Breanna Binder
NCLC 301
Astronomy summary
Scientists at Durham University’s Institute for Computational Cosmology in Durham,
England, have used a computer to predict the appearance of the universe after the Big Bang.
The image shows the formation of the first big galaxies, the “Cosmic Dawn.” The computers
image of how structures grow in dark matter with a model showing how normal mater, like gas,
that feels the pull of gravity from dark matter is heated up before cooling by releasing radiation
and turning into a star.
This article is relevant to our class and important to astronomy because dark matter
makes up around 80 percent of the mass in the universe. Once we can understand this
important substance, we can predict how our galaxy originally formed.
Work Cited:
“Astronomy.com - Cosmologists 'see' the Cosmic Dawn.” 20 Feb 2009
<http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=7908>.
1.9/2.0
Interesting article, Breanna. –SKV
Breanna Binder
NCLC 301
Atom Writing Assignment
Scientists have measured the force that is needed to move one atom. They hope to construct
structures and electronic component out of individual atoms. By knowing these forces will help us
understand atoms better. We do know an atom does not roll, it rest in a lattice. When the tip of an
atomic force microscope pushes an atom it hops. It takes about one-130-millionth of an ounce of force
to push a cobalt atom across a flat piece of platinum. It only takes one-1,600-millionth of an ounce of
force to push an atom along a copper surface. Copper is less sticky that platinum which allowed the
greater ease is pushing the cobalt atom along.
Work Cited:
Chang, Kenneth. “Scientists Measure What It Takes to Push a Single Atom.” The New York Times 22 Feb
2008. 21 Feb 2009 <http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/science/22atom.html?_r=1>.
1.5/2.0
Hi, Breanna, Do you know why the atom rolls more easily across the copper than across the
platinum substrate? As was indicated in class last week, be sure to cite the article properly, and
to include the URL if it is an electronic article. best, -SKV
Breanna Binder
NCLC 301
Cloning summary
Scientist from Advanced Cell Technology, in Worcester, Massachusetts cloned a
baby banteng, an endangered animal using a domestic species. They inserted the DNA into
eggs from an ordinary domestic cow to carry the embryos to term. From the 30 embryos
created, two calves were born, but one was abnormal and was put down.
The scientist involved in cloning “say it proves that clonging does have a part in
preserving species which may soon be extinct. “While others argue that preservation of
diminishing habitats would be a more effective way to approach the problem”
(“Endangered”). These conservationists argue there is little point pursuing this expensive
technology when one of the main causes of animal extinction is caused by habitat lost.
Perhaps it would be better if we put our time and money towards preserving our
environment by creating parks and wildlife rescues, restrict tropical deforestation, and
increase hunting regulations.
Work Cited:
“Endangered animal clone produced.” BBC NEWS 9 Apr 2003. 28 Mar 2009
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/2932225.stm>.
Breanna Binder
NCLC 301
Global climate change summary
Mark Bittman in the New York Times article, “Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler” states that:
According to the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization, estimate that livestock
production generates nearly a fifth of the world’s greenhouse gases, which is higher than
transportation. With a high demand for beef, comes a high demand for grain. Bittman states:
“Though some 800 million people on the planet now suffer from hunger or malnutrition, the
majority of corn and soy grown in the world feeds cattle, pigs and chickens”. It’s takes energy to
grown grains, which produce carbon dioxide.
The author points out ways to help reduce green house gasses while also saving lives.
With cattle ranching contributes to the number one cause of tropical deforestation in the Amazon
Basin; Bittman states that: “The week his article was published, the president of Brazil
announced emergency measures to halt the burning and cutting of the country’s rain forest for
crop and grazing land”. Decreasing meat consumption will cut back on greenhouse gases and
help our ozone layer from depleting.
Work Cited:
Bittman, Mark. “Rethinking the Meat-Guzzler.” The New York Times 27 Jan 2008. 8 Apr 2009
<http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html?pagewanted=2&sq
=cattle%20produces%20more%20global%20warming%20than%20cars&st=cse&scp=2>
.
Breanna Binder
NCLC 301
Nuclear Energy Summary
Who would like a hybrid car that cuts greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 20 percent?
Eric Mattessich, an engineering student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, has discovered new
ways to harvest wasted energy. The Second Law of Thermodynamics tells us some energy will be lost
into the environment as wasted heat. As we know, nuclear energy comes from the conversion of mass
into energy. This student has designed small turbines; they spin caused by the pressure escaping from
the exhaust, and the other turbine uses the steam from the exhaust heat. These turbines will fit into a
compact hybrid car. The Toyota Prius switches between the engine and battery with makes capturing
wasted heat inefficient. Mattessich’s ideas can use wasted heat towards the input on energy and make
hybrid cars more efficient.
Citation:
Revkin, Andrew. “Tailpipe Harvest: Putting All That Hot Air to Good Use.” New York Times. (24, Dec.
2008). 15 Feb. 2009 <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/education/edlife/ideas-hybrid-t.html>.
1.9/2.0
Hi, Breanna, An interesting article, and you made a wonderful connection between the the Laws
of Thermodynamics and the subject matter. However, where does nuclear energy come into the
picture? You correctly note that mass being converted into energy is how nuclear energy is
generated, but how does this relate to capturing the waste heat from a car exhaust? Even if you
can't answer these questions, I am impressed by how you are incorporating class material into
your reading. Well done! -SKV
Breanna Binder
NCLC 301
Renewable Energy News Summery
At nytimes.com I found an interesting article relevant to your weekly topic of renewable
energy; Charge It: Solar Panels on a Purse by Rachel Iviv published December 24, 2008. A
student in the department of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University designed a solar
panel purse. This eco-friendly bag is lined with thin solar cells that contain a lightweight battery.
After soaking up three hours of sunlight the bag can charge an iPod, camera or cellphone. The
creative student hopes to sell the purse for $350 and continue to design other solar-powered
accessories.
Using the sun and wind to provide energy is one way to improve global warming. With
the use of solar panels we can use natural resources to help fuel the 21st century. The current over
use of non-renewable resources is hurting the environment. We could run out of non-renewable
resources if we continue to consume at this rate. It is smart to design technology that improves
and increases our current renewable energy options.
2.0/2.0
Interesting summary, Breanna. Although you provided enough information for one to find the
article, next time please include a full citation and a URL (since this article is available on the
Internet). The citation doesn't count towards the summary word limit. Can you think of other
solar-powered devices that could be useful? -SKV