Popplet on Covalent, Ionic and Metallic Bonds

This is a popplet explaining what covalent, ionic and metallic bonds are. It also show some differences and similarities between the bonds. http://popplet.com/app/#/1377725

Sleeping Releases Toxins

When we sleep the toxins of everyday are released. " Sleep cleans the brain of toxins" By: James Gallagher. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24567412.

US researchers state that the reason us humans sleep is because of the waste removal system. 

Studies in the journal science shows that brain cells shrink when we sleep to open up gaps between the neutrons and allows fluid to clean the brain. They also stated that the lack of sleep can cause brain disorders as the toxins are not released. The brain has a plumbing system called glymphatic system which carries the waste out of the brain. Even the brain of mice shrink up to 10 times less when they sleep. This function of releasing toxins is vital to keep humans alive , though it can't be performed when they are awake. Scientists have discovered that more sleep means more life, thats why its recommended to sleep about 7-8 hours. 

This choose this article because I can relate it to my life. As a teenager stress is something I face everyday, not just because of school but for other stuff too. This made me realize I don't sleep as much as I'm suppose to therefore I retain toxins :) . From now on I will try to sleep more to have a healthy life.

How can Animals hold their breath for such a long time?

Have you ever wondered how come animals don't come out to the surface for a long time?  " Deep Breaths" By Stephanie Warren. Warren, StephanieRosen, RaphaelGuarino, BenHerman, DebbieRoss, Valerie. "Science News." Science World 70.2 (2013): 2. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 29 Sept. 2013. q

Not all animals can hold their breath for such a long time, Seals and big sperm whales are #1 in that task. This animals hunt underwater for what it seems to be about one hour or two without returning to the surface. How can they do this? Well scientists have recently discovered the magic behind this talent. Aquatic animals such as seals and whales have a oxygen storing molecule that allows them to go so deep into the ocean. This mammals contain a molecule called Myoglobin this molecule provide muscle cells with oxygen. Divers need extra Myoglobin to hold their breaths. Though its very dangerous when this cells get too close because they can't function properly. Divers have developed a “non stick” Myoglobin that prevents this from happening. Us humans don't have the the positive electric charge Myoglobin molecule that diving mammals have , making us not a sufficient as them.

This article is short but well written. I think the author didn't want to overwhelm the reader with a long explanation on how Animals hold their breath, and thats why she made a summary. I decided to work on this article because I had always wonder how can animals do that? Now I know its because they had a Myoglobin cell that helps them breath for a long time.  

How a comet 12,900 years ago change climate?

Climate has a lot to do with the meteor that destroyed mammoths" Did A Comet really kill the Mammoths 12,900 years ago?" By: Robert Kunzig http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/09/130910-comet-impact-mammoths-climate-younger-dryas-quebec-science/

One of the most potential theories for why mammoths went extinct is a comet. In 2007 the idea of a comet hitting the earth at the beginning of the Younger-Dryas about 12,900 years ago was proposed. The Younger Dryas was the period were the climate cooled. Evidence of this idea includes: 1) Researchers in Dartmouth College have discovered tiny glassy specks of rock in Pennsylvania. This rocks date exactly 12,900 years and are possible residue of a comet. 2) In the northern countries like Greenland and Canada platinum residue has been found. Though the platinum was not from a comet it was from an iron rich meteor. Though this facts are not useful to scientists, some agree there is more truth in the comet than lies. The mammoth-killing impact made the earth's climate change.12,900 years ago the ice sheets were in full retreat from the past ice age. The climate was almost as warm as it was today. During the next decades the cold returned and it was more severe than ever. Even though the Younger Dryas happened many years ago scientist are worry about the severe climate the Earth faces. If it happened once why can't it happen again. The comet in present day Quebec is said to be what caused mammoth population to become extinct. Though it is a strong fact it also proves that the climate can be altered by such a powerful thing like a comet.

This author made a terrific job in catching the readers attention. This article is well written and it provides evidence and facts for the reader to draw conclusions from it. I can relate to this article because I have always been interested in comets. Though it happened many years ago it can still affect today. For example the climate shifts described in this article can happen again and its up to the next generations to be informed and prepared.

Joseph John  Thomson

This is a prezi about Joseph John Thomson a Physician that contributed to the theory of the atom. One of his greatest models was the Plum Pudding model.

http://prezi.com/r0utu_hk_r4e/joseph-john-thompson/ 

Skin Eating Fungus is a Threat to Salamanders

A very dangerous skin eating fungus is a danger for Salamanders in the Netherlands."Salamander Threatened by Skin Eating Fungus" By: Melissa Hogenboon.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23898406 

In the cold Netherlands salamanders are at the border of extinction. Though scientists don't know if the problem has spread to other countries, The Netherlands is the main target. The fire salamander famous for its black and yellow skin has dropped in population at a high speed for the past couple of months. Once the salamander is infected it burns the skin cells. Scientists were aware of this catastrophic event and took some salamanders into captivity for protection. Many new baby salamanders have been born in this protection programs. Scientists are planning on returning them back once the numbers are balanced again. A group of International scientists from different parts of the world have identified this fungus as Batrachochytrium Salamandrivorans which means "salamander eating". They discovered this by isolating the fungus and taking a close look at dead salamanders. Scientists believe this fungus was spread from direct contact or by living in a dirty contaminated environment. They also believe the fungus must have come from another part of the world to the Netherlands.

This author of this article has a valid point by writing this article. It is worrying for me that this fungus is killing many animals like the salamander. If scientists don't find a cure for this then the fungus could spread to other animals. In my opinion I have always liked animals but amphibians are not my favorite, Though I still feel worried for them. How would the society work without them, who would help us eat the mosquitoes? 

Snails Can Spread a Deadly Dog Disease 

Snails are not fast but they are fast enough to cover a big perimeter overnight. “Fast Moving Snails Spread a Deadly Dog Disease” By Matt McGrath http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23798012

During a experiment scientists have attached LED lights to snails to record their movements over night. Snails are very slow movers but they are fast enough to cover a average back yard from the UK in one night. Fast moving snails are spreading a deadly bacteria that is mortal for dogs. Due to the wet and humid climate of the UK snails are appearing everywhere. The numbers say that the amount of snails has increased 50% over the last year. The bacteria left by the snails is called Angiostronglyus vasorum and is a type of lungworm particularly dangerous for dogs. Dogs can confuse the snails with food or chew on garden toys and can get infected by this type of bacteria. This has caused a big riot for owners of dogs all over the UK. It has a bigger problem since it has spread from south England to Scotland. Scientists don't have a big solution for this problem but they are advising the owners of dogs to check their back yards often to reduce the snail risk. 

Even though I don't own a dog this article relates to me because, I have always wanted one and I can't imagine how would I feel if I lost my dog due to something so small like a snail. In-fact this article can relate to everyone with a dog, Especially people living in the UK. The author of this article has a great point because animals are always taking for granted, For someone to put this much attention to this subject is amazing.  

http://prezi.com/1kt9wjxwo0q_/metric-system/ This Prezi is about what are significant figures and how can we used them in the lab or classroom. 

New Specie identified in the Western Hemisphere

 The latest discovery in the animal world involves a new type of mammal.. Olinguito: 'Overlooked' mammal carnivore, By Jane O'Brien  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23701151

The name is the Olinguito. His habitat is the Western hemisphere in the rain forests of Colombia and Ecuador. It has taken scientists over a century to identify this animal since it is extremely rare to find in present day. This discovery started when a Dr Helgen a zoologist analyzed a weird anatomy of a certain animal in a Chicago museum . He was speechless with the discovery he had just made, he had no words to explain how he felt. Dr Helgen works at the National Museum of Natural History where the biggest collection of mammals bones are held. The Olinguito forms part of the latest addition to the animal family. This animal is a carnivore that forms part of the dogs, cats , bears and other relatives group. It is the first animal discovery in America for more than three long decades. The crucial question that haunts scientists is weather the Olinguito lives in the wild? The truth is the Olinguito lives by itself and produces only one baby at a time. They may be carnivore but it mainly eats lots of fruits. This discovery has led to others explore what else is out there to discover.

This article has enough information from the author to draw excellent conclusions from it. He shows a side of nature no one has seen and explains it in a surreal way. In my opinion this article helps others and myself to wonder and encourage what else is out there to discover. We may not be scientists but wondering is not a crime. The world is a huge place with many things that are unknown to the human eyes and are just waiting to be discovered. Teenagers are the next generation and it up to us to make a new discovery and also to make a change.

Why is Safety Important 

Safety is important because its our life that is on risk if we don't follow the proper guidelines of the lab or any other place with dangerous materials. Important safety rules I have learned are 1) always use goggles in the lab. Goggles are important because no one wants to get blind by not following the rules. 2) Sharp object should not be carried around looking up. Who likes to see blood ? I think no one especially if its your friends blood. Sharp objects are extremely dangerous if not used carefully. Science is a vast topic that has many explanations to it. In my opinion science is very interesting and i am eager to learn more about it this school year. Chemistry this year is so far so good. I've heard its a difficult course but following the rules and instructions there is no reason to get a bad grade. Something I really want to do this year is to make lots of labs just to make the class fun.