Brain Freeze

When you get a brain freeze, where does the pain come from? These scientists think they have discovered it!


Comment on this by identifying whether you would volunteer for this research (all the slushies you want!) and to tie it in to the curriculum, what does this have to do with homeostasis?

GM labeling

This is a topic that has been covered in the last year, and will be covered again this year! Should food products that contain genetically modified ingredients be labeled as such. As it is right now, there is no labeling except the voluntary labeling by companies that want to identify that their products are GM free (see an example of Silk Soy Milk, NonGMO project).

There's a ballot initiative in California (Proposition 37) which would require all GM foods or foods with GM ingredients to be labeled as such.

"Labelling would certainly have far-reaching consequences: around 94% of the soya beans and 88% of the maize (corn) grown in the United States is genetically engineered to resist herbicides, insect pests or both, according to the US Department of Agriculture. The plan could affect tens of thousands of brand-name products, and food manufacturers."

Large agribusiness companies and some food manufacturers have put forth money in the fight against the labeling initiative. 

What do you think? How would you vote if you were a California resident? How will this affect you? 

The Jack Youngblood of the 400m??

I have mentioned in anatomy class many times that the fibula is a non-weight bearing bone. Jack Youngblood played the entire 1979 playoffs including the Super Bowl and the useless Pro Bowl on a broken left fibula. I cannot imagine the pain involved with this.

Manteo Mitchell of the USA 4 x 400 team may have surpassed this amazing feat in the 2012 London Olympics. While Jack Youngblood was able to be taped and probably take painkillers in preparation for the games, Manteo broke his leg during the race. He completed his leg (another 200 m) on the broken fibula. He's amazing!!! 

Ecology of rotting logs

I enjoy walks through woods, and strangely enough rotting logs have always fascinated me. I have loved to walk up them like a balance beam, kick the fungi growing on them, and occasionally just break them! This Discover blog post identifies the ecology of the rotting logs. Look for mutualism, commensalism, and competition in here. It also does a nice job of tying the fungi in with the coal that was common in this area. It's a pretty neat article.

As I camp I also notice that many campsites have identified that fallen wood shouldn't be burned because it's important for the health of the forest. It allows the forest to regenerate itself.

The Dating Game - Increasing chemical reactions?!!

I have to start off with a hat tip to Mr. Barlow's Blog (an excellent educator blog with lots of great stuff!). I have his blog on my RSS feed and he has some awesome stuff, including this video!

This video from TedED is a great recap of speeding up chemical reactions.