by MyEyeSees

Conservation Projects for Kids

When children learn about our earth and the precious resources on it, they are more inclined to preserve and take care of those resources.  Water is arguably the most important resource we have, since without water life is impossible.  Here are some ideas and projects for teaching children not only about water, but about the importance of conserving it for future generations.

The hydrologic cycle is the process of water evaporating from the ocean and ground into condensation and the formation of clouds then back down as rain or precipitation and collecting into the oceans, lakes, and rivers again.  Illustrations and coloring pages of this process can be found all over the internet, notably at EnchantedLearning.com.  Since evaporation is the first stage in the hydrologic cycle we will focus on activities illustrating it first.  Heating a pot of water until children can see the steam rising from it is an easy way to visually show them how water evaporates from the ocean.  To illustrate condensation, take a sheet of cardboard and place it in the freezer for an hour.  Then hold it six to eight inches above the steaming pot of water.  Show your children how water droplets form on the underside of the cardboard.  If you hold the cardboard for a few minutes, it will eventually be unable to hold all the collected water and the droplets will “rain” back into the pot as precipitation.  To further educate your children about the water cycle visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s website to print out a water wheel your kids can turn to illustrate the complete cycle.

Now that your children understand where water comes from, it is important to follow up on this knowledge with an education of conservation.  The best way to illustrate this point is to teach them about your local water supply and the ways your local government is conserving that supply.  Are there restrictions about watering your lawn or washing your car in the summer?  Show them the water meter on the side of your house and explain that you must pay for all the water you use, even if it is just going down the drain.  Ask your children if they can think of any ways they can use less water, such as filling a pitcher and putting it in the fridge instead of letting the water run for a cold drink.  Turning off the water when they are washing their hands or brushing their teeth or taking shorter showers is other ideas.  Teaching your children to conserve water when they are younger encourages them to practice a lifetime of conservation.

Learn about hot water heater efficiency to learn how to conserve water in the home, in this free video series. Expert: Cathie Pare’ & Alison Jordan Bio: Cathie Pare’ is a Conservation Specialist with the City of Santa Barbara. Filmmaker: Diana Bacon

Video Rating: 5 / 5

by olderock1

Eco Friendly Homes from Green American Design

Green American Design Company is devoted to the promotion of ‘green’ interior design and energy efficient products with offices in Miami, FL and Washington, DC.  They provide high quality interior design products and services to the Federal Government, Hospitality Trade and the Commercial, Residential and Health Care segments. Their team has developed Green America Design to address the vast need and desire to offer a wide range of eco-friendly materials and energy efficient products which lessen the impact on the environment.

The ever growing concerns associated with the environment have fueled Green America Design Group’s (GAD) commitment to integrate environmentally-sensitive products that match or go beyond current green practices, and strive to minimize our environmental impact.  We believe that if public institutions and businesses integrate eco-friendly products and materials in their public spaces (offices, dining areas, hospitality rooms, learning institutions and health care facilities) the general public will follow suit in their Eco friendly home.  There are individuals also who want their homes to be eco-friendly. They are constantly searching for green products to add to or upgrade their collection. As the effects of climate change are felt across the world, both governments and individuals are beginning to take the task of building eco friendly homes. Their Eco-friendly homes with energy efficient doors and windows, herbal gardens, rainwater harvesting and solar heating are now as fashionable as they are affordable. The building and the people living there need to believe in the harmony of land and nature, and make it practical. High-energy efficiency and low maintenance will be ideal for such homes. Natural resources, such as sunlight, should be used to cut down on the use of electricity. Windows should be located at strategic places to enable sunlight in to save energy. Eco-friendly homes are not just money-saving, but even have an aesthetic beauty. Their eco friendly flooring can be a beautiful, healthy addition to your home with minimal environmental impact. Their Eco friendly flooring is an eco-friendly option for offices and houses. This kind of flooring has become immensely popular in the present times. They are affordable, time-saving options. Eco friendly homes will recycle the waste they generate and harvest their own water, have built-in refrigerators which rely on a centralized refrigeration facility, air-conditioners use water as a refrigerant, solar water heaters with cluster-based servicing and backed up by low wattage heating elements; built-in energy efficient lights; recycled grey water for flushing; fresh organic vegetables grown within the campus and gas banks on each floor to eliminate the presence of gas cylinders inside the homes.

by roplant

Choosing the Wrong Home Water Filter Could be a Dangerous Mistake

There are great worries nationwide that our water supply may not be as pure as we believe it to be. There are so many toxins which can have a bad effect on our health.

The human body is around 70% water, we are therefore mainly water, and we really need to be sure that our drinking water is clean and pure.

Not surprisingly therefore, a lot of people are looking to fit filters or purifiers to their faucets. But what a lot of people don’t realize, there’s a substantial number of filters/purifiers on the market which can make things worse.

Let’s have a look at the ones to avoid: Reverse Osmosis Systems – these are a real no no – they were never designed to be used for drinking water but were first used in the paper industry which needs de-mineralized water. they are also twice as expensive as other systems, they strip out some vital minerals such as potassium and calcium – these minerals are essential for good health, they can permit some harmful man made toxins such as pesticides to enter the supply.

The only really effective home water filter system should be inexpensive and easy to use. It needs to have some form of carbon block filter and this should have ion exchange and sub micron filtering abilities.

This is the multi-filtration system and is easily the best sort of filtration system. It’s fairly new and works by the formation of a chemical bond to all contaminating substances. Just as important is this systems ability to allow the health giving minerals to stay in the water.

More Home Water Filters Articles

by 350.org

Rain Water Tanks are very popular in Australia

Australia is one of most drought-hit regions in the world. This is the main reason why rain water tanks are very popular there. Many farmlands are getting dried which lead the owners to walk away. They can’t watch their farms clumsy and dried. Not only rural areas but cities are also facing the water shortage issues drastically. Water conservation in Australia is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. Gardeners are watching their gardens die in front of their eyes. In such type of situations, rain water tanks come as a boon for farmers and residents as they are the only hope for them.

Because of the shortage of water, sprinklers are not allowed and hand sprayers are only permissible during specific hours. It’s quite insufficient for farmers but rain water tanks offer a satisfactory option for gardeners. The major benefit of these tanks is that you can water your plants when they need it most irrespective of the restriction timings.

Nowadays, most of the companies emphasize on water conservation. This is because of the raising concern over global warming. It has affected not only Australia but many other parts of the world. Rain water harvesting is the best solution for gardens, swimming pools, as household needs such as washing clothes, showering, and it toilets.

There are numerous companies in Australia that manufacture durable rain water tanks for household as well as commercial purposes. Generally the size of tank ranges from ranges from 1100 litres to 10000 litres. These tanks are also comes in different materials to suit various types of tank needs.

The roof top of your house or building is a good source of rainwater. The large open area catches most of the rain water easily. A simple rule applies here. The smaller the roof surface area the larger the rainwater tanks need to be, because the water need to be collected right away.

More Water Harvesting Articles

by angela7dreams

The News from Newport News

As soon as you enter Hampton Roads, the city begins to reveal itself. It’s sprawling, muscular and—from the water, at least—somewhat forbidding: a commercial fishing basin, a giant shipyard, an open-air coal pier, a fleet of reserve ships aging on the waterfront. Somewhere—ahh, there—between gray behemoths, are a few downtown office buildings, a narrow park and the barely visible top of a victory arch.

But don’t be put off. Newport News does have accessible marinas, a few lovely spots for dropping anchor, inviting beaches, a vibrant fishing industry, a gorgeous performing arts center and one of the world’s finest maritime museums. And it’s all reachable by water, with a little extra effort—okay, maybe a lot.

There’s history here, as deep as the water just off the shoreline, and it begins with a name. It may well be, as some contend, that Newport News Point—the point of land that marks the end of Hampton Roads and the beginning of the James River—got its name from the good news that Captain Christopher Newport, leader of the Jamestown expedition, had returned with supplies. But I prefer a more likely theory, that one William Newce, a knighted Irishman, arrived shortly after the 1607 settlement and established a seaport that came to be known as New Port Newce.

It was just off this point of land, two-and-a-half centuries later, that two ungainly ironclad warships, the U.S.S. Monitor and C.S.S. Virginia (nee U.S.S. Merrimack) battled to a draw on a fog-shrouded morning in March 1862, marking the beginning of the end of wooden fighting ships. Every time I pass this way I think of that battle, and how so many naval ships, “ironclads” all, are now built just over there, on that near shore, practically within hailing distance; Also not far from here, perhaps the distance of a cannonball’s flight, are the hoary remains of the Monitor itself, resting in a world-class museum.

I’m traveling by sailboat—my Tartan 30, Ode to Joy—from my mooring on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, hoping to take a closer look at what makes Newport News compelling, especially by water. Newport News, a linear city that’s at least 20 miles long but only two to four miles wide for most of that length, parades slowly by as I pick up a gentle northerly breeze, put Middle Ground Light astern, slip past the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel and enter the James. To my dismay, there’s no ideal place for a cruising sailor to tie up—not in the Small Boat Harbor that is home to a commercial fishing fleet (more on that later), not downtown, not along the beach, and certainly not along the industrial waterfront. I feel like I’ll have to keep going to Williamsburg or Jamestown. But I won’t give up yet; there is a way to see this town. I keep moving.

At the coal pier, the ship Energy Enterprise out of New Orleans, and a barge from Baltimore are poised under a gantry taking on black coal that is piled in tall mounds on land (regularly sprayed with water to keep down the soot). Not too inviting here. The city’s dominant feature, stretching for miles along the waterfront, is the giant Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. It was founded by railroad baron Collis Huntington more than a hundred years ago to service the ships that unloaded at his docks.

The Newport News Drydock and Shipbuilding Co., as it was known then, began turning out military ships by the scores during the war years, becoming the largest individually owned yard in America, until Northrop Grumman bought it not long ago. At one of the piers, towering 20 stories above the water and looking about as big as a reclining Empire State Building, broods the newly commissioned aircraft carrier George H. W. Bush, undergoing post-shakedown maintenance and repair.

Security is tight as a tick here. You don’t even want to think about docking or losing headway. Nice doggy. Don’t worry. I’m just passing. At 3:30 p.m., a siren wails. A shift change, I hope. Miles farther and there’s still no place to stop, but that’s about to change. Just before the James River Bridge I come to the city-owned Leeward Municipal Marina. I’m fond of Leeward. It was where I found my first boat, a sweet little swing-keel Spirit 23, which I bought there and sailed home. Tucked in next to the bridge, the marina is surrounded by a white cement breakwater. I had stopped here by car a few days earlier to see if I could go anywhere on foot. And to my delight, I could. Just up from the marina a stoplight allowed me to safely walk across the approach to the James River Bridge. And right there on the western side of the bridge was a sandy oasis, Huntington Park. On that day it was teeming with beachgoers: families with blankets, umbrellas and coolers, lifeguards and swimmers. Just beyond a refreshment stand I found a ramp, where half a dozen boats were being coaxed off trailers into the water. One could easily anchor out and dinghy in or tie up at the small pier that accommodates ramp users, even go for a swim at the beach.

There’s a fishing pier at Huntington Park that rests on remains of an older James River Bridge, with the Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant—it’s good, I hear—perched over the water. Beyond the beach is an elaborate children’s park called Fort Fun, and then, a not-so-fun place, I imagine, the Virginia War Museum. But what I was looking for and found was a footbridge crossing a small creek. Aha again! If I wanted to get to the Mariners’ Museum by bicycle from the waterfront entrance to Newport News, following the inviting River Road beside the James, I could. This city is opening up a little at a time.

Back in the present, I’m under the James River Bridge and passing by this lovely beach, then several miles of waterfront mansions, as well as the park that surrounds the Mariners’ Museum. An hour later, after spotting the entrance markers to Deep Creek, I drop my sails and motor in. On the port side is Menchville, where several deadrise workboats are moored. Ahead is Deep Creek Landing Marina and the Warwick Yacht Club, both bristling with yachts. To starboard is James River Marina, my destination today, and a place I’m looking forward to revisiting.

Owner Marty Moliken, whom I met eight years ago when writing about the James, is there to help with my lines. For the past 60 years, workboats had tied up at an ancient city pier next to the marina. Finally, this year, the old pier was removed as the city improved the bulkheads and dockage across the creek. Now Moliken has gotten the ball rolling for 40 new slips and a raw bar at the end of the old pier. If the building-permit gods smile on him, he says, it could all be up and running by next summer.

At this point, Barb arrives in the land yacht and begins to unload our bikes. We’d thought of bringing them across by boat. It’s possible to stow them on deck, but they’re not the fold-up types and, frankly, we didn’t want the hassle of loading and unloading them. What I was trying to test out was my theory that we could fairly ?easily get to the Mariners’ Museum from James River Marina—because you just can’t visit Newport News without going to that gem of a museum. We’ll test my theory about biking there in the morning. Now we test the food.

James River Marina owns what has long been a popular local restaurant. Originally named Herman’s Harbor House, it’s now called Slightly Up the Creek. We get a table on the front porch overlooking the creek, and while a fan whirs and the sun sets, we indulge in some very good shrimp and crabcakes. And—we couldn’t resist—some astonishing caramel bread pudding. The western sky is dominated by sail-shaped clouds, with sunset in their bellies.

With bread pudding in our bellies, Barb and I bed down aboard Ode to Joy, falling asleep to the murmurs of conversation and the occasional peal of laughter from the night owls in nearby slips. We awake at dawn, dawdle over cereal and fruit, then pedal off toward the museum.

It’s a nice ride, about three and a half miles through a cozy suburban neighborhood. We choose the long way this time because it leads down to the waterfront and to Museum Drive, which takes you through the heavily forested Mariners’ Museum Park. Archer Huntington, stepson of shipyard founder Collis Huntington, turned his collection of maritime paintings and ship models into the museum, surrounding it with miles of parkland and nature trails, so it’s fun to arrive this way.

We’re lucky to be visiting the museum while it’s showcasing a major exhibit, “Building Better Ships,” that explores (until November 15) the museum’s intimate ties to the shipbuilding company. It was Archer Huntington’s fascination with maritime art that led to the museum’s creation in the early 1930s. At the same time, he hired well known artist Thomas C. Skinner and furnished him with a studio at the shipyard. Skinner turned out dozens of near-life-size canvases of shipwrights plying their trade—laying out patterns in cavernous lofts, punching holes for rivets, pouring molds with red-hot steel, lining up at pay windows at weeks’ end.

The shipyard also filmed those tradesmen, as an aid for training new workers, and those black and white films, recently restored, are now shown side-by-side with the paintings. A painting of workers laying out patterns, for instance, is echoed by similar filmed images. Scenes of workers pouring molten lead into a mold, bending white-hot steel strips into the shape of a prow, or turning a glowing propeller shaft are similarly juxtaposed. This may be, as museum curator Anna Holloway later told me, “the ultimate way of interpreting historic works of art, viewing the paintings and then seeing film footage of these things actually occurring.”

Collis Huntington virtually created the modern city of Newport News by running his railroad there, then creating the shipyard. A small village sprang up nearby and was incorporated in 1896, the same year the shipyard opened. “It was my original intention to start a ?shipyard plant in the best location in the world,” reads a quote from Huntington on one wall of the exhibit, “and I suc-ceeded in my purpose. It is right at the gateway to the sea.” That gateway became a huge embarkation point during the world wars as hundreds of thousands of troops shipped off to Europe. They were welcomed home to the city’s waterfront by a victory arch, built in the style of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.

The museum’s most compelling feature for me (hardly surprising, since I’ve written a book on the subject) is the?Monitor Center, dedicated to that historic clash of experimental ironclads, the Monitor and Virginia. This sprawling million permanent exhibit presides over not only a full-scale exterior model of the Monitor, but also actual parts of it, plucked from the bottom of the Atlantic beginning in 1987 and now being preserved and displayed here. Indeed, one of the best parts of the Monitor Center—besides watching reenactments of the battles of Hampton Roads and the sinking later that year of the Monitor off Cape Hatteras—is being able to climb up to windows that look down into the Monitor conservation area. There are more than a thousand artifacts here, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the part of the Monitor that even a casual Civil War buff can identify—the massive iron gun turret, which now stews in a bath as 140 years of salt incursion is slowly leeched out of the metal. On days when the water is clear, or when it’s merely being sprayed with a fine mist, you can see the dents caused by enemy cannon shot.

You can imagine what the Monitorgunners, working feverishly inside the turret, unable to see the enemy, must have experienced. One seaman “dropped over like a dead man” when a ball struck a few inches from his head. Another was flung over both guns from the blow.

The latest find is such a simple thing, an oil can that years of sedimentation and the marriage of metals have caused to be cemented to the engine’s condenser. But it reminds you that there were men down in that engine room on New Year’s Eve 1862, struggling to keep the steam engines running as water rose toward the fire grates. The Monitor went down in 240 feet of water off Cape Hatteras, with the loss of 16 crew. Even more poignant are the remnants of an officer’s coat that were found draped over one of the two gun carriages. “This is probably what one of the crew took off to keep from being dragged down as he went into the water,” Marcie Renner, the museum’s chief conservator, told me during another visit. Pretty exciting stuff, slowly materializing after 147 years of submerged history.

On the bike ride back to the marina, we take a faster route, heading west toward Deep Creek, but this time past the modern and growing Christopher Newport University and the impressive I.M. Pei designed Ferguson Center for the Arts, one of the most highly regarded performing arts venues in the region. It’s nice to know that you can stop at Deep Creek or Leeward and go, whether by bike or taxi, to a world-class museum or performing space.

One of the lesser known but more intriguing parts of the Newport News waterfront is the city’s Small Boat Harbor. It can be glimpsed for about a nanosecond while driving over the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel, just off to the east. What you can see, mostly, is the top of fishing trawler rigs, so you’d be right in guessing it’s a commercial fishing harbor. And not just for small boats. Pretty big stuff, really. Crabbers, clammers, scallop boats, pilot boats, Coast Guard boats and all the rest. And, all along Newport News Creek, which creates the harbor, are seafood packing plants.

We’ve got to drive to get there; it’s at the other end of this sprawling town, but luckily we have the car. Harbormaster Doreen Kopacz, who grew up in the Willoughby section of Norfolk, greets me. We take a drive up one side of the creek and down the other. “This is one of thefew spots left that lets commercial people come in,” she says. We loop under the bridge and park where Judy’s Spirit, a 40-foot double rig clammer, is coming in. Charles Stanley Mason and his son, Charles Jr., are back from having done engine work on their boat. Mason, who sits on the pier next to his boat, has been clamming out of the Small Boat Harbor for 22 years, “and we’re getting the best we’ve ever got for ‘em.”

What’s so great about clamming? I ask the elder Charles. He shrugs. “I like to do what I like to do. You know what I mean?” It isn’t easy, not in this era of tight regulations, but that observation gets only another shrug. “Nothing’s like it used to be.”

Charles Jr., a thin beard tracing the ridge of his jaw, enthusiastically shows me the clam rigs, each powered by a four-speed V-6 tractor-trailer motor. “It’s the hardest job I ever had,” he says, explaining how fast the clam scoop flies off the bottom. “You got to pay attention or you’ll hurt yourself.” Right now it doesn’t look very promising for him to follow in his father’s footsteps, he explains, what with the state tightly regulating the clam beds. “If they’d leave the grounds out there open,” he says, “I’d keep doing it till I was as old as my dad.”

Harbormaster Kopacz doesn’t mind taking me around some more, so we continue the tour—soon stopping to watch another boat, Miss Leslie from Poquoson, Va., come in with about 30 bushels of blue crabs. Ken Diggs and his son—you guessed it, Ken Diggs Jr.—gripe like all fishermen do about regulations, but they wouldn’t do anything else for a living. “It’s all I ever did, it’s crazy,” says the younger Diggs. “It’s like I’m the last cowboy.”

There are a lot of last cowboys here, in the so-called Small Boat Harbor, one of the largest concentrations of seafood businesses of its kind on the Bay. Dozens of boats come in and unload while we watch. One of the fish packing plants has a retail outlet, and a nice lady—”What can I get for you, darlin’?”—sells me some very nice shrimp. Perfect for our dinner on board.

Barb and I spend another night aboard, this time anchored at a peaceful spot in Deep Creek, and leave shortly after first light. A fall-like northerly breeze catches our sails as we parade—and then, as the wind picks up, race past—the miles-long city and a shoreline fringed with history. It’s been nice getting to know Newport News, New Port Newse, that mighty and mighty nice city along the James.

As soon as you enter Hampton Roads, the city begins to reveal itself. It’s sprawling, muscular and—from the water, at least—somewhat forbidding: a commercial fishing basin, a giant shipyard, an open-air coal pier, a fleet of reserve ships aging on the waterfront. Somewhere—ahh, there—between gray behemoths, are a few downtown office buildings, a narrow park and the barely visible top of a victory arch. But don’t be put off. Newport News does have accessible marinas, a few lovely spots for dropping anchor, inviting beaches, a vibrant fishing industry, a gorgeous performing arts center and one of the world’s finest maritime museums. And it’s all reachable by water, with a little extra effort—okay, maybe a lot. There’s history here, as deep as the water just off the shoreline, and it begins with a name. It may well be, as some contend, that Newport News Point—the point of land that marks the end of Hampton Roads and the beginning of the James River—got its name from the good news that Captain Christopher Newport, leader of the Jamestown expedition, had returned with supplies. But I prefer a more likely theory, that one William Newce, a knighted Irishman, arrived shortly after the 1607 settlement and established a seaport that came to be known as New Port Newce. It was just off this point of land, two-and-a-half centuries later, that two ungainly ironclad warships, the U.S.S. Monitor and C.S.S. Virginia (nee U.S.S. Merrimack) battled to a draw on a fog-shrouded morning in March 1862, marking the beginning of the end of wooden fighting ships. Every time I pass this way I think of that battle, and how so many naval ships, “ironclads” all, are now built just over there, on that near shore, practically within hailing distance; Also not far from here, perhaps the distance of a cannonball’s flight, are the hoary remains of the Monitor itself, resting in a world-class museum. I’m traveling by sailboat—my Tartan 30, Ode to Joy—from my mooring on the Lafayette River in Norfolk, hoping to take a closer look at what makes Newport News compelling, especially by water. Newport News, a linear city that’s at least 20 miles long but only two to four miles wide for most of that length, parades slowly by as I pick up a gentle northerly breeze, put Middle Ground Light astern, slip past the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel and enter the James. To my dismay, there’s no ideal place for a cruising sailor to tie up—not in the Small Boat Harbor that is home to a commercial fishing fleet (more on that later), not downtown, not along the beach, and certainly not along the industrial waterfront. I feel like I’ll have to keep going to Williamsburg or Jamestown. But I won’t give up yet; there is a way to see this town. I keep moving. At the coal pier, the ship Energy Enterprise out of New Orleans, and a barge from Baltimore are poised under a gantry taking on black coal that is piled in tall mounds on land (regularly sprayed with water to keep down the soot). Not too inviting here. The city’s dominant feature, stretching for miles along the waterfront, is the giant Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. It was founded by railroad baron Collis Huntington more than a hundred years ago to service the ships that unloaded at his docks. The Newport News Drydock and Shipbuilding Co., as it was known then, began turning out military ships by the scores during the war years, becoming the largest individually owned yard in America, until Northrop Grumman bought it not long ago. At one of the piers, towering 20 stories above the water and looking about as big as a reclining Empire State Building, broods the newly commissioned aircraft carrier George H. W. Bush, undergoing post-shakedown maintenance and repair. Security is tight as a tick here. You don’t even want to think about docking or losing headway. Nice doggy. Don’t worry. I’m just passing. At 3:30 p.m., a siren wails. A shift change, I hope. Miles farther and there’s still no place to stop, but that’s about to change. Just before the James River Bridge I come to the city-owned Leeward Municipal Marina. I’m fond of Leeward. It was where I found my first boat, a sweet little swing-keel Spirit 23, which I bought there and sailed home. Tucked in next to the bridge, the marina is surrounded by a white cement breakwater. I had stopped here by car a few days earlier to see if I could go anywhere on foot. And to my delight, I could. Just up from the marina a stoplight allowed me to safely walk across the approach to the James River Bridge. And right there on the western side of the bridge was a sandy oasis, Huntington Park. On that day it was teeming with beachgoers: families with blankets, umbrellas and coolers, lifeguards and swimmers. Just beyond a refreshment stand I found a ramp, where half a dozen boats were being coaxed off trailers into the water. One could easily anchor out and dinghy in or tie up at the small pier that accommodates ramp users, even go for a swim at the beach. There’s a fishing pier at Huntington Park that rests on remains of an older James River Bridge, with the Crab Shack Seafood Restaurant—it’s good, I hear—perched over the water. Beyond the beach is an elaborate children’s park called Fort Fun, and then, a not-so-fun place, I imagine, the Virginia War Museum. But what I was looking for and found was a footbridge crossing a small creek. Aha again! If I wanted to get to the Mariners’ Museum by bicycle from the waterfront entrance to Newport News, following the inviting River Road beside the James, I could. This city is opening up a little at a time. Back in the present, I’m under the James River Bridge and passing by this lovely beach, then several miles of waterfront mansions, as well as the park that surrounds the Mariners’ Museum. An hour later, after spotting the entrance markers to Deep Creek, I drop my sails and motor in. On the port side is Menchville, where several deadrise workboats are moored. Ahead is Deep Creek Landing Marina and the Warwick Yacht Club, both bristling with yachts. To starboard is James River Marina, my destination today, and a place I’m looking forward to revisiting. Owner Marty Moliken, whom I met eight years ago when writing about the James, is there to help with my lines. For the past 60 years, workboats had tied up at an ancient city pier next to the marina. Finally, this year, the old pier was removed as the city improved the bulkheads and dockage across the creek. Now Moliken has gotten the ball rolling for 40 new slips and a raw bar at the end of the old pier. If the building-permit gods smile on him, he says, it could all be up and running by next summer. At this point, Barb arrives in the land yacht and begins to unload our bikes. We’d thought of bringing them across by boat. It’s possible to stow them on deck, but they’re not the fold-up types and, frankly, we didn’t want the hassle of loading and unloading them. What I was trying to test out was my theory that we could fairly ?easily get to the Mariners’ Museum from James River Marina—because you just can’t visit Newport News without going to that gem of a museum. We’ll test my theory about biking there in the morning. Now we test the food. James River Marina owns what has long been a popular local restaurant. Originally named Herman’s Harbor House, it’s now called Slightly Up the Creek. We get a table on the front porch overlooking the creek, and while a fan whirs and the sun sets, we indulge in some very good shrimp and crabcakes. And—we couldn’t resist—some astonishing caramel bread pudding. The western sky is dominated by sail-shaped clouds, with sunset in their bellies. With bread pudding in our bellies, Barb and I bed down aboard Ode to Joy, falling asleep to the murmurs of conversation and the occasional peal of laughter from the night owls in nearby slips. We awake at dawn, dawdle over cereal and fruit, then pedal off toward the museum. It’s a nice ride, about three and a half miles through a cozy suburban neighborhood. We choose the long way this time because it leads down to the waterfront and to Museum Drive, which takes you through the heavily forested Mariners’ Museum Park. Archer Huntington, stepson of shipyard founder Collis Huntington, turned his collection of maritime paintings and ship models into the museum, surrounding it with miles of parkland and nature trails, so it’s fun to arrive this way. We’re lucky to be visiting the museum while it’s showcasing a major exhibit, “Building Better Ships,” that explores (until November 15) the museum’s intimate ties to the shipbuilding company. It was Archer Huntington’s fascination with maritime art that led to the museum’s creation in the early 1930s. At the same time, he hired well known artist Thomas C. Skinner and furnished him with a studio at the shipyard. Skinner turned out dozens of near-life-size canvases of shipwrights plying their trade—laying out patterns in cavernous lofts, punching holes for rivets, pouring molds with red-hot steel, lining up at pay windows at weeks’ end. The shipyard also filmed those tradesmen, as an aid for training new workers, and those black and white films, recently restored, are now shown side-by-side with the paintings. A painting of workers laying out patterns, for instance, is echoed by similar filmed images. Scenes of workers pouring molten lead into a mold, bending white-hot steel strips into the shape of a prow, or turning a glowing propeller shaft are similarly juxtaposed. This may be, as museum curator Anna Holloway later told me, “the ultimate way of interpreting historic works of art, viewing the paintings and then seeing film footage of these things actually occurring.” Collis Huntington virtually created the modern city of Newport News by running his railroad there, then creating the shipyard. A small village sprang up nearby and was incorporated in 1896, the same year the shipyard opened. “It was my original intention to start a ?shipyard plant in the best location in the world,” reads a quote from Huntington on one wall of the exhibit, “and I suc-ceeded in my purpose. It is right at the gateway to the sea.” That gateway became a huge embarkation point during the world wars as hundreds of thousands of troops shipped off to Europe. They were welcomed home to the city’s waterfront by a victory arch, built in the style of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. The museum’s most compelling feature for me (hardly surprising, since I’ve written a book on the subject) is the?Monitor Center, dedicated to that historic clash of experimental ironclads, the Monitor and Virginia. This sprawling million permanent exhibit presides over not only a full-scale exterior model of the Monitor, but also actual parts of it, plucked from the bottom of the Atlantic beginning in 1987 and now being preserved and displayed here. Indeed, one of the best parts of the Monitor Center—besides watching reenactments of the battles of Hampton Roads and the sinking later that year of the Monitor off Cape Hatteras—is being able to climb up to windows that look down into the Monitor conservation area. There are more than a thousand artifacts here, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the part of the Monitor that even a casual Civil War buff can identify—the massive iron gun turret, which now stews in a bath as 140 years of salt incursion is slowly leeched out of the metal. On days when the water is clear, or when it’s merely being sprayed with a fine mist, you can see the dents caused by enemy cannon shot. You can imagine what the Monitorgunners, working feverishly inside the turret, unable to see the enemy, must have experienced. One seaman “dropped over like a dead man” when a ball struck a few inches from his head. Another was flung over both guns from the blow. The latest find is such a simple thing, an oil can that years of sedimentation and the marriage of metals have caused to be cemented to the engine’s condenser. But it reminds you that there were men down in that engine room on New Year’s Eve 1862, struggling to keep the steam engines running as water rose toward the fire grates. The Monitor went down in 240 feet of water off Cape Hatteras, with the loss of 16 crew. Even more poignant are the remnants of an officer’s coat that were found draped over one of the two gun carriages. “This is probably what one of the crew took off to keep from being dragged down as he went into the water,” Marcie Renner, the museum’s chief conservator, told me during another visit. Pretty exciting stuff, slowly materializing after 147 years of submerged history. On the bike ride back to the marina, we take a faster route, heading west toward Deep Creek, but this time past the modern and growing Christopher Newport University and the impressive I.M. Pei designed Ferguson Center for the Arts, one of the most highly regarded performing arts venues in the region. It’s nice to know that you can stop at Deep Creek or Leeward and go, whether by bike or taxi, to a world-class museum or performing space. One of the lesser known but more intriguing parts of the Newport News waterfront is the city’s Small Boat Harbor. It can be glimpsed for about a nanosecond while driving over the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel, just off to the east. What you can see, mostly, is the top of fishing trawler rigs, so you’d be right in guessing it’s a commercial fishing harbor. And not just for small boats. Pretty big stuff, really. Crabbers, clammers, scallop boats, pilot boats, Coast Guard boats and all the rest. And, all along Newport News Creek, which creates the harbor, are seafood packing plants. We’ve got to drive to get there; it’s at the other end of this sprawling town, but luckily we have the car. Harbormaster Doreen Kopacz, who grew up in the Willoughby section of Norfolk, greets me. We take a drive up one side of the creek and down the other. “This is one of thefew spots left that lets commercial people come in,” she says. We loop under the bridge and park where Judy’s Spirit, a 40-foot double rig clammer, is coming in. Charles Stanley Mason and his son, Charles Jr., are back from having done engine work on their boat. Mason, who sits on the pier next to his boat, has been clamming out of the Small Boat Harbor for 22 years, “and we’re getting the best we’ve ever got for ‘em.” What’s so great about clamming? I ask the elder Charles. He shrugs. “I like to do what I like to do. You know what I mean?” It isn’t easy, not in this era of tight regulations, but that observation gets only another shrug. “Nothing’s like it used to be.” Charles Jr., a thin beard tracing the ridge of his jaw, enthusiastically shows me the clam rigs, each powered by a four-speed V-6 tractor-trailer motor. “It’s the hardest job I ever had,” he says, explaining how fast the clam scoop flies off the bottom. “You got to pay attention or you’ll hurt yourself.” Right now it doesn’t look very promising for him to follow in his father’s footsteps, he explains, what with the state tightly regulating the clam beds. “If they’d leave the grounds out there open,” he says, “I’d keep doing it till I was as old as my dad.” Harbormaster Kopacz doesn’t mind taking me around some more, so we continue the tour—soon stopping to watch another boat, Miss Leslie from Poquoson, Va., come in with about 30 bushels of blue crabs. Ken Diggs and his son—you guessed it, Ken Diggs Jr.—gripe like all fishermen do about regulations, but they wouldn’t do anything else for a living. “It’s all I ever did, it’s crazy,” says the younger Diggs. “It’s like I’m the last cowboy.” There are a lot of last cowboys here, in the so-called Small Boat Harbor, one of the largest concentrations of seafood businesses of its kind on the Bay. Dozens of boats come in and unload while we watch. One of the fish packing plants has a retail outlet, and a nice lady—”What can I get for you, darlin’?”—sells me some very nice shrimp. Perfect for our dinner on board. Barb and I spend another night aboard, this time anchored at a peaceful spot in Deep Creek, and leave shortly after first light. A fall-like northerly breeze catches our sails as we parade—and then, as the wind picks up, race past—the miles-long city and a shoreline fringed with history. It’s been nice getting to know Newport News, New Port Newse, that mighty and mighty nice city along the James.

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GREENVILLE ESTATE-LUXURIOUS RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ALONG MOMBASA ROAD-SYOKIMAU

G

Greenville estate is located in Syokimau ,less than 1 km off Mombasa road.

Greenville estate has been architecturally designed by a4architects www.a4architect.com to offer its residents maximum comfort and utility.

Flexible Design.

Each 3 Bedroomed unit has been designed to be flexible in such a way that the owners canseparate the Ground Floor with First Floor to create 2 independent units. The Ground Floor can be converted to a spacious 1 bedroomed unit while the First floor can be converted to a modest 2 bedroomed unit.
This flexibility will aid the owners to earn extra rental income which can be used to offset the mortgage repayments as they continue to live within the units. The owner can choose to live in the 1 Bedroomed ground floor unit or the 2 bedroomed First floor unit and rent out the other.
The average rental income for a 2 bedroomed apartment in the vicinity[Great Wall Apartments] is KES 17,000 per month.
The typical unit comprises of a spacious living room, dining room,toilet and kitchen on the ground floor and master bedroom ensuite,bathroom/toilet and two bedrooms on the first floor. Each unit has been designed to offer maximum privacy to the occupants. The front and rear gardens are only accessible by the respective unit owners.

<embed type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”600″ height=”400″ src=”http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf” flashvars=”host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0×000000&feed=http://picasaweb.google.com/data/feed/api/user/prismafrica01/albumid/5519959169493367841?alt=rss&kind=photo&hl=en_US” pluginspage=”http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer”></embed>Palm trees
The Project architects have taken care to select the most suitable trees for this housing project. The Foxtail and Indian Date palm trees have been incorporated due to tha fact that they give the whole project a majestic outlook .They grow very straight vertically with a narrow stem and hence do not consume the much needed space in the ground floor area especially near the car parks.

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
This estate is the first of its kind in Nairobi to embrace Sustainable architecture.
This is achieved through recycling of grey water and use of solar energy to power the houses.

ALL-YEAR LUSH GARDEN LAWN IRRIGATION SYSTEM
The ground floor comprises of Living room, Dining room, Kitchen and Guest toilet.
Living Room
The living room opens to a lush ever-green garden that is watered 24 hours a day all year round through special plumbing comnnections that drain the gray water[water from the kitchen sink and bathroom] to this area. This ensures that grey water is recycled and in the process, helps create a green serene environment all year round at virtually zero cost.
The foul water[water from the toilets] is drained directly to the septic tank for treatment.

<embed type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”600″ height=”400″ src=”http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf” flashvars=”host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0×000000&feed=http://picasaweb.google.com/data/feed/api/user/prismafrica01/albumid/5519959169493367841?alt=rss&kind=photo&hl=en_US” pluginspage=”http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer”></embed>Kitchen
The kitchen opens to the backside which is open to the sky. The kitchen backside also comprises of a lush garden watered 24 hours a day all year round.This is achieved by directing grey water from the kitchen sink to the garden area hence achieving greenery at vitually zero cost to the residents.
The first floor comprises of master-bedroom ensuite, one bedroom and toilet/bathroom.
Master-bedroom
On the first floor, there is the master-bedroom designed to offer maximum comfort through an elongated room design. The master-bedroom is ensuite with a state-of-the–art bathroom.
The master bedroom is designed to over-look the front entrance so that the house owners can have a glimpse of whats happening around the vicinity while in their bedroom.Th master bedroom also gives beautiful views of the lush landscaped frontage.
There are two other spacious bedrooms on the first floor level overlooking the rear garden.
SOLAR ENERGY
The lighting and wiring within the units has incorporated both solar wiring and the usual KPLC wiring. Residents can have the choice between using solar lighting system or KPLC system to power their house.
Solar energy is also used to heat water within the units.
The use of solar energy enables the residents to keep their energy costs to the lowest possible levels since for solar energy, apart from the initial one-time instalation costs, there are no monthly recurring costs to pay.
RAIN WATER HARVESTING
Each unit is fitted with a 10,000 litre water tank which stores rain-water runnoff from the roof for domestic use.
This assures the residents of continued water supply at zero cost all year round.
CAR PARKING
Each unit is alocated a secure private car port with own gate to give maximum privacy. Off-street parkings have been designated for visitors.

<embed type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” width=”600″ height=”400″ src=”http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf” flashvars=”host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0×000000&feed=http://picasaweb.google.com/data/feed/api/user/prismafrica01/albumid/5519959169493367841?alt=rss&kind=photo&hl=en_US” pluginspage=”http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer”></embed>CONCLUSION
This architectural marvel designed by a4architect www.a4architect.com has embraced green architecture to come up with a housing estate akin to an oasis within the desert .
The housing estate paints the dry savannah grassland syokimau climate to a lively green colour. This is your chance to own a piece of this gem.
Contact A4architect www.a4architect.com on info@a4architect.com to book your house.

Price Guide: 3.95 million per unit[phase 1 only].

Frank Gichuhi . B.Arch. U.o.N M.A.A.K[A] Registered Architect
www.a4architect.com

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by washuugenius

Water Purifiers For Pure And Heathy Water

“Health is Wealth” and it should be the foremost priority for everyone. But, the environment is so polluted that harms our health directly and indirectly. Directly through the air and noise pollution and indirectly by contaminating our food and water i.e., chemical pollution. This causes no. of death threatening contumelious diseases. You can protect yourself and your family from all these health harming factors just by getting more aware and conscious about their preventions and precautions.

In this Modern era you will easily find number of preventive methods and alternatives to solve this purpose, and one of them is “Water Purifiers” that basically used for the purification and micro filtration of contaminated or normal tap water. There are various companies manufacturing water purifiers, having different models, size and features. The one who is planning for the very first time to purchase a “Water Purifier” should consider few paints to make a smart and suitable choice.

Firstly, you should go through the ability of water purifier, is its filter able to eliminate all types of contaminants whether they are chemical, organic or synthetic, because a best quality water purifier has attachment of powerful filters in order to provide you a healthy, hygienic and pure drinking water. Secondly, your water purifier should be enough capable to maintain the level of essential minerals and natural form and taste of water.Always check the medical certifications and warranty period of water purifier and for more confirmation regarding the quality you can consult it to the real life customers as well. You can choose from a wide range of water purifiers that are available in the market in different sizes and with easy installation options. So, you just need to review your priority for size, installation option while purchasing the water purifiers. Last, but not the least, prefer a well known branded water purifier that assures you the quality, product durability and requires less maintenance.

Because generally, low cost price water purifiers need more maintenance, that increases the initial price of it, as repairer charges good amount of money. Replace the traditional methods (like boiling sedimentation etc.) of water purification and adopt the intelligent way to use the pure and healthy water to drink. These water purifiers are now available at very affordable price that has made them more approachable to protect your family from the harmful consequences of the contaminated drinking water, water purifiers are the most trustworthy and convenient option.

For more detail on dishwasher log on to http://www.naaptol.com

by ILRI

Growing a Gorgeous Garden in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Your backyard is a great place to not only develop a gorgeous landscape, but to be environmentally friendly as well. Picking plants and a method of watering that is eco-friendly not only helps the environment, but is better for your wallet as well. There are several things to consider when planning your yard in the Dallas/Fort Worth region.

The special soil and weather considerations in this part of Texas make planning necessary for your yard to be the best it can be. Yes, you can have a stunning, flowering landscape despite the heat and dryness of the region, but you need to think about a few things first. The first consideration is that some of the plants that are popular in other parts of the country simply will not work in North Texas. Plants that need a mild, cool, wet climate won’t thrive in this area. There are plenty of plants, however, that will do very well. You best bet is to pick plants that are native to North Texas. These plants will make your work much easier, because they are already adapted to the unique climate of the area. Native plants need less water, have better colors, and will do just fine in the specific considerations of planting in Texas. When seeding your lawn, pick something that is drought resistant and will be okay for several days without watering. This is called a drought-resistant variety and can be found at a local home improvement store. 

Plants that Thrive in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Many plants find the Dallas/Fort Worth area ideal conditions. The key is to pick these plants that will do well. Bee Balm is a good example. This is a flowering plant that will attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to your yard. A local nursery is also a great resource for getting recommendations on native plants that will do well. Consider adding fruit trees and other native plants that come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, lavender and burgundy. Another good option to consider is to plant daylilies. These are tall, strong plants that typically only bloom for part of the day. They have six petals and come in a variety of colors as well. 

How to Water Plants Effectively in North Texas

Some watering strategies put a drain on your wallet as well as on the environment. It is more than possible to have a flourishing garden and not use an excessive amount of water to keep your lawn looking great. Some tips to conserve water (and money) are to consider some of the other available methods of watering a yard. One great example is to consider a drip irrigation system. These systems are best if you have a big garden with plants such as fruit trees that need a steady supply of water. Using a watering by hand method such as a garden hose, a sprinkler, or a watering can is a waste of water because so much of the water is lost to evaporation, and your plants simply won’t respond to this method as well as they would to other ways of dispensing water. Using a drip irrigation system, you will not only save on water, but your will never have to worry about overwatering. 

Another example of both a budget friendly and eco-friendly method of watering is to collect rain water. You can make your own water barrel or purchase a complete rain water harvesting system. It is stunning to see how much water you really can collect using this method. It is a great way to have a gorgeous garden while still been responsible about your water use.

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by roplant

How Does Solar Energy Work and What the Costs Are

Discover how solar energy works in order to reduce your utility bill and to save your environment.

Definition of solar energy and the process of its generation

Solar energy can be defined as the process of transforming naturally received sunlight into machine power, chemical power and electric currents. In other words, the process of storing and using the radiant energy of the sun is termed solar energy. Different technologies and devices related to solar energy are used to convert sunlight into mechanical and chemical power, and electricity. Chief among these devices are water pumps, solar chimneys, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal equipments. In case you are thinking how exactly solar energy works, we would be addressing precisely that issue in this article.

Types of solar techniques and the huge power contained therein

How does solar energy work? This question cannot be satisfactorily answered until the application methods, regeneration and final usage of solar energy are considered. Experts consider solar energy as the best source of natural and renewable energy. Now, when electromagnetic waves from sunlight enter the earth’s atmosphere (at high altitude levels), around seventy percent goes straight to the sky, via reflection. The remaining thirty per cent is absorbed in the form of radiant heat by the clouds in the sky and the water bodies and landmass on the earth. This radiant heat thus trapped is now converted, using machines, to electric current and/or mechanical and chemical power. While it is clear that around 99 per cent of the total stock of renewable energy sources on earth comes from the sun, the method of its working can be customized to suit specific needs, and also crucially depends on the overall efficiency of the usage of solar power by the solar energy techniques. Solar energy is demanded for a variety of reasons, which include domestic cooking, running vehicles, architectural purposes and urban planning.

While it is almost impossible to put a finger on the exact way in which solar energy work (and hence, the associated tools and mediums) without knowing the nature of service it is intended to provide, a broad classification of the solar energy can still be made. Solar technologies are generally of two types. Firstly, in active solar techniques, different tools are used on the fields in order to tap in the sunlight directly. Devices like fans are used to generate electric currents, while photovoltaic cells are used to generate heat and warmth. Pumps are used to produce mechanical power from solar energy. On the other hand, passive solar technologies are more concerned with using the sun rays directly, and do not involve any conversion processes. Buildings are constructed in places well-illuminated by sunlight. This technique is, hence, useful for urban planning. Thus, whole active solar techniques are out to maximize the amount of sunlight received by the different tools and devices, passive solar techniques aim at establishing solar power as the only usable energy resource on earth. A glance at the richly varied fields where solar power finds application is enough to convince us that this source of energy is indeed extremely important in our daily lives, and worth all the attention that it gets. Solar energy typically finds usage in generation of electric power, urban planning, agricultural needs, architecture, disinfection and desalination needs, cooking at home, and in solar lights, apart from a host of other application domains.

How much do we gain by using solar energy?

The pros and cons of using solar power have to be properly listed, in order to form an idea of the methodology of its working. Solar energy is abundant, free and a renewable source of power. As such, it scores over most other competing sources of energy. Usage of solar energy also does not release in any pollution affecting earth’s atmosphere. The same cannot be said of the conventional fossil fuel energy sources, which released green house gases in the air, greatly polluting the latter, and also resulting in aiding the global warming process. Solar energy can also generate enough power to run cars and even satellites. However, there are certain limiting features to the usage of solar energy as a source of power. Solar energy plants can perform well only in areas that have continuous and strong sun rays all round the year. Hence, these plants have remained limited to only the sun-bathed parts of the world. A solar power system, set up at a place that receives irregular sunlight would fail to produce the desired output. Considering the rather high costs of installing a solar energy plant, a system at such a place cannot be economically sustained either. Researchers are, however, trying to work around these problems. The general view is that most houses would have converters that run on solar power, in the foreseeable future. The cleanliness of the earth’s atmosphere would also get a much needed boost.

Users should ideally take help from a reference manual to learn how to install the solar power plant. Generally, information on the best place to install the system, the way to acquire other components at cheap prices and how to get the batteries free also need to be known. How the wiring is to be done as well as the necessary safety tips are also certain things you must know. Indeed, a well-documented reference manual can ease the process of setting up a solar power system.

THIS IS PART 2 There are some cool pointers included.

by Greenway Guide

General Knowledge Pt.- I (a)

What are filoviruses?

The Filovirus has string-like structures. Ebola and Marbarg viruses come under this category. These viruses cause haemorrhaging. The incubation period is 2 to 21 days. Death can occur in only 10 days. Compare this with the dreaded HIV or the AIDS virus that has an incubation period of a decade.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is the most steroid in the human body. Due to its association with the cardiac disease, cholesterol has got a bad name. However, it is a critically important molecule. It is essential to the formation of bile acids that aid digestion of fats, vitamins D, male and female sexual hormones as well as certain other important hormones.

What is the largest bird?

Ostrich is the largest of living birds. It is 8 feet tall and weighs up to 300 pounds. The ostrich cannot fly. However, it runs at an amazing speed of 50 km per hour. The ostrich egg is white in color arid weigh almost 1.2 kg; equivalent to almost two dozen chicken eggs.

What isatp?

ATP or Adrenosine TriPhosphate is a chemical compound present in all living cells. It is the immediate provider of energy.

What is thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes anemia. It is thought to be caused by a defect in hemoglobin synthesis. Thalassemia is common among Mediterranean people.

Who determined the structure of vitamin b12?

Prof Dorothy Hodgekin, a British chemist, spelled out the structure of B12, the most complex vitamin. She also analyzed the structural details of the first known antibiotic. Penicillin. Prof Hodgkin was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1964.

What is mosaic disease?

Many people do not know that it is a viral disease that causes leaf blotching in plants like tobacco, maize and sugarcane.

What is a zoophyte?

The first part of the word, ‘zoo’ means animal while ‘phyte’ implies a plant. Any invertebrate that resemble a plant are called zoophytes.

What is a double helix?

A DNA (Deoxyribo-Nucleic Acid) molecule is a carrier of genetic code and a link between life and matter. There were several models describing its structure. Watson and Creek conceived of a model of DNA molecule like a spiral staircase or the doubly helical structure. This model has successfully described all properties of this giant molecule.

What is a prehensile tail?

Animals living in trees use their tail adapted as an extra appendage by curling it around a branch to get additional support. Several monkeys and lizards are endowed with a prehensile tail.

Why are dogs, unlike cats, supposed to be loyal?

Dogs were domesticated for hunting and herding some 14,000 years ago. While they evolved from wolves, they displayed sociable characteristics that resemble those of human beings, particularly affection and loyalty. On the other hand, cats are domestic creatures but not domesticated, which is why they are not considered as loyal as dogs. In fact, it is said that we don’t own cats, cats own us.

What is chicken65?

Chicken 65 is known to many Indians as a mouth-watering recipe. However, there is a scientific explanation for the term. When a chick is born, its weight increases linearly with its intake. This is valid for a couple of months – on an average about 65 days. Afterwards, the weight saturates but the intake goes on increasing.

What is a migiraine?

Migraine is a headache that affects only one side of the head and is associated with nausea. The word originates from the combination of ‘hemi’ or half and ‘cranium’ meaning the skull. Migraine continues to baffle practitioners of modern medicine. However, it seems to have a link with hormonal activity especially in the case of, females.

What is symbiosis?

Symbiosis is an association or togetherness of two dissimilar organisms for survival. The Hermit crab-sea anemone and the lichen or the algae and fungus are well known examples of symbiosis. The ‘crocodile bird3 wanders through the open mouth of a resting crocodile and gets its food by cleansing the crocodile’s teeth, in the process getting rid of parasites and leeches. In New Zealand, the puffin, a bird and the tuatara, a lizard, share the same cave. The puffin builds the nest while the lizard keeps the cave clean by devouring insects. Human beings have a lot to learn from the nature.

How do medicines cure people, though they are taken in such small quantities?

MOST processes that take place in the body are basically chemical reactions. Digestion too is the result of many chemical reactions. The moment the food enters the mouth, saliva is secreted. There is an enzyme called amylase (or ptyalin) in the saliva, which converts the starch in the food into the sugar, maltose. Amylase is found not only in the. saliva, but also in the pancreatic juices and intestinal juices. Saliva is alkaline. The gastric juice in the stomach is acidic. Therefore physicians advise you to keep certain tablets (that are likely to be affected by acidity) below the tongue (sublingual), till they are dissolved and absorbed. Some such tablets are coated so that the effective ingredient inside the tablet may remain unaffected by the acidity in the stomach. When the food enters the stomach, gastric juices act on the food and help in the digestion process. From the stomach, the food enters the small intestines. Starches, that have already, been reduced to maltose further break down into glucose In the small intestines and that is absorbed by the wall of the intestine into the blood. Similarly because of chemical reactions, the proteins as well as fats in the food are digested. When you take any medicine that too is absorbed in the blood, mostly through the was of the intestines and reaches every comer of the body. Some balms and ointments are meant to provide relief at particular points.

How does potassium cyanide kill a person within minutes?

POTASSIUM Cyanide (also Sodium Cyanide) is a highly dangerous poison. Cells in the human body need oxygen for their survival and functioning. This oxygen is carried to the various cells of the body by haemoglobin, to be found in blood. Hence haemoglobin is the actual oxygen-carrier. Cyanides have great affinity for haemoglobin and they prevent oxygen being carried to the cells. Lack of oxygen causes instant death.

What is bronze diabetes?    

Bronze diabetes is another name of hemochromatosis, an iron overload disease which causes the body to absorb and store too much iron. It is a genetic disorder, wherein deposition of excessive iron in the body damages the pancreas causing diabetes, apart from affecting other organs like the liver and heart and the joints too.

Why is it said that an elephant never forgets?

In general, vertebrate species with large brains like the elephant have developed complicated parts of the cerebral cortex (a part of the brain) to a greater extent and have greater capability for learning complicated tasks. It also seems that larger animals with large brains have the ability to retain information for longer periods. Based on evidence available, elephants seem to remember individuals, places and learned skills for many years. Accounts by observers indicate that elephants are able to remember the voices (and perhaps scents) of some people for over 12 years. Thus, it’s said that an elephant never forgets.              

What causes absent-mindedness?

Recent studies suggest that absent —a family of viruses causes mindedness. Picornaviruses are said to attack at least 1 billion people every year. Viruses from the same family are also said to cause polio, cold and diarrhoea. Scientists say that this sort of virus-induced memory loss could accumulate over the years to form clinical cognitive memory deficits.

Why does a human body float like cork in the dead sea?

The buoyancy is caused due to the high salinity of water. The Dead Sea is the most saline lake in the world. The salinity is due to the accumulation of salt flowing into it from different water bodies and due to the lack of a drainage system the salt gets deposited there. As the temperature increases, the water evaporates leaving behind the salt, thus increasing the concentration. Hence, the density becomes higher than normal water. Consequently, it provides greater upward thrust on a floating body. Thus, a swimmer floats like a cork.

Why do we feel thirsty when we eat salty things?

The salt in salty foods consists mostly of sodium chloride, which is hygroscopic i.e. salt has a strong tendency to absorb water from its vicinity. This is evident from the fact that table salt, when left in the open, becomes lumpy in a short while by absorbing the moisture from air. For the same reason, when a person eats salty foods, the salt causes the mouth to become dry by absorbing the moisture in the mouth and throat. As water is an important component of our body, water level in the various parts of our body is constantly monitored by the receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain. As soon as the mouth is depleted of its moisture, the above receptors detect the dryness and trigger signals that cause the person to feel thirsty.

Why are there only 60 seconds in a minute?

A minute is a unit used to measure both time and angles. A circle was divided into 360 degrees by ancient civilizations, probably Babylonians who figure everything in units of 10′s and 60′s instead of 10′s and 100′s as we do. The degree was divided into 60 parts and each of these parts was divided into 60 parts. The Romans called the first division of the degree ‘the partes minutae primal’ or the first part. The second division they called ‘the partes minutae secundaes’ or second small parts. These terms were finally shortened to minutes and seconds.

When an animal is called a mammal?

The word mammal is derived from the word mammae which mean milk. The groups of animals, which possess milk-secreting glands or mammary glands, are called mammals. These are the only animals which feed then- offspring by their body secretions. In addition to mammary glands, mammals possess some other unique characteristics like external ear (pinnae) and body hair. 

What is an okapi? 

An okapi is a ruminant forest mammal belonging to the giraffe family, but smaller in size and has a short neck. It is found generally found in the belt of Africa territory embracing Congo, northern Zaire and Uganda. Sir Harry Johnston reported spotting the okapi in the Semliki forest near Lake Albert (now Lake Mobuto Sese Seko) in 1901.

Though climatic conditions are similar in both cases, why are polar bears found only at the arctic circle and penguins at the antarctic circle?

It’s because of: i) Evolution —polar bears are totally reliant on the sea ice as their primary habitat. Penguins evolved in the southern hemisphere taking advantage of the very rich fish stocks in the cold currents of the southern ocean; ii) Difficult journey — to cross over the much warmer tropical waters to reach the cold northern waters has proved to be too great a journey for the penguins and iii) Ecological niche and adaptation — polar bears are an essential part of a food chain there. For them, sea ice is a critical platform.

Why does dry soil emit an odour when water falls on it?

The soil-inhabiting bacteria called streptomycetes produce the peculiar smell. They are abundant in dry warm soil — a million or so of them are present in a pinch of soil. They release compounds such as geosmin and 2-methyl isoborneol, which vaporise easily when water falls on them after a dry spell. That’s why dry soil emits an odour when water falls on it.

Why do we hiccup?       

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs suddenly contract. This causes a sharp, uncontrollable inhalation of air which does not reach the lungs because the muscle spasm has closed the windpipe. Hiccups are commonly induced by minor stomach upsets, like hot food irritating the phrenic nerve near the oesophagus, or when gas in the stomach presses upward against the diaphragm. Mild cases of hiccups usually disappear without treatment. What precisely causes hiccups is difficult to say; in most cases, there is no obvious cause. 

What material was used to wrap mummies?

Ancient texts state that a complete mummy treatment required 70 days. Embalmers removed the brain through the nostril by using a hook. They removed the internal organs, except the heart and kidneys, through an incision like the ones made by surgeons. They usually filled the empty abdomen with linen pads, and sometimes with sawdust. Then they placed the body in natron (sodium carbonate) till the tissues were dried out. Finally they wrapped the body carefully in many layers of linen bandages and placed it in a coffin.

Which is the world’s largest tree?

As of now, the world’s largest tree, that is, the one with the greatest mass, is the ‘General Sherman’, a giant sequoia located in Sequoia National Park, California, US. It is 84 meters tall and has a girth of 31.3 meters.

To which family does the giraffe belong?

The giraffe belongs to the Giraffidae family its scientific name is Giraffa camrleopardalis. It is the tallest animal and can grow up to a height of 5.5 m. Giraffes live on tree-dotted grasslands south of the Sahara in Africa. It feeds on acacia and mimosa leaves. It has a life span of 15 to 20 years. It can run up to a speed of 45km/h.

What is a jarvik heart?

The Jarvik Heart or Jarvik-7 refers to an artificial heart first implanted in a patient named Barney dark in 1982. However, this device, invented by Dr Robert Jarvik, required the patient to be permanently tethered to a large console. Recently, an American company has come up with the abiomed device, a fully implantable artificial heart. Although the people in whom the mechanical heart was implanted didn’t survive, the FDA exempted the company manufacturing it on humanitarian grounds, and has allowed it to sell about 4,000 devices every year.

Why isn’t there a nobel prize for mathematics?

Nobel prizes are principally for those inventions or discoveries of greatest practical benefit to mankind, possibly having in mind practical rather than theoretical work. Mathematics was not considered a practical science from which humanity could benefit, a key purpose for the Nobel Foundation. Nobel’s final will of 1895 bequeathed ,000,000 for a foundation whose income would support five annual prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine Physiology, Literature, and Peace. Four of the original five prizes were in fields which were close to Nobel’s own interests, medicine being the exception. A sixth Nobel prize in economic science was added in 1969.

What’s special about hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds have the ability to hover in mid-air and fly deliberately backwards or vertically and to maintain their position to drink from flower blossoms. Bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world, weighing 1.8 gms. They typically consume more than their own weight in food each day Their heart beat can reach as high as 1260 beats per minute. During torpor (hybernation-like stage) the heartbeat slows down to 50-180 beats per minute.

Are home lizards poisonous?

The wall lizard or gecko, found in most homes, is not poisonous at all. It only checks insect population. The only poisonous lizard in the world is the heloderma, also called the gila monster and beaded lizard. It’s found in large numbers near the Gila river in south-western United States.

Why does milk overflow when boiled but water does not?

The answer given last week is not correct. Milk overflows when boiled for the first time because it contains entrapped air. The air expands on heating and tends to escape lilting the surface of milk. Once all the air is expelled, the boiling would be regular and smooth. A second boiling would not lead to overflow. Entrapped air in mother’s milk is the cause of pain for babies that go under the name ‘colic pain’. Breast-feeding is therefore to be done in small doses at a time.

Why does milk overflow when boiled but water does not?

Milk is not a simple liquid — it contains tiny globules of fat and casein, which are not dissolved but suspended in water. On heating milk, there occurs a separation of constituents and some elements like cream, being lighter, float up. After some time, a membrane-like film containing cream and casein is formed. When milk begins to boil, the heat energy is used for the conversion of water into steam. As a result, the pressure below the film increases suddenly and the rising bubbles of steam makes the milk overflow. On heating water, no such film is formed and the bubbles of steam formed by boiling escape easily without any resistance. Hence, water does not overflow on boiling.

What’s the origin of the word chikunguhya?

The dreaded disease, which is quite a pain in the joints, has its etymological origins in the African language Swahili. The word is derived from the description of the contortion caused by the illness.

What is cryopreservation?

Cryopreservation is the preservation of any living tissue at low temperature. This can include anything from human tissues to vegetables. It is basically used for preserving living tissues, which need to be surgically implanted or transplanted to a human. Some examples include cornea, heart, etc Temperatures usually used are sub-zero temperatures. Low tem- perature leads to a decrease or almost total cessation of metabolic processes of the living tissue, which increases its preservation life. Human sperms are also stored in a sperm bank at lower temperatures using this principle.

Why is peacock the national bird of india?

In 1963, the peacock was declared the National Bird of India because of its rich religious and legendary involvement in Indian traditions. The criteria for this choice were many. The bird must be well distributed within the country so it could truly ‘national’. It must be recognisable to the common man. It must lend itself to formal depiction, i.e. abstract depiction on government publications, etc. It must not be confused with the bird emblem of any other nation. It should be associated with Indian myths and legends. The peacock fit the bill.

To which family does the moose belong to?

The moose is the largest species in the deer family (cervidae), found in North America and Eurasia. It is called elk in Europe. Males have enormous, flattened antlers that are shed and regrown annually and they weigh up to 820 kgs.

When was the dog domesticated?

Dogs were domesticated about 15,000 years back in the Mesolithic period when humans were hunter-gatherers. They were domesticated first probably in China. Several qualities associated with dogs such as great speed, agility, strength and ability to follow scent, helped men in their efforts to hunt animals. These were main reasons that favoured domestication. There are several theories to support domestication of dogs, ranging from companions in hunting to garbage disposal to early warning system for approaching strangers and predators and even as beasts of burden.

A person stops growing tall beyond a certain age. But why does hair keep growing longer?

A person grows tall when the person’s bones increase in length. This is governed by the coordinated action of several hormones, chiefly the growth hormone (GH) produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The secretion of GH is the highest around puberty and declines progressively thereafter. Although the decrease in GH secretion with age is not well understood, one factor is the increased secretion of a growth-inhibiting hormone called somatostatin. The growth of hair is not due to hormones, but the production of new cells in hair follicles.

Why do doctors wear green in the operation theatre?

The sight of red stains of blood over white didn’t go well with many doctors and would perturb them psychologically By the 1950s, white gave way to shades of green, which produced lesser eye fatigue besides providing a better contrast in the environment.

Which nutrients are created or soyed when curds are made from milk?

Curds are made by mixing a few spoonfuls of commercial yoghurt made with live cultures of bacteria into pasteurized milk. A mixed culture of Lactobacilus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus consumes the milk sugar or lactose for energy and excretes lactic acid, which curdles the milk. Curds retain the fat; mineral and vitamin content of milk, but have only one-third to two-thirds the amount of lactose. Curds are therefore, more digestible than milk foe lactose intolerant people.

Who devised the sign language used by the hearing impaired?

Jerome Cardan devised the sign language. Deaf and mute people faced unreasonable brutality at one point of time. Jerome Cardan was an Italian doctor who believed that the mute and deaf people could be taught to communicate by using written characters. Finger characters were worked out for them in the seventeenth century, which was very similar to the present-day finger alphabets. About seventy-five years ago the deaf were taught to communicate ideas almost entirely by means of signs, facial expressions and finger alphabets.

How do microwave ovens cook food?

Microwave ovens contain a magnetron tube, which converts electricity into microwaves (high-frequency electromagnetic waves similar to radio waves) rather than heat, when they contact food. Microwaves are not hot, but are attracted to and absorbed by water, fat, salt and sugar in food. The microwaves cause the water, fat, salt or sugar molecules to rotate rapidly and bump into each other, causing the food to heat by friction of the molecules. Though microwaves don’t actually cook food, the friction resulting from the vibrating molecules produces the heat which does the cooking. Microwaves do not actually touch most of the food they cook. However, the heat generated by the vibrating molecules on the outer edges conduct this heat inward, layer by layer, to cook the food.

What is’a genethip?

It is a newly developed diagnostic tool that can immediately identify the exact type of infectious disease a person is afflicted with, such as malaria, influenza, ebola or any other type of bacterial infection. It does so using tissue, blood, and urine and stool samples. The gene chip is essentially a glass slide with several rows of DNA and RNA samples from about 30,000 types of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. When the tissue or fluid sample is applied on the side, it would stick to the genetic material that is closely related to it.

What is the origin of the white tiger?

All white tigers are a colour variation of Bengal tigers. They are not separate sub-species of the Bengal tiger. White tigers are only born to parents that both carry the recessive gene for white colouring. The white tiger origin was record- ed in India from 1556 to 1605 AD. The first documented case of a white tiger being captured was in 1915. The local maharaja who kept the tiger till its death caught him. The first mutant white cub is believed to be the one trapped by the Maharaja of Rewa, who found it orphaned in the jungle in 1951. Named Mohan, the cub was later mated with a normal-coloured captive tigress that produced three litters with normal colouring. A few years later, Mohan mated with one of the offspring, producing the first litter of white cubs — these were to be the ancestors of others now in many zoos worldwide.

What are the edge species?

EDGE species refers to animals that are Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (hence EDGE). These species are considered to be one of a kind and, as its acronym suggests, are nearing extinction. Hence, scientists are trying to preserve them through a project, which will aid conservation efforts. Currently, on the endangered list are 10 creatures, the most well known being pandas and elephants. Scientists hope to add 100 more species and kick off conservation efforts to preserve them over the next five years.

What is hyponatremia?

Hypo means below normal and natrium means sodium. Various electrolytes like sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, etc. are dissolved in blood plasma and they are maintained within a normal range. Normal sodium concentration in blood plasma is 136-145 milliequivalent per litre. If plasma sodium concentration falls below 135 milliequivalent per litre, it’s known as hyponatremia. It is caused by various medical conditions like excessive vomiting or diarrhoea, medicines that cause more urination (diuretics), some kidney diseases, hormonal imbalance, etc. In sodium deficiency, more body water accumulates in cells leading to cell swelling, especially brain cells. Patients mainly have neurological symptoms — nausea, headache, drowsiness, seizures, lethargy confusion and even coma. It is treated by restricting water intake and promoting water loss and by correcting underlying disease.

What is heavy water? 

Heavy water is chemically called deuterium oxide. Deuterium is one of the isotopes of hydrogen and also known as heavy hydrogen. The credit for discovering it goes to Urey who first proved that ordinary water contains one part of heavy water in 6,000 parts of it. In 1933, Lewis & Donald were able to isolate pure heavy water by continuous electrolysis of water containing alkali. Heavy water acts as a moderator in fission in uranium235. It also has germicide and bactericide properties. In India, it is manufactured at Trombay Nangal, Rourkela, Namrup and Neyveli.

Why is a hermit crab called so?

Usually the entire body of a crab is covered with a hard, calcified Armour. The hermit crab, however, lacks this protection on the hindmost part of its body, the abdomen, which is soft and vulnerable. It protects its abdomen, which contains important organs like the liver and the gonads, by inserting it into a gastropod shell. Most hermit crabs salvage empty seashells to shelter and protect their abdomens, from which they derive the name hermit. The abdomen is bent, so that it fits in the curvature of the snail house. In case of danger, the hermit crab withdraws deep into the shell where there isn’t room for two big pincers. When the crab grows and does not fit in its shell any longer, it looks for a bigger one. The original occupant, if still present, is picked out. Then, quickly and nervously the crab moves over into its new home.

Do animals suffer from diabetes and blood pressure too?

Yes, definitely Diabetes mainly occurs as a genetic disorder, mostly in dogs. It can also occur due to hormonal changes mainly due to insulin deficiency It can be treated with hormonal therapy and dietary regulations. Problems related to blood pressure also occur significantly in animals. Congestive cardiac failure, cardiac murmurs, ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, etc. occur in dogs and other animals. Treatment is limited mainly to medicinal therapy Surgeries are seldom done.

Why a group of fish is called a ‘school’?

Some fish tend to swim in groups in order to protect themselves from their predators. The collective noun, which denotes such a group depends on the species of the fish in the group, as, exemplified by the terms a troop of dogfish, a swarm of eels and a glide of flying fish. The most common collective nouns for a group of fish in general are school and shoal. Both the words have evolved from the same common Dutch root ‘schole’ meaning a troop or crowd.

Why is ethyl alcohol called ‘grain alcohol’?

Ethyl alcohol or ethanol is mainly prepared by fermentation of various sugars. These are obtained from sugarcane and sometimes from starchy grains like barley etc. That’s why ethanol is sometimes referred to as ‘grain alcohol’. For example, ethanol used in beer is extracted from barley.

What is bitchology?

Bitchology is the theory, practice and technique of being successful in a man’s world. A bitch should be Strong and self-confident but should remember to use feminine wiles, such as her attractiveness and, whenever useful, she should try to come across as a helpless creature. The 20th century definition of a bitch was a mean, spiteful, bad-tempered and unpleasant woman. In the 21st century, it’s an empowering name, a compliment, a title that all women should embrace. It’s a woman who is proud of who she is, stands up for herself, knows what she wants, willing to take risks, all in a pleasant but in a strong feminine manner.

What does the term agroecosystem mean?

An ecosystem modified for agricultural use is called agroecosystem. It includes dynamic association of several biotic and abiotic factors viz. crops,pastures, livestock, flora and fauna, atmosphere, soil, water, etc. Design and functioning of an agricultural pattern with inputs and outputs, as well as integration of social, economic and ecological factors makes agroecosystems complex in comparison to natural ecosystems. The level of an agroecosystem varies with the agricultural system designed for more efficient use of natural resources which results in higher agricultural productivity.

Is there any scientific proof to confirm the concept of rebirth?

Reincarnation holds the notion that some essential part of a living being (or sometimes, only humans) can survive death in some form, i, with its integrity partly or wholly retained, to be reborn in a new body. This is often referred to as the spirit or soul. In such beliefs, a new personality is developed during each: life, based on past-integrated experience and new acquired experiences, but some part of the being “remains constantly present through successive lives. Many persons have claimed to record memories of past lives. Dr Ian Stevenson has researched the subject extensively but it hasn’t been proven scientifically

Why is mesokaryotes called so?

‘Meso’ means ‘in between’ and ‘karyon’ means ‘nucleus’. As mesokaryotic cells contain a well organised nucleus like that of eukaryotic cells, but its nucleus divides through amitosis like that of prokaryotes, so the cells are termed mesokaryotes which indicates its nucleus resembles both eukaryotic and prokaryotic nucleus. It has been found that the Peridinium balticum din flagellate contains both a mesokaryotic nucleus and a eukaryotic nucleus.

Why the roaring forties are called so?

Western winds move in both the hemispheres (northern and southern) between 35 to 60 degrees latitudes. In the southern hemisphere, these winds show a very stormy nature after 40 degree latitude. This remains constant in summer as well as in winter. In the olden days, sailors called them ‘roaring forties’, ‘furious fifties’ and ‘crying sixties’ since these winds create a very noisy atmosphere and were not favourable for them at all.

Why is international diabetes day celebrated on november 14?

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) established world Diabetes Day, celebrated every year on November 14, in 1991 with the aim of coordinating diabetes advocacy worldwide. Since then, it has become the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes community. World Diabetes Day commemorates the birthday of Frederick Banting, who with his colleague Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1921. The disease is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputation, heart attack and stroke. It is one of the most significant causes of death, responsible for a similar number of deaths each year as HIV/AIDS.

What is the difference between quagmire and quicksand?

Quagmire is a bog or swamp i.e. a lowland area permanently saturated with water. The word is also used to denote a situation fromwhich it is almost impossible to escape. On the other hand, quicksand is a bed of loose sand and mud mixed with water, which forms a soft, shifting mass, which sucks down any object that comes on it. For instance, you may get stuck in a quagmire, but you won’t be swallowed by it. But you would be in quicksand.

What is the significance of crab shaped bread?

The crab-shaped loaf of sourdough bread is baked at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. The crab shaped loaf is a long-standing holiday tradition that coincides with the local Dungeness crab season. The Fisherman’s bakery produces about 3,000 loaves of bread per day. The famous Dungeness crab owes it name to the small village Dungeness near Sequim, Washington and now it is well known around the world.

What is oxygen toxicity?

Although, oxygen is essential for our survival, breathing it in excess can cause harm to our central nervous system and lungs. The harmful effects caused by oxygen in people breathing it at excessive pressure and for prolonged periods is called oxygen toxicity Divers breathing from their own gas cylinders and patients in intensive care units of hospitals are susceptible to the above problem, if they violate the safety limits on the pressure of the gas mixture and period of breathing. Some of the symptoms experienced by divers violating the pressure and time norms are dizziness, nausea, twitching and convulsions. Breathing oxygen at excessive pressure for a long time can also damage the lungs, which in turn leads to breathlessness.

Why is mercury used in thermometers despite being the poorest conductor of heat? 

Most metals are good conductors of heat and they are solids at room temperature. Mercury is the only one in liquid state at room temperature. It’s used in thermometers because it has high coefficient of expansion. Hence, the slightest change in temperature is notable when it’s used in a thermometer. It also has a high boiling point which makes it very suitable to measure higher temperatures. Also, it has a shiny appearance and doesn’t stick to the glass surface of glass.

Why is refined sugar more harmful than jaggery for diabetes patients though both are produced from sugarcane?

Sugar contains various types of carbohydrates like glucose, fructose, glactose, lactose, ribose, maltose and sucrose. Sucrose is further converted into glucose which provides energy to the body Insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas, converts sucrose into useful sugar. In diabetics, the insulin secretion doesn’t take place, so the sugar which is not useful gets accumulated in the body. Jaggery is a natural sweetener made from sugarcane juice simply by evaporation or the method called centrifugation without the use of any chemicals, synthetic additives or preservatives. It contains an enormous wealth of minerals, protein, vitamins and useful sugar.

Who invented the biometric system?”

The use of biometric technology, which utitilises body characteristics to identify a person, goes back to the ancient civilisations of Egypt and China. However, modern-day biometrics has evolved thanks to the contribution of several minds. Joao De Barros, a European explorer is credited with recording the first known system of fingerprinting in the 14fh century Alphonse Bertillon, a policeman from Paris, studied body mechanics in an effort to identify criminals. In recent years, John Daugman, a physicist, has done pioneering work in developing the biometric iris recognition system. Owing to its accuracy, biometric systems are being used to help nab terrorists. Pakistan recently installed biometric systems at its border to keep a check on cross-border militancy from Afghanistan.

Is there any logical answer to the question: what comes first — the chicken or the egg?

Human beings evolved from apes. However, a male and female ape did not reproduce to give birth to a human child. As per Darwin’s theory of the survival of the fittest, Nature always chooses the fittest form of a species and allows it to exist and reproduce further. Due to this competition, a continuous gene mutation and development occurs in every living being until and unless a stable form is achieved. This happened among birds too, whose outputs were genetically different and these laid eggs. Finally, an egg was laid after many additive and subtractive combinations, from which came the chicken. Therefore, we can conclude that the chicken came first.

What are the patagonia calves?

The Patagonia calves are clonedand genetically modified calves which can produce human insulin. Scientists are hoping to extract this hormone from the Patagonia calves 1, 2, 3 and 4, which will be produced in these calves when they mature, and thereby bring down the cost of treating diabetes. The project was conducted by a Buenos Aires-based biotechnology company Bio Sidus.

Why do our veins appear green when the blood flowing in them is red?

Under normal light, blood appears red because most colours are absorbed except for red, which bounces back from the blood. Every colour but red is absorbed by the oxygen-carrying pigment haemoglobin (Hb). If a filter that blocks the reflected colour is positioned between the blood and the eyes of the person looking at the veins, the perceived colour changes. In the case of humans, the skin serves as a filter for the colour red, and the colour is therefore perceived as green. The exact colour spectra is determined by the relative levels of oxygenated iron (HbO) and carbon dioxide in the blood. High levels of oxygen reflect red, and high levels of carbon dioxide reflect blue, which, when mixed with the yellowish colour of fat and or the skin, end Up looking green.

How was curd first prepared?

According to a popular legend, while travelling across a desert, some Turks kept milk in a goatskin bag and slung it across the back of a camel. On opening the bag a few ‘ hours later, they found that it had been transformed into a thick, tangy custard. The desert sun and the bacteria in the bag had enabled preparation of curd, also known as yoghurt.

How were the pharaohs of egypt mummified?

The title ‘pharaoh’ was given to a ruler of Egypt. Egyptians believed in life after death and made elaborate arrangements to preserve their king’s body First, the body was dried thoroughly using the desert sand. Then, the internal organs were removed because they decay easily The body was embalmed with preservatives like palm wine, natron, oils, herbs, resins and spices. Later, the body was wrapped in strips of linen bandages in the process called mummification and placed in a coffin and put in a pyramid.

What’s unique about the insula?

Insula is the region in the brain that’s considered to be the seat of social emotions such as disgust, pride, humiliation, lust, guilt and atonement. The insula also seems to react to body states such as hunger and craving. Scientists believe it holds the key to tackling addiction of all sorts. People who’ve suffered damage in this prune-sized region of the brain were able to effortlessly give up the smoking habit.

Why is plastic surgery called so?

The word plastic is derived from the Greek ‘plastikos’ meaning to mould or to shape. Plastic surgery is the technique used to change the appearance or function of human bodies through either cosmetic or reconstructive operations. The use of plastic in this context is not connected with the most common synthetic polymer material known as plastic. It is interesting to note that the knowledge of plastic surgery existed in India as early as 8 B.C. when ancient physicians utilised skin grafts for reconstructive work. The Sushruta Samhita describes the knowledge of plastic surgery in the form of rhinoplasty and otoplasty.

Although plants give out carbon dioxide at night, why is the morning air fresh?

Plants give out carbon dioxide not only at night but during the day too. It happens because of the process of respiration in which plants take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. As soon as the sun rises another process called photosynthesis starts, in which carbon dioxide is taken in and oxygen is given out. Thus, the proportion of oxygen becomes greater in comparison to carbon dioxide in the lower atmosphere. The morning air has lesser amount of vehicle exhaust, dust, soot and smoke. All these make the morning air fresh. This is the reason why doctors advise patients to take morning walks.

Why aren’t flying birds pulled to the earth’s surface due to gravitational force?

It’s a misconception if one thinks flying birds are not pulled by Earth’s gravity Every object on Earth is influenced by gravity. Even the Earth is influenced by the Sun’s gravity So, if birds fly, they are doing so despite the gravitational pull, through their aerofoil structure. There are differences in velocity on the upper and lower side of aerofoil. This creates pres- sure differences i.e. the lower side gets more pressure and the upper side gets lesser pressure which lifts up the bird. The movement of wings creates the thrust to enable a bird to move forward. Thus, birds overcome gravity and gain height.

What is bilharzia?

A chronic disease, endemic in parts of Africa and South America, it is caused by infestation with blood flukes — leaf shaped, unsegmented flat worms calle schistosomes. Ii is named after the German physician T Bilharz. It is common in the tropics where ponds, streams and irrigation canals harbour bilharzla-transmitting snails. The worms feed on Red Blood Corpuscles and dissolved nutrients. Liver enlargement and kidney damage are mostly caused by these flukes.

Why does the planet venus rotate from east to west, not the other way around like other planets?

Venus is the hottest planet with a temperature of about 450 degrees to 500 degrees Celsius. Venus is not only close to Mercury but also has a similar temperature (Mercury’s temperature ranges from 400 to 450 degrees C). Venus repels Mercury away due to like charges. This makes Venus rotate from East to West.

What is the difference between a tortoise and a turtle?

A tortoise is a reptile of the order Chelonia and belongs to the family Testudinidae. Its body is enclosed in a hard shell. Turtles are freshwater or marine reptile whose body is protected by a shell. When in danger, a tortoise withdraws its head and limbs in to the shell. Turtles cannot retract their heads into their shells. Most tortoises are herbivorous and have no teeth. Turtles are generally omnivorous, feeding mainly on sea grasses and a range of animals including worms, frogs, and fish. Tortoise lay eggs in warm earth and are not incubated by the mother. Turtles often swim long distances to lay their eggs on the beaches where they are born. Turtles are excellent swimmers, having legs that resemble oar-like flippers. Unlike turtles, tortoise do not swim.

What is the bsx factor?

Bsx refers to the brain specific homeobox transcription factor, a gene mutation which causes people to fidget more, which experts believe also helps them in losing weight. They also believe that the sluggishness caused by the absence of the gene mutation can explain why they gain weight.

What is the significance of the cross in medicine?

The history of the cross in medicine seems to have originated with Christian monks running free hospitals. These monks either wore crosses hanging as pendants, or robes with crosses painted over them, or used the cross as a source of relief for the sick. In 1859, Swiss businessman Henry Dunant founded the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded to medically aid the war-wounded regardless of nationality. For its logo, Dunant reversed the Swiss national flag, a white cross on a red background. But the symbol gave a spiritual cloak to the organisation’s selfless service and became so identified with its work that people referred to it by the name of the emblem.

What is an e-cigarette?

It is a battery-operated cigarette which looks and feels like a real cigarette but it isn’t bad for health. It is being marketed by a Chinese company in the hope that China’s 40 million smokers will quit. Beijing-based SBT Co. first developed the e-cigarette technology in 2003 and it is now controlled by Golden Dragon. The cigarettes sell for around 8 apiece and are already available in China, Israel, Turkey, and a number of European countries. It’s not yet sold in Australia or the United States.

Is it all right to cook food in aluminium vessels?

Aluminium has good thermal conductivity for cooking. However, it can react with acidic foods and change the flavour and colour of the food cooked. Sauces containing egg yolks or vegetables such as asparagus may cause oxidation of non-anodised aluminium. Sometimes, Alzhelmer’s disease is linked to the use of aluminium but to date there is no proof that the metal is involved in causing, the disease.                   

What is fe-fortlfied rice?

Fe-fortified rice is rice enriched with iron- It’s a blend of premixed iron-fortified rice grains with ordinary rice. Ordinary rice grains are coated with iron in a suitable solvent and binder. A meal containing just one grain of iron fortified rice mixed with 100 grains of normal rice can make a lot of difference to malnutritioned children in India. Intake of approximately 4 to 6 cups of cooked iron-fortified rice will meet the daily Iron requirement of the body

Why are the heart, not any other organ, and the focus of all love stories?

As per Hindu mythology Lord Kamdev pierced the hearts of lovers with his arrow made of flowers. Lord Hanuman opened his chest to show Lord Ram and Sita seated in his heart. Images of an arrow through a heart is popular symbol the world overWe associate our emotions with the heart, although it is not the source of them. Had the focus of all love stories been any other organ, things would have been rather funny

Why are the heart, not any other organ, and the focus of all love stories?

Faster or stronger (or even irregular) heart beats are the most evident physical sign of any emotion we experience, not of love alone. Looking into the brain requires sophisticated instrumentation. Hence the millenia-old belief of lay persons that the heart is the seat of all emotions.

What’s special about the tomato trees?

These single vine tomato trees planted by Yong Huang (Epcots Manager of agricultural science), are the only single vine tomato trees in the US. It produces more than 32,000 tomatoes. Huang discovered the unique plant while vacationing in Beijing. They were planted in a specially designed experimental greenhouse. The vine now grows golf-sized tomatoes which are harvested and served at restaurants at Walt Disney World, Florida.

Why is the golden toad extinct?

The golden toad was once unique for its shimmering yellow colour and was found exclusively in Costa Rican jungles. Now, it has the dubious distinction of being extinct. Experts blame global warming for its disappearance from the planet. They believe that rising temperatures have led to a dangerous form of skin fungus entering their habitats. Also, two types of Harlequin frogs have become extinct, and several more reptiles and amphibians are on this ecological hit list.

What is the estimated age of the earth?                

It is believed that the Earth is 4-5 billion years old. Almost nothing is known of the Earth’s conditions during the first billion years before the consolidation of its crust. Through some methods like tidal force, sedimentation, rate of erosion, salinity of the ocean and radioactivity, the Earth’s age has been estimated but still debatable. The Big Bang theory, which explains the formation of the universe, was postulated in the 1950s and 1960s and its validity in 1972, proved by evidence received from the Cosmic Background Explorer to now accepted.

What is redshift in astronomy?

It is the increase in wavelength of the light from a stellar object towards the red end of the visible spectrum. This is usually caused by the object rapidly going away from the observer. The light spectra of distant galaxies show marked redshifts. This is normally interpreted as implying that they are rapidly receding from us.

What is the crigler-najjar syndrome?

The Crigler-Najjar Syndrome (CNS) is an inherited metabolic disorder caused by a liver enzyme deficiency which prevents the usual metabolic breakdown of bilirubin — a normal by-product in our body’s disposal of worn-out red blood cells. It is named after Dr Crigler and Dr Najjar who discovered this rare disease. Children with CNS must undergo daily 12-hour exposure to special blue light, just to survive. Without this, a child would suffer brain damage, muscle and nerve damage and die due to bilirubin toxicity.

Why the owl is considered wise?

Large eyes symbolise wisdom. As the owl has prominent eyes, some people consider it very wise. Perhaps for the same reason, it is associated with gods in some mythologies. Athena, the Greek goddess of knowledge and wisdom, transforms herself into an owl sometimes, and hence the Greeks consider the owl to be wise. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Laxmi is supposed to be accompanied by a white owl, and hence Hindus consider the owl a harbinger of prosperity. Due to its fierce appearance and mysterious nocturnal movements, some people feel the owl symbolises evil and death.

What is ‘wing-in-ground’ aircraft?

This is an aircraft that combines the power of a ship and a plane. Although it flies just above half a meter above the surface of the sea. It is six times faster than a ship and can go up to speeds of 300 km per hour. It can even carry up to four tonnes of weight, much more than the average plane. The ‘wing-in-ground’ aircraft is the brain child of Chinese scientists.

What is ramanujan number?

The number 1729 is known as the Ramunujan Number. It was Ramanujan who discovered that it is the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two cubes in two different ways. 1729 = I3 + 123 = 93 + 103.

What is palynology?

Palynology is the branch of science dealing with study of decayresistant remains of certain plants and animals. It can be classified as an interdisciplinary science and is a branch of earth science (geology or geological science) and biological science, particularly plant science (botany). The term Palynology was introduced by Hyde and Williams in 1944, on the basis of the Greek words paluno meaning to sprinkle and pale meaning dust.

What is the tangible 3d system?

Created by a Japanese firm, the tangible 3D system allows users to not only see but also feel a three-dimensional image with the help of a sensor-loaded glove. Possible commercial uses of this technology could include linking it to video phones, which will allow users to not only see but even touch their loved ones, even if they are far away.

What is no-till farming?

No-till farming is a cultivation technique of planting crops in previously unprepared soil or piece of land by opening a narrow slot, trench or band only of sufficient width and depth to obtain proper seed coverage. It requires no other preparation as required in conventional farming. Widely accepted in England and Europe, this soil conservation technique is also known as conservation tillage or zero tillage.

What does life-shirt refer to?

It is a vest that can be used to detect mental illness in a person, particularly manic depression and schizophrenia. The vest, which is lightweight and machine-washable, is filled with sensors which monitor several body functions including body movement. It gives a picture of the person’s physical activity, which scientists believe can be used to identify those who are in early stages of a bipolar disorder.

What is the hutchison effect?

The Hutchison Effect is a collection of phenomena discovered accidentally by John Hutchison during attempts to study the longitudinal waves of Tesla in 1979. The list includes levitation of heavy objects; fusion of dissimilar materials such as metal and wood; anomalous heating of metals without burning adjacent material; spontaneous fracturing of metals; changes in the crystalline structure and disappearance of metal samples. Hutchison and his supporters surmise that these phenomena arise from zero-point energy or the Casimir Effect. John Hutchison has not been able to replicate it on demand.

What is fringe science?

Fringe science may be a field of enquiry which is not yet considered a real science. It is also known as a proto-science. The phrase is used to describe scientific enquiry in an established field of study that departs significantly from mainstream theories. Fringe science is also used to describe unusual theories and models of discovery which have their basis in established scientific principles.

What is bio-sensor technology?”

Bio-sensor technology utilizes enzymes and antibodies, to identify sugars and proteins in body fluids, contaminating agents in air and gases in air. Commercially; it’s most popular avatar is, the blood glucose bio-sensor which uses an enzyme to break down blood glucose. Thai scientists have almost developed a technology which uses bio-sensors to detect tuberculosis.

What are spiral waves?

A wave rotating in two dimensions is called a Spiral wave because of its shape. There is a mathematical theory for waves in negative viscosity media. This theory predicts spiralling waves. Spiral waves have been demonstrated experimentally in a variety of biological and non-biological systems (heart, brain, retina, various social amoeba, and auto-catalytic chemical reactions). The heart muscle is actually three-dimensional. The waves in 3-D are said to be ‘scroll waves’.

What is a persian astrolabe?

The Persian Astrolabe is a historical astronomical instrument used by classical astronomers and astrologers. Brass astrolabes were developed in much of Persia (Iran), chiefly as an aid to navigation and as a way of finding the qibla, the direction of Mecca. In the Islamic world, astrolabes were used to find the times of sunrise and the rising of fixed stars, to help schedule morning prayers. It was the chief navigational instrument until the invention of the compass and sextant. Its many uses included locating and predicting the positions of the sun, moon, planets and stars; determining local time given the local longitude and vice-versa; surveying, and triangulation. Astrologers of European nations used astrolabes to construct horoscopes. In the Islamic world, they are and were used primarily for astronomical studies, though astrology was often involved there as well.

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