Science & Nature Blog

Scientists are gaining ground each year in the study of such brain diseases as Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. More than 55,000 chimps are utilized in medical experiments, however, primate responses to these diseases are very different from human responses, and researchers at the University of California San Diego now know one more reason why. They have discovered a protein expressed in brain cells associated with these diseases that is human-specific. The good news is that, with advances in the study of genetics, there is also the ability to measure human responses at the molecular level, rather than rely on animal experiments, because stem cells can be isolated from umbilical cord blood after birth, and then developed into at least nine different cell types such as muscle cells, nerve cells, blood cells, or bone cells. These cells can then be used to test the metabolism and toxicity of new compounds in humans, providing a more precise knowledge of human responses than do animal experiments.

There's been talk lately of NASA's project to build an outpost on the moon. The first crew plans to blast off to the moon for short periods of work around 2020, with the goal of building a permanently manned facility within 4 years. The station will be used mainly to conduct scientific investigations and to prepare for manned missions to Mars. But first they will need to choose an appropriate site for the base, and a lunar lander must be designed. Up until now, moon exploration has been limited to robotic missions and a few short visits but this permanent base could well be the beginning of "living on the moon". As more and more is learned about overcoming the lack of breathable atmosphere, short water supplies, weakened gravational force, meteorite crashes and probably other things we don't even imagine, I wonder if the moon could one day attract vacationers, homesteaders, and business owners? Just a generation ago, this was the stuff of science fiction but the next generation may look upon our space exploration as we now look back upon early American pioneer exploration. For now, we think of a trip to the moon much as the Pilgrims must have thought of their trip to America, but how soon will that change? Read more details on this future moon base in Space Exploration Updates by Kelly Whitt.

Now that the holidays are over, most people look forward to staying home more, padding around in snuggly robes and houseshoes, and sipping hot chocolate beside the fireplace. Winter is in full swing now and blasting us with frigid temperatures and icy precipitation but it can actually be cozy when we don't have to go out in it. It's even cozier when your dog is curled up beside you on the couch or better yet, your cat is snuggled between your feet. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! But what about the pets who live outside? How do they feel? They may be better adapted than we would be but they need a sturdy, warm, and dry shelter too. All outside animals need extra food in winter to provide their bodies with extra energy for staying warm. The very young, the very old, the sick or the weak suffer most in cold weather . Sometimes pet owners tend to avoid going outside when the weather is bad and assume that outside pets are alright. The truth is, they're domestic and they depend on us. They don't have choices and cannot call the SPCA if theyr'e neglected. So please look after your pets and watch out for your neighbor's pets as well. Make sure they have proper shelter, extra food, and thawed water. Next time you look out your window at the snow drifting down and feel grateful that you are snug and warm inside, remember the animals and make sure they are too.

As daylight time decreases and night time lengthens each winter, it's estimated that over half a million people in the United States are affected to some extent by what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is characterized by lethargy, sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and cravings accompanied by weight gain. According to the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association website, it is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight. Others explain it as a decrease in serotonin. Now I'm wondering if this actually IS an "imbalance " and a "disorder" at all. It's noteworthy that SAD is almost unheard of in tropical areas but incidences increase the further north you go. We accept as perfectly natural and normal the hibernation habits of some animals and the dropping of leaves by some plants. Today's society tends to keep going all year long but our ancestors who lived off the land spent three seasons of the year plowing, planting, reaping, preserving and stockpiling for the cold winter ahead when they would spend most days inside the cabin, no doubt napping under thick quilts to stay warm. To them, this was normal. Although it's claimed there's no "cure" for SAD, there is "treatment" available in the form of light therapy and/or medication. I'm wondering if SAD may be a perfectly normal response to seasonal changes and if so, should we be medicating this perfectly normal response? Now, if you'll excuse me I think I'll go take a nap. (Yawn)

Science & Nature's very own Dogs topic is the proud recipient of the 2007 Best Dog Website Award from Dogluvers.

Kelly Stevenson of the Dogluvers Editorial Team writes, "We've chosen your website as a winner of the Dogluvers 2007 Best Websites Award. Congratulations on your beautiful and well-composed website. It certainly provides all dog lovers with extremely useful information!"

Thank you so much, Kelly and Dogluvers! That's certainly our goal, and we're thrilled to accept this award on behalf of all our dog writers who have contributed to the site.

Without his "Ho Ho Hos", Santa would not be Santa. But have you ever watched his twinkly blue eyes crinkle and his round belly shake as he heaves out those deep tones and wondered what's really going on? Why does he laugh? What happens when he laughs? Studies show that people are 30 times more likely to laugh when they're with other people than when alone, indicating it may be some form of communication. When brainwave patterns were traced in laughing subjects, a negatively charged electrical wave moved through the cerebral cortex, stimulating the motor section and triggering neural circuits. Fifteen facial muscles contracted including the zygomatic major muscle which lifts the upper lip. The larynx closed partway causing gaspy breaths and sometimes tear ducts were activated. And if that's not weird enough, this phenomenon has health benefits as well. Santa's "Ho Ho Ho's" release endorphins, the body's natural painkiller, into his bloodstream, which bring on that twinkle in his eyes. Serontonin is released into his body increasing levels of T-cells, proteins called Gamma-interferon, and B-cells which strengthen his immune system. And while his belly is shaking like a bowl full of jelly, the muscular workout exercises his heart and lungs, increasing oxygen saturation, lowering blood pressure, and releasing stress throughout his body. No wonder he's a jolly old soul.

With their over-grown ears, scrubby tails, and cuddly appearance, donkeys are the teddy bears of the horse world. I don't see many donkeys around my area. A few seem to be kept mostly as livestock guards or as pets and they frequently show up in Christmas productions. They carry Mary to Bethlehem, they look on as the baby Jesus sleeps in a manger, and they humbly transport the adult Jesus. I did a little research on donkeys recently and discovered that, because of their calm, steady nature, they make good therapy animals. I also discovered that many are still used heavily in some parts of the world as beasts of burden. Some are neglected, some are beaten to make them work harder. Some are severely hobbled sustaining injuries and losing hooves, and some have scarred and disfigured mouths due to homemade bits. It seems that many of them, regarded as equipment, are used mercilessly and then abandoned or dumped when they can no longer work. I was heartened when I found the website of a large donkey rescue in Israel that's making a big difference in the lives of these noble animals. I was fascinated to learn that there are so many different kinds of donkeys. The male and female donkeys are called jacks and jennys, respectively. The offspring of a male donkey and female horse is called a mule. The offpsring of a male horse and a female donkey is a hinny. And depending on whether the father is a donkey or a zebra, crosses may be referred to as a zedonk, zebrass, zebronkey, zonkey, zeebadonk, zenkey, or deebra. I learned that there are still wild donkeys roaming various parts of the world as well as a giant breed in Southern Spain called the Andalucian-Cordobesan, that reaches 16 hands but only about 150 of those still exist. If you happen to see a donkey in a Christmas pageant or nativity this year, take a closer look for the beauty and intelligence of this fascinating little creature. And you may even consider giving the sponsorship of a rescued donkey as a Christmas gift to an animal lover on your list. How fitting that would be.

Christmas may not seem very scientific but here in the Science & Nature section many of our writers have some interesting notes to share. In the spirit of the season, I've compiled a list of links from all across Suite for you to enjoy this Christmas season.

The Science of the Christmas Star

Wild Turkey, Christmas Turkey

A Christmas Idea for Birders

The Christmas Goose

The Christmas Bird Count

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Holiday Index

Christmas Key Lime Pie

Asian Holiday Salads

Sealife Seasonal Celebrations

Winter Needs for Outside Pets

Physics: Thanksgiving Edition

Spritz Cookies

Select a Healthy Poinsettia

So You're Having a Holiday Party

Ski-Snowboard South Tahoe

Homemade Clay Ornament Recipe

Book Review - Santa Cruz

A Self Employed Holiday Season

Christmas Tree Lesson Plan

Christmas Traditions in Hungary

Christmas Lights Spectacles

A Christmas Classic

Holiday Stress and Depression

Best Glamour Christmas Gifts

If you like to put up your Christmas tree before the last of the Thanksgiving pie is polished off, you know that it's very hard to keep needles off the floor and the tree fresh. But making a preservative is not hard and requires only a small amount of chemistry knowledge to help prevent the dry needles that can become a fire hazard. Your tree needs a food source, an acidifier to help it absorb food and water (hard water is alkaline), and a disinfectant to prevent the growth of mold, fungi, and algae. To serve this purpose just add one can of non-diet Sprite or 7-Up to a gallon of water with 4 teaspoons of chlorine bleach. Pour this solution in the base where the tree sits and keep it full. Label the solution and store it out of reach of children and pets, in the refrigerator, for up to two weeks. You may substitute corn syrup (or sugar) and vinegar in place of the soft drink but if you do this, make sure not to add vinegar directly to bleach, as it will produce toxic fumes. With this preservative, an occasional water bottle spritz on the tree itself, and a place out of direct sunlight, your tree can stay fresh and pretty for a long time.

Our Dogs writer is moving on in her dog interests and writing career so the Science and Nature section is specifically seeking a writer who can write comprehensively, accurately, creatively, and passionately about dogs. This would include such subjects as canine health and nutrition, training, boarding, grooming, rescue, breed profiles, dog events, book reviews, and equipment reviews. If you love dogs, know them inside and out, can meet writing deadlines, and enjoy active discussions with other dog lovers, we would love to have you apply for this paying position. Other Science and Nature topics seeking writers are Botany, Chemistry, Ecology & Geology, Fish & Insects, Forensic Science, Paleontology, Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians, Cats, or Wildlife Preservation.