Don't Waste Waste!

The term ‘biosolid’ is used to describe all treated waste from sewage treatment plants, but the only thing we think of when we hear the term is – excuse my indelicacy – poo. In the past, untreated sewage water had been casually discharged back into the environment without the slightest care for its negative impacts. However, improvements in filtration systems make it possible for the sewage material to be thoroughly filtered, resulting in clean water that’s being discharged into the environment, and leftover residue: biosolids. (To the right: Cartoon depicting how biosolids are made!)

(To the left: Slightly unappetizing picture of feces used in agriculture...)

Over the years, biosolids have acquired much popularity in the agricultural industry. Many farmers who act as stakeholders of this innovative method agree that the use of biosolids in agriculture has significantly benefitted their farms. On average, municipalities of Ontario produce 300 000 tonnes of treated sewage annually. The waste would generally be either incinerated or put into a landfill, but now farmers have found a method of utilizing these resources that would otherwise go to waste: spreading it onto their farmland. It’s a good thing that the farmers could overlook the initial absurdity of spreading human waste all over agricultural land, because it’s evident that their initiative brought many advantages. Containing a number of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen that are typically used by farmers in fertilizers, biosolids are known to be extremely beneficial to the soil. Additionally, the variety of micronutrients it contains improves crop production and reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizers. The organic matter in biosolids also acts as a bond between soil particles to reduce erosion. Disturbed lands like old construction sites or landfills are being reclaimed with the help of biosolids that act as an excellent top soil in providing the land with the fertility it needs to recover from previous trauma. Biosolids are even being used as top soils for recreational areas like parks and sports fields, but I’m dubious as to how many people would want to play in a field of their own feces! Even more, biosolids have even been successfully fed to cattle as 10-20% of their diet with no apparent health effects!... ew. (To the left: A farm that uses biosolids to grow crops!)

On the other hand, many people are still hesitant about converting to this method due to several of potential risks. It’s always a concern that the biosolids will be exposed to pathogens – i.e., disease causing organisms – like bacteria and protozoa. Not only does this directly affect our food sources, but it could also leach into and contaminate our water sources. Furthermore, sometimes biosolids are mistreated and results in contamination of heavy metals like lead and chromium that would have incredibly dangerous effects if applied to agricultural land.

Nevertheless, I still say yes to biosolids! The never-ending list of benefits outweighs the potential risks that are common among every agricultural method anyways. Not only do biosolids benefit the fertility and crop production of the farm, but think of the efficiency! For once, human waste is waste no more! Once people get past that initial appetite-losing thought, they’ll come to recognize its many assets!

I commented on:

Agatha Choy's Love your organics; Love your poop

Albert Gevorkian's Recycle Poop

Sources:

"Biosolids.com | About Biosolids: Biosolids Benefits." _. Web. 09 June 2011. .

Janssen, Don. "What Are Biosolids?" University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County. Web. 09 June 2011. .

"Sewage Biosolids - Managing Urban Nutrients Responsibly for Crop Production." Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs / Ministère De L'Agriculture, De L'Alimentation Et Des Affaires Rurales. Web. 09 June 2011. .

"Water FAQ's." Resource Library for the Environment and the Law. Web. 09 June 2011. .

"WQ427 Benefits and Risks of Biosolids | University of Missouri Extension." University of Missouri Extension Home. Web. 09 June 2011. .

Stethoscopes are sooooooo yesterday

Among the many benefits that the technological era has brought, perhaps none is as significant as the achievements that scientists have made in healthcare. These innovative scientists recognize problems and make alterations to existing methods and devices in order to aid research regarding our internal systems.

Previous methods of monitoring the digestive system have involved invasive and uncomfortable devices that explore the long, winding passages of our digestive tract. The invention of the swallowable sensor – a wireless capsule the size of a large vitamin pill that monitors the digestive system as it passes through the digestive tract – has significantly changed methods of diagnosis. Now clinicians can easily identify disorders in the digestive system through the information on acidity and pressure levels that a receiver worn by the patient collects.

(^The swallowable sensor is the same size and shape as a large pill and would generally be ingested in the same manner)

As well, recent discoveries have made it possible for tiny chips to mimic the functions of the human circulatory system down to the irregular beats of the heart. This makes it possible for scientists to monitor the endothelial cells lining the inner walls of blood vessels which, as a result of the impacts of blood flow differences in speeds and rhythms, are partly responsible for many cardiovascular diseases. Tiny pins move up and down to plunge fluid through the system of channels and valves that are drilled into the chip. A software program regulates the flow of the fluid through the channels to imitate the beating of the heart. Blood flow can also be altered to represent that of an athlete or a couch potato. Consequently, scientists have gained a much broader knowledge of the mechanical effects of blood flow and the role that certain cells play in cardiovascular disease.

Similarly, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) scans have made diagnosis and treatment of many disorders convenient, accurate and painless. Two-dimensional x-ray images are compiled to display cross-sectional diagrams of the body’s internal systems. If necessary, these 2-D images can also be assembled to form a detailed 3-dimensional view of the entire body. CAT scans create an accurate guide for treatment and placement of instruments. Since the invention of the CAT scan, doctors have been able to easily diagnose many internal diseases such as cancer, blood clots, fractures, cysts and infections. Today, CAT scans are commonly used in hospitals to aid in the analysis and cure of many bodily disorders.

(^A 3-dimensional CAT scan image of the head)

Among all of these major leaps in technological discovery are a number of Canadian contributions. In 1840, a Canadian discovery led to the development of anaesthetics which rendered surgery painless. As a result, doctors had increased flexibility in conducting surgical operations and diagnoses on patients. Later on, Joseph Lister went further to prove that the rate of recovery of patients was increased drastically with the disinfection of wounds. Evidently, Canadians have collectively chipped in quite a bit to our current healthcare methods!

As technology continues to progress, the improved understanding of our internal systems will only continue to aid in the recovery from and elimination of bodily disorders that plague our world today!

Commented on:

Inggrid Wibowo's Four for you, technology; you go, technology!
Connie Tang's Bombs and Robots, Perfectly safe technologies

Sources:

"Circulatory System on a Chip Lets Scientists Mimic Heartbeat." PhysOrg.com - Science News, Technology, Physics, Nanotechnology, Space Science, Earth Science, Medicine. Web. 05 May 2011. .

"CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - Why Are CT Scans Performed on MedicineNet." Web. 05 May 2011. .

Humphries, Courtney. "Swallowable Sensors - Technology Review." Technology Review: The Authority on the Future of Technology. Web. 05 May 2011. .

The Canadian Encyclopedia. Web. 05 May 2011. .

Sustainable Agriculture for a Sustainable Future!!

As the world population continues to escalate, many perceive the industrial production of crops and livestock as the only sufficient method of serving our increasing global needs of food distribution. These methods – namely industrial agriculture – use factories that rely on machinery, fossil fuels, chemicals and synthetic fertilizers to grow a concentration of ‘stable breeds’ over a large area. Industrial agriculture introduced a higher standard of living for customers who now have access to diverse selections of food for lower prices. Over the years, specialized farming practices that focus on the bare minimum that must be inputted in order to achieve a sufficient product have proven to be effective methods of producing large quantities of food. (Above picture: acres of corn stalks in an industrial farm)

However, the reliability of this form of agriculture must also be taken into consideration. Current forms of industrial farming depend heavily on the exploitation of cheap resources. With the rate of consumption and the excessive damage that we’ve inflicted upon the environment, it’s reasonable to say that these resources won’t be available to us for much longer. Industrial agriculture is largely a money-oriented business that disregards the symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment. As a result, these forms of farming have caused adverse effects on the environment, including the excessive use of water, energy, and industrial chemicals, the pollution of arable land, water and the atmosphere, and the accumulation of pesticides in groundwater. Most importantly, the specialization of a crop over a widespread area – otherwise known as monoculture – severs the relationships crops have with the soil and other animals, thereby significantly damaging biodiversity. In an industrial farm, one breed of corn would be present over acres and acres of land. Supposing an infestation or plague was to hit the farm, every corn stalk on the field would suffer. Similarly, when each pest has to achieve resistance against one breed, adaptability to pesticides is accomplished much quicker.(Above picture: cows in a dairy farm kept in tight spaces with the bare minimum to produce milk)

Fortunately, sustainable agriculture is an alternative method of farming that is much more reliable in the long run. These methods emphasize the ecological connection between organisms and their environment. Some argue that there isn’t enough natural fertilizer to sustain the quantity of crops we require, but the truth is that animal manure is not, by any means, in deficit. In fact, manure is often thought of as a liability when really, it’s an exceptional asset to farming. The closed cycle of nutrients, energy, water and waste ensures the conservation of resources. Sustainable agriculture also increases soil fertility and health, and can even reverse the degradation of agricultural soils that industrial forms of farming have caused. By defeating monoculture and planting a variety of crops side by side, not only is the likelihood of survival enhanced, but pests will also be controlled due to the lack of constant food supply (as found in an industrial farm). Consequently, though it appears that industrial agriculture is the sole solution to our world’s growing food demand, it’s an unreliable method of farming that’s both harmful to the environment and subject to failure. (Above picture: a sustainable farm)

I commented on:

Derek Li's Stewardship of our Natural and Human Resources

Justin Valmores' Opt for Sustainable Agriculture or Go Industrial?

Sources:

"Costs and Benefits of Industrial Agriculture." Alberni Environmental Coalition. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. .

"Hidden Costs of Industrial Agriculture." Union of Concerned Scientists. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. .

"Modern Agriculture." College of Natural Resources - UC Berkeley. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. .

"Organic vs Industrial Agriculture: Can We Have the Best of Both?" Life More Natural. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. .

DIY Fetus!

Today, genetic modification in agriculture is a well accepted practice, but the introduction of altering genetic makeup in childbirth is facing an entirely different reaction. Considering the significant impact this innovation will have on the future of humanity, it’s only expected for people to have their doubts about the social and ethical implications genetic modification poses on society. With every great invention comes great consequences – and the introduction of designer babies is no different.

The notion of using genetic modification to prevent diseases is received with open arms by the majority of society, but its use for cosmetic purposes is faced with a great deal of criticism and repulsion. To cure one of a disease that might damage their quality or length of life is to do well, but to alter one’s physical appearance for unnecessary reasons is seen as a superficial way of playing God. A number of safety concerns regarding genetic modification also pose as a potential threat to the well-being of children. Because many genes carry more than one particular trait, the modification of a gene to increase intelligence might also cause increased sensitivity to pain. Moreover, the ability to choose particular traits for your children would also build the foundation for a ‘super race’ of humans. Considering that these pricey options would be available only to those with the money, it would create an even larger gap between the wealthy and the poor. With the choice of preventing mental deficiencies or homosexuality in children, these marginalized groups would grow smaller while experiencing even more intensive forms of persecution. (PGD - Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, the process in which particular genes are selected to be placed or removed from a cell^)

On the other hand, how can it be denied that genetic modification will significantly improve the quality of life of many people? Millions of people all around the world who might’ve potentially fallen victim to a life-threatening disease can live in peace because of genetic modification. The purpose of technological advancement and progression in society is to find ways to improve the general quality of life. What better way than to eliminate genetic diseases from the very root of the problem? – in the genetic make-up of potential patients. At the moment, this method of genetic modification causes absolutely no form of direct harm to the members of society. None of the universally accepted standards of human rights are breached in any way through the processes of genetic modification; meaning in no way is there a negative effect on the well-being of society. In fact, the issue can easily be compared to the consumption of particular foods during pregnancy to increase the intelligence of children where it is nothing but a harmless decision that belongs solely to the mother.

There’s no doubt that designer babies can create an even greater imbalance between different social classes, but as of now, the level of technology hasn’t yet reached a state in which a superior race could evolve. Since no-one is being harmed through this genetic modification, it’s safe to say that it’s just another harmless option open to soon-to-be parents.

Sources:

- "Designer Babies." Buzzle.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2010. .
- "Designer Babies: Ethical Considerations." ActionBioscience.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2010.      .
- "What is a Designer Baby?" Bionet. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2010. .  
- "Who's Afraid of Designer Babies?"  BBC Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2010. sn/tvradio/
                  programmes/horizon/babies_prog_summary.shtml>.

Commented On:
Derek Li's 'Genetic Engineering - For Health Reasons... And Good Looks?'
Alex Cabaj's 'Designer Babies'

Correction over Conservation

All life on Earth has a place on an interconnected web, which means that the diminishing numbers of other species will eventually put our human health and safety at peril.

So now that we’re all on the same page, how do we solve the problem of disappearing species? Easy; we breed the animals and put them back in their respective wild habitats. Well, the problem is it really isn’t as simple as it sounds. In fact, there’s still a lot of controversy surrounding this method of rehabilitating the environment due to the lack of success. But to keep our hopes up, the truth is that there have been several incidences in which the reintroduction of species in an ecosystem has been successful, however difficult the process.

(The California Condor being released into the wild after it has been deemed capable of surviving and reproducing on its own without human assistance)

The idea of reintroduction is to keep endangered species captive in a well-controlled environment until they are ready to be released into the wild where they continue to populate. The first step in reintroducing a species is determining the reasons for the population decline and finding ways to address or eliminate these other elements. For example, if the reason for a species’ declining numbers is a result of hunting, then it’s necessary to set laws that prohibit the killing of these animals. For the reintroduction of animals to a wild habitat, special care must be put into ensuring that the animals can survive on their own without human assistance. This usually means the animals are kept captive in an environment where they are forced to fend for themselves until they are deemed ready to be set free into the wild under tight supervision. This process may become extremely difficult, especially when dealing with young animals that tend to imprint on human care-givers and eventually become accustomed to captivity. The most obvious purpose of reintroducing a plant species would be to provide a reliable and familiar food source for animals. Aside from this, reintroducing plants in an environment can also choke out other invasive and non-native species.

The Californian Condor is a perfect example of a successful reintroduction effort. This bird of an incredible 9-feet long wingspan became highly endangered due to hunting and the extinction of its prey. At the time when they were taken into captivity, there were only 22 Californian Condors left in the world. Over a tedious process that spanned over many decades, three populations which each contained at least 150 Condors and 15 breeding pairs were raised and finally released back into the wilderness of northern Arizona. Since then, efforts to reintroduce this incredible bird to its other native homes have been initiated.

(The California Condor soaring across the jagged cliffs of Northern Arizona. At this point it is entirely self-sustainable >)

With the need for constant supervision and periodic testing, the reintroduction of species definitely isn’t an easy or inexpensive method of recovering the environment. However, reintroduction has brought about something that conservation alone cannot achieve: it has corrected human error. With the ability to give back what we’ve taken, we can positively affect the biodiversity of our ecosystems rather than hopelessly preserve what’s left of our mistakes.

Commented on:

BioBlog - Sea Shepherd Conservation; by Nicole Duffy-LeBlanc

Caitlin's Bio Blog - Green Peace; by Caitlin Cosgrove

Sources:

· "What Is Reintroduction?" Wise Geek. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2010.

. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-reintroduction.htm

· "The California Condor on the Colorado Plateau." Land Use History of North America. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2010.

. http://cpluhna.nau.edu/Biota/california_condor.htm

· "Habitat Loss, Biodiversity, Conservation." Morris Course. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2010.

. http://morriscourse.com/elements_of_ecology/chapter_28.htm.

· "Wisdom of Reintroductions." Why Files. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2010.

. http://whyfiles.org/015species_restore/lessons.html.