Post your comments on the class discussion:
It was a pretty lively class that day, lots of good comments on all the articles we covered. I like the discussion that spun off around 100 million organisms living on apples. It covered a lot of bases. Stuff about the economics of food politics, who can afford to even think about buying organic apples vs conventionally grown, who has access to fresh fruits and veggies vs folks who eat a highly processed diet, how folks have to be a little bit better off and how some just need to think about filling their stomach with whats cheap and calorically dense. And how that led to discussions about farming and monocropping and genetic engineering and pesticide use. How in the US products don't have to be labeled GMO. And then we talked about selective antibiotics, which I'd love to see further development on. Here are some things on phage therapy:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5547374/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phage_therapy
Friday, August 9, 2019
Week thirteen- Biochemistry
Researchers have identified some 700 microbial species that inhabit the human mouth:
Its pretty incredible. Although some of these bacteria secrete acid and enzymes that distroy teeth and gums, others help prevent disease by secreting acids that kill pathogens that cause intestinal disorders, or keeping fungus in check. I found a really interesting article while researching mouth bacteria, and I'm posting it here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1287824
Post your thoughts on our class discussions:
the Sunday before this particular class I hurt my back really bad, so on the day in question I was barely walking upright. I was having a super hard time just staying present in my body, let alone paying attention to the discussion. But I made it :) I hope I managed to make a contribution, but if not you know why.
Its pretty incredible. Although some of these bacteria secrete acid and enzymes that distroy teeth and gums, others help prevent disease by secreting acids that kill pathogens that cause intestinal disorders, or keeping fungus in check. I found a really interesting article while researching mouth bacteria, and I'm posting it here:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1287824
Post your thoughts on our class discussions:
the Sunday before this particular class I hurt my back really bad, so on the day in question I was barely walking upright. I was having a super hard time just staying present in my body, let alone paying attention to the discussion. But I made it :) I hope I managed to make a contribution, but if not you know why.
Biophysics- class three- 8/7/19
Would you support the development of a “bionic” person?
I don't think so. I know as technology progresses we will inevitably become more integrated with it. We already routinely implant medical devices like pacemakers, defibrillators, and the like, and these devices extend life and make it arguably better. However I balk at things like biohacking and chips. I don't know why people are so entranced with technology and why they think that it make us better humans. It seems almost like some escapist fantasy, like "I'm not good enough as I am and technology will make me better". Or maybe its a need to be better than, superior to. I feel like its connected to some basic insecurities, that are intrinsic to all people. But I think the way to make humanity better is to do the actual work of becoming a better human being; by working your way through the hierarchy of needs till you get to the point where you can work on self-actualization. As your basic needs are met- things like food, shelter, and security, you can pay more attention to things like- thinking about why you react to certain situations the way you do, and being a better person. Like someone who gives a shit about others, and doesn't kick puppies, or wants to leave the world a better place than the way they found it. Stuff like that.
Would your view change if this were for a military purpose?
No, I don't think so. I'm pretty cynical about this, because I think most things are developed with the military in mind. The military has all the best hardware, because its all about winning wars and besting the other team. Its all just a bunch of dick waggling, which I don't support in any way.
I don't think so. I know as technology progresses we will inevitably become more integrated with it. We already routinely implant medical devices like pacemakers, defibrillators, and the like, and these devices extend life and make it arguably better. However I balk at things like biohacking and chips. I don't know why people are so entranced with technology and why they think that it make us better humans. It seems almost like some escapist fantasy, like "I'm not good enough as I am and technology will make me better". Or maybe its a need to be better than, superior to. I feel like its connected to some basic insecurities, that are intrinsic to all people. But I think the way to make humanity better is to do the actual work of becoming a better human being; by working your way through the hierarchy of needs till you get to the point where you can work on self-actualization. As your basic needs are met- things like food, shelter, and security, you can pay more attention to things like- thinking about why you react to certain situations the way you do, and being a better person. Like someone who gives a shit about others, and doesn't kick puppies, or wants to leave the world a better place than the way they found it. Stuff like that.
Would your view change if this were for a military purpose?
No, I don't think so. I'm pretty cynical about this, because I think most things are developed with the military in mind. The military has all the best hardware, because its all about winning wars and besting the other team. Its all just a bunch of dick waggling, which I don't support in any way.
Biophysics- class two- 7/31/19
Acupuncture as effective energy medicine:
If qi is the energy of the body, then acupuncture is the application and method of working with the body's energy. If everything is made of energy at its most basic level, then being able to tap into and manipulate that energy is essential for maintaining an optimal state of health.
Conclusions drawn from Kirlian photography:
According to wikipedia Kirlian photography is likely due to the effects of moisture. In a plant leaf, high moisture content led to bigger and more colorful auras that diminished as the leaf withered. Likewise, in the torn leaf experiments, when the plate was wiped clean in between photographs there was no trace of the original outline.
Human intent as it affects health:
I think that intent does have an effect on human health. I believe that intention is important in general, as it helps shape our thoughts and actions. I don't believe that intention is everything, one also needs knowledge and skill. But I think intent is important enough to be mindful about it.
If qi is the energy of the body, then acupuncture is the application and method of working with the body's energy. If everything is made of energy at its most basic level, then being able to tap into and manipulate that energy is essential for maintaining an optimal state of health.
Conclusions drawn from Kirlian photography:
According to wikipedia Kirlian photography is likely due to the effects of moisture. In a plant leaf, high moisture content led to bigger and more colorful auras that diminished as the leaf withered. Likewise, in the torn leaf experiments, when the plate was wiped clean in between photographs there was no trace of the original outline.
Human intent as it affects health:
I think that intent does have an effect on human health. I believe that intention is important in general, as it helps shape our thoughts and actions. I don't believe that intention is everything, one also needs knowledge and skill. But I think intent is important enough to be mindful about it.
Thursday, August 8, 2019
Week 12- Biochemistry
The discussion about the industry shills posing as human beings got me
pretty upset. I have seen first hand the effects of what radiation can
do to the human body. I knew a man who had worked as an engineer at a
nuclear plant, and the exposure to background radiation destroyed his
kidneys, and he needed a transplant. Like all transplant patients he was
on immunosuppressants, which made him more vulnerable to infections,
and eventually he died. He told me he had no regrets, that his job gave
him a good standard of living, and excellent health care coverage, even
after he became disabled. He never had kids. It makes me sad that he
died so young. I work in an environment where portable chest xrays are
being performed
constantly. I send people for CT scans and to the nuclear medicine
department for studies all the time.
People who work in those departments wear dosimeter badges that monitor
their exposure levels, but those of us who work adjacent don't, even
though we are also exposed to the same radiation that they are. I think
its pretty obvious that I'm against anything that might allow employers
to further relax standards that govern how much radiation people are
exposed to.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Week 11- Biochemistry
Post my thoughts on a discussion in today's class:
The only discussion I remember was the the one where we talked about the repercussions of using western scientific methods to measure the effectiveness of TCM. I know that some people feel that for our medicine to be widely accepted we need to be able to prove that it has predictable results, and that the studies are repeatable. However, due to the very nature of TCM, I don't know if that's really viable or necessary. I'm only just starting the program, but I've heard this saying, one person many diagnoses? We know TCM works because our patients report back to us that their conditions improve, and we can also observe their improvements. Western medicine uses the same feedback loops. Very few things are actually 'measurable'. We know if blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels go up or down, or if lab work improves, but much of it is still dependent on a patient's reported response. We know TCM works because it is a system of medicine in its own right, handed down for thousands of years. It has become widely accepted for certain conditions because its been shown to work. Neither Western medicine or TCM is perfect, both systems have their drawbacks, but I believe both systems will continue to integrate to produce improved outcomes for patients.
Select a definition from the chemistry of life and post my thoughts:
Biochemistry is the chemistry of life, a bridge between biology and chemistry that studies how complex chemical reactions give rise to life
Biochemistry is the study of the relationships between biology and chemistry. It studies basic chemical compounds and the processes that occur in living organisms. It is the crossroads between biology, chemistry and medicine. I think biochemistry is our path forward. In order to survive as a species in the future we are going to figure out how to do things differently. We don't have infinite resources, we are a very finite planet, supporting way more humans than were ever imagined. We need to adopt ways of being that mimic nature, rather than destroying it. Cleaning up oil spills with mussels, and using fungi to eat our plastics is a drop in the bucket. We need to be able to envision a different future for ourselves, using science as a tool that help us to live in balance, starting with this planet right here. Otherwise our beloved Mother will shed us off like a bad cold, and start again with something else.
The only discussion I remember was the the one where we talked about the repercussions of using western scientific methods to measure the effectiveness of TCM. I know that some people feel that for our medicine to be widely accepted we need to be able to prove that it has predictable results, and that the studies are repeatable. However, due to the very nature of TCM, I don't know if that's really viable or necessary. I'm only just starting the program, but I've heard this saying, one person many diagnoses? We know TCM works because our patients report back to us that their conditions improve, and we can also observe their improvements. Western medicine uses the same feedback loops. Very few things are actually 'measurable'. We know if blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels go up or down, or if lab work improves, but much of it is still dependent on a patient's reported response. We know TCM works because it is a system of medicine in its own right, handed down for thousands of years. It has become widely accepted for certain conditions because its been shown to work. Neither Western medicine or TCM is perfect, both systems have their drawbacks, but I believe both systems will continue to integrate to produce improved outcomes for patients.
Select a definition from the chemistry of life and post my thoughts:
Biochemistry is the chemistry of life, a bridge between biology and chemistry that studies how complex chemical reactions give rise to life
Biochemistry is the study of the relationships between biology and chemistry. It studies basic chemical compounds and the processes that occur in living organisms. It is the crossroads between biology, chemistry and medicine. I think biochemistry is our path forward. In order to survive as a species in the future we are going to figure out how to do things differently. We don't have infinite resources, we are a very finite planet, supporting way more humans than were ever imagined. We need to adopt ways of being that mimic nature, rather than destroying it. Cleaning up oil spills with mussels, and using fungi to eat our plastics is a drop in the bucket. We need to be able to envision a different future for ourselves, using science as a tool that help us to live in balance, starting with this planet right here. Otherwise our beloved Mother will shed us off like a bad cold, and start again with something else.
Biophysics- class one- 7/24/19
I know I'm a living system because...
my body is its own biosphere. My lungs are the forests, exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen. My blood forms a network of rivers great and small transporting oxygen and nutrients. My kidneys filter the rivers, removing impurities and conserving electrolytes. My mitochondria are the power stations that convert molecules into energy. I am host to many living species. The creatures on my skin act like fungi on the forest floor eating dead skin cells. Bacteria in my gut help me digest food and make vital nutrients. My immune system protects the whole thing, while my DNA keep replicating cells until they can't make any more copies, and I expire.
Biophysics and TCM: there are lots of connections, but its the subject of our final paper, and I don't quite know what I'm going to write about yet.
Not sure if this assignment was for chem or biochem but it was on the website so...
People should still eat healthy food" - do we rely too heavily on supplements to provide antioxidants?
People should absolutely eat healthy food. Food is the building blocks of us, our bodies are literally made out of the food we eat. Out cell membranes are made of phospholipids. Our muscles are protein. Our bones are calcium. We need slow burning carbohydrates to fuel our giant brains. Ideally we would all eat what what was grown locally in accordance with the seasons, so our food would be fresh, containing the greatest amount of nutrients, and be free from pesticides.
"Aspirin a day could dramatically cut cancer risk" What are your thoughts on this?
Aspirin is a pretty amazing drug, and has been recommended for years to help prevent heart disease and strokes. Its a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. If it decreases the risk of several common cancers I don't see the problem with taking aspirin on a daily basis, unless someone has an allergy, or is at increased risk of GI bleeds. People who can't tolerate aspirin may be able to take an alternative, like turmeric.
In an excerpt from a study I found on pubmed:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12676044
my body is its own biosphere. My lungs are the forests, exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen. My blood forms a network of rivers great and small transporting oxygen and nutrients. My kidneys filter the rivers, removing impurities and conserving electrolytes. My mitochondria are the power stations that convert molecules into energy. I am host to many living species. The creatures on my skin act like fungi on the forest floor eating dead skin cells. Bacteria in my gut help me digest food and make vital nutrients. My immune system protects the whole thing, while my DNA keep replicating cells until they can't make any more copies, and I expire.
Biophysics and TCM: there are lots of connections, but its the subject of our final paper, and I don't quite know what I'm going to write about yet.
Not sure if this assignment was for chem or biochem but it was on the website so...
People should still eat healthy food" - do we rely too heavily on supplements to provide antioxidants?
People should absolutely eat healthy food. Food is the building blocks of us, our bodies are literally made out of the food we eat. Out cell membranes are made of phospholipids. Our muscles are protein. Our bones are calcium. We need slow burning carbohydrates to fuel our giant brains. Ideally we would all eat what what was grown locally in accordance with the seasons, so our food would be fresh, containing the greatest amount of nutrients, and be free from pesticides.
"Aspirin a day could dramatically cut cancer risk" What are your thoughts on this?
Aspirin is a pretty amazing drug, and has been recommended for years to help prevent heart disease and strokes. Its a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. If it decreases the risk of several common cancers I don't see the problem with taking aspirin on a daily basis, unless someone has an allergy, or is at increased risk of GI bleeds. People who can't tolerate aspirin may be able to take an alternative, like turmeric.
In an excerpt from a study I found on pubmed:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12676044
RESULTS:
A large number of studies on curcumin were identified. These included studies on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties of curcuminoids. Studies on the toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have included in vitro, animal, and human studies. A phase 1 human trial with 25 subjects using up to 8000 mg of curcumin per day for 3 months found no toxicity from curcumin. Five other human trials using 1125-2500 mg of curcumin per day have also found it to be safe. These human studies have found some evidence of anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin. The laboratory studies have identified a number of different molecules involved in inflammation that are inhibited by curcumin including phospholipase, lipooxygenase, cyclooxygenase 2, leukotrienes, thromboxane, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interferon-inducible protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-12 (IL-12).
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