friends (and family) believe in acupuncture or had much experience with it, even though a few of them use herbs regularly. It was not until my caucasian friends telling me their positive experience with acupuncture that I started became more interested in it.
I can't wait till the day when I can heal people and then maybe my family and chinese friends will believe that CM is valid.
Right now, a lot of grounds in medicine (East & West) are shifting. It is exciting to be participating in this change. At the same time, as an oriental medicine student, I feel tremendous responsibility to learn this medicine well. Because I know that in the future, every time I give a treatment, or even just diiscussing this medicine with people, the experience will make an impression on those who are still doubting our profession.
HOW DO I DISTINGUISH BETWEEN LIVING AND NONLIVING SYSTEMS
According to the Santiago Theory of Cognition, Cognition is the defining factor for distinguishing the living and non-living. Maturana and Varela states that cogition is "the activity involed in the self-generation and self-perpetuation of living systems."
That sounds the same as autopoiesis to me" Also, "any system that can actively sense conditions in its environment and independently react to those conditions is exercising cognition.
To Maurana and Varela, this is why a bacteria is a living being and a rock is not. I thought about the many things that are by this definition "non-living" that seems alive. For example, crystals, a mandala,some artworks, handmade things or food I eat, while they are not autopoiesis systems, they certainly can have a feeling of aliveness to them.
While these objects are not "living", they can absorb energies from living beings. If we are sensitive enough, we can certainly feel the energies absorbed and given out by these non-living objects. For me, that's one of the factors of deciding whether I like a work of art or not--if it has enough Qi and can can draw my mind into a "state of alignment" with the rhythm of the universe's pulse.
Conversely, there are people I know who are so numb to what's going on the world and go through life without reacting to the world with an independent mind. I can barely see them as living at all.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE USE OF LANGUAGE AND TOOLS IN CHIMPS
This reminds us that we are not the only species who can use tools or language.
Also, observing how chimps communities use languages and spread knowledge in how to use tools can give us insights in how early humans develop these skills.
CHINESE MEDICINE GAINING RESPECTABILITY IN THE WEST
We live in exciting times when CM is gaining respectability in the west...and the east! It may sound funny, but in places like Hong Kong, which used to be a British colony, CM has been considered an irrational, old-fashioned folk medicine for a long time, esp. by younger generations. It was only in recent years that Hong Kong has CM programs in universities and start to regulate chinese medicine. That's exciting news.
Talking to my family and my "westernized" friends about CM is usually a frustrating experience and I am always subjected to ridicule. However, when I look back at the path that led me to accepting acupuncture, I understand where they are coming from. I never used to give CM much thought. None of my Chinese friends (and family) believe in acupuncture or had much experience with it, even though a few of them use herbs regularly. It was not until my caucasian friends telling me their positive experience with acupuncture that I started became more interested in it.
I can't wait till the day when I can heal people and then maybe my family and chinese friends will believe that CM is valid.
Right now, a lot of grounds in medicine (East & West) are shifting. It is exciting to be participating in this change. At the same time, as an oriental medicine student, I feel tremendous responsibility to learn this medicine well. Because I know that in the future, every time I give a treatment, or even just diiscussing this medicine with people, the experience will make an impression on those who are still doubting our profession.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Can Diversification Save Species?
Yes, as seen in the case of Cavendish bananas, diversification is important for a species to survive. A narrow gene pool makes the species vulnerable to mass extinction by pests and diseasess.
It would be a lot easier--and cost less--to preserve the diversity in the first place rather than trying to gain diversity back after valuable gene sources are lost.
It would be a lot easier--and cost less--to preserve the diversity in the first place rather than trying to gain diversity back after valuable gene sources are lost.
Do you vote for the chicken or the egg?
THE EGG! Because genetic material does not change during an animal's life. The first chicken would have existed as an embryo inside an egg. the embryo would have been of a different species from the birds that lay the egg because genetic mutation.
“I always eat my broccoli!”--Not!
Okay, I had broccoli for dinner last night.
Can't say it's one of my favorite foods. I don't hate it though.
I guess a more interesting question for me is:
If a kind of food that I don't like is essential to my well-being, should I eat it anyway?
On one hand I believe that if you are in tuned with your body, it will tell you what you need to eat.
However, most of us are too over-worked, over-studying to listen to what our bodies really need. I don't understand why when I feel stressed or over-worked, I would have cravings for junk foods. The other day, in our OM theory class, we learned that having too much damp food is bad for the spleen, and ice-cream is probably one of the most damp foods (sweet, creamy, cold). Immediately after the discussion, I had cravings for Ben&Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream!
Now, shouldn't I be repulsed by overly-damped foods upon learning how bad they are for me?
Can't say it's one of my favorite foods. I don't hate it though.
I guess a more interesting question for me is:
If a kind of food that I don't like is essential to my well-being, should I eat it anyway?
On one hand I believe that if you are in tuned with your body, it will tell you what you need to eat.
However, most of us are too over-worked, over-studying to listen to what our bodies really need. I don't understand why when I feel stressed or over-worked, I would have cravings for junk foods. The other day, in our OM theory class, we learned that having too much damp food is bad for the spleen, and ice-cream is probably one of the most damp foods (sweet, creamy, cold). Immediately after the discussion, I had cravings for Ben&Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream!
Now, shouldn't I be repulsed by overly-damped foods upon learning how bad they are for me?
“I always eat my broccoli!”--Not!
Okay, I had broccoli for dinner last night.
Can't say it's one of my favorite foods. I don't hate it though.
I guess a more interesting question for me is:
If a kind of food that I don't like is essential to my well-being, should I eat it anyway?
On one hand I believe that if you are in tuned with your body, it will tell you what you need to eat.
However, most of us are too over-worked, over-studying to listen to what our bodies really need. I don't understand why when I feel stressed or over-worked, I would have cravings for junk foods. The other day, in our OM theory class, we learned that having too much damp food is bad for the spleen, and ice-cream is probably one of the most damp foods (sweet, creamy, cold). Immediately after the discussion, I had cravings for Ben&Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream!
Now, shouldn't I be repulsed by overly-damped foods upon learning how bad they are for me?
Can't say it's one of my favorite foods. I don't hate it though.
I guess a more interesting question for me is:
If a kind of food that I don't like is essential to my well-being, should I eat it anyway?
On one hand I believe that if you are in tuned with your body, it will tell you what you need to eat.
However, most of us are too over-worked, over-studying to listen to what our bodies really need. I don't understand why when I feel stressed or over-worked, I would have cravings for junk foods. The other day, in our OM theory class, we learned that having too much damp food is bad for the spleen, and ice-cream is probably one of the most damp foods (sweet, creamy, cold). Immediately after the discussion, I had cravings for Ben&Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream!
Now, shouldn't I be repulsed by overly-damped foods upon learning how bad they are for me?
Monday, February 12, 2007
How do I think chimps and humans diverged as species?
What we discussed in class--that pre-humans and pre-chimps interbred off and on until we couldn't interbred anymore--was quite shocking to me but definitely seems plausible.
But even if our difference in DNA is only 0.06%, this seemingly small amount of difference made the whole world of difference. It's not the numbers that matter, and things like this can't be measured in quantity.
But even if our difference in DNA is only 0.06%, this seemingly small amount of difference made the whole world of difference. It's not the numbers that matter, and things like this can't be measured in quantity.
Can we raise our levels of dopamine ourselves?
Sure we can. I don't even want any scientific studies to tell me if that's possible or not. One day they will say yes, then 6 months another study will say no. Should that make any difference in my life? I think not. It is something that I just have to believe in.
I believe I can get natural high by dancing, doing backbends, stand on my head, feeling the wind on my bicycle--though maybe not all at the same time. I believe I can shape my future by creative visualization. I believe I can change the biochemical constitution of my brain myself--but ONLY if I believe in that possibility.
I am a believer.
I believe I can get natural high by dancing, doing backbends, stand on my head, feeling the wind on my bicycle--though maybe not all at the same time. I believe I can shape my future by creative visualization. I believe I can change the biochemical constitution of my brain myself--but ONLY if I believe in that possibility.
I am a believer.
Is there a drug around for just about everything?
It saddens me to see that these days people think that they can just take a pill and the problem will go away.
I am also aware that there are a lot of people coming to acupuncture treatment with this kind of attitude, especially with more and more clinical studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating addiction and psychological issues.
I like the suggestion at the end of this article:
http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/programsandservices/addictionprevention/acupuncture.html
"Acupuncture is not a quick fix, but it will relieve a lot of the discomfort of "kicking the habit" while it restores the body's energy and internal functions to normal. Used along with other treatments, such as counselling, it is a strong aid to recovery. Acupuncture is most effective with a series of treatments over a period of time."
I am also aware that there are a lot of people coming to acupuncture treatment with this kind of attitude, especially with more and more clinical studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating addiction and psychological issues.
I like the suggestion at the end of this article:
http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/programsandservices/addictionprevention/acupuncture.html
"Acupuncture is not a quick fix, but it will relieve a lot of the discomfort of "kicking the habit" while it restores the body's energy and internal functions to normal. Used along with other treatments, such as counselling, it is a strong aid to recovery. Acupuncture is most effective with a series of treatments over a period of time."
Monday, February 5, 2007
Human Genetic Evolution
This site is easy to follow and very clear. The part that interests me most is how humans evolved from archaic homo sapiens to Homo sapiens sapiens. It seems possible that the replacement model and the regional continuity model are both valid.
I wonder about how we homo sapiens sapiens will continue to evolve. For some reason, I keep thinking about the Eloi (future humans) in The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
I wonder about how we homo sapiens sapiens will continue to evolve. For some reason, I keep thinking about the Eloi (future humans) in The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
Chimps are our cousins
I don't know if having higher percentage of identical critical DNA sites with humans made me more sympathetic to chimps. If some reports come out tomorrow and say "no, actually humans and chimps are only 88% identical in our DNAs," it wouldn't made me LESS sympathetic. Should we treat beings that are more like us better than the ones less like us? Think about racism.
Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, & Viruses Tutorial
I like the "If you were bacteria" section most. It is informative in a way that the information actually sticks in my mind.
The Quiz:
Surprise, surprise! I got all but one wrong.
I think it would take me more than just one reading to absorb all this information about cells.
The Quiz:
Surprise, surprise! I got all but one wrong.
I think it would take me more than just one reading to absorb all this information about cells.
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
How Does Darwinism Matter to Me?
The Link "Why Darwinism Matters?" really made me think about the implications of Darwinism and evolutionary psychology and what it all means.
Here is an excerpt:
"in a recent book called The Moral Animal, Robert Wright says that for the Darwinist, morality is merely an illusion produced by natural selection. As he writes, "There is definitely no reason to assume that existing moral codes reflect some higher truth apprehended via divine inspiration." Instead, the reason we believe certain moral ideas is that they make us adopt behaviors that help our genes survive--like taking care of our children. "What is in our genes' best interest is what seems 'right'--morally right, objectively right."
******
If that's right, that means nothing is objectively right or wrong, because the factors that determine what is the good for our genes can change so easily. In fact, historically, many moral standards were promoted by groups of people who only had THEIR BEST INTERESTS in mind, not the whole species. The other link "Origin of Life Q&A" illustrated this very nicely.
Here is an excerpt:
"in a recent book called The Moral Animal, Robert Wright says that for the Darwinist, morality is merely an illusion produced by natural selection. As he writes, "There is definitely no reason to assume that existing moral codes reflect some higher truth apprehended via divine inspiration." Instead, the reason we believe certain moral ideas is that they make us adopt behaviors that help our genes survive--like taking care of our children. "What is in our genes' best interest is what seems 'right'--morally right, objectively right."
******
If that's right, that means nothing is objectively right or wrong, because the factors that determine what is the good for our genes can change so easily. In fact, historically, many moral standards were promoted by groups of people who only had THEIR BEST INTERESTS in mind, not the whole species. The other link "Origin of Life Q&A" illustrated this very nicely.
Evo Devo (Week 3)
We covered a lot of grounds last week and there were a lot of different concepts and theories mentioned in the articles. FrankIy, I felt a little overwhelmed by the information. I am not sure if I was the only one. Anyway, I did some research and found some sites that explains some of theories well...that certainly helped me to think more deeply about the subject:
Evo Devo:
http://www.newyorker.com/critics/books/articles/051024crbo_books1
Medel's Genetics
http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/mendel_1.htm
Population Genetics
http://library.thinkquest.org/19037/population.html
Here's from the first new yorker evo devo article,
"...evo devo’s key empirical finding: swans, swallowtails, and socialites are all built from the same genes....
Evo devo tells us that animal species look different not because their structural bits and pieces have changed but because they switch on and off the same old bits and pieces in different combinations."
That really made me feel connected to other beings... the oneness of the universe and that everything that seems different is just manifestation of the Oneness. Then again, I feel that when we talked about electrons in the Chemistry class too.
Evo Devo:
http://www.newyorker.com/critics/books/articles/051024crbo_books1
Medel's Genetics
http://anthro.palomar.edu/mendel/mendel_1.htm
Population Genetics
http://library.thinkquest.org/19037/population.html
Here's from the first new yorker evo devo article,
"...evo devo’s key empirical finding: swans, swallowtails, and socialites are all built from the same genes....
Evo devo tells us that animal species look different not because their structural bits and pieces have changed but because they switch on and off the same old bits and pieces in different combinations."
That really made me feel connected to other beings... the oneness of the universe and that everything that seems different is just manifestation of the Oneness. Then again, I feel that when we talked about electrons in the Chemistry class too.
Monday, January 22, 2007
On Evolution
It seems like change is definitely a component in the evolution process. In order to survive, species have to change to adapt to the environment. I wonder as a species, how much humans have evolved since 5000 years ago? If 1,000 years later, humans have genetic changes (which with all the radiation and chemicals that we are bringing forth to ourselves on a daily basis, this idea doesn't seem too far-fetched), then, I wonder, will all the principles we learn from classical chinese medicine text still apply?
Thursday, January 18, 2007
How far should we go?
Reflections on the 1/8/07 Biology class
It was one mind-blogging article after another. One common thread that some of the articles share is how far scientists are going in play "God" in manipulating and modifying nature. But how far is too far? And do we have any rights to stopping other people doing all these things?
Is this too far?
http://www.malepregnancy.com/
One personal question I have after reading all these articles is whether I should have children in the future. If it is going to be in such horrible state by 2050, then would I want to have children and let them face the consequence of this generation?
Overpopulation is a problem. But if people stop having children (or at least less), then how would we deal with problems that's brought upon by an aging population?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55582-2005Feb1.html
An ironic phenomenon is that while overpopulation is becoming a threatening problem, the average American house size has more than doubled since the 1950s, according to this article:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5525283
It was one mind-blogging article after another. One common thread that some of the articles share is how far scientists are going in play "God" in manipulating and modifying nature. But how far is too far? And do we have any rights to stopping other people doing all these things?
Is this too far?
http://www.malepregnancy.com/
One personal question I have after reading all these articles is whether I should have children in the future. If it is going to be in such horrible state by 2050, then would I want to have children and let them face the consequence of this generation?
Overpopulation is a problem. But if people stop having children (or at least less), then how would we deal with problems that's brought upon by an aging population?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55582-2005Feb1.html
An ironic phenomenon is that while overpopulation is becoming a threatening problem, the average American house size has more than doubled since the 1950s, according to this article:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5525283
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