I THINK its time for a guest blog!

I THINK it’s time for a guest blog! This post comes to you from my friend Iris Xu, 14, a longtime friend whos gotten pretty involved with MIT THINK. She asked me to let her guest-blog about it, and I figured, hey, science is awesome, MIT is awesome, whats not to love about the combination? So here it is, *groan*fully punny title and all! Heres Iris: WARNING: There will be shameless promotion of MIT TechFair’s THINK competition in this post. NOTE: You needn’t have worked in a lab nor done research to enter. It’s that time of year againâ€"holidays, finals, and high school science competitions! *thumbs up* For me, it was really awesome getting the chance to work in a lab and to start my own project. I remember how cool I felt when I first told my friends about “mutagenesis” like it was some dirty word. Just kidding…I never told them but I like to pretend that they cared. But, in all seriousness, starting a project was kind of a milestone for me in high school. It meant that I got to work on something that I got excited just thinking about, and where the time I put in materialized in the form of cool results and a *high-quality* shiny poster display. Science competitions became a really great way to showcase that hard work. But, it wasn’t just that. They became a great opportunity to meet other kids who were just as excited and who cared just as much about their projects. Of course, I learned how to communicate scientific results and how to develop experiments, and ended up working on the project all the way until MIT began. And in the end, it wasn’t really about the results, but the ideas and work that went into them. And now for the plug… Sure, I did a lot of science competitions, but I REALLY, REALLY wish I knew about MIT TechFair’s THINK. It differs from other competitions in that it is more about innovation and using your resources to implement an idea rather than the results. The categories are: • Homegrown Proposal The project is conducted in a home environment, with or without professional mentorship. • Laboratory-Based Proposal The project is conducted in a professional setting, such as a school laboratory or an industrial lab. • Idea Proposal The project has not been conducted yet, but describes comprehensive steps for implementation. It’s free to enter, and just some of the awesome prizes include: • A trip to MIT for the week of Spring Registration for TechFair • The opportunity to meet a MIT professor/faculty of choice • Opportunity to network with all the companies at TechFair • Money and other goodies For more information, go to http://www.mittechfair.org/think/ .The deadline is December 15.

Data Protection - 1441 Words

DATA PROTECTION- what is this act? What it is for? Controls how your personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government. It also imposes restriction on the transfer of data, also like placing the materials on the web. Everyone responsible for using data has to follow strict rules called data protection principles, they must make sure the information is: * used fairly and lawfully * used for limited, specifically stated purposes * used in a way that is adequate, relevant and not excessive * accurate * kept for no longer than is absolutely necessary * handled according to people’s data protection rights * kept safe and secure * not transferred outside the UK without adequate†¦show more content†¦Before you download the app read the reviews and research the app, consider mobile security software. Update when prompted- avoiding updates can leave the tablet or smartphone incredibly vulnerable, if you get behind on an update, you are leaving your smartphone open for attack. Physical- anti-theft accessories- some product can help to prevent your kit being stolen. Kensington locks- this SecureBack range is available for tablets, e-readers, smart phones and starts at around  £30. Socket- that attaches equipment’s case using high-strength adhesive pads. Alarms- a way of stopping a thief is to protect it with the alarm. The lock alarm mini will work with anything that has a slot through which you can slip the cable. A 100DB siren sounds if the lock cable is cut or motion is detected Norton Anti-theft- lets you remotely lock down your personal files, preventing the thief from accessing your data, and you can even use the devices built in camera to snap a photo of whoever is using it at the time. * Taking precautions- confidentiality To prevent hacking- use firewall- it stops unwanted intruders. * Keep the firewall up to date * Report if breached immediately * Use anti-spam * Security on smartphones COMPUTER MISUSE ACT 1990- It helps to tackle the problems caused by hacking. It enables hackers to beShow MoreRelatedThe Data Protection Act Essay1453 Words   |  6 PagesThe Data Protection Act The Data Protection Act (1998) came into force on 1st March 2000. It sets rules for processing personal information and applies to paper records as well as those held on computers. It was brought out because computers were getting more powerful and easy to use. Companies, government and other organisations began to use them to store large amounts of information about people, such as their customers, clients and staff details. Databases with thisRead MoreData Protection and Customer Privacy743 Words   |  3 PagesThe media, trade bodies and academia has created a large buzz around the Data Protection and customers’ privacy in the recent years. The consequences of the issue raised are different legislation policies, self-regulation, and general confusion. In order to be discussed, this controversial topic should be looked at from two different perspectives: customers’ one and direct marketers’ one. From customers’ point of view, direct marketing is undoubtedly an invasion of their privacy. Consumers feel intimidatedRead MoreThe Data Protection Act 19981412 Words   |  6 Pagesin ICT The Data Protection Act 1998 Purpose The Data Protection Act came into force on the 1st March 2000. It was designed to guard individual’s personal data which is stored on computers or in an organised paper filing system. It is an act of parliament from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and also Northern Ireland. The Act states the UK law on the processing of data of living people. The Data Protection Act is the key piece of legislation that runs the protection of personal data in the UK.Read MoreData Protection Act3062 Words   |  13 Pagesprotection Describe the legislation and organisational requirements in care setting such as Queensland that ensure good practise in dealing with confidentiality. Legalisation Legalisation means when there is a set of a law or the process in which you are doing and the government has approved it. The three main pieces of legalisation that are connected to confidentiality. They are: †¢ Data protection act 1998 †¢ Access to personal files act 1987 †¢ Access to medical records act 1990Read MoreEssay on Data Protection Act613 Words   |  3 PagesData Protection Act Any organisation that holds or processes personal information must be registered to the Data Protection Act. The Data protection Act means that a company holding personal information cannot pass on personal details and the data must be kept secure. There are 8 principles that state that data must be obtained and used lawfully. Ways of protecting information: * Passwords * Lock the room * ID cards * Alarms * BackRead MoreConfidentiality: Abuse and Data Protection Act823 Words   |  4 Pagesrights †¢ secure †¢ not transferred to countries outside European economic area unless country has adequate protection for the individual Anyone processing personal information must notify the (ICO) Information Commissioners Office that they are doing so. Within a school setting, all information which concerns pupils must be treated confidentially, as stated in the Data Protection Act 1998 any information must be stored as stated in the act. All staff who work in a school need to be awareRead MoreThe Data Protection Act Of The World Of Sales1684 Words   |  7 Pageslot of customers being kept happy and being safe. One of the most famous of these is the Data Protection Act. The purpose of this act is to ensure that the information of customers is kept safe and isn’t openly accessible to just anyone. This isn’t just to protect the customers but is also to protect the business. The business is being represented by the sales person and they must ensure that all customer data is protected because if something malicious were to be done with the customers informationRead MoreLegal Issues : Data Protection Act Essay1635 Words   |  7 PagesLegal Issues: Data protection Act The data protection act is a law to protect personal data. The act is a law because it makes sure all your data is protected and properly handled. The Data Protection act allows the clients to access their own data to check and correct the data. The clients can also check to and find out what personal information is used correctly. When people are giving companies there details the companies must have a Data protection act in place to allow for the safety of theRead MoreQuestions On Data Protection Act 19983281 Words   |  14 PagesP3- understand the issues related to the use of information: Legal issues: Data protection legalisation (e.g. data protection act 1998) Purpose: The main purpose of the Data Protection Act is to give all individual(s) the rights over their personal data and information. The act requires anyone who handles an individual’s personal data to agree with a number of important principles and legal obligations. All individuals are entitled upon making an access request, to be supplied with a copy of anyRead MoreThe Data Protection Act, 1998 Essay471 Words   |  2 Pages The Data Protection Act, 1998 The ‘right to privacy’ is a right we all expect. We do not expect personal details such as our age, medical records, personal family details and, political and religious beliefs to be freely available to everybody. With the growth of information and communication technology, large databases are able to hold huge quantities of information and global networks are able to share and distribute this information around the world in seconds. To

Hypothesis Bariatric Surgery Offers Better Glycemic...

Abstract Hypothesis: Bariatric surgery offers better glycemic control for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in comparison to standard therapies of diet, exercise, and pharmaceuticals. Methods: A retrospective literature research was conducted using several scholarly databases to collect and review information relevant to the hypothesis. The search engines included but were not limited to Google Scholar, PubMed, MedlinePlus, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The research was not limited by country of origin but was restricted to publications in English. Articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were rejected and studies that met the exclusion criteria were eliminated from the data pool. Results: Patients who received Bariatric procedures (i.e. Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy) consistently had a greater decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin values compared to patients who received standard anti-diabetic therapy. The results from the data were synthesized into an Evidence Table (Appendix-Table 3). Conclusion: The evidence suggests that Bariatric surgery is a more effective therapy for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus compared to conventional treatment. Most studies in this review focused on moderate to morbidly obese patients who suffer from diabetes. More research is required to elucidate which subset of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus would benefit from metabolic surgery. Future research should examine the benefits and risks of the application

The Outbreak of the HIV Virus, AIDS in 1980s Free Essays

Who would have ever thought that a disease, possibly brought to America by infected African monkeys, would affect the country forever? This is exactly what happened in the late nineteenth century when the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was introduced to America. The unpredictable epidemic caused a huge outrage for years to come. The outbreak of the HIV virus, AIDS, in the early 1980†³s resulted in medical research, public misconceptions, and ultimately growing awareness. We will write a custom essay sample on The Outbreak of the HIV Virus, AIDS in 1980s or any similar topic only for you Order Now Appearing first only in homosexual men, AIDS was an unfamiliar virus to the entire United States. Reports of unknown and unexplainable symptoms caused much confusion among patients and even doctors. In 1981, the first reports explained that 41 homosexual men in the San Fransisco area had â€Å"†¦ a rare and often rapidly fatal form of cancer† (Altman n. p. ). After years of researching these cases and millions of others appearing later in the decade, scientists discovered that it was not cancer they were dealing with. They called it HIV (Human Immune Virus) which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome) that â€Å"†¦ rogressively destroys the body†s ability to fight infections and certain cancers† (ARIC n. p. ). With minimal research there was nothing to initially â€Å"combat† the virus; but, thanks to time and funding, there were some drugs that seemed to help stop the spread of the virus in ones body. These anti-retroviral drugs still don’t constitute as cures ! for the virus, but have definitely helped and continue to help patients live longer (ARIC n. p. ). Since a vaccine to â€Å"†¦ evoke an immune system response that will prevent infection or disease development† still has not been found, other treatments have been tested. Accupuncture, stress management, hypnosis, exercise, good nutrition, and an overall positive attitude all seem to alleviate symptoms even if they are not proven cures of the virus (Packer 78-88). Although AIDS is a life threatening disease, there were many people living with it by keeping healthy and staying safe. Scott Fried had not tried any of the aniviral drugs; however, practices such as taking 80 herbs and vitamins a day, staying physically fit, visiting the doctor every three months, and being happy have kept him alive with the virus for thirteen years (Fried speach). Most victims have not lived as long as he which is why AIDS has lead to some extensive research. Investigators supported by private and public funds continued to search for a cure or even an explanation of HIV/AIDS for two decades because like the â€Å"b! lack plague†, AIDS has killed off millions of people in a short time. Also like the black plague did, AIDS carried with it a long string of misconceptions. In the Middle Ages anyone carrying the â€Å"black plague† was to be avoided. Similarly, the public would often avoid people with AIDS. There were fabrications that AIDS could be caught by another human being from sneezing, coughing, hugging, kissing or even any â€Å"casual contact† ; so, people stayed away from those who were infected by AIDS. Another lie was that AIDS was caused by something magical or mystical (Taylor 23-24). Though some were overly careful of â€Å"catching† the virus, others were not careful enough. Since the initial outbreak was among gay men it was simply assumed that only gay men could be affected. Then reports of IV drug users having the disease still seemed to eliminate the chance of the common person being infected. Next, hemophiliacs and people who had had blood transfusions were reported followed by blacks, Hispanics, lesbians, straight women and finally white, heterosexual, males. Still everyone said â€Å"It can†t happen to me,† until it did (Fried speech). This assumption that AIDS only affected few amounts of people and only minorities was the basis of all misconceptions about that virus. People did not believe the virus could have any impact on their lives; but, it did impact everyones lives directly and or indirectly. Now that â€Å"AIDS is the second leading cause of death in the United States among people aged 25 to 44†³ (ARIC n. p. ), the misconceptions have been proven to be false. Although it was statistically correct that 66% of people infected by AIDS were homosexual males, 24% were IV drug users, and only 4% were heterosexual males or females (Packer 17) it was still a fact that AIDS can affect anyone. After years of research and statistical reports there were finally people relaying these messages to the public. Motivational speakers, like Scott Fried, continue to reach out to teens and adults about AIDS and sex. Information about these subjects can also be found easily, not only at hospitals or doctors† offices; but in books, magazines, pamphlets, and even on the internet. Conducting a simple search on http://www. yahoo. com came up with 164 â€Å"category matches,† 1,206 â€Å"web site matches,† and 237,000 web page matches. This means that HIV/AIDS appears at least 238,370 times on th! e world wide web and it shows that AIDS in an important component of modern life. Not only are people becoming aware of the AIDS epidemic, but they are becoming aware of sexuality through learning about AIDS. Before the outbreak of this fatal virus sex was only spoken about discretely. Now even kids are being made aware of the dangers of sex and spreading HIV. In this way HIV/AIDS had a positive affect on the country. People are aware of the facts and probably make better decisions. Some experts have said that AIDS will remain the way it is now and others predict it growing into a â€Å"huge epidemic† (Taylor 28). Hopefully due to this expansion of knowledge and recognition, he AIDS virus will not spread as quickly and infect as many people as it has in the past. HIV positive, homosexual, male, Scott Fried, said, â€Å"Ironically one of the blessings that HIV/AIDS has brought me is the abundance of love. . . † and perhaps that is true. Pertaining to the eighties and the early onset of the virus, AIDS caused much more commotion than love. However, every cloud has a silver lining and the hysteria has finally cleared up some myths. It has opened up the public to not only HIV/AIDS awareness, but sexual cognizance as well. How to cite The Outbreak of the HIV Virus, AIDS in 1980s, Essay examples

Understanding the War Poetry of Wilfred Owen Essay Example

Understanding the War Poetry of Wilfred Owen Essay Much can be learned about the historic and human impact of WI by studying the literary output from the era. Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) is considered one of the greatest war poets in the English language. He wrote out of personal experience of the physical, moral and psychological trauma FWIW in a time when most war poetry was romanticists and used as propaganda. In his poems Dulcet et Decorum est. and Anthem for Doomed Youth Owen dispels the Idea that dying for ones country Is a bole or rewarding act and recognizes the futile deaths of his young comrades and the suffering and sadness of those left behind. However, it is difficult for the reader to derive any meaning or appreciation from these poems without an understanding of the life and times of the author and text. Knowledge of Owens life and military service provide insight Into his thoughts, emotions and motivation for writing his poetry. Owen served as a 2nd lieutenant In France. One of his traumatizing experiences Included spending several days In a bomb crater trapped with the mangled corpse of a fellow officer while badly enclosed. This information gives Owens poetry credibility and evokes a horrifying realization in the reader that these graphic descriptions of warfare are not fabricated. For example, in Dulcet et Decorum Est Owen seems to look back on the events as a recurring nightmare. We will write a custom essay sample on Understanding the War Poetry of Wilfred Owen specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Understanding the War Poetry of Wilfred Owen specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Understanding the War Poetry of Wilfred Owen specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The poem details a gas attack on a band of exhausted soldiers, while one unfortunate man Is not swift enough to get his mask on and his companions are forced to watch him die slowly and agonizingly, unable to help. The poet masterfully uses first-person POP to bring the events to the audience n a personal level. In all my dreams, helpless before my sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning. This literary technique, combined with the background information on Owens experiences, enhances the stark realism of the poem causing the reader to feel the emotions of the narrator of the poem. Owens Christian upbringing Is also evident In Anthem for Doomed Youth. Owen was raised as an Anglican of the evangelical school and was a devout believer In his youth. He also counted the Bible as one of the major influences on his poetry. This shows in Anthem in which he skillfully juxtaposes the glamour of trench warfare against the somber atmosphere of a church. These religious images: orisons, mockeries, prayers, bells, choirs, candles, holy glimmer, pall symbolism the sanctity of life. This, along with the futility of war, Is a recurring theme In Owens works. An understanding of the age in which a poem was written can reveal its purpose. For example, Owen wrote seeking to educate the populace of Britain of the tragedy and horror of war. This is because during the years of conflict, most war poetry was attrition and idealistic which heavily shaped the public perception of war as a glorious and honorable way to serve ones country.

Learn How Animals Are Classified

Learn How Animals Are Classified For centuries, the practice of naming and classifying living organisms into groups has been an integral part of the study of nature.  Aristotle (384BC-322BC) developed the first known method of classifying organisms, grouping organisms by their means of transport such as air, land, and water. A number of other naturalists followed with other classification systems. But it was Swedish botanist, Carolus (Carl) Linnaeus (1707-1778) that is considered to be the pioneer of modern taxonomy. In his book Systema Naturae, first published in 1735, Carl Linnaeus introduced a rather clever way to classify and name organisms. This system, now referred to as Linnaean taxonomy, has been used to varying extents, ever since. About Linnaean Taxonomy Linnaean taxonomy categorizes organisms into a hierarchy of kingdoms, classes, orders, families, genera, and species based on shared physical characteristics. The category of phylum was added to the classification scheme later, as a hierarchical level just beneath kingdom. Groups at the top of the hierarchy (kingdom, phylum, class) are more broad in definition and contain a greater number of organisms than the more specific groups that are lower in the hierarchy (families, genera, species). By assigning each group of organisms to a kingdom, phylum, class, family, genus, and species, they can then be uniquely characterized. Their membership in a group tells us about the traits they share with other members of the group, or the traits that make them unique when compared to organisms in groups to which they do not belong. Many scientists still use the Linnaean classification system to some extent today, but it is no longer the only method for grouping and characterizing organisms. Scientists now have many different ways of identifying organisms and describing how they relate to each other. To best understand the science of classification, it will help to first examine a few basic terms: classification - the systematic grouping and naming of organisms based on shared structural similarities, functional similarities, or evolutionary historytaxonomy - the science of classifying organisms (describing, naming, and categorizing organisms)systematics - the study of the diversity of life and the relationships between organisms Types of Classification Systems With an understanding of classification, taxonomy, and systematics, we can now examine the different types of classifications systems that are available. For instance, you can classify organisms according to their structure, placing organisms that look similar in the same group. Alternatively, you can classify organisms according to their evolutionary history, placing organisms that have a shared ancestry in the same group. These two approaches are referred to as phenetics and cladistics and are defined as follows: phenetics  - a method of classifying organisms that is based on their overall similarity in physical characteristics or other observable traits (it does not take phylogeny into account)cladistics  - a method of analysis (genetic analysis, biochemical analysis, morphological analysis) that determines relationships between organisms that are based solely on their evolutionary history In general, Linnaean taxonomy uses  phenetics  to classify organisms. This means it relies on physical characteristics or other observable traits to classify organisms and does consider the evolutionary history of those organisms. But keep in mind that similar physical characteristics are often the product of shared evolutionary history, so Linnaean taxonomy (or phenetics) sometimes reflects the evolutionary background of a group of organisms. Cladistics  (also called phylogenetics or phylogenetic systematics) looks to the evolutionary history of organisms to form the underlying framework for their classification. Cladistics, therefore, differs from phenetics in that it is based on  phylogeny  (the evolutionary history of a group or lineage), not on the observation of physical similarities. Cladograms When characterizing the evolutionary history of a group of organisms, scientists develop tree-like diagrams called cladograms. These diagrams consist of a series of branches and leaves that represent the evolution of groups of organisms through time. When a group splits into two groups, the cladogram displays a node, after which the branch then proceeds in different directions. Organisms are located as leaves (at the ends of the branches).   Biological Classification Biological classification is in a continual state of flux. As our knowledge of organisms expands, we gain a better understanding of the similarities and differences among various groups of organisms. In turn, those similarities and differences shape how we assign animals to the various groups (taxa). taxon  (pl. taxa) - taxonomic unit, a group of organisms that has been named Factors That Shaped High-Order Taxonomy The invention of the microscope in the mid-sixteenth century revealed a minute world filled with countless new organisms that had previously escaped classification because they were too tiny to see with the naked eye. Throughout the past century, rapid advances in evolution and genetics (as well as a host of related fields such as cell biology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, and biochemistry, to name just a few) constantly reshape our understanding of how organisms relate to one another and shed new light on previous classifications. Science is constantly reorganizing the branches and leaves of the tree of life. The vast changes to a classification that have occurred throughout the history of taxonomy can best be understood by examining how the highest level taxa (domain, kingdom, phylum) have changed throughout history. The history of taxonomy stretches back to the 4th century BC, to the times of Aristotle and before. Since the first classification systems emerged, dividing the world of life into various groups with various relationships, scientists have grappled with the task of keeping classification in sync with scientific evidence. The sections that follow provide a summary of the changes that have taken place at the highest level of biological classification over the history of taxonomy. Two Kingdoms (Aristotle, during 4th century BC) Classification system based on:  Observation (phenetics) Aristotle was among the first to document the division of life forms into animals and plants. Aristotle classified animals according to observation, for example, he defined high-level groups of animals by whether or not they had red blood (this roughly reflects the division between vertebrates and invertebrates used today). Plantae  - plantsAnimalia  - animals Three Kingdoms (Ernst Haeckel, 1894) Classification system based on:  Observation (phenetics) The three kingdom system, introduced by Ernst Haeckel in 1894, reflected the long-standing two kingdoms (Plantae and Animalia) that can be attributed to Aristotle (perhaps before) and added third kingdom, Protista that included single-celled eukaryotes and bacteria (prokaryotes). Plantae  - plants (mostly autotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes, reproduction by spores)Animalia  - animals (heterotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes)Protista  - single-celled eukaryotes and bacteria (prokaryotes) Four Kingdoms (Herbert Copeland, 1956) Classification system based on:  Observation (phenetics) The important change introduced by this classification scheme was the introduction of the Kingdom Bacteria. This reflected the growing understanding that bacteria (single-celled prokaryotes) were very much different from single-celled eukaryotes. Previously, single-celled eukaryotes and bacteria (single-celled prokaryotes) were grouped together in the Kingdom Protista. But Copeland elevated Haeckels two Protista phyla to the level of kingdom. Plantae  - plants (mostly autotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes, reproduction by spores)Animalia  - animals (heterotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes)Protista  - single-celled eukaryotes (lack tissues or extensive cellular differentiation)Bacteria  - bacteria (single-celled prokaryotes) Five Kingdoms (Robert Whittaker, 1959) Classification system based on:  Observation (phenetics) Robert Whittakers 1959 classification scheme added the fifth kingdom to Copelands four kingdoms, the Kingdom Fungi (single and multi-cellular osmotrophic eukaryotes) Plantae  - plants (mostly autotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes, reproduction by spores)Animalia  - animals (heterotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes)Protista  - single-celled eukaryotes (lack tissues or extensive cellular differentiation)Monera  - bacteria (single-celled prokaryotes)Fungi  (single and multi-cellular osmotrophic eukaryotes) Six Kingdoms (Carl Woese, 1977) Classification system based on:  Evolution and molecular genetics (Cladistics/Phylogeny) In 1977, Carl Woese extended Robert Whittakers Five Kingdoms to replace Kingdom bacteria with two kingdoms, Eubacteria and Archaebacteria. Archaebacteria differ from Eubacteria in their genetic transcription and translation processes (in Archaebacteria, transcription, and translation more closely resembled eukaryotes). These distinguishing characteristics were shown by molecular genetic analysis. Plantae  - plants (mostly autotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes, reproduction by spores)Animalia  - animals (heterotrophic, multi-cellular eukaryotes)Eubacteria  - bacteria (single-celled prokaryotes)Archaebacteria  - prokaryotes (differ from bacteria in their genetic transcription and translation, more similar to eukaryotes)Protista  - single-celled eukaryotes (lack tissues or extensive cellular differentiation)Fungi  - single and multi-cellular osmotrophic eukaryotes Three Domains (Carl Woese, 1990) Classification system based on:  Evolution and molecular genetics (Cladistics/Phylogeny) In 1990, Carl Woese put forth a classification scheme that greatly overhauled previous classification schemes. The three-domain system he proposed is based on molecular biology studies and resulted in the placement of organisms into three domains. BacteriaArchaeaEukarya

An Overview of the Animal Welfare Act

An Overview of the Animal Welfare Act The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is a federal law that was passed in 1966 and has been amended several times since then, notably in 2006. It empowers the Animal Care program of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to issue licenses and adopt and enforce regulations meant to protect the basic welfare of creatures kept in captivity. The law can be found at the official United States Government Publishing Office under its proper bill title: 7 U.S.C.  §2131. The Animal Welfare Act protects certain animals in certain  facilities but is not as effective as animal advocates would like. Many complain about its limited scope, and some even argue that animals are entitled to rights and freedoms equal to humans and should not be owned or used in any regard. Which Facilities Are Covered by the AWA? The AWA applies to facilities that breed animals for commercial sale, use animals in research, transport animal commercially, or publicly exhibit animals. This includes zoos, aquariums, research facilities, puppy mills, animal dealers, and circuses. The regulations adopted under the AWA establish minimum care standards for animals in these facilities, including adequate housing, handling, sanitation, nutrition, water, veterinary care, and protection from extreme weather and temperatures. Facilities that are not covered include farms, pet stores, hobby breeders, and places that commonly hold pets as well as quasi-commercial animals like milk cows and bure-pred dogs. Without the protection guaranteed to animals in other facilities and industries, these animals sometimes suffer harsh treatment- though animal rights groups often step in to defend these creatures. The AWA requires that the facilities  are  licensed and registered or their AWA-covered activities will be shut down. Once a facility is licensed or registered, it is subject to unannounced inspections. Failures to comply with AWA standards can lead to fines, confiscation of the animals, license and registration revocation, or cease and desist orders. Which Animals Are and Are Not Covered? The legal definition of the word â€Å"animal† under the AWA is â€Å"any live or dead dog, cat, monkey (nonhuman primate mammal), guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or such other  warm-blooded  animal, as the Secretary may determine is being used, or is intended for use, for research, testing, experimentation, or exhibition purposes, or as a pet.† Not every animal kept by these facilities is covered. The AWA has exclusions for birds, rats or mice used in research, livestock used for food or fiber, and reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Because 95 percent of the animals used in research are mice and rats and because the nine billion land animals slaughtered for food in the U.S every year are exempted, the vast majority of animals used by humans are excluded from the AWA’s protection. What Are the AWA Regulations? The AWA is a general law that does not specify the standards for animal care. The standards can be found in the regulations that are adopted by APHIS under the authority granted by the AWA. Federal regulations are adopted by government agencies with specific knowledge and expertise so they can set their own rules and standards without getting Congress bogged down in small details. The AWA regulations can be found in Title 9, Chapter 1 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Some of these regulations include those for the indoor housing of animals, which specify minimum and maximum temperatures, lighting, and ventilation. Regulations for animals kept outdoors maintain that the creature must be sheltered from the elements and offered food and clean water regularly. Also, for facilities with marine mammals, the water must be tested weekly and animals must be kept with a compatible animal of the same or similar species. In addition, a minimum tank size is required, depending on the size and types of animals housed. Participants in â€Å"swim with the dolphins† programs must agree in writing to the rules of the program. Circuses, which have been under constant fire since animal rights activism increased in the 1960s, must not use deprivation of food and water or any kind of physical abuse for training purposes, and animals must be given a rest period between performances. Research facilities are also required to establish Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) that must inspect the animal facilities, investigate reports of AWA violations, and review research proposals to â€Å"minimize discomfort, distress, and pain to the animals.​ Criticisms of the Animal Welfare Act One of the biggest criticisms of the AWA is the exclusion of rats and mice, which make up the majority of the animals used in research. Similarly, since livestock is also excluded, the AWA does nothing to protect farmed animals. There are currently no federal laws or regulations for the care of animals raised for food. Although there are general criticisms that the housing requirements are insufficient, some animal rights advocates claim that the regulations for marine mammals are especially inadequate. Marine mammals in the wild swim for miles each day and dive hundreds of feet deep in the open ocean, while tanks for porpoises and dolphins can be as small as 24 feet long and only 6 feet deep. Many of the criticisms of the AWA are directed against the IACUCs. Since IACUCs tend to include people who are affiliated with the institution or are animal researchers themselves, many advocates question whether these committees can objectively evaluate research proposals or complaints of AWA violations.