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?