"To live is to know"
Yes, to live is to experience, to experience is to learn, and to learn is to know. We are altered by every experience in a way that defines our evolution. We are cognitive about which perturbations we allow- hopefully we allow the right ones, to evolve optimally!
Memory and Magic
I like the "Memory: From Mind to Molecules" article. It made me think of the "Brain's Darwin Machine" article in our Physics reading. It all makes sense. We are continually adjusting ourselves, through every interaction, in a way that conserves autopoiesis (life) and adaptability. (Adaptability is longevity.) Anything new or surprising gets encoded.
Does magic get encoded? Yes. I think in our biological evolution, we've been exposed to people, places, things that are extraordinary and our genes, our cells, and our consciousness allow for 'miracles.' Life is a miracle, isn't it? I think a magician is capable of- suspending our disbelief (we want to be entertained,) really fooling us (our brain edits what we 'think' happens,) or actually doing something that can't be explained rationally.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Cell Biology and TCM
I think this cellular perspective is rewarding. Each cell within our bodies is a living system in its own right. We all arose from one single cell (amazing!) to become a unity of one hundred trillion cells. Metabolism and heredity occur within each. Energy is supplied to each.
Cells are miracles and I am amazed by their (our) organization! Connections happen locally and abroad. TCM attracts me because it is holistic- I like dealing with the larger patterns of the body- but I am definitely inspired by the cell.
Mitosis vs. Meiosis
Loved the flash feature. (my son was amused too- he thought it was spiders and worms)
Growing through mitosis, and creating sex cells through meiosis- simply (or not so simply) incredible!
Cells are miracles and I am amazed by their (our) organization! Connections happen locally and abroad. TCM attracts me because it is holistic- I like dealing with the larger patterns of the body- but I am definitely inspired by the cell.
Mitosis vs. Meiosis
Loved the flash feature. (my son was amused too- he thought it was spiders and worms)
Growing through mitosis, and creating sex cells through meiosis- simply (or not so simply) incredible!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Avogadro's Hypothesis
I liked this sight (and got all the questions correct- yay!) Although, when I followed the 'scientific revolution' link, I had to look up 'phlogiston theory.' Guess I don't need to know elements proven not to exist- but it's interesting history!
It's incredible that Avogadro was not recognized for all he contributed in his lifetime, because it certainly was a contribution! Chemistry flourished after people figured out the difference between atoms and molecules, and how to measure their respective weights. And Mendeleev was able to conceive our handy periodic table.
Thanks Avogadro!
Checking out the Mole
This site was a big block of words (graphics usually help with chemistry digestion) but it did explain everything I wanted to know about moles pretty clearly. And it piqued my interest in the chemistry of glaze design work in the ceramics industry too.
I liked this sight (and got all the questions correct- yay!) Although, when I followed the 'scientific revolution' link, I had to look up 'phlogiston theory.' Guess I don't need to know elements proven not to exist- but it's interesting history!
It's incredible that Avogadro was not recognized for all he contributed in his lifetime, because it certainly was a contribution! Chemistry flourished after people figured out the difference between atoms and molecules, and how to measure their respective weights. And Mendeleev was able to conceive our handy periodic table.
Thanks Avogadro!
Checking out the Mole
This site was a big block of words (graphics usually help with chemistry digestion) but it did explain everything I wanted to know about moles pretty clearly. And it piqued my interest in the chemistry of glaze design work in the ceramics industry too.
Alchemy- Science, Magic, Art
A unity of all three. Alchemy exists on various 'levels.' The chemical transformations taking place can be explained scientifically (and it could appear as magic to someone who doesn't understand of the science of chemistry.) Magic also exists in the associated spiritual transformations- internal alchemy, where inner potential is actualized. Art is the skillfulness and inspiration involved.
I can relate alchemy to music. There is a science to sound and the 'way' to play an instrument. There is the art of becoming adept at playing (talent) and being able write/create music. And I believe the 'magic' happens when a player 'loses themself' in the music. Oftentimes, artists will serve as a medium and the music will play 'through' them. Very exciting.
I can relate alchemy to music. There is a science to sound and the 'way' to play an instrument. There is the art of becoming adept at playing (talent) and being able write/create music. And I believe the 'magic' happens when a player 'loses themself' in the music. Oftentimes, artists will serve as a medium and the music will play 'through' them. Very exciting.
Electrochemistry (wk.6)
This site is cool. I tried to make the simple heat engine a couple of times. (I'd try again right now, but I don't have any aluminum foil.) The flame burst right thru the foil instead of making it shoot off. Probably an error in my execution- need to fold the aluminum snugly so air can't get it.
The film can cannon Lise made was awesome! I'm going to print up some of these for later use with my son, when he's a little older. (although I'm sure he would love that big *Boom!* now!)
This site is cool. I tried to make the simple heat engine a couple of times. (I'd try again right now, but I don't have any aluminum foil.) The flame burst right thru the foil instead of making it shoot off. Probably an error in my execution- need to fold the aluminum snugly so air can't get it.
The film can cannon Lise made was awesome! I'm going to print up some of these for later use with my son, when he's a little older. (although I'm sure he would love that big *Boom!* now!)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Semiconductor of the Week (Wk. 8)
A semiconductor has electrical conductivity somewhere between a conductor and an insulator. Sometimes it conducts, sometimes it doesn't. This is an important feature in technology. One such semiconductor is Germanium (Ge,) atomic #32.
Ge is chemically similar to tin, and has the same crystal structures as diamond. (Never thought I'd compare something to 'tin' and 'diamond'!) Some diamonds can actually be used as semiconductors- but I guess that can get expensive... Ge is found in coal and zinc ores. ($1.24 per gram) It was commonly used in transistors from the 50s thru the 70s, until silicon's popularity grew in the market. It is still used in fiber optics and infrared night vision. A fun fact from Wikipedia- guitarists who want that 'fuzzy' early rock tone can seek out vintage effects pedals that contain germanium transistors. I'll have to ask my husband about that!
A semiconductor has electrical conductivity somewhere between a conductor and an insulator. Sometimes it conducts, sometimes it doesn't. This is an important feature in technology. One such semiconductor is Germanium (Ge,) atomic #32.
Ge is chemically similar to tin, and has the same crystal structures as diamond. (Never thought I'd compare something to 'tin' and 'diamond'!) Some diamonds can actually be used as semiconductors- but I guess that can get expensive... Ge is found in coal and zinc ores. ($1.24 per gram) It was commonly used in transistors from the 50s thru the 70s, until silicon's popularity grew in the market. It is still used in fiber optics and infrared night vision. A fun fact from Wikipedia- guitarists who want that 'fuzzy' early rock tone can seek out vintage effects pedals that contain germanium transistors. I'll have to ask my husband about that!
Neon Lights
Ne is a noble gas, atomic #10, group 18, inert (inactive) because of its completely filled outer valence shell. It is the 5th most abundant element in the Universe, but rare on Earth due to its lightness and inertness. It was discovered in 1898, by a Scot in London, who chilled a sample of the atmosphere to a liquid, then captured the gas (among others) as the liquid warmed. It emits a distinct reddish glow- attractively displayed in neon advertising signs, and it is also commonly used in vacuum tubes.
An isotope of neon, 20Ne, if found in volcanic gases and diamonds, suggesting a solar neon (Ne made in the Sun) reservoir in Earth. It would have traveled here as ions in solar wind. Cool.
Ne is a noble gas, atomic #10, group 18, inert (inactive) because of its completely filled outer valence shell. It is the 5th most abundant element in the Universe, but rare on Earth due to its lightness and inertness. It was discovered in 1898, by a Scot in London, who chilled a sample of the atmosphere to a liquid, then captured the gas (among others) as the liquid warmed. It emits a distinct reddish glow- attractively displayed in neon advertising signs, and it is also commonly used in vacuum tubes.
An isotope of neon, 20Ne, if found in volcanic gases and diamonds, suggesting a solar neon (Ne made in the Sun) reservoir in Earth. It would have traveled here as ions in solar wind. Cool.
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